Seminary is a Waste of Money

Seminary is a Waste of Money
To get more bold, practical truth from Pastor Mark Driscoll, visit realfaith.com or text “RealFaith” to 99383.
Click HERE to subscribe to our channel: kzbin.info...
To listen to Pastor Mark's podcast, follow here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4IdNLJC...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Follow on social media:
Facebook: / pastormark
Instagram: / markdriscoll
TikTok: / pastormarkdriscoll
Twitter: / pastormark
Click here for more resources: linktr.ee/markdriscoll

[@derekatkins4800]

Seminary professor here. God can certainly use anyone to proclaim his message, but I do believe seminary can help equip God-called men and women to do the work God has called them to. I know that my colleagues and I are doing all we can to prepare our students to be Christlike leaders for the Great Commission. We focus not only on academic preparation, but also on developing character, spiritual growth, and practicing ministry skills.

[@KoreshDabar-YHWHbenYisrael]

What says the Scriptures? Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah. I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

[@thetitustales577]

I second this. I'm a seminary student. As most seminary students, we know the Bible fairly well before we enroll. A lot of my fellow students are already Pastors. I was also a pastor, but after my first year of hermeneutics, I resigned from my role because I realized I was a false teacher. I was ignorant of many things, but now I have the tools to be a good exegete. Two years ago I was completely arrogant, thinking that there's nothing the seminary can teach me. I went from knowing what the Scripture says to knowing what the Scripture means. I know the original languages, and I have the tools to engage with the textual, cultural, and historical contexts of the Scriptures. If it were not for seminary, I would still think that Jeremiah 29:11 was written to me, and I would still think that I could bind demons and loose heaven's blessings. I find it strange that believers are unwilling to see an unqualified GP or let an unqualified person do their taxes, but they're perfectly happy with a Pastor who has not been trained in hermeneutics. I believe with all my heart that God can use anyone with or without a seminary education, but it is very important to learn how to interpret an ancient text that was written in a foreign language to an ancient culture. I must admit that being a student made me engage more with the text than the author (God), but this is all part of my growth at this stage.

[@truthtalker4711]

But all for a price, correct. The bible i read the seminary people turned out to be the "bad guys".

[@kalebball5144]

Seminary establishment coping mechanism. The fruits of your establishment are gay pastors and child mutilation sympathizers.

[@thetitustales577]

@@truthtalker4711 It does come at a price. If you are saying that all the Pharisees were bad guys, then I would object. Some of them sought truth, while others remained stubborn. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night say "we know that you are a teacher from God". This indicates that the Pharisees agreed that He was from God, but they were too stubborn to accept it. Paul was also a Pharisee, and also a bad guy until he met the Lord Jesus. It is true that some seminaries can blind you. However, I don't believe seminary is a waste of money, and I don't believe that you can blame a seminary for the graduate's behaviour. Acts 19:9 says that Paul reasoned with men in the lecture hall of Tyrannus daily from 11am to 4pm for two years. Some scholars argue that it was his little seminary.

[@kenchappell2054]

"You dropped 150 grand on an education you could've gotten for a dollar fifty in late charges at the public library". Good Will Hunting

[@markh4926]

Re: Seminaries. One of my teachers from the 1980's used to say, "Seminaries are where good men go to die."

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Then that's on them because seminary and education is what you make of it.

[@victorkuligin6954]

It isn't an either/or. For many, seminary is a true blessing. You can always highlight poor seminary experiences, just as you can highlight poor mentoring experiences too.

[@cxx1953]

I don’t think you understood the point of the video.

[@victorkuligin6954]

@@cxx1953 "Seminary is a waste of money" is the title of the video. Do you think that fairly represents the point of the video?

[@Bella77260]

There is no replacement for sound teaching but it’s finding the right place and you need to be called there. Sadly this generation seems to throw away sound teaching in favour of experience and being in Gods presence. Any college needs to be balanced in encouraging both. It is an issue however when it becomes a religious spirits teaching a dead works that only serves to bind up. Stay clear of those.

[@cxx1953]

@@victorkuligin6954 I think you have to watch the video in order to understand what the point is.

[@victorkuligin6954]

@@cxx1953 I watched it, thus my posted comment. Clearly you don't understand the point of the video, which jibes with the title for the video. However, why don't you tell me what you think the point of the video is, instead of simply and unhelpfully doing what you are doing now, which is dancing around your criticism of my post. Some substance from you would be helpful, if you can indeed produce it.

[@user-MetalAngel]

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". 2 Timothy 2:15

[@kennypayton8833]

After I was saved by the Lord Jesus, He put me in a job on a farm driving a John Deere 4640 and a Caterpillar loader. The time in the tractor cab was used for work obviously, but it was also used to grow meets spiritually by listening to the Word over the radio in the cab. I was given a dream one night of being in one of the tractors but the tractor cab was so tall that was above the tops of the power poles. I was still operating it normally and I could hear the boss clearly instruct me as I worked. That was a dream of a "higher calling" in the Lord. Here the past several years I have been involved heavily in deliverance and healing ministry and have witnessed many many people saved and healed in the name of Jesus! I'm talking everything from an ingrown toenail to stage 4 cancer. The blind receiving sight and the deaf ears opening! No kidding. I've had opportunity and have ministered beside men of God that had spent a lot of money and time in bible colleges, seminaries. Despite that, they could see a supernatural anointing working in my life, and a real desire to glorify God. Many are called but few are chosen. Keep your eyes on Jesus and stay humble; never compromise His truth. ☝️🙂🔥

[@churchclothes1]

Seminary would be completely unnecessary if churches would teach and disciples their people. Not to remove the burden from the men who need to be serious about their relationship with God. If you spend 30 minutes of study every day, within a few years you should master your subject. All it costs is time and effort.

[@valeriepasternak1736]

I totally agree

[@elgindor]

It is necessary for the correct leadership and for the success of that church and our faith. Look at how many false doctrines and “Pastors” are out there. These people take time to understand our scriptures in many languages, how to handle situations, keep our scriptures from being deluded. But yes… less education. Let’s have more Joel’s in the world.

[@omontoya271]

Seminarians are not only taught the bible study protestants consider church but preparation to celebrate mass the way Jesus intended us to do...do your research

[@churchclothes1]

@@omontoya271 huh? like that can't be taught in practice at a church in real life?

[@bryanh3057]

This is the mindset of someone that treats the church as an institution. WE (you and me) are the church. If we see something that the church is “failing at”, well, it seems we have an area in our lives that we need to be working on. We are (individually AND collectively) called to use our gifts to serve the body. Bottom line, if we are pointing our finger at the church, we are ultimately pointing at ourselves if we consider ourselves to be followers of Christ.

[@JDeWittDIY]

Blanket statements are a waste of breath. Seminary can be good or bad depending on the details.

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

when I was in prison I learnt so much because I spent all my free time reading the Bible, asking questions and contradictions and looking for answers, all the while thinking about everything Jesus said

[@jimbrass8840]

Love you brother, I've never met you but I appreciate your teachings and listen to them everyday. You're right on the mark and never veer from that

[@ccliffbarr]

Love you Pastor Mark, and the irony here is that I just picked my first class for my Masters in Theology today - Living Missiologically. For me and my walk, I see this as an opportunity to go deeper in my faith exercising it living out the scriptures of iron sharpening iron. I prayed about it, and have received confirmation, however, I head your warnings and will not neglect my devotional time with God. Practically, I’m in a season where in my walk, I want to fully integrate my faith into all facets of my life. I’m looking for community, wise counsel and mentors, and seeking wells of living water to draw nourishment from for myself, my family, and my church. Blessings to you always - Cliff

[@Bella77260]

Go for it Cliff we need people called of God that are grounded in the Word, anointed and called by God and who know how to interpret scripture. We need Bible colleges, we need strong faithful teachers it’s what this gen seems to be missing.

[@ccliffbarr]

@@sonicboom2723 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

[@sonicboom2723]

@@ccliffbarr , just makes sure you know the true word of God and not another false teacher like so many today , good luck in your journey.

[@livingedgeresin]

Hi Pastor Mark, I want to thank you for all of your teachings, and your clear heart to further the kingdom of the Lord. I get a lot out of your video's, keep them coming.

[@toddogle4514]

That is absolutely RIGHT on the money Thank you

[@darcydarling984]

I graduated from OK Baptist University, and there were some professors there who were questionable, but there were some who were amazing! I prayed every day for discernment and guidance, and thank God, He got me through.

[@user-mx2fr6fh7b]

Priceless! Thank you Mark.

[@BruceWayne-vs4mz]

Agreed. One of the best preachers I have ever heard never darkened the door of a seminary.

[@Shakadabapa]

Thanks so much for posting this

[@blessenvarghese]

Although the title of this video seem completely against seminary education, we need to note that Pastor Mark said 'Sometimes..." I guess/think Pastor Mark believes that it is an exception rather than a rule for seminaries to be a waste of money/time. I am a seminary student in India. I was a full-time minister for 7 years before I joined a seminary after a clear direction from the Lord. I became a fulltime minister after almost 8 years of a secular corporate job. My secular job taught me a kind of professionalism - something that I may never get as a full-time minister. My time in the mission fields taught me so many things that seminary may never teach me. I am also a pastor's kid, which means that I have learnt a lot from my father as well - a lot of it by watching him! Yet, my time in the seminary has taught me so many things that mission fields or my father may have never taught me. It is important that we have a student-like attitude, to learn from wherever the Lord is placing us, to whatever our Lord is teaching us! Be it in a seminary or on the mission field, or under the guidance of a pastor, I believe that each of these will be a waste, if we are not ready to sit in His presence and receive from the Lord!

[@stv111play]

Agree Divinity schools produce universal type religious preaching, from listening to you Pastor mark. serious business following the word and accepting feedback that is real and requires change at a deep level. Being a Father to a family requires me to be a mini pastor, with big pastor like you to help me get thru it, tough times and joyful times.

[@Bella77260]

Not all of them and yes those ones we need to steer clear of. But we should not dismiss the role of colleges because there is a place for godly training and discipling and equipping.

[@Primordial_Synapse]

Unaccredited institutions are a waste of time and money but an education from a bona fide school is still worth its weight in gold. Like it or not, that piece of paper opens doors that would have otherwise been closed to you. Also, an uneducated pastors can just as easily - if not more so - misinterpret scripture, lack theological depth and be vulnerable to error, especially if they lack critical thinking skills.

[@KoreshDabar-YHWHbenYisrael]

What says the Scriptures? Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah. I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

[@JayFunningham]

​@@KoreshDabar-YHWHbenYisraelthe scriptures say lots of things, you're not being particularly clear by posting this over and over again.

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Why do you consider unaccredited seminaries a waste? There are a handful of unaccredited seminaries (meaning unaccredited by the U.S. Dept of Education) with excellent reputations and churches and Christian agencies recognize and accept.

[@Primordial_Synapse]

​@@Ryan-fo5lx While it's true that there may be some unaccredited seminaries with good reputations, I'm concerned about the larger picture. Unfortunately, many of them are basically diploma mills, offering subpar education that can do more harm than good to students and the broader Christian community. Accreditation is not just a bureaucratic process; it's a rigorous evaluation of an institution's academic quality, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. When an institution is accredited, it's a sign that they meet certain standards of excellence, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their vocation or ministry. In contrast, unaccredited institutions often lack the resources, infrastructure, and expertise to provide a truly comprehensive education. Without accreditation, it's difficult to verify the quality of their programs, faculty qualifications, or even the degree itself. This can lead to students investing time, money, and energy into a program that may not provide the necessary skills or knowledge to succeed.

[@davidhjort7771]

Man I needed this

[@richardabelgodoy]

Boom, so true 💯 good word, pastor Mark

[@aletheamallory9674]

TRUTH, TRUTH, TRUTH👑

[@elleboyle9452]

Yes! Preach it, brother!!

[@rescuedredeemedtransformed]

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the call! Let's soak in His presence and know Him!

[@JayFunningham]

He "qualifies the called" through ordinary means though? Hence church, seminary, personal study are all blessings when done well. That phrase isn't meant to promote overnight bestowal of super powered equipping.

[@mastery4living187]

I went to seminary. Dallas Theological Seminary. Dropped out the first year, as I wasn't learning anything. I got introduced to Logos Bible Software and have learned more than I ever would had I dropped that $90,000+ on a degree that isn't worth much.

[@rogerbuffman938]

I experienced the same exact thing, only I was an Engineer on an all night freight train. I've never been the same person again !

[@garypritchard9787]

Wise words of counsel. OJT is much more valuable than classroom.

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Where are you going to get OJT to research write at the level of a seminarian? That is work. Who do you think the most skilled Bible exegete or theologian is in history? Whoever you name likely went to seminary.

[@Florida-is-my-home]

I love this. I’m so used to arrogant men who believe that they are somehow special because they went to seminary but they don’t know the Bible. The senior pastor buys his sermons. How does that come from the Holy Spirit of God? They believe that the people in the pew are inferior. I once told one of the elders that I felt led to minister to young women who were struggling, and he rolled his eyes at me, as if to say “why would God use you?” I ended up ministering to young women in a crisis pregnancy center for over ten years instead of in the church. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans mentioned in the book of Revelation is regarding the hierarchy in the church, which Jesus says that he HATES. The only high priest is Jesus Christ, and His followers are all priests underneath Him. These pastors are more like the Pharisees who look down at others, but I believe that more of the “others” will enter the Kingdom of God than them.

[@lukasmakarios4998]

The "doctrines of the Nicolaitans" is one of the mysteries in the Bible that we don't remember anymore. I'm not disputing, but why do you point out the hierarchical church? There were other heresies at the time.

[@Bella77260]

That’s a religious spirit you’ve dealt with and the enemy uses them to rob kill and destroy dreams. But please do not write off sound teaching in that process, there is a place for the right Bible college,

[@sonicboom2723]

​@@Bella77260, why college Prophets did not go to college..

[@thetitustales577]

I would not say they are arrogant, rather, they are equipped. I could make the same argument about those who don't believe that they need formal training to preach. That seems slightly more arrogant. The preachers you refer to as arrogant have been trained to engage with the textual, cultural, and historical context of the Scripture, which means that they have been given the tools to exegete the intended meaning of the author to the original readers. Seminary gives the Bible reader the tools to handle the word of truth correctly. I can certainly use a hammer and chisel to open a door, but I run the risk of damaging the door. Seminary equips you with the tools to exegete this ancient collection of documents we call the Bible. I am not saying that only seminary graduates are equipped to handle the word of truth correctly. That would be like saying only trained chefs can handle a Ribeye correctly. However, that trained chef will have a better understanding of the art and science of cooking that steak correctly.

[@sonicboom2723]

@@thetitustales577 , unfortunately most learn false doctrine or are only in it for the money. This includes grace teachers and prosperity preachers. They are very arrogant and self righteous and are not the spokesperson of the True God, but more like baal worshippers.

[@claytaylor32]

I attended a very good one for one semester in 2010. It was around $600 per credit hour ($1800 a class) in 2010 dollars. I liked it and got a lot out of it, but nothing groundbreaking that I could not have learned on my own so I left. It felt like a luxury item. The problem is, churches, for the most part, are ran by business men (deacons, elders, etc. from surrounding communities) that are used to hiring on credentials. The M.Div is the MBA of the ministry world at most churches. Church title structure even reflects the business world. Executive Pastor, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor - just replace pastor with president and boom you're a company. As Pastor Mark says, some of the most effective in ministry are the least educated. Greg Laurie, Jonathan Pokluda, etc. didn't even go to college much less seminary. We need to train churches to train our called and shut seminaries down. Allowing a future pastor to rack up 100k in debt over 4 years - yes for a 4-year masters degree is sinful. SINFUL. The church should not be in the business of promoting anything antithetical to the Bible and debt definitely is.

[@Nathaniel-cc7ho]

Ok sir, you have my attention.

[@JonPagel]

Quiet, unassuming, and humble. Something for someone here to learn 😲🤔 that’s rich irony

[@gshave3907]

CLEARLY u are talking about yourself right? I say that because I know a true man of God such as yourself would not be trolling a Pastor you had a personal problem with to take pot shots at him in the comments right?

[@JonPagel]

@@gshave3907 I am on the constant learning curve with humility. That much I know to be true. But I’m not the one who has 40 elders waiting upon me to reconcile with so….

[@gshave3907]

@@JonPagel Well from what i have read and heard I am not so sure those elders are owed anything from Mark in fact it might actually be the other way around but thats not for me to decide so I stay out of it since it doesnt directly involve me, get the hint? Besides it wouldnt be the first time I have seen 40 elders be wrong something to consider.

[@kathleenwhite6762]

Went to a so called Christian college......transferred over a few years later to a city university.I had a much better time. The bible college eventually shut down,and I am glad it did!

[@JenHendon]

DUDE. Worked for Hillsong for a bit in Vegas.... SPOT ON!!

[@Tdinh79]

“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.”- Leonard Ravenhill Ravenhill was not a fan of western seminaries saying they are turning up “dead men.” I would assume because they do not emphasize prayer as one piece of it.

[@chadstarrett1239]

Amen brother! Most of these seminaries today are putting out young, spiritually castrated preachers. Spend time in God’s presence. There is not substitute for spending time with God. I literally cannot stand to listen to a preacher who has a seminary degree. They all preach the same way. Sermons are a mile wide and an inch deep. There is no depth spiritually.

[@thetitustales577]

Can you back up your claim on young spiritually castrated preachers? I agree with you that many seminary preachers are mechanical and robotic. Your presupposition is your biggest downfall. You already said you can't stand listening to a preacher with a degree. In other words, you already dislike the sermon before it's preached just because the preacher has a degree. Lawyers are trained to interpret the law. The laws are available for anyone to read and interpret. Do you despise lawyers with a law degree? In your estimation, who would interpret the law of the land better; the person who has been trained or the layman? You will surely find a layman who can interpret the law better than a legal eagle, but that is the exception, not the rule. Some lawyers are better than other lawyers, just like some preachers are better than others. There is no substitute for spending time with God, and there's no substitute for sound, hermeneutical exegesis of the Scripture.

[@chadstarrett1239]

Your response just made my point for me. When Jesus spoke to fishermen, He used parables about fishing. When he spoke to farmers, he talked about sewing seeds. Your response was to use terms like “hermeneutical exegesis”. This is why I don’t like listening to preachers with seminary degrees. The majority of the ones I have come across like to lean more on their education and seminary training than they do the word of God. This is not to say they don’t believe the word of God. This is to say they have, pride in their education in themselves. Those who God calls, he qualifies. Unless you are talking to someone who went to seminary, the people you were talking to, will not even understand what you are talking about if you use those words

[@thetitustales577]

@@chadstarrett1239 You made a claim, so now you need to produce evidence. Can you show me that Jesus specifically spoke parables about fishing to fishermen? Are you referring to Him telling Peter he will be a fisher of men? You also said that Jesus spoke to farmers about sewing seeds, can you show me that, or are you talking about the parable of the sower where He was literally speaking from inside a boat surrounded by many people on a beach? Could there have been farmers there? Certainly. Was He only talking to farmers? Unlikely. If you are saying that I am prideful, then that's your opinion. I was a Pastor for 11 years, and when I read a book on hermeneutics, I realized I was a false teacher, and immediately stepped down so I could learn how to correctly handle the word of truth. If that makes me prideful then so be it. Alexander Gordon from the 18th century was a doctor who realized the importance of washing your hands when going from patient to patient. His colleagues laughed at him until they realized he was right, and someone else took the credit after Alexander was already dead. I don't say that only those with degrees should be preachers. I am saying that those who preach should at least know how to interpret ancient documents written to ancient cultures in ancient languages. Answer me this; if a preacher does not have a seminary degree, but possesses the tools and resources that enable him to do sound exegesis, would you not like him either? Priscilla and Aquila were not seminarians, but they took Apollos, a man who was competent in the Scriptures, and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-28). There may be some preachers who think their education qualifies them, and that would be pride. Not all preachers with a seminary degree are prideful. I was on both sides of the fence, and I can see how beneficial a semester of hermeneutics is.

[@JenHendon]

"in ministry sometimes we call the trained, and I think God would have us train the called" ...... That was a GREAT line of life time.

[@thetitustales577]

How would you train them?

[@JayFunningham]

​@@thetitustales577if only we had qualified people and places set apart for just such a thing....

[@rickbishop3426]

Just to add something helpful (I hope). Yes, Elisha was a farmer. But he not only plowed, he led the plowing process with 12 other servants. That sounds more like a successful project manager (since he was still working for his father). But thanks for the helpful message!

[@olibob203]

I was called from work to theological college, was hugely impactive, helped me decern the lies that the world can tell to twist theology, boosted confidence and helped me speak, but I don't think it is an essential for everyone, I had some long time to mull it over

[@ScroogeMcWhat]

If a woman never gets to do what she is supposed to do why is she a passenger? Someone said that about why lust is bad. Fairly confident I heard that somewhere.

[@ethanplacella]

I’ve heard that a lot of people who go to seminary come out of it unable to tolerate most churches because the seminary students learn what the Bible ACTUALLY says and teaches. Most churches get it wrong sadly

[@stBenoitBoudreau]

I dont agree with the title of the video, but I agree with the content of the video.

[@Subdood04]

Depends on the seminary. This is a logical fallacy and Mr. Driscoll is just burning it down.

[@jflangerii]

Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for the free gift of everlasting life.

[@franktaylor3740]

It's all in the eye of the beholder. If one goes to seminary or divinity school and does not use what they've been taught (Meaning they are not serving in a church or ministry), then it could be perceived as a waste of money. But like any other major in any other college or university, it depends on if the education is being put to use or not.

[@nickmasterist]

This is what I now call 'correct doctrine' Word and Spirit. And God's time.

[@paulkersey7458]

I like this guy. I’m not a Protestant, but he’s on the right track. In the early church, there were no seminary’s. Priests would identify acolytes and mentor them for a time before they were ordained by the Bishop. Many times the priesthood was passed from father to son.

[@JonahGhost]

Theology shouldn't even be a course in a university. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit-just as it has taught you, remain in him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[@thetitustales577]

Dear JonahGhost, I do not mean to undermine your knowledge of Scripture, but there are many passages that advocates teaching. Matt 28:20 tells the disciples to teach mean, 1 Cor 12:28 says that teaching is a gift from the Holy Spirit, Eph 4:11, Col 3:16, 1 Tim 4:11, 2 Tim 2:2 talk about teaching others and each other. 1 John 2:12-14 tells you who the writer is addressing. They seem like mature believers. Young believers still need to be taught. John's letter still teachers the reader, so he is clearly not speaking against teachers, but again antichrist teachers. Those who said that faith in Jesus is not enough. Hebrews 5:12 highlights the fact that some of us need teachers. 1 John 2:19 talks about former congregants who have left the faith. They needed a sound teacher, but possibly fell for the antichrists' teachings and departed. The verses surrounding 1 John 2:27 talks about denying that Jesus as God's Son is denying God the Father. When you interpret 1 John, you will notice that John was opposing a form of false teaching which denied the incarnation. I would encourage you to invest in a study Bible. I obtained most of this info from the ESV study Bible and the Bible Knowledge Commentary.

[@rezbaron]

I spent over 80k going to bible school and 10k per semester for seminary. I stopped seminary because it was too expensive. After bible college, I applied to many churches and was only selected for bi vocational jobs. Now I'm a truck driver paying off my school loans thinking I would have a full time ministry job. Nope...too me it seems all political in the Denominations in who goes where in church leadership.

[@sallymiller9225]

We farm also and I know what the farmer is say me and my family an also do the same.

[@davefoster543]

Brilliant! This is the first time I've heard anyone with the guts to speak out about this. For years I've being searching in the Bible for that passage where Jesus says to the disciples " Now then guys, when you've been to college for a few years and got your diplomas, you might, just might, be allowed out on the road". I'm still looking for it!🤪

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Study the life of Paul during the early years after his conversation. Seems there are several occasions when he goes places to undergo intensive learning and training in the Christian faith, culminating in the Christian leaders in Jerusalem giving him "the right hand of fellowship." Read Gal. 2 again. It's not a diploma passage, but it seems Paul is explaining that he had put in the time, study and training at an intensive level in various locations to show himself approved for ministry.

[@davefoster543]

@@Ryan-fo5lx Sorry but I really don't buy into this line of thought. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit should be our primary guides. Too many Christians have subscribed to the belief that we should increase our faith "By Degrees". There may be some help in seminary, but not a lot.

[@wilsonowuor3868]

Seminary has its place and it really depends on the seminary you go to. Any seminary that only offers "theology of the mind" and does not provide opportunity for experiential spiritual growth may end up only churning out academicians who have little experiential walk with God. And to make it worse there are many seminaries that have been infiltrated by secularist ideologies. However, a good seminary training actually does help in grounding our faith in the word of God and can guard against gross misrepresentation of scriptures as we see in the extreme aspects of the Charismatic movement.

[@JackN808]

In my early years I worked at a grocery store graveyard shift. I was listening to Chuck Smiths cassettes 8 hours every night. It really trained me up in my calling. Today, churches require seminary degrees. So sad. but this is the apostate church in action or better yet "inaction".

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Listening is passive but writing is work.That is what people learn to do in seminary.

[@JackN808]

@@Ryan-fo5lx But faith come by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

[@JudyAnn17]

The movie “ Sheffey “ sure agrees with you, just as I do. All roads lead to Rome and her doctrine’s and traditions to indoctrinate every single protestant church to come back to Rome. Sunday sabbath worship and the trinity, baptizing babies, preaching the dead go to heaven. What would be the reason for Jesus to come and say, awake, awake, awake if the dead go to heaven? If you keep Sunday as Your Sabbath you follow Rome and come under her Authority. If you say the 7 th day Sabbath was done away with, then you must also say marriage (marriage and the 7th day Sabbath was set up in creation week) and all the other nine commandments were also done away with.

[@thehotcorner3337]

I took one semester at seminary, then the Lord moved me right out of there. I then went to one semester at ORU, and the Lord moved me out of there. I get more from spending time in the Word, researching and using study bibles and commentaries, and praying for the Holy Spirit to reveal more of God through His word than I was going to get from seminary or bible college. He knew that.

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

Ok, but have you written anything? Have you put in the work? Seminary writing is work. Research writing is what seminarians learn and develop.

[@thehotcorner3337]

@@Ryan-fo5lx There is certainly a purpose for seminary. It's not for everyone, however, and it certainly wasn't for me. It did inspire me to dig deeper in my understanding of scripture that has helped me throughout my life.

[@user-mw8nf6om5g]

Took me 10 years to get over Seminary

[@maryj9897]

Almighty father The only 0ne true living God of Israel, Cleanse me of unclean spirits, Return demonic interference, Protect me from the witches lustful wants, Confound them in their shame so that they turn to thee for comfort. In Jesus name.

[@fanman8102]

Not long ago a district superintendent of a certain denomination was trying to start a conversation of why the majority of young men who went to one of their colleges, and were called into the ministry, upon graduation were either atheists or homosexuals. Guess how much traction that conversation got?

[@user-ek3zb7xt9e]

It is!?? Let me just sad I've been wanting to go to seminary school for a while wishing there was some kind of program that can help get me off the streets and put me in school for it for. Couple years now :(

[@chadrackard3700]

One of my mentor pastors told me this. “Some schools are anointed! Some are drier than cracker juice!”

[@BackUp-vw9jq]

1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” It is not man that reveals the things of God but the Holy Spirit.

[@Cho-ZnSamurai]

I have been looking at online 5-6 month pastoral certification because Abba has called me and over the last couple of years and to build a church. I have looked and still communicating with Abba on this because knowing the apostate world view is being taught seminary. I know it’s in the online classrooms as well. If the teacher teaches the false teachings and I’m expected to answer with the lie they are teaching,it’s dishonoring and more importantly it’s sinning against Abba and corrupting HIS word. I refuse to do that. I know Abba will make the way of this is HIS plan for me, until then it’s constant communication and asking to be open to hear HIS word so that I may obedient to HIS will

[@Bella77260]

If you are called by God find a Godly college. The danger is lone rangers find themselves unintentionally not understanding scripture or the principals of interpretation which is leading to false teaching. Whilst it’s true the Holy Spirits gives us understanding He still expects us to study the Word diligently. The body needs teachers to equip the saints. Please find a godly college and go.

[@bobertjones2300]

You are immature and naive if you think you don't need to learn from others. What you need is critical thinking and discernment so you can apply lessons from seminary. A good one will help you on your journey, not hinder you.

[@Cho-ZnSamurai]

@@bobertjones2300 you are right about the immaturity part. If that was what I had said. However, I never said, nor suggested anything i would call immature as you did. If it had been read without judgment, it is clearly a concern of the educational aspect and the demonic lies and worldly views that have infiltrated the seminaries and so called Christian schools and are being taught. I as well have also stated the continuing communication with Abba on the matter as well. This will be my only response. I pray for a good day and blessing from Abba for you today.

[@Ricksworld1962]

True. The very Basic foundation of Christianity, taught at All seminaries, is False. I’ve done a very detailed study of scriptures, in Hebrew and Greek. My finding is that the message taught by all churches, is actually leading the majority all of their followers away from being among the few to enter through the narrow gate 💔🙏

[@elgindor]

I would say it’s the opposite. I went for a time to Seminary. It has shown me how little the average person understands and fails to grasp scripture. Twisting scripture, making it mean what it doesn’t mean. False prophets, false doctrine and a decline in biblical knowledge in general. Pretty sad. More scandals and falling away among leadership, more prosperity gospel and fake leadership. It’s so insane to hear people devalue an institution meant to bring strong leadership to the church. So Jesus spent three years teaching the disciplines isn’t needed? Also when the 11 were seeking to train others.. that’s also not needed?

[@Ricksworld1962]

@@elgindor The words of Jesus were grossly mistranslated. Among the words mistranslated, a few key words are G165 and G166

[@Ricksworld1962]

@@elgindor The majority of Pastors do not teach Eschatology, or end times in general, because it only makes sense to a person whom truly understands there is no eternal punishment for anyone 🙏

[@elgindor]

@@Ricksworld1962 again this isn’t a seminary issue. Let’s encourage illiteracy.. because we have bad leadership.

[@Ricksworld1962]

@@elgindor The false teaching of eternal punishment is a seminary thing. The Bible will speak for itself 🙏

[@ericolsen9072]

The problem is that people expect to get answers at seminaries. It's a passive attitude. Seminary is a place where you collide with ideas and refine your views. You should not go to seminary if you're just going to take a professor's answers as your own. That is dangerous. However, studying the Bible in isolation, as Mr. Driscoll seems to suggest, is MUCH more dangerous than disagreeing with a professor at the seminary. You can walk yourself into some much more serious heresies doing that.

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

For everyone against seminary, when in your life did you write 20 page research papers every few months for 3 years with a cohort doing the same? Unless you have a unique church situation or have developed a theological writers guild where you are studying and writing all the time, you have not experienced the work.

[@user-jt2cf9hx6f]

Mark is right to regret his ambition early on, he should have let Doug Wilson be his Elijah. He needs elders in his church now.

[@LaurenCallahan02]

Someone I know who attended Gordon Connell Theological claimed it was a complete waste of time and money, with the only thing they actually learning there being church history. One could have looked up anything on Google. They were distrustful of both God and the church as a result. All in all JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!

[@LaurenCallahan02]

Conwell

[@Bella77260]

No, this is the problem a lot of people who people who google often don’t understand the rules of interpretation. I hear them preach and they don’t understand the scripture or how to apply it and often take things out of context misrepresenting the Word of God. Sitting under godly teaching is a must if you are called to the five fold ministries. Sunday mornings don’t cut it nor does mid week fellowship. You need to sit under godly instruction that teaches one to rightly divide the Word. Trouble is most people won’t do it because it means commitment. I do agree that you need to be wise as to who one sits under during training.

[@LaurenCallahan02]

@@Bella77260 yeah I think honestly it really Varies from person to person school to school a lot of factors

[@paulremnantone1102]

The Holy Ghost is my teacher everyday. I ask the Holy Ghost, to lead me, guide me every hour upon every hour, every day upon every day, every moment upon every moment and every event upon every event. I ask the Lord may I know you intimately like Moses did. May the same spirit that was in Jesus be in me Romans 8:11. I am on knees every morning before going to work. This is how I start my day!

[@KoreshDabar-YHWHbenYisrael]

What says the Scriptures? Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah. I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

[@KJBpreacher]

I am convinced that the future of training is where it actually began: the local church.

[@yardiemark]

Mark Driscoll attended seminary

[@rogerledlow4970]

I do need me that t-shirt. 😂

[@Bella77260]

Yes and no. The biggest issue today is the rise of people who call themselves Prophets and Apostles who don’t know the Word or understand how to interpret scripture. Whilst l agree one should stay away from ungodly institutions we still need Bible studies and we still need teachers. The tripe we are getting today from many claiming position is new age/Mormonism dressed up as Christianity and the sad reality is that many are buying into that thinking it’s fresh revelation. The body needs biblical teachers and pastors who are called by God to equip the saints.

[@tdyed5946]

confirms something I know. If you cannnot read the bible. Listen. If you stay true to Him he will make your path straight. No matter your status. I know my calling. But I will skip. Bible school. I already put two sons thru college.

[@glorywolf812]

I wholeheartedly disagree here with Mark. We have made tremendous leaps and bounds with biblical languages, studies and theology. Just like with the church and the many failings it has endured so it is with seminary. Learning how to read Scripture and teaching others has to be developed whether it’s through God’s presence, God’s word, God’s knowledge, or God’s wisdom. Seminary is simply one tool we can use to become more wiser with how to study and discern the Word of God.

[@metalroofquoter633]

I have been saying this for years. Save your money and study your bible for 4 years... and youll know more than you did if you paid someone 20,000

[@luissanchez1435]

Buyesth wisdom and selleth it not -proverbs

[@jonlanier_]

I'm not saying that a person must have a formal education from a Bible College to preach. Although I believe it is helpful if it is is faithful school that is held accountable to older aged faithful men. But there must be training of some sort by a man who knows what he is doing and is faithful to the word. I was fortunate to have a school with wise men teaching who also had practical experience in the local ministries. Even some still, currently preached at a local congregation. Going from the tractor and listening only to the Bible and taking on a church ministry is foolish at best in this day and age.

[@Jen_Busby]

1 John 2:27

[@BibleBreakout]

Seminary turned into a “cuck factory” about 10-15 years ago. It's one of the reasons I dropped out. I wasn't really learning anything outside of systematic theology (which I recommend everyone should take), philosophy, apologetics, and languages

[@veraanderson4342]

Well there’s something wrong with seminary if they don’t teach end times and prophecy Most think it’s just an after thought otherwise most churches would be teaching it now

[@PastorBrianBetsworth]

Seminary was well worth my effort and resources. Some seminaries are not good, especially these days, and I do agree with demonic influence. Isaiah might not be a fair example because God chose to speak directly to him for specific purposes. Your title could be improved.

[@michaelmahoney9079]

There is a difference between man's anointing and then God's anointing.

[@marymeens1184]

Yes, we've called them cemetery schools. However, God can speak through a donkey. 🤔 So it depends on the heart condition of teacher and student. I'm more concerned about the number of "pastors" who've NOT BEEN CALLED to pastor, and those who DON'T HAVE GOD'S SPIRIT, ie, aren't born again.

[@robertburke9920]

Well then, read the masterpiece novel “Where Do We Go Now, LORD? - Burke.” Explains much.

[@blackukulele]

at least Elisha did not need to learn Hebrew...(which any Pastor who is serious must, ... and now Greek also)

[@mmabagain]

Oh yeah, billions have been fleeced by religion over the centuries.

[@CornCod1]

Says a guy with a Masters in Exigetical Theology....I don't always disagree with Driscoll but here I do. Can a man be self-taught in Theology? Yeah, its possible, but you really have to hit the books. Of course, you have to choose your seminary carefully, but deep study does often make the better pastor. I also believe a man should have a good foundation before starting seminary,so he dosen't get led by the nose by erroristic professors.

[@user-no8wc9zl3v]

The fruit will tell you how tree is doing

[@WTG194]

Mark Driscoll is basically building an argument for why you should listen to men like him and not go to a seminary, there are many seminaries run by good and faithful servants

[@EBM1966]

Totally agree! There is intellectual learning that seminary teaches. Seminary is NOT for faith-building but knowing theology and having knowledge helps with understanding what the Bible says. We CANNOT have churches with pastora that are not educated….If other institutions require educated leaders then the BEST institution in the world -and changes lives-should have the same!

[@Bella77260]

Actually the more you study the Word, the more you sit u nder godly men and women, the more your faith is grounded and the more intimate your relationship is with Jesus. The problem is there are a lot of so called prophets and Apostles that spend 5 weeks in training schools think they have fresh revelation or new revelation and they are leading people astray. Some of these people don’t want you to know the word, because that means you will question their leader ship. We need to be like the Bereans and on fire for the Lord.

[@ACupofCoffeewithJesus]

I think you totally missed his point! I have too seen what he is talking about a Dr. Of theology that has no understanding of the word of God!

[@gshave3907]

I must have missed the part where Mark said "do not go to seminary" can u tell me at what time mark that was?

[@LukeCKim]

Seminary, much like all schooling, is about accountability. In an ideal world, you might be right. Just like in an ideal world, one world ruler might be right (hint hint, heaven). But we live in a fallen world full of sinners. There needs to be accountability for study and learning. Otherwise, unqualified people will seek pastoral ordination and then commence to ruin the church. If you get rid of seminaries, you're asking for a lot of trouble. Don't give unnecessary advice trying to click bait people.

[@THATjeffdelaney]

Driscoll misses the entire point of Elijah and Elisha. No one today compares to what those two were because we no longer are in that age. Jesus fulfilled all that. Nobody is "finding their Elijah." Driscoll should have spent more time in seminary...

[@karlchristie1856]

So basically this is a clickbait title. "Seminary is a waste of money." "I have a master's from a good school." Seminary training is no substitute for personal time in God's Word, but Seminary Training prepares you for things that simply reading your Bible on your own can't give. How to write a sermon, how to use the original languages to combat misinterpretations, why your church's doctrine is grounded in Scripture, how to counsel people, how to administer a congregation, etc. I'm not taking anything away from that wheat farmer. That's a cool story. But his approach is a much less efficient use of time. When you listen to the Bible all day, you're given a whole bunch of dots, which you have to connect on your own over time. When you attend a seminary, you go to classes which are topical and help you connect the dots in a much faster way.

[@stvargas69]

You missed 1 point. Praying to God. Going to class putting eyes in a book still doesnt put eyes on God. Its not a waste of time, but if you think you are good to go you are not. You are unconsciously incompetentant. You are a danger to yourself & others. Recognizing that moves you up the skill scale. You still need a mentor. Whether it be an elder or your faith in the Lord, you still need to know WHO & WHERE you are.

[@lukasmakarios4998]

IF you go to a "good school." If you don't, they teach you how to tear the Bible apart, not how to put it together.

[@karlchristie1856]

@@stvargas69 I agree with you. I didn't include prayer because I view it as a given. If you go to sem, but you don't have an active prayer life, then you shouldn't be a pastor, period. Mentoring is also important. My sem program's 3rd of 4 years is what we call the vicar year. You go to a church and work as a pastoral intern under a vetted and successful pastor who is ALSO capable of teaching you. Then you go back for one more year of classroom study which is makes much more sense after spending a year in the field making all sorts of mistakes and learning lessons. Finally, when you graduate, they place us with a mentor pastor for the first three years of our ministry. He's paid a stipend to spend extra time with us being available as a resource. And after the three years are up, he's still there to talk whenever you need him. My synod is a tight knit group. There's always pastors that are willing to talk, always professors that are ready to answer an email. Also, as awesome as my pre and post grad programs were, the biggest thing they taught me is how much I still don't know. I took Plato's Apology as my sophomore Greek elective, and my biggest take away in that class was Socrates' quote: "The only thing that makes me wise is that I know that I know nothing. People who rest on the laurels of their degrees are the kind of people who make seminary a waste of money. Ideally, seminary teaches you how to study more effectively and with more discernment.

[@karlchristie1856]

@@lukasmakarios4998 In my obviously biased opinion, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where I went produces some of the most well rounded pastors in the country. There's no elective classes. Everyone takes the same thing to make sure your bases are covered. If you want to specialize, that's up to you after you graduate. I know a local pastor who went to a different seminary and just lamented how liberal and awful they were. Your mileage may vary. I'm just thankful my church body has a well funded seminary staffed by a faculty that all spent time in the parish.

[@lukasmakarios4998]

Karl, what's your Denomination, and where did you go to Seminary?

[@ScroogeMcWhat]

Here. I’ll try too correct you. Don’t say jezebel spirit in front of a bunch of dudes. That’s gay.

[@kentfrederick8929]

I used to be a practicing lawyer. Very few jurisdictions allow people without a J.D. to sit for a bar exam. So, if my profession requires 2 degrees, then the person who is appointed (Methodist pastors are appointed by a bishop) to preach the Good News better have a M.Div.

[@brent212cburg]

I know we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater but it’s so hard listening to a guy that’s as arrogant as this dude. Ruins the lives of so many people and just moves on.

[@amazingbiblia1832]

Dude is obsess with Jezabel, or he doesn't know the reference

[@scottlandefeld8693]

Yeah, this is off. To say that Seminary is a waste of time is just ignorant. Sure, if you go to a weak, watered down seminary with bad theology that could be the case. But to cast a wide net across all Seminary’s like this is wrong. It’s the same as saying all churches are a waste of time. Depending on the church, this is true.

[@BenDover91187]

I het what your saying bit where in the bible does it say you have to go to seminary in order to lead others to Christ? Shouldnt it just be if you have the holy spirit and your called to teach?

[@lukasmakarios4998]

What he's saying is, you need to be discerning, and there are too many bad schools out there that teach garbage. Blanket statements don't help, but this brother deals in hyperbole. You need to grasp the message in the middle.

[@jonyoung6405]

Is seminary in the Bible ?

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

This is a bad faith argument. Seminaries are a waste time for the same reason that attending secular universities are a waste of money and time: the ppl who attend seminaries are told to believe what the teachers expect them to believe. The Pharisees of the 1st century attended seminaries, and yet Christ possessed a better understanding of scripture than all of them because His education came straight from the Father instead of men.

[@jefflavenau6805]

1, this is a great way to try to discredit his detractors, if an obvious one. 2, as a seminary graduate currently doing my PhD at one as well, most of the men who were there because of a call to ministry were ministering the whole way through and learning practically as well from other ministers. So, a bit of a straw man.

[@gshave3907]

So to be clear your calling included attacking another Pastor in the comment section of his videos? hmmmm

[@jefflavenau6805]

@@gshave3907 critique of professing Christians who are in need of it is specifically called for by 1 Corinthians 5:12. Critical interaction with public propositions that are not very solid is not "attack," it's constructive criticism. You would have to substantiate the claim that it is somehow wrong to critique someone claiming the title of "Pastor," but as it is you're begging the question.

[@gshave3907]

@@jefflavenau6805 and u feel u are in that position? In fact u arent going to him personally u are making comments about him in public which would actually be gossip if i were u I would reconsider trying to justify your actions as something scriptural

[@Ryan-fo5lx]

If Mark didn't go to seminary, it is likely he would have plagiarized more (internet search his plagiarism). He learned to research write with Professor Breshears (see book entiled "Doctrine" by Driscoll and Breshears). This is Driscoll best written work. Why? Because he learned in seminary how to research write. He has veered away from this standard.

[@gshave3907]

What a great man of God you are, always ready to attack Mark on every video instead of Trump Derangement Syndrome you suffer from Driscoll Derangement Syndrome which is far more pathetic.