Often, when you talk to some Christians, the question arises if formal education is really necessary for a Christian. I truly understand their perspective. After all the disciples attended no formal education program. This leads some to conclude that Christians today need no formal education, either.
Although, the disciples did not have formal education in the sense of going to a school/seminary, they spent all day, every day with the Master Teacher. This is like being in a formal education system and being taught by the most educated person in the world for three years.
I agree; education is not absolutely “required” to be a mature Christian or pastor. That type of person can be used of the Lord, but how much more they could be used of God with good education. The teachers at a Christian school/seminary are not just mere men. They are men who have spent many, many years intensely studying the Scriptures. To think they have nothing to teach you about Godly matters reveals a tremendous about of pride and arrogance on your part.
Horace Mann says this about education, “A human being is not, in any proper sense, a human being until he is educated.” Schooling is required in every other occupation in the world, so why do you think biblical education is not required for the mature Christian or pastor.
The Bible talks of a pastor being a wise man: “In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs” (Eccl. 12:9). The preacher should thus be wise (implying education) and he has knowledge (also, implying education).
Take a class from a Christian school or seminary. It might change your life more than you think.
