Is it that they are afraid to confront the learned? Are ministers not commanded to study to show themselves approved and to have the ability to skillfully sculpt the Word of God? (2 Tim.2:15).

Jesus at age twelve was an apologist and was able to conference with the lawyers and doctors of learning of his day (Lk 2: 46-47). Are ministers not more than twelve?

Why is it incumbent upon the minister to be qualified? - Because the whole climate of education has changed and Daniel 12:4 has unfolded before our very eyes; ‘knowledge has increased’. Within our own country placements for formal education have increased from 15000 in 2001 to approximately 47000 places in 2007. Knowledge has increased. This is the decade of literacy (2003-2012). The minister now has a new type of listener to whom he must explain how the invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature of God are clearly seen and understood by the things He has made (Rom.1:20).

He must now be able to reveal the fingerprint of God through science, language, mathematics and every other discipline that is thrown at him and bring the learned enquirer into account to God. The apostle Paul did it on the Areopagus when he preached his ‘philosophical sermon’, under the anointing of the Spirit, which challenged the objections of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to the gospel (Acts 17:16-34). Paul argued about the nature of God and the way God relates to human beings, especially through Jesus Christ. ‘Dionysius the Areopagite’ was among those who joined Paul and believed in Christ (Acts17:34).

I challenge students / prospective students today to become as competent, knowledgeable, and qualified as can be to be able to successfully teach the educated ‘others’ also, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and not leave them undone.

May the Lord bless you as you rise to the challenge of the decade and beyond!