Seminary schooling???

I am being DRIVEN by God, thrown at His mercy, to enter into the world of pastoral leadership in order to awaken what remains of the deteriorating American church. My calling is huge and the urgency is immediate. I am now debating whether or not I should go into Seminary in order to have a degree, or if I should just "go." From the depths of my soul I feel that there is not enough time for me to go through any more schooling.
My question is: why? Why should I go to a college to be "accepted" by the mainstream as a pastor? In John 7:15, the Jews were astonished at Jesus' knowledge because of the fact that He was unschooled. Then again in Acts 4:13, it mentions that both Peter and John were uneducated. Multiple times throughout the Bible, there are instances where men of little stature and minimal to no education at all, were called to some of the highest roles in the advancement of His Kingdom. "Having" to buy an EXPENSIVE eduacation that takes years to carry out to me seems a lot like an act similar to that of the pharisees of Jesus' time. Not to mention the fact that MANY seminary schools avialbe today are actually preaching false doctrine, timidity, and this thing called "Christian Science" (not Biblical WHATsoever...)
Personally, to me, I feel that the Holy Spirit is all I need to accomplish the works of God, but there are many "elders" who are telling me that I need to go to Seminary in order to best fulfill God's purpose for me...
So basically, I don't feel a calling to go to school to become a man of God, for I know that God can use me as I am: dead to this world, alive in Christ. But would it help? Or could I go and at the same time, carry out god's purpose for me? Is the PRICE worth the teachings? Help me as I search for what exactly God wants me to do...

Tags: church, education, holy, pastor, preaching, reawaken, school, seminary, spirit, teaching

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Permalink Reply by Caleb Davis on March 19, 2010 at 6:46pm

So I just got back form my spring break:
I went on a mission trip all around Georgia serving as many people and organizations as possible (both Christians and non-believers)! It was by far 1 of the most impacting weeks of my life! But I have some news:
I gave 3 separate sermons (though all short, they all had great impacts via Christ!). Christ spoke at a realllly old Baptist church in Helen Georgia and stirred some to tears! He then spoke at a middle school/ high school Wed. night church service in which He spoke with GREAT passion and even drew me to weep on stage while closing with prayer. Then on the last day, spoke to a large gathering of college students which was taken with much appreciation! All I have to do is submit! I would go on stage with 1 to 3 verses and a general idea, then His Spirit would begin to speak through me...
So much happened on this trip and everyone on it was so humbled that we are almost unrecognizable in character.
On the last day, I climbed up a rock in which a wooden cross stood at the peak in order to sit and be still before the Lord. As I first sat down, I was hugely distracted by the noise of nature and a few passing by cars, but after praying, God helped me focus. Then I realized that I was cold and I asked that He would warm me up; not even 3 seconds later, the sun, with all its magnificence and warmth, rose and grasped me, sending me into a state of tranquility like never before. I then read Prov. 8 and 9 then prayed some more. After a moment of being still and listening to god He spoke to me:
He brought to my attention 1st Cor. 9:19-23 where Paul talks about becoming like others in order to better minister to them. Paul became all things to all men so that they could trust; associate with; believe; relate to; understand... him! After this, i realized that I am being called to go to seminary, not to learn how to preach or minister or witness to others (though I will learn much about all this and much more), but to become like THEM! My calling is to awaken the sleeping church! To call out the hypocrites and the false teachers and spread the truth, the Gospel. I have already started locally and on internet, but will soon move to seminary so that I can "become like" those in ministry who are lying and deceived.

I've thought of/considered this before, but God drove it into me while sitting still in His presence atop that rock. Now I ask for continued prayer as I listen to where it is that God wants me to go for schooling so that I may become ordained with letter.

Thank you all for your past and continual prayers!
In Christ's love,
Caleb
P.S. I will probably follow through with my vows and get married before I enter into seminary so please keep that in your prayers as well for we are not fully financially equipped YET (though I know God will provide) and also are under great attacks of physical temptation...