The Classroom or the Calling: What Prepares You for a Deeper Ministry Impact?

Is the local church enough for deep theological learning, or is formal education essential for ministry leadership? What if you feel called to more but seminary isn’t an option? In this episode, we tackle the critical and often-debated topic of continuing education for ministry leaders. Joined by guests Lesleigh Carmichael and Bianca Howard, we explore the practical reasons for pursuing a seminary degree, how to build a powerful learning plan without formal education, and what to do when you encounter a leader who thinks they’ve already learned enough. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or wondering what’s next in their leadership journey.

Show Notes

Key Questions Explored in This Episode:

  • Should your primary place of learning be the local church, or are there things you can only gain from formal education like a Bible institute or seminary?
  • What are the practical, real-world reasons for pursuing a seminary degree, especially for women in ministry?
  • How can you decide if seminary is the right next step for you?
  • If you’re not pursuing a formal degree, what are the best ways to keep learning and growing as a leader?
  • How can churches better value the lived experience and ministry of congregants who don’t have formal theological training?
  • What’s the best way to approach a team member or leader who is resistant to learning and growth?

The Big Debate: Local Church vs. Formal Education

The episode kicks off with a story about a lawyer who wanted to attend seminary simply to keep learning, raising a key tension for church leaders.

  • The Role of the Local Church: The local church is a vital place for fellowship, conversation, and learning from one another’s testimonies. It’s a primary place for spiritual formation.
  • The Role of Formal Education: Seminary and other formal training are designed to theologically train your mind, helping you think beyond your own congregation. It exposes you to diverse perspectives, broadens how you see God, and challenges your thinking in ways that might not happen in a homogenous church environment.
    • As Lesleigh notes, her most formative experiences came from conversations with people from different faith traditions at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Why Pursue Formal Ministry Education? (The Seminary Question)

Both guests shared personal and practical reasons for seeking formal credentials. Their insights are invaluable for anyone weighing this decision.

  • To Open Doors and Gain Access. Lesleigh’s mentor advised her that as a woman doing ministry in the South, “formal credentials would give me access to spaces that I might not otherwise be excluded from or not respected in.” She found this to be unfortunately true.
    • Bianca received similar advice from her mentor, who said a strong theological education would ensure “doors to open” for her as a woman of color.
  • To Gain a Deeper Theological Foundation. A formal education provides the credentials and foundation to address complex issues within the church and be taken more seriously at the leadership table. This can even impact practical things like pay negotiation.
  • To Broaden Your Perspective. Engaging with diverse perspectives is essential for growth. Lesleigh states, “Growth often happens when we allow ourselves to be in conversation with people who don’t think exactly like we do.”
  • To Prepare for Long-Term Ministry. If you see yourself in ministry for the long haul, a degree can be a crucial investment. Bianca asks a key question for those deciding: “What does your longevity look like? Where do you want to be in 10, 20 years?” If the answer is ministry, she would fully recommend school.

💡 Actionable Tip: How to Decide if Seminary is Right for You

Considering seminary? Bianca suggests asking yourself these critical questions before you enroll:

  • What is your end game? What do you want to gain from the experience? Be clear on your goals before investing the time and money.
  • Are you prepared for the financial investment? Acknowledge the potential financial strain and plan accordingly.
  • Are you ready to be theologically challenged? Bianca warns, “Seminary will really… challenge your, how you think of your thoughts, how you think of your faith. And you gotta be ready for that challenge.” Some people prefer the foundation they have and may not want it questioned.

Lifelong Learning Without a Degree: Practical Steps for Every Leader

If a formal degree isn’t the right path for you, you can still be an effective lifelong learner. The key is to be intentional.

  • Prioritize Community and Conversation: Learning in a vacuum is risky. Lesleigh emphasizes the need to be in conversation with others, especially those with different perspectives, to challenge and stretch your thinking.
  • Join a Cohort or Small Group: Find other leaders, read a book together, and discuss it. This creates built-in accountability and dialogue.
  • Pursue Certificates and Training: You don’t need a full master’s degree to grow. Look for certificate programs or specialized training that can give you new tools.
  • Attend Conferences and Retreats: Intentionally place yourself in learning environments to stay sharp and connected.
  • Upgrade Your Tools: Identify your natural giftings and find specific training to enhance them. Brandon shared his experience getting certified in StratOp to put a powerful strategic planning tool behind his natural wiring.

Honoring and Valuing Lived Experience in Your Church

How can church leaders honor the ministry of the everyday person who is serving faithfully without a title or degree?

  • Challenge Your Church’s Hierarchy: Lesleigh challenges leaders to ask a hard question: “Why is it just if Lesleigh has a seminary degree and was ordained, why is she looked at differently than Bertha?” Churches should actively work to value the contribution of all believers.
  • Teach a Broader Theology of Calling: Bianca suggests churches need to educate their people on vocation and calling beyond Sunday morning.
  • Equip People for Ministry in Their Context: Remind your congregation that their spiritual gifts are for the workplace, their homes, and their communities, not just for use inside the church walls. Remember the Ephesians model: the pastor’s job is to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry.”

Dealing with a “Know-It-All” Culture: How to Encourage a Teachable Spirit

What do you do when you meet a leader who isn’t open to learning?

  • Use the Pro Athlete Analogy: Lesleigh suggests, “Even professional athletes are constantly being coached. Growth doesn’t stop once you’ve arrived.” This reframes learning as a mark of a pro, not a sign of deficiency.
  • Ask a Direct Question: Bianca doesn’t shy away from the reality of stagnation. She asks, “Do you want to stay where you are? Cause that’s really what happens a lot of times when you don’t want to grow.”
  • Approach with Curiosity, Not Criticism: Renée offers an important reminder that the most compassionate posture is one of genuine curiosity about why someone is closed off to growth.