Hi rainy...
I know what your friend is going through. I felt torn about going to college or merely doing what I could do for God until the Lord's return. I was prompted to avoid going to college by some godly Christian men that I knew. However, I noticed that some of these men were very poor...and often needed help from other Christians (most of whom attended college). Even those who didn't attend held some sort of trade (which can easily be learned in college).
Obviously, I still needed to get a job after graduation. I was a very vocal Christian in the "secular" high school that I attended...doing the work of an evangelist there. However, I still made sure to earn good grades (and graduated at the top of my large class). Although I felt an urgency to spread the Gospel, I am not a big advocate for "professional" preachers (who rely upon steady salaries to care for themselves and their families).
After high school, I began working at a restaurant while also assisting at a local church. I also made many efforts to be involved in ministry. I went on missionary trips to Mexico, preached on the streets, and even would talk to people randomly in the local shopping mall. I liked to pass out little Bibles (instead of wordy gospel tracts that would likely be thrown away). I did my best to purchase as many as I could with my little paycheck. I saw great success in the work that God was allowing me to be a part of. I helped create a street outreach that had grown to over 450 people per week. I felt like I was truly a "preacher" -- but was my job (working in a restaurant) was only there to support myself and to help pay for the work of God.
I often struggled with whether or not I should attend college. I knew that I didn't want to go to a Bible college...because I don't like to be taught doctrines that are promoted by denominations created by men. I knew the Word of God...very well...and studied it with great diligence. However, I realized that a Bible degree could only help me with my knowledge of the Word (if anything)...and not to provide for a family (and, by this time, I knew that I would eventually want to get married and have children). So I struggled with whether or not to earn an education (or trade)...or continue working for the Lord and relying on a low income to pay the bills.
One day (while at work), I realized that I could be doing both. I realized that I could earn an education while still working in the ministry at the same time. I enrolled in a "secular" university...majoring in two subjects...and asked the Lord to provide for me (if this was where I should be). Sure enough, I was able to earn several major scholarships (including a full-tuition scholarship from NASA...that covered my tuition, fees, housing, meals, and books) and a living assistance scholarship that helped to pay for my car, computers, clothes, etc...). In addition, I received the Pell Grant (from the government) which provided enough money to live off of for a couple of years while in school (without working).
One time, I was flat broke (having run out of scholarship and grant money). I spent the night in anguished prayer before the Lord. By 5 A.M., I told the Lord that I was in college because I felt that this was where He wanted me to be. I asked Him to demonstrate this by providing for my needs. I went to bed at about 6 A.M. (I didn't have a morning class that day), but awoke to a phone call from the financial aid office at about 8:15 A.M. They told me that I had received a grant and they wanted to know if I wanted to accept it. I asked, "This is a grant?" They told me yes. I said, "Well, then sure I want to accept it." I hung up...and then lay in my bed wondering if this was a dream. I called them back. "Uh, did someone just call me about a grant?" I asked. They said yes, and explained that a grant for about $3000 just appeared on their computer that morning under my name (halfway through the semester). I simply needed to go and physically sign the paper to receive it.
Secular colleges do require that all students complete "the basics" (subjects like English, History, Math, etc...)...but many of the "iffy" subjects are elected by the students. For instance, in most majors, you can CHOOSE which sciences you would like to take (Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, etc...). In fact, well more than half of your courses in college are selective. You do have to attend certain required courses...but even with these, you can choose the professors (even Christian professors), times of the day, and days of the week for each class. In fact, even I was even able to take Bible classes that counted toward my Engineering degree (and was taught by a Baptist minister on my secular college campus). In addition, I was heavily involved with wonderful Christian organizations on campus...and I even met my wife through one of them. We were married in 2007.
After graduating with two bachelors degrees, I continued my education through my Master's degree and a PhD (at secular universities). Why? I am aware that there are some jobs that can only be given to individuals who earn advanced degrees. I currently work for a biotech company in the Silicon Valley that makes robots for cancer patients. This is a highly educated...but godless place. You might say that "the fields are white unto harvest." Yet I am still very involved in ministry. While I am not volunteering at a local Church for such opportunities, I continue go to various places and hand out Bibles...or simply make the most of every opportunity to tell people about the Lord. In fact, I was recently able to point a coworker toward Christ.
You will hear many different opinions about education and careers. The important thing is to follow the path that the Lord leads you...with a clear conscience. I would urge your friend to approach this with a clear conscience...without giving a lot of weight to the opinions of those around him. There are many, many voices out there. Many of them feel that their voice, opinion or experience is the only one that matters. I am thankful that I was able to feel the nudging of the Lord above the voices of pastors and teachers who tried to direct me away from college. I feel that my university experience was very helpful...and provided many opportunities for ministry. I didn't "regress" as a believer during that time. In fact, I was strengthened in the faith.
I will be praying for your friend. If possible, let him know that my wife and I will be praying for him.
:-)
