Theological Training: Luxury or Necessity?

Theological Training: Luxury or Necessity?

The question arises often, sometimes with a smile, other times with a hint of suspicion: "Do we really need to study to serve God?"

Behind this question lies an age-old tension:

• The Spirit or the intellect?

• Anointing or training? As if the two could not coexist. Spoiler: this opposition is artificial.

1. The Misconception: "God Doesn’t Need Graduates"

Yes, God can use anyone He chooses. Yes, God sometimes calls men and women without an academic background. But beware of the confusion: God can do without our training, but we rarely can.

Refusing to learn in the name of faith is not humility. It is often disguised fear or sanctified spiritual laziness. The Apostle Paul, though filled with the Spirit, was also trained, structured, and rigorous. And Jesus Himself... taught. Lengthily. Methodically. Honest question: ➡️ Why would God insist so much on teaching if it were secondary?

2. The Dangers of Faith Without Training

An untrained faith is not necessarily false, but it is fragile. Without theological training:

• We confuse personal conviction with biblical truth.

• We make subjective experiences absolute.

• We repeat ancient errors as if they were new.

Church history shows that heresies do not arise from an excess of study, but from a superficial and isolated reading of the Scriptures. Training does not kill faith; it protects it.

3. Does Studying God Cool Down Spirituality?

This is a frequent fear: "Too much study makes you dry." The truth is more nuanced:

• Study without prayer dries you out.

• Prayer without understanding leads you astray.

Theology is not an autopsy of God. It is a disciplined listening to what He has revealed. To study is to love God with your mind. To refuse to study is sometimes to love God... incompletely.

4. Theological Training: Who is it for, exactly?

Not just for pastors. Not only for teachers. But for:

• Those who teach, even "occasionally."

• Those who preach.

• Those who lead.

• Those who want to discern in a confused world.

Today, everyone speaks in God's name. Training thus becomes an act of spiritual responsibility. To influence without training is like driving without a license while saying, "God is with me."

5. Luxury or Necessity?

A luxury is something one can afford to neglect. A necessity is what supports the structure. Theological training is not an ornament; it is the framework. It replaces neither the Spirit, nor faith, nor the calling. But without it, everything else rests on sand.

Conclusion (To be meditated on slowly)

God calls, but the Church trains. The Spirit sends, but wisdom prepares. The real question is not: "Do I need theological training?" But rather: "Am I ready to bear the responsibility of speaking about God without having taken the time to study Him?"

The rest... follows naturally.

Category: Education – Ministry – Theology Published: January 18, 2026