The call to ministry is a call to preparation.

James tells us in his epistle, “Let not many of you become teachers, for you shall incur a stricter judgment.” (3:1) This verse is found in a discussion on the tongue and speaking toward the primary result of a call to ministry – namely, telling.  With this sobering perspective, what of those who have plowed forth full of heart , but empty of hand and head because they forfeited the call to preparation? . . .

I was asked to write an article on this in 650 word or less for our church eZine. Here is the article I turned in:

Why Seminary?

The article after handling:

http://www.colonial.org/magazine_articles/2010/0210Stansberry.html

Note: This is why I am a preacher before I am a writer.