Post-Seminary Revelations and Musings

Minister of Modern Worship and Spiritual Formation at First UMC of Trussville (link)

As I finish up my time in seminary, I find myself thinking about my education. I can say with certainty that I am more theologically-minded and critically thinking than I was three years ago. I have read ancient theologians, debated contemporary ethical issues, juxtaposed and repositioned elements in orders of worship, and skeptically analyzed nearly every bias imaginable. I have had quite the education. And yet, I feel completely unprepared for the task of ministry that awaits me.

Particularly intimidating are the words of 1 and 2 Timothy as Paul outlines the character of one who assumes church leadership. Timothy is to offer sound teaching, continue his education in godliness, shun the temptations so prevalent in society (everything from coarse joking to life-consuming greed), and lead the people responsibly. These instructions all seem fair and attainable, perhaps requiring a little work here and there. On the whole, though, this is what we would expect out of a church leader.

However, Paul doesn’t stop there. In a passage that nearly every youth group in America has adopted as its own mantra, Paul writes, “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). I admit, as a teenager, I loved this verse because it spoke about a young person offering something substantial to the church. Now that I see what Paul is really telling Timothy to do, it terrifies me. Paul wants Timothy to set the standard for Christian morality, doctrine, and character in the church. In speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity, Timothy must exemplify Christ, because, as he leads the congregation, the believers are going to imitate him.

To think that my actions as a minister are supposed to set the standard for Christian living in my context—well, it’s a little overwhelming! Seminary did NOT prepare me for that. Feeling competent and comfortable spouting off theological babble (in a 15-20 page fashion, thank you very much!), I would much rather say to my congregation, “Can I interest you in some solid exegesis? Or perhaps some systematic theology??” The congregation is relatively uninterested in that, though. If Paul’s words are true, the congregation responds, “Save your knowledge. We want to see your life.”

In a world of poor examples and role models, the Church must be able to point to Christ-like persons. The minister, according to Paul, exemplifies Christ. It is not enough for us to merely teach, but we must live as Christ. Meaning, we must surrender—and crucify—every aspect of ourselves so that Christ might reign fully in us. The Church has enough adequate teachers, but the Church is lacking in men and women who have wholly offered themselves to the life of Christ. It needs leaders who will shun the temptations of society and “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness” (1 Tim 6:11).

Like I said, seminary failed to prepare me for this kind of ministry, but it is the exact ministry that is needed in the world today. Furthermore, I am convinced that if we, as the leaders of the Church, began to exemplify Christ in all things, the result would be astronomical. And so I ask myself, what if I truly lived what I taught? What if I set an example for the believers, giving them not only my witty sermons but Christ Himself as He lives in me? What if? And what if we as the Church all did this together?