QUESTION RECEIVED:

Can a person preach and baptize without getting a degree from bible school?

MY ANSWER:

Yes, all the Disciples, Apostles and and John the Baptist meet the description of not being Bible school or even seminary graduates. Some of the most noted pastors like Charles Haddon Spurgeon(19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) had no degrees from any institution of Christian education. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, was a tremendous pastor/ preacher to thousands in London. Spurgeon's sermon were published in newspapers through out the world. One thing all these people had was a passion for the gospel and they were lifetime learners of God's Word and grace as they preached the gospel. In fact the Bible says to look at how one studies. Those who are called are also starving for more of the gospel whether it be self study or formal education or serving under a pastor. In other words do what you can to maximize your own education so you can be prepared to share the gospel. Improvement than come from schools, self study and mentor-ship or all of these ways. A preacher that did not want to study God's Word is a preacher I would be suspicious of.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB) "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Well what about the disciples? They were taught under Jesus for three years. In fact they called Him "rabbi" and "teacher".

Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Yes, the church has historically set apart those called to ministerial work. Many countries recognize who can and can not be a minister. The church sets forth it's ministers. Many traditions have different ways ways of church governments who sanctions ordination. Sometimes it is a multi-church denominational board, sometimes it's a bishop and sometimes it is a church who ordains. I believe the New Testament gives us a variety of ways to govern a church since we have had a variety of cultures.

Titus 1:15 (NASB) "5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you -"

Get liberty in this but look to biblical confirmation on who should preach the gospel and represent the Lord not only in the handling of the Word but also representing the Lord in baptism. These men called and set apart are the leaders in the church to lead worship, serve the faithful and lead in evangelism. The gospel is precious as we celebrate the life, death, burial and resurrection. Christ paid for the sins of those who repent and turn from sin to Him on the cross. We receive forgiveness from sins, peace with God and citizenship in heaven. Christ received out wrath from a just god. Our sins had to be dealt with. Christ dealt with them. Those who represent the gospel to the world represent the church and the Lord's mission. Trust that His word tells who is called to preach and baptize.