Sometimes I join a theology course not bcos its gonna help with the credit hours, but to 'network' and the pleasure of bouncing off ideas.
Brother Ong's classes on Corinthians and Gospel Of John showed me that there are young, intelligent working adults out there who hunger to know God's Word deeper. Somehow he managed to draw these busy folks together for a monthly gathering or so...
What struck me most was how Bible study intersects with many practical missionary situations which he has faced on the field...
Case studies like...
How to address racial tensions in a church?
A child was killed in a church camp... Lawsuits imminent. How do you counsel?
He wud encourage, frighten, pester and instil guilt in us to sign up for a serious theological education.. Ee Wei being his brightest hope! hahah...
Haiya, why need a piece of certificate to serve God la?
He wud ask in reply "Do you need an MBA to do business?"
No, many people turn out to be successful businessmen without secondary education. But why do people still pay through their nose to get an MBA?
One of the benefits is that thru education, you learn to avoid costly mistakes... pick up relevant skills... learn up-front possible obstacles etc
He'd also observe that some of us (laypeople) are already reading so many books. Haisho... why not take some extra bit of effort and get a degree for it?
Furthermore, the seminary will assign you books that go beyond your favorite author/topics... i.e. I'm so frustrated tat I cant get to include McLaren, Piper and Plantinga in my reading assignments... but its necessary to widen your horizons!
Lastly, he would say, "Yea, you may wanna serve God with this church or pastor... but the church or pastor are not eternal... What if you decide later to move on for another ministry or church? Your skills/experience will be recognised in this denomination, perhaps... but a certificate wud help to make you more mobile"
Opportunities for service are endless... In your thirties or forties, people will be knocking on your door so spend this time wisely to prepare and equip yourself.
I wished I had started the MBS course much earlier after graduation :)
Brother Ong's classes on Corinthians and Gospel Of John showed me that there are young, intelligent working adults out there who hunger to know God's Word deeper. Somehow he managed to draw these busy folks together for a monthly gathering or so...
What struck me most was how Bible study intersects with many practical missionary situations which he has faced on the field...
Case studies like...
How to address racial tensions in a church?
A child was killed in a church camp... Lawsuits imminent. How do you counsel?
He wud encourage, frighten, pester and instil guilt in us to sign up for a serious theological education.. Ee Wei being his brightest hope! hahah...
Haiya, why need a piece of certificate to serve God la?
He wud ask in reply "Do you need an MBA to do business?"
No, many people turn out to be successful businessmen without secondary education. But why do people still pay through their nose to get an MBA?
One of the benefits is that thru education, you learn to avoid costly mistakes... pick up relevant skills... learn up-front possible obstacles etc
He'd also observe that some of us (laypeople) are already reading so many books. Haisho... why not take some extra bit of effort and get a degree for it?
Furthermore, the seminary will assign you books that go beyond your favorite author/topics... i.e. I'm so frustrated tat I cant get to include McLaren, Piper and Plantinga in my reading assignments... but its necessary to widen your horizons!
Lastly, he would say, "Yea, you may wanna serve God with this church or pastor... but the church or pastor are not eternal... What if you decide later to move on for another ministry or church? Your skills/experience will be recognised in this denomination, perhaps... but a certificate wud help to make you more mobile"
Opportunities for service are endless... In your thirties or forties, people will be knocking on your door so spend this time wisely to prepare and equip yourself.
I wished I had started the MBS course much earlier after graduation :)
Comments
I think raising a child is learning of sorts!:) Powerful life changing learning too that helps us to move beyond living for ourselves and learing to commit ourselves to love someone outside of ourselves.
The time and resources for more formal study will come too!
And the issue is not certs :) but equipping (Ephesians 4:12). And we all need equipping of mind, heart and spirit if we are serious about serving the Lord.
jack-dunno-what-to-do
Dun forget to take the hebrew class on Thurs.
Jackson, let me lay hands on u.... hmm.... premonitions, premonitions... OK go for alpha course first, and plenty of resources in Agora heheh...
Maybe the idea of doing a book review for this month is not too bad
Sigh... Now I have time, but no course to take. Gotta finish Dr Leong's OT assignment la like that...