The modern trend toward cutting down on “theoretical” studies in preparation for the ministry, and increasing “practical” studies, is deplorable and should be resisted. There are in America two kinds of theological seminaries and Bible institutions. In one kind, the aim is to equip the student with a certain amount of prepared material, which he can go out and preach. In the other kind, the aim is to place the tools of Bible study and theological research in the student’s hands, and train him in their proper use. He can then go out and preach, and will never run out of material to the end of his life. We believe the latter is the proper and only adequate type of training for the work of the ministry . . . God sometimes calls to the office of the ministry a man who has had little formal education, and in such exceptional cases, where the divine call is evident, the church should not hesitate to ordain the candidate to the ministry. Such cases will, however, be quite rare, especially in times when there are normal opportunities for gaining an education. The exception should not be allowed to become the rule.

J. G. Vos, The Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary, 449.