Since I am a professor at a seminary, it is not unusual (indeed, it is very common) for students to come to me for advice about whether they should enter the pastorate or seek to be a professor. While many of these students may have entered seminary with the intention of entering pastoral ministry, they have found themselves falling in love with a deep study of theology and the Bible. And so, they think, perhaps the academic world is right for them.
I confess that I am often torn when students come to me with this question. On the one hand, I want to discourage students from pursuing the Ph.D./professor route. In addition to the fact that Ph.D. work is far more rigorous (and costly) than they think, there is a great need for solid, bible-centered preachers/pastors today. The more solid folks in the pulpit the better.
On the other hand, we also need good seminary professors. Indeed, it is these professors that shape the theology, philosophy, and ethos of the next generation of pastors. Strong seminaries lead to strong churches. Thus, I am always on the look out for the next potential faculty member who can shape these future Christian leaders.
Of course, in the midst of such discussions, it is important to remember that the these two choices–professor or pastor–are not polar opposites. On the contrary, there is tremendous overlap between them (when conceived rightly). So, I thought it might be helpful to sketch out a spectrum of options between the world of pastors and professors. And not surprisingly, I will do this by using a chiastic-style structure (!):
1. The Pastor. This category includes your average Reformed pastor who is theologically-trained, understands the importance of academics, but is not engaged in any meaningful study/research beyond weekly sermon prep. This individual does not degrade or downplay the importance of theology/academics, but simply doesn’t engage much with those subjects himself.
2. The Pastor-Scholar. This individual has an interest in theological and scholarly issues that goes beyond the average pastor mentioned above. Thus, he is often engaged in serious reading, study, and academic work that goes beyond weekly sermon prep. And such study often informs his ministry, preaching, leadership, and counseling. He is the type of individual that would probably work hard to retain some level of proficiency in Greek-Hebrew even after many years in the pastoral ministry.
3. The Pastor-Scholar who is active in scholarly world. This pastor shares the same deep interest in scholarly issues as the pastor-scholar in the above category, but takes it to the next level by actively contributing to the scholarly world in some fashion. This may include writing books, articles, or giving papers/lectures at conferences and gatherings. Such an individual will often have a Ph.D. or other sort of degree beyond the M.Div.
4. The Scholar-Pastor who is active in the church. Notice the terms “scholar” and “pastor” have now been flipped. This word order change indicates that this individual is a full-time professor/academic with a Ph.D., but is still very much engaged with the local church and with pastoral ministry. This individual is certainly ordained and may, in addition to his faculty duties, have some sort of part-time pastoral position at his church. He is actively engaged in teaching and preaching within an ecclesiastical setting.
5. The Scholar-Pastor. This individual is a full-time professor and has a real heart for the church and for pastoral ministry, but is not as actively engaged in it himself. He may be ordained, but he is not on the pastoral staff of any local congregation and probably only preaches occasionally. The main thing that defines this individual is that he gears his academic work towards the church. The church (and pastors) is his primary audience.
6. The Scholar. This individual is what one might call a pure scholar. He is interested primarily in the specifics of his academic field, and has only a secondary interest in how it might impact or be used in the church. He is probably not ordained, and does not really engage in regular ministry in the local church (beyond that of any normal member). The primary audience for his writing/research is his academic peers.
With this spectrum in mind, it becomes readily obvious that there is not a simple choice between either pastor or scholar, but a gradated list of options in between (and this list is not exhaustive). This should be a refreshing realization for some who feel the pull towards both pastoral ministry and scholarship. There are many options above that allow a person to contribute to both worlds.
This gradation also explains why some individuals often bounce back and forth between pulpit callings and academic callings. It is easy to see how a given person might be #3 at one point in his life, and #4 at another (and maybe then back again!).
But, even with these qualifications, an individual still has to decide which of these six areas best represent his calling–at least at the current moment. And the most obvious part of this decision is whether a person is a full-time pastor (with a scholarly bent), or a full-time professor (with a pastoral bent).
My students often ask me why I chose the latter. The answer to that question is complex, but I think the words of Scottish minister and professor Thomas Chalmers (pictured above) capture it well. In a letter dated June 17, 1825, Chalmers explains why he left the pulpit to become a professor (and why he declines the regular invitations to return to the pulpit):
It was not upon light grounds that I relinquished the clerical for the professorial life; and I am more and more confirmed in the belief that a chair in a college is a higher station on the field of Christian usefulness, than a parish anywhere in Scotland. Could one acquit himself rightly of his duties as a professor, it is incalculable the good which might be done to the guides and the clergy of our next generation.
Simply put, Chalmers was convinced that his role as a professor would allow him to have a bigger impact on the future of the church. Investing in a single congregation is a worthy and godly endeavor. But, Chalmers recognized the opportunity to be a professor would allow him to (effectively) invest in hundreds of congregations through the ministers he trained.
Chalmers is not to be misunderstood here. He is not saying that professors are more important than pastors. He is simply saying that he took the opportunity that God gave him to impact the church on a larger scale.
And given the state of our world today, Chalmers’ words still ring true. We need good pastors more than ever. And thus we need good seminary professors to train them.
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dantespencer says
Wonderful thinking thru of the giftedness and emphases involved. Concerning the influence of profs, I’ve noticed that students at non-ref’d seminaries, and even some at ref’d ones, have no real interest in the academics – they’re there because they have to get that diploma – so their profs have no lasting impact on them. These students remain most influenced by the church (experiences/practices) they came from, not profs. In fact, non ref’d schools typically have faculties espousing different views so at 8 am a student is taught one thing and they go across the hall at 10 am and are taught the opposite … and sometimes the students will not even recognize the contradictions. That terribly blunts the whole purpose of education – to instruct and form convictions according to Scripture.
On the other hand, there are students who speak as if every prof they had was the best in their field. How is it that all of the great ones wound up at just one school? It is true that scholars should be leading the way given their gifts. I wish that the disparity between the academy and the church were reduced but it seems to be widening. As Carson said in “The Gagging of God,” every year students are coming into seminaries with less and less biblical knowledge. They are also leaving with less knowledge. A heart for God requires and leads to a mind for God.
Scott Christensen says
This is an interesting article. I am a pastor with an MDiv. going on 11 years in the same small town pastorate, nonetheless I do like to go deeper in my reading and teaching. Many have said I should become a professor because of this. I confess I have wondered if I should pursue this route of ministry, but I do not believe I have the sort of rigor that would allow me to pursue a PhD. In either case, I recently contracted with P&R Publishing to publish a semi-academic book on compatibilism entitled, “What About Free Will?” My editor now wants me to consider other semi-academic book possibilities. I loved writing the book and hope to pursue a writing ministry while maintaining my pastorate if God should so direct.
Brian Small says
“The Pastor. This category includes your average Reformed pastor . . .” Are you implying that someone who is not from the Reformed tradition is not or cannot be a pastor?
Mark Tubbs says
It would be a logical fallacy to deduce that implication from Dr. Kruger’s statement.
dantespencer says
He’s just distinguishing, justifiably so, that the ref’d understanding and practice of the pastoral ministry will not necessarily be the same as an evangelical’s conception. The picture of the pastorate as the Spirit reveals in Timothy and Titus is certainly that of pastor-scholar.
Brian Small says
OK, I don’t see him making that distinction in his post. What do you perceive as the difference between the Reformed understanding and the Evangelical understanding? For certainly you have highly trained pastors in other theological traditions besides the Reformed.
Enrique says
The utter absence of feminine pronouns is one such distinction. 🙁
dantespencer says
He doesn’t explicitly make that distinction, but because he did specify ref’d at the outset, I picked up on it. He intentionally narrowed the field to discuss only ref’d ministry.
Having begun in evangelicalism when I was a new Christian, I do have experience I can speak out of and contrast it with a ref’d setting. Fred Klooser has an old article in Calvin Theological Journal entitled, “The Uniqueness of Reformed Theology” where he contends that what distinguishes ref’d theology is our high view of Scripture that shows itself in both faith and practice. Not even knowing what an evangelical was, I was uncomfortable from the start in evangelicalism because of the loose grasp of Scripture in the ministry and the lives of the pastors. Evangelicalism is like the world that follows trends and is personality driven. Horton discusses this kind of thing in “Christless Christianity.”
John says
Since he is from a reformed tradition, he is likely simply specifying that he will base this on his own understanding of the pastorate, which may or may not be the same as any given non-reformed position.
So no… he didn’t seem to be implying anything. You seem overly sensitive and reactive though. I would not recommend the pastorate. It requires thicker skin and a more discerning mind.
Eric C. Redmond says
Dr. Kruger, thank you for the article. Your ministry is a blessing to me. ECR
Camden Bucey says
Gerald Hiestand and Todd Wilson introduce a related taxonomy of pastor-theologians in their new book The Pastor-Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision. In distinction from an academic theologian, they identify three types of pastor-theologian: the local theologian, the popular theologian, and the ecclesial theologian. The authors spend the majority of their efforts detailing a vision for the ecclesial theologian, who engages in critical scholarship with an audience of other theologians/scholars, yet in the context of the church and with a view toward the concerns of the church. The book is meant for a broader evangelical context, but I found their taxonomy and discussion helpful and thought-provoking.
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Camden. I have heard of that book, but not read it. I look forward to reading it.
Daniel Ray says
Dr. Bucey, will there be an upcoming episode on this?
Dr. Kruger, a very helpful post!
Camden Bucey says
Daniel,
Yes, we had a great conversation with Gerald Hiestand. It’s scheduled to release on 7/31.
Mom says
By these descriptions, our Sr. Pastor is #3, just beginning his PH. D. studies. I’ve been the long term Associate. I think it would be helpful for Dr. Kruger to write a follow-up article on what staff support (i.e. Associate Pastor support) each of the following would need to be most effective: #1, 2, 3, and even 4.
Mom says
I’m submitting this in order to check the “notify me” box
K. Patterson says
Dr. Kruger,
Your article is incredibly timely with respect to my situation. I have been working in the aerospace industry as a degreed electrical engineer for about 10 years. Over the last several years, I have sensed God calling me to ministry. As I have pondered the options, I have often found myself leaning more towards the “Scholar” end of the spectrum due to my personality, gifts, desires, etc. My wife and I are currently working towards some financial goals; but within the next 2-3 years, I plan on attending Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL as a full-time student. With that in mind, what RTS degrees would you recommend a person who is leaning towards “Scholar” to pursue? (As of now, my personal interests are in the direction of philosophy/apologetics.)
I appreciate your time.
Michael Kruger says
Good to hear from you. And glad you are headed to RTS. If you are interested in philosophy and apologetics, you ought to get to know James Anderson, the professor of philosophical theology here in Charlotte. He is doing some top-notch work in this area. You can check out his blog at: http://www.proginosko.com
As for degree programs, I always recommend the MDiv. Even if you don’t think you are headed to pastoral ministry, it is still the best degree for overall preparation.
K. Patterson says
Dr. Kruger, I really appreciate the advice. I will get in touch with James Anderson and check out his blog.
Enoch Anti says
Dr. Kruger thanks for your article. It is very Informative and insightful. I find myself in a slightly different situati. I sense and have a passion for ministry but have no clue where to start. Or I must say I don’t have the courage to start from somewhere.
I work in a bank with family to take care of and at the same time sense a pull towards ministry. I was of Charismatic persuasion but have recently been exposed to Reform theology. I am engaged in ministry predominantly through writing and blogging. I self-published two books while of the charismatic persuasion.
I also have a small group which is charismatic in nature. Currently, I feel I would not be able to continue with the group because my Reform beliefs are clashing with members and leadership of the group. Coming from a country where the Christian landmark is predominantly charismatic; I find it quiet challenging where I can fit in with my reform beliefs. That said, I have been considering pursuing an online education with RTS.
I am truly torn apart. I get no satisfaction from my current job. I sense my gifts can be best used in pursuing a kind of full time ministry. Any advice to help will be of great benefit
jeremy allen says
great article. I question whether more Christians in general and church elders in particular should not required candidates for their pulpits to require seminary before even considering themselves “equipped” or “called” to lead others as an undershepherd. I have a MAR from Liberty and do not yet feel either equipped as the more I study the less I know, but its sad to note that the last 4 churches have had leaders with barely a BA degree in theology, divinity or general religion studies between them. Yes I have heard of this “rare bird” that has “gift” of preaching and never stepped foot in a seminary to learn the basics of greek/hebrew and expository preaching. But somehow does the work of a bishop/pastor/elder successfully and biblically without formal training. But they are indeed a rarity. For the rest of us, we need more training before sending them out to be pastor, as to ensure they don’t make their members a two fold son of hell. Also as side note to this post, could you explain how you were “called” and “equipped” vs. examples we have of NT.
Keith Campbell says
Perhaps an additional perspective to consider, and one that might complement your insightful taxonomy, is where to geographically practice one’s scholarship. I find that very often advice is given to potential PhD students under the assumption that they will serve in the U.S.; for example: “The market is flooded” and “Jobs are hard to come by” are often, and correctly, stated mantras. Unless, we consider the global market, where the current scholarly needs significantly surpass the professors available/willing to help meet those needs. This is especially true in the Global South, which is the new epicenter for world Christianity. So perhaps academic advisers could steer some of their more scholarly-minded students toward academic missions; that is, to consider serving as a prof in Nigeria or Brazil. Just a thought.
Joseph Romeo says
Dr. Kruger or others who may wish to reply,
What are your general thoughts on pastor-scholars pursuing a DMin? I’ve seen David Wells and John Piper make some fairly negative comments about the degree. That said, I’m often told that not all DMins are created equal.
I know some sharp guys in seminary (men who definitely could have pursued PhDs) opting to do a DMin so they could focus on the local church. Any thoughts? I’d appreciate your input.
Michael Kruger says
Thanks, Joseph. Yes, not all DMins are created equal. And it has been justifiably critiqued in recent years because of it often lacks academic depth and rigor, etc. However, you ought to check out the DMin here at RTS Charlotte. We have made it a very serious degree and think it is a great way for a full-time pastor to take his ministry (and his mind) to the next level. We have two foci: Reformed Theology and Preaching. So, a student can pick which of these two topics he wants to emphasize. Check out the details at: http://www.rts.edu/Site/Academics/Degree_programs/Dmin/Charlotte/dmin-charlotte.aspx
Michael Burer says
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I have always seen myself as a scholar-pastor (and my pastor is a pastor-scholar!). You give us a helpful grid to use as we talk with students and others about what ministry on either side entails.