Do I need to go to school to preach?
Question:
Mr. Hamilton,
I have studied the Bible all my life. I read everything I can. I preached for three weeks a year ago in a local congregation and asked all my elders to attend, and one did. He asked me if I wanted to teach in our congregation. I said yes, and never got a chance. They (leadership everywhere) will not let me preach unless I go to a former school. I think about preaching all the time. Help, help, help. Should I go to another church (denomination)? They will give me a chance.
Answer:
A preacher does not need formal training in a seminary or preacher's school to learn how to teach the gospel. There is no such requirement in the Bible. See:
By not giving young men opportunities to learn to preach, the elders are indicating that they are failing one of their duties. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Leaving the church to attend a group that is not teaching the truth simply because they offer something you want doesn't show a commitment to the truth. Depending on where you live, there are often small churches that would like someone to help with the preaching, including reaching out to people in the community. For that matter, nothing is stopping you from talking to people in your area or holding Bible studies in the area. Preaching is far more than delivering lessons in front of a congregation.
