Training for the Ministry
A Sermon from the Opening of the London Theological Seminary
Scripture
Sermon Description
In this sermon titled “Training for Ministry,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares his vision for the theological training of pastors and preachers at the inaugural address for the London Theological Seminary in 1977. In his day, theological training had veered off course as the curriculum had been shaped by liberal theology. As the scholastic movement produced well-known universities, a heavy emphasis on philosophy and intellectualism had eclipsed the training of pastors for churches. A new institution for theological training was needed. The Christian church has a long history of training ministers for the gospel. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones surveys the Christian history of producing preachers, he laments the poor education that this modern era has produced. There must be a reconsideration of training ministers, a training that produces preachers of the gospel. Preachers, not mere teachers, must be trained. Teachers merely impart knowledge, but preachers seek to bring the whole Bible alive, proclaiming the great message, remembering that people have hearts as well as heads. These men must not be mere professionals but pastors who can lead God’s people. Additionally, training must be church-based. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that churches must have the confidence of these men and remain in contact with them throughout their training. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s vision unfolds in the opening of a new seminary.
Sermon Breakdown
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones is the chairman of the sponsoring committee for the London Theological Seminary. He expresses gratitude to the Kenziet Memorial College for hosting the event.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones considers himself a "poacher turned gamekeeper" indicating he previously held different views but has now changed his mind. He believes theological training needs to be reconsidered.
- Many are dissatisfied with existing theological education systems. Some think no training is needed while others want ecumenical training. Dr. Lloyd-Jones believes an evangelical seminary is needed.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones considers the history of theological education from early Christianity to today. He believes the 19th century approach focused too much on knowledge over preaching.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones believes preachers, not teachers, are most needed today. Preachers inspire and move people. Preachers are born, not made, but still need help and training.
- Students should feel a call to ministry and have certain character traits like humility. Tutors should be preachers and pastors, not just academics.
- Theological education is unique and spiritual, not just academic. Students will not have exams or degrees. The goal is to produce preachers, not experts.
- Students will learn biblical knowledge, exegesis, hermeneutics, theology, church history, revivals, and apologetics. Theology should lead to reverence, not restrict.
- The goal of the seminary is to broaden students' understanding, give them a deeper love of the Bible, inspire them to preach, and call down the fire of God.
- Pray for the seminary, students, faculty, and the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Q&A
What is the London Theological Seminary and Why Was It Founded?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in his inaugural address for the London Theological Seminary, explains the purpose and approach of this new theological training institution. The seminary was founded in response to dissatisfaction with existing theological education systems.
Why was the London Theological Seminary founded?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the seminary was founded for several key reasons:
"There are many reasons for this, and these are the reasons that have been moving us as members of this sponsoring committee. I believe that by now everybody virtually is dissatisfied with the existing systems."
Specifically, he cited:
- Dissatisfaction with existing theological colleges that had "lost all contact with the members of the Christian Church"
- A reaction against the emergence of ecumenical colleges that might include Roman Catholic training
- The need for a distinctly Protestant evangelical college
- The failure of existing colleges to produce effective preachers
- The desire for a broadly-sponsored college that would serve various Protestant evangelical groupings
What makes the London Theological Seminary different from other theological colleges?
Lloyd-Jones emphasized several distinctive features:
"We are concerned about starting an entirely different seminary. Something which is based not on the tradition that we've inherited, but which we feel is based rather upon our understanding of the New Testament picture."
Key differences include:
- No examinations or degrees: "There are to be no examinations in this college... We are not touching anything like that whatsoever."
- Church-based approach: "This college is to be a church based college."
- Focus on producing preachers rather than academics: "The primary need is for preachers."
- Tutors who are practicing pastors: "The tutors must not be academics primarily."
- Practical rather than theoretical approach to language study: Students receive "sufficient instruction [in Hebrew and Greek] to enable them to use their commentaries and so on in an intelligent manner."
What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' view on the purpose of theological training?
Lloyd-Jones presented a clear vision:
"What is the business of this college? What do we hope it's going to do? ...It is one of making him wider, of increasing his capacity at least to take in something of what he will never hope to grasp completely in this life."
He described the purpose as: - Teaching men to think theologically - Giving them a greater love for God's Word - Inspiring them with "a burning desire to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ"
Rather than merely imparting information, Lloyd-Jones believed the seminary should produce spiritually transformed preachers: "If their hearts are not warmer when they go out from you than when they came in, well, these tutors will have failed."
Itinerant Preaching
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.