Spring 1978
Called to Serve
Preston Snowman
Teacher at Pinecrest

Many people have little conception of the true function of Bible schools in their relationship to the possible ministry of those who attend them. Students who return to visit their home churches after a few months at school are often expected to have been transformed to such an extent that they suddenly become capable of almost any type of ministry. And the student, sensing this expectation, may come under some degree of self-condemnation because of the consciousness of what his limitation actually are. There are, of course, many exceptions to these general statements, and particular cases must be evaluated as they are found to be. However, the following four guidelines may provide some possible help in promoting better attitudes where they are needed.

1. No school can provide a “call” to the ministry for anyone. Only the Lord Himself can do that, although obviously a student may become aware of such a call before, during, or after Bible school. Somehow the idea persists that anyone graduating from a Bible school ought to enter “full time ministry,” but in actuality, every true follower of Christ is “full time.” “For now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him” (I Corinthians 12:18).
2. It nevertheless follows from this that it can be exceedingly profitable to attend a Bible school, even those who have no intention of “entering the ministry.” There is no better atmosphere and surrounding in which to help establish a firm foundation in the faith than a school that is sound in faith and vision for these last days. Churches everywhere need workers, teachers, elders, and consecrated local wage earners to assist in the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom. Every such institution ought first of all to teach students that “Whatsoever they do in word or deed, to do all to the glory of God.” People called of God in the Scriptures were usually busily occupied at something. It often takes a few years of faithful, humble service to prove ourselves before the Lord moves us into the field of His ultimate call.
3. Bible school graduates should therefore be allowed to “be themselves” in fulfilling their work and ministry, and not necessarily be “pressured” into some project that seems appropriate. Above all, they must hear from God for themselves. If we have not learned to do that in the lesser things, then how effective will our ministry be in a wider area?
4. This fourth suggestion is very important and concerns the attitude of the student himself. He must be careful in to seeking to impose upon his home church new view points or methods, without proper consideration. Sometimes students go home “all fired up,” and seek to bring in overnight a new order in their local group. If anyone has a type of ministry that will help others, wisdom from on High must be sought as to how best it may be shared. Sometimes it is done by humble example. At other times by private consultation with the leadership. Often the Spirit will indicate a combination of different methods. But there will always be the need for earnest prayer, along with humility and loving submission. These are factors through which the Holy Spirit can most effectively manifest light.

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing, knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” I Peter 3:8, 9