Amal Joseph

“I came across this article: “Do I really have to go to Seminary to be a faithful pastor? Can’t I just stay home and read books? After all, isn’t that what Spurgeon did?”

I am well aware that there have been faithful pastors for centuries who had no formal training. However, I believe that in order for a man to be faithful and loyal to the weighty calling of the Chief Shepherd, he must be trained and equipped by someone, somewhere, and most of all, the local church. A man must have seasoned exegetes over him to prepare him to handle and speak the Word scrupulously. Similar to how doctors require proper training to perform surgeries, we, as God’s under-shepherds, need appropriate training and a grasp of Biblical languages to accurately exegete the Word of God and live a Godly life that reflects the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As 2 Timothy 2:15 says, we need to be approved workmen of God, not being ashamed but accurately handling the Word of truth to feed the sheep, love the lambs, and fend off the wolves; and for this, I need all the training I can get, as lives depend on it. That is why I am studying at Westminster Seminary UK. The faculty members in the Seminary hold office in their local church as ministers and leaders, which lends practical expertise to their Biblical teachings.

If you are considering studying the Word of God, then study the Word and also put yourself under seasoned Godly men who can train you to become who God wants you to become—and I highly recommend Westminster to help you do this!”