The whole point of this blog is to show you, using scripture, that it is the Lord who calls us and appoints us to our position in the body of Christ, not people and not ourselves. Man’s influence should not cause you to jump into something that the Lord did not send you to do. Likewise, the traditions of men should not hinder you from doing what the Lord called you to do.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Who calls and chooses one to become a pastor, an apostle, a bishop, an evangelist, a prophet, a missionary and a minister of Jesus Christ? According to the bible, it is Jesus Christ Himself and God the Father who calls and sets those in our place in the body of Christ. The LORD places us in the school of the Holy Ghost and Word of God from the moment HE saved us.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
LEADERS & SERVANTS
Luke 22:26 … but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
MEMBERS OF THE BODY

CART BEFORE THE HORSE
I know many people who want the title “Prophet” and “Pastor” and “Bishop” and “Evangelist,” so they can be applauded by men. God takes it very serious and holds those people even MORE accountable because they are responsible for leading people’s souls. Do you know what God says to those shepherds who don’t take Him seriously?
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Full chapter here.
Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Pretty serious. So, not everyone should hastily jump to become a pastor/apostle/prophet of God just because it sounds like a good idea, or because church folk are pressuring you to be ordained, or simply because you agree with the bible. Oprah Winfrey agrees with the bible too, but she doesn’t do what the Lord Jesus says do. Jesus said repent, but Oprah says do whatever way makes you feel “alive.” Agreeing with the bible, having a love for people and ministry, attending seminary school, and memorizing thousands of scripture IS AWESOME, but that doesn’t automatically give you authority to lead the flock of Jesus Christ or qualify you to teach others to understand the bible. Theology school is a man-made tradition for those who seek bible education and/or ordination. But the bible says you must be born-again. Being born again, filled with the Holy Ghost is what enables you to speak with boldness and authority to go out and preach, not school. Leading the flock without being born again and Spirit-led is putting the cart before the horse. Jesus first!
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
LED BY THE SPIRIT OR BIBLE SCHOOL?
Can a person attend a bible school and inspire others as pastor? Yes. But is God concerned whether you’re inspiring people as pastor or not? I’m sure there are numerous faithful spirit-filled preachers who have their theology degree. Being converted and led by the Spirit of God is what is important. Having a degree in theology is not what saves souls. Personally knowing the Living Word (Jesus Christ) and preaching His gospel is what saves souls. The Holy Ghost leads us and guides us into all truth. Without the Holy Spirit one can easily be deceived and even deceiving others. Those people are good at talking the “talk” but they don’t walk the talk. Outwardly they look like sheep, but inwardly their heart is far from God. An example of this would be Michael Aus, a former Christian Pastor turned atheist. Aus has head knowledge of the bible, years of formal bible schooling, and years in the pulpit leading a congregation, but no true faith in Christ. This former pastor, Michael Aus, walked away from Christianity because he was a false convert who never knew the love of Jesus Christ Lord, nor truly believed . He was ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. He was never truly saved. He was a powerless shepherd leading the gullible sheep to the slaughter. Why do I label this former pastor turned atheist a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Because he gained the trust of the sheep, he led the sheep, he spoke like a true shepherd of the sheep – but he really didn’t love God at all. And not only that, now he’s speaking at various conferences with the goal of drawing Christians away from the faith… because he never had faith. That, my friend, is a wolf. He just decided to take off the sheep’s clothing. Very disturbing.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
EDUCATED BUT NOT AUTHENTIC
In my opinion, seminary/divinity school can be a dangerous place for any man or woman of God. Why? Because you learn how to be a minister, how to talk like a minister and how to carry yourself like a leader. Completing man’s checklist, which is outward, but what God requires is inward. Besides, if God didn’t send you then you’re training for nothing. Anyone can get their degree and go become a pastor/overseer/shepherd of the flock. Education can undermine the authentic. If there’s no heart conversion then seminary is pointless. You go in, you learn the bible, you learn to be religious, you graduate and then are sent out to LEAD the flock. That’s dangerous. Jesus wants disciples who love Him and love His sheep. Not saying you can’t do both. I know people who are both – bible educated and love Jesus. But the real test is not in school and it’s not necessarily behind the pulpit. The real test is real life!
Do you love God? Then feed His sheep. How do you feed them? With the truth. What truth? God’s word. How do you know God’s word? By reading it. What if I don’t have faith? Keep reading God’s word and ask Him to increase your faith.
John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Galatians 3:5-6 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
The videos below are not to discourage you from attending seminary, but it is to inform you that it’s not absolutely necessary. Not one apostle in the bible went to Apostleship Academy before or after the Lord called them. The only One you need is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is absolutely NECESSARY!