DAMNED without a DEGREE

Some churches block persons without bachelor's from preaching

Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Having a passion for ministering the Word, and being anointed by God, might not be enough to become a pastor these days.

Various Christian churches are making it clear that persons who wish to be ordained as ministers must have at least a bachelor's degree. The position has been endorsed by some religious leaders who argue that churches must have standards and structure.

Among those backing the demand for pastors to have tertiary training is the Reverend Garnett Roper, head of the Jamaica Theological Seminary. According to him, it is important that churches adopt a level of professionalism within their congregation.

"First of all, a minister has to have at least a first degree in theology. One has to be examined for the soundness of his thinking because it's not just about preaching," he declared.

"I chair a credential committee, and I have failed many persons in the course of time as they didn't fill all requirements, because everything counts," continued Roper.

"We look at how these persons think, how they conduct themselves, how they make decisions and judgement, how they build relationships, their attitude to money, how they manage personal relationships - all of that is taken into account."

Roper shrugged off criticisms that the demand for potential pastors to have at least a first degree could make the place of worship more like a business.

"The call of God and training are not at cross purposes, but there has to be a standard of training. Being schooled does not mean you are not anointed, but we can't use the same approach as was used back then."

JOB GOES BEYOND PULPIT

Roper was supported by Dr Henley Morgan, a pastor and social entrepreneur, who argued that the Church has to become relevant.

"It (theology degree) is one of the things that are key for me. Though I might see that you are anointed, I do enquire if one is trained and has some form of qualification because I think a pastor's job goes beyond the pulpit.

"The Church cannot remain the one institution where, whether or not you are educated does not matter," said Henley.

Twenty-six-year-old Rob Clarkeis one such person fearing that his dream of becoming a pastor could die because he does not have a university degree.

Clarke had expressed an interest in becoming a minister at his home church in Portland, but was told that he needs a degree in theology. While he did not want to name the church, Clarke said this new trend has him worried.

"I have been going around with my pastors, and I do have an interest in ministry. I give exhortations and other presentations, and it came to a point where I was considered a person of interest to take up leadership.

"But I was called to a short meeting and told, 'We see that you are an anointed man of God, but we are going to have to send you to Bible college before any further considerations can be made'," Clarke complained.

"I am in the process of arranging to get my papers (degree) because I do agree that education is important, but it's almost as if persons are rewriting the standards of God, and if it gets to a point where one is prevented because he or she does not have a degree, then something is wrong."

POLICY QUESTIONED

Past president of the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, the Reverend Dr Peter Garth, pastor of Hope Gospel Assembly in Liguanea, St Andrew, is among those questioning the new policy.

Garth told The Sunday Gleaner that credentials should not be the focus, even as he admitted that this has been the trend for some time.

"I know for a fact that for some unions, it is a general rule that persons must attend UTC (United Theological College) before they are ordained ministers, but personally, I don't think that should be the focus," he said.

"We do encourage persons to go to Bible school, and equipping yourself is important, but in terms of my own church, I would never make it a rule that persons have to be theologically trained in order to become a pastor, because the bottom line is: if you are not anointed by God, it makes no sense," he asserted.

ONLY NEED ANOINTING

Similarly, Bishop Isaac Smith, former overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy for the parishes of Hanover and St James, argued that the sole qualification should be the anointing of God.

"Man gives appointment but only God can give the anointing, and the anointing is the basis of any spiritual work. So, for me, a degree is secondary," he said.

"I am not scoffing at the importance of training because in any sphere of life, there is always room to improve yourself and enhance your skills, but a person who is trained at a Bible school is not necessarily the best person to represent Christ.

"At no point should the impression be given that qualifications supersede the real premise, which is the anointing of God," the bishop charged.

Name changed on request.