Stephen Kemp, academic dean at the Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development, observes, "Most of the 400,000 churches in America have pastors who don't have seminary degrees." He adds, however, that few become great pastors "apart from ordered learning," and that "theological education certainly makes a difference."

The question of whether pastors are born or made is a perennial one. Are great pastors great because they went to seminary? Or did they go to seminary because they were great leaders all along?

Donald L. Brake, dean at Multnomah Biblical Seminary, observes that when author J. Oswald Sanders was asked this question, his answer was, "Surely, both." Likewise, Henry Blackaby observed in Spiritual Leadership that "contemporary leadership writing reveals that most scholars believe leaders are both born and made."

Some pastoral leaders who do well without formal training owe some of their success to seminaries. R. Todd Mangum, dean of faculty and professor at Biblical Theological Seminary, observes, "People who are untrained in theology, biblical studies, or ministerial practice may succeed in doing ministry. But if they are successful, it is in part because they have learned how to avail themselves well of people who are so trained."

"No honest seminary leader should claim that only graduates make good pastors," says Paul House, associate dean at Beeson Divinity School. "Rather, they should focus on how a seminary can help a person with the potential to be a good pastor." He adds that persons with that potential "must be called and gifted by God."

House contends that seminaries "should only admit students they believe have been set apart by God, not just whoever applies or is recommended by a church and is gifted with the skills set forth in the Bible."

Antioch's Kemp agrees that the admissions process should be taken very seriously. "Applicants cannot 'selfselect' their way into Antioch with a token reference letter from their pastors," he says. "Rather, they must be commended by their church leaders who recognize their potential and are committing themselves to an investment of time and effort to help them be further trained."

"Seminary cannot turn people into good pastors," says David Gordon, senior vice president for enrollment management and extensions at Reformed Theological Seminary. "It takes time, experience, the community of faith, and the Holy Spirit's work to produce good pastors. … I tell folks who are about to graduate that it can take five years to figure out their calling, and even that might be a conservative statement."

Says Mangum, "There are some ingredients that make a good minister: charisma, entrepreneurial courage, native intuition, even a heart for God. Seminary training cannot furnish such elements." He adds, however, that seminary training "can help gifted persons focus their concentration and capitalize on their gifts. And it can help them avoid mistakes, thus keeping them from learning the hard way—potentially to the detriment of the people they are charged to care for."

Says J. Ellsworth Kalas, president of Asbury Theological Seminary, "Some of the qualities that make a great pastor are instinctive. A good seminary will give such abilities opportunity to grow."

D. J. Turner, director of communication at Denver Seminary, cites five goals seminary education regularly accomplishes. The seminary experience

Combats pragmatism: "Rather than embracing every cultural trend, seminary training allows the student to filter ministry decisions through a solid biblical foundation."

Confirms calling: "The rigors of seminary will help students determine the validity of their calling."

Strengthens credibility: "Completing seminary provides a key that will open some doors that may be closed to others. Degrees do not make a pastor, but they do provide keys."

Clarifies theology: "Seminary exposes students to a spectrum of theological positions. Out of that exposure, and through an oral defense, students solidify their personal convictions."

Connects students with others: "Seminary networks students from all over the world. These friendships influence philosophy, stretch vision, and help clarify their call."

According to Multnomah's Brake, seminary can go a long way in helping people "cooperate with God's developmental process" by "coaching students to admit their need for help from God; guiding students to take counsel; encouraging students to be accountable for training in various disciplines; and nurturing students who choose to develop knowledge, skills, and character."

For those who are called to be pastors, the best place to develop the gifts God has given is a seminary whose mission is accomplished only when seminary students go on to become gifted pastors who serve and strengthen the church.

Part 1: Preparing the "Perfect" Pastor

Part 2: New Challenges, New Classes

Part 4: Theology for the Non-Pastor