Those Who Can Teach, Teach

You know the old expression, "Those who can't do, teach"? It is a not-subtle slam against all teachers, but especially those at the college level and beyond. As this is what I went back to school to do, it offends me.

Let's narrow down the discussion to Bible college/seminary professors and the church. When a pastor has a question about the Bible or theology, how often does he/she call or e-mail one of our professors? Rarely. When the denomination wants to study an issue, what is the percentage of our scholars appointed to the committee. Small, if any.

Do we have the attitude of one pastor-friend who said to me years ago, "Bible college professors are failed pastors"? Or are pastors misled into thinking that with a few books, they have all they need to solve every exegetical or theological problem? These are two different issues. Let's take them one at a time.

First, I do not know the ministry experience of all of our Bible school professors. I know some who have had very good ministry experience and others who had light experience. My own experience is somewhat mixed, more than 15 years of success and failure. I even started a church (though it eventually closed).

To adopt the failed-minister attitude is unbiblical. It mocks Paul's words: But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose....Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (1 Cor 12:18, 27-28)

The church needs scholars and teachers. They need to be appreciated for what they can offer. They are not failed pastors, but hopefully they are successful teachers.

Second, Paul's admonition about the members of the Body of Christ should also cause us to value our scholars and professors. Most pastors are capable of constructing weekly sermons and Bible studies, and of examining simple theological issues without having to consult some expert. However, there are occassional questions that demand much deeper study and insight than the average pastor or denominational official can bring to bear. Why not talk to the people who have done this deeper study? For that matter, why not include them any time theological questions might be raised?

I hope that I will be able to convey to my students that their professors--regardless of their practical experience--are valuable in the Body of Christ and have contributions to make. Hopefully they will remember and take advantage of this resource.

Let the teachers teach, and let them do so after the student has left school.