Question:  Hello Greg,

            How are you?  I’m interested in starting an internet ministry, but I do not have any experience as a minister.  My question is, should I receive some kind of education to become an ordained minister, or should I go ahead and trust God with guidance, or do both, for that matter?  I appreciate any help you can give me on this.

            Michael

Answer:  Dear Michael,

            I believe that those who choose a profession, whether it be profit-making or a service-oriented non-profit (which would include the ministry) are obligated to professionally prepare for their career.  Mechanics and dentists should be certified.  Teachers should be educated.  So too, should ministers of Jesus Christ.

            There are many who are ill-equipped to explain and defend their faith, and as a result we have cults, abuses, and sick churches and ministries.  Ministers who are not educationally prepared can cause Christianity to be a laughing stock, thus without meaning to, cause more harm than any help they can give.

            You need guidance from God, counseling from those who know you well, as well as education to prepare you for ministry.  May God bless you as you do!

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht