One of the questions that I am asked most often by young leaders is what I think about seminary as a way of preparing for ministry. More than a few friends have been surprised by my emphatic responses that have discouraged that path. While I see the value of continuing an education, our culture has somehow made the leap that obtaining a degree qualifies a person for leading the church. Seminary is not inherently bad by any means, but it, in and of itself, can never qualify someone to lead.

Inside of every apple is the blueprint for the orchard. Often, it is the process of dying to ourselves that allows the dream God planted…