The value of a formal seminary education is rarely overstated. People in our pews need thoughtful and engaging teaching that encourages higher biblical literacy now more than ever. And pastors are answering that need with higher education. A recent LifeWay Research survey of 1,000 pastors found that 71 percent of those with formal seminary education use what they’ve learned nearly every week in their churches.

However, there can be a downside to more education. Highly educated leaders may find it more difficult to relate to the average parishioner. After all, intellectually engaging messages and practically helpful messages aren’t always the same.

Consider biblical languages. Hebrew and Greek studies provide insights into the original texts of the Bible. Discovering the nuances of an original word can deepen a student’s understanding of and appreciation for the Word of God. For instance, learning that both the Hebrew and Greek word for “spirit” could also be translated as “wind” or “breath” opens new doors of understanding.

The problem arises when you try to convey this new insight to a church in a way that lacks application. Some of the people in the pew will find it fascinating, while others will be disinterested. And the more times you try to use an ancient word in your message, the more disengaged your congregation can become.

A Big Lesson from a Little Exercise

During the final semester of my undergraduate biblical studies, I encountered a short book by German theologian Helmut Thielicke titled A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. I can honestly say it was the best book I read in my four years in school. The basic thesis of the book is that young theologians should balance their zeal for newfound knowledge with the actual purpose of a seminary education: serving a local congregation.

In the book, Thielicke tells a hypothetical story about a young man who accepts Christ in a church, grows up in the youth ministry and eventually becomes a small group leader. During these early years, the young Christian is not interested in commentaries and theology textbooks, but is still grounded by the pastor’s counsel and guided by Bible study books when he leads discussions. He’s a popular kid in his church, and his passion for helping others learn more about God and experience Jesus are unmatched.

Once he graduates high school, he attends seminary at his pastor’s urging. However, when this young theologian returns home, his attitude has changed. He is now openly critical of his pastor’s sermons, patronizing him for not being up to date on the latest theological trends. But when the young man gets a chance to speak, his sermon is too abstract for many in the church and too dry for those who understand him. His words fall on deaf ears, it seems.

From this short book, I learned a big lesson. Whatever I take from my theological training and biblical studies, I must remain humble. The true value of a formal education is not found in a grade point average or the number of books you accumulate, but in the ability to relate to people of all walks of life in a useful way. 

Get in on the Ground Floor

There are many ways that an advanced education can work against a minister. If a pastor talks down to the congregation or other ministers, he or she can quickly lose standing in the church. If a pastor uses too much jargon, spends a lot of time on Greek or Hebrew words or cites unfamiliar scholars, the audience may tune out.

The true value of a formal education is not found in a grade point average or the number of books you accumulate, but in the ability to relate to people of all walks of life in a useful way.

However, there are also ways to turn any education to your advantage. Think of your knowledge as a building with multiple stories. On the top floor are the most advanced subjects. It is not necessary to abandon all theological concepts you’ve gained over the years. Instead, make these ideas available to the most common person in your pew. The way to do that, metaphorically speaking, is building an elevator from the ground floor to the top floor.

Practically speaking, that means you must always be equipped with application. Show your audience how to apply what you’re teaching. Tell them what’s important about the text and what it means to them on Monday morning. Help them gain insights by showing them how to use this knowledge immediately.

Ministry leader Thom Rainer conducted an informal survey with pastors asking what they wished they had known before becoming a pastor. He then published the top 10 replies. Almost every answer related to practical application. For instance, the top result was about the need for basic leadership skills. Other areas included personal finance, dealing with angry church members and leading people through hospice care. No one said they wished they had more theological training.

It’s on the job that pastors learn the special need for practical application of the theology they are learning. Some pick up on that quickly, while others struggle to make the connection. I don’t believe in the idea of an overeducated clergy, but I have seen ministries that lack adequate application. Taking those concepts down to the ground floor and making them useful to people’s lives today is the key to remaining relevant in your church and in your world, no matter your level of education.