Exam Time

In just a few days our students will enter exams for their first semester courses. There are several times in a school year that cause stress for students, and this is one of them! Some wonder why a Bible school needs to give exams and have a high level of academic requirements. What do the exams prove? Do you need a high grade point average when you pastor a church? Aren't there more important things we should be evaluating or training them to accomplish?

I think that these questions swirl around in the mind of students and theological/missionary educators on a regular basis. However, we come to find that a high level of academic achievement shows a students drive to be excellent in his or her life. We see that exams help them to learn discipline and focus, necessary tools for effective ministry. I'm not so sure that a high grade point average is a necessary requirement to be a pastor or a missionary (you would not be impressed if you saw my Bible School transcript!), but I do think that it is the effort exhibited that makes the difference, and is what God sees as commendable. God looks deep into the heart, sees the desire of a person to do his or her best, and gives them the ability to fulfill His call. Sometimes an exam can confirm the call, but sometimes it can confirm that you need to work on your weakness!

Pray for our students this week as they take their exams. Pray for God to continue His plan for their lives. Pray that God will reveal the aspects of His character that He wants to form in them while studying, taking exams, writing papers, and seeking His will.