I want to use this post to make a point I have long felt, but have a minority opinion
about…

Graeme Hunt wrote:

> Pastors who are worth their salt are learned in Hebrew and Greek.

> These are the tools for exegesis in order to teach what the scripture

> says.

First, let me say I studied Greek at seminary-level, taught it there, and did a
Masters’ level (MCD BD) subject or two in it – and enjoyed it.

I don’t know the proficiency in Hebrew and Greek of people here (with the possible
exception of Nigel), but I believe that pastors can learn in six months enough of the
rudiments of these languages to know how to find their way around lexicons…

I frankly don’t see the point of studying these ancient languages unless you are
really going to master them: which about 1 in 200 of the theologically-trained pastors
I’ve met have done (and that may be generous).

Down the track, the other 199 would rather have spent their Greek/Hebrew time in
theological college learning basic skills of leadership, conflict resolution, small group
dynamics and other subjects which our academically-modeled seminaries are still short
on…

(Ducks for cover :-)!

Rowland Croucher