For another perspective, read “Why you shouldn’t wait to go to seminary» by Keith A. Evans.
I am a new seminary graduate. I walked across the stage to receive my diploma just a few months ago. It was a wonderful day. Having this piece of paper on my wall means that I have been formally trained for the ministry of the gospel.
So what was I doing before I graduated? Pastor of a church.
I have been in vocational ministry for 12 years, 10 of them as senior pastor. During that time, I led two churches through difficult seasons: construction projects, replantings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and some contentious political seasons.
I’m weird. For the average pastor in the West, seminary generally follows a sense of call to ministry. After all, many faith groups require seminary training before ordination. It is rare for this to occur ten years or more after beginning ministerial work.
Why would a young man wait for seminary? Could this be a good idea? If you’re considering going to seminary or considering returning to get another degree, here are four reasons why it may be worth the wait.
1. Your vision for ministry must mature.
I was not a church kid. I was saved as an adult and had no paradigm for how to be a Christian, how the church should operate, or what pastors do. I began my ministry journey the traditional way by going to Bible college.
I’m weird. For the average pastor in the West, seminary generally follows a sense of call to ministry. It is rare for this to occur ten years or more after beginning ministerial work.
But when I got there, I struggled immensely. I hated. I didn’t understand how the seemingly frivolous theological discussions, the seemingly frivolous emphasis on grades, and the seemingly disconnected course material related to people’s need to see Christ. As I sat in class, I looked out the window and thought about how few people passing by knew Jesus. How will they hear about him while we are learning Greek here?
I left my Bible studies to become an intern at a church, and during that time I was trained and learned about pastoral ministry. As I met people and provided them with advice and care, I began to see how the truths discussed in the seminar room could illuminate the darkness of personal suffering. After “growing up” in ministry work, I was finally able to appreciate the value of formal education to ministry.
2. Your character needs to mature.
Shortly after meeting Jesus, I returned to my hometown. I had Christian friends, but I didn’t have deep relationships with pastors who flocked to (and scrutinized) my life. If they had been, I suspect they would have told me to wait and mature before jumping into a full-time degree program.
Many aspiring seminarians I have met can relate. They are missing a key element of their application: an unqualified affirmation from their local church that they are ready for seminary.
The seminary is not designed to help you acquire basic Christian maturity; that’s what the local church is for. Before diving headfirst into higher education, take time to grow in the local church under the guidance of mature Christian leaders who can support your calling and are committed to accompanying you throughout your education.
3. Your study habits need to evolve.
When I was in Bible college, my Old Testament professor pulled me aside after a three-hour class and said, “From now on, you should stand in the back of the class and pacing back and forth with a stress ball in hand. » I served in law enforcement before returning to school, and it had been years since I had been in a classroom. Sitting and listening to a three-hour lecture was difficult.
The seminary is not designed to help you acquire basic Christian maturity; that’s what the local church is for.
You may enjoy reading and studying theology and church history, but a seminary course load can still be difficult to keep up with. When I first downloaded all the tools for Greek vocabulary, reading Church history, and other topics, it overwhelmed me. It was certainly too much for me when I started Bible college. Even later in life, after I became accustomed to studying more as a pastor, I needed to grow in my abilities before I was ready to study full-time in seminary.
4. You must first count the cost to your family and your ministry.
I had planned to return to school to complete my degree after completing this internship, but once it was over, the Church called me to a pastoral role. Over time, religious and family responsibilities repeatedly prevented the continuation of schooling. It wouldn’t have been fair for me to sacrifice my marriage and family responsibilities to get a degree.
You also need to factor in the cost of your church. The seminar is a commitment of several years of work per week. There’s nothing wrong with pumping the brakes a little and waiting before committing to such a hectic course of study. It’s okay to admit that it’s not possible to pursue a new degree when you’re planting, replanting, or facing relationship difficulties in your church. Difficult ministry seasons demand more of pastors and ministry leaders than seasons of normalcy. If you are in a busy season of ministry, it may not be wise to devote your free time to a seminary degree. Taking care of your church and your family is the top priority.
The seminary is a good gift from God. If you can attend a biblically faithful seminary for theological and practical training for ministry, you should. But first, count the cost. It may be that waiting or taking a non-traditional route by completing a residency or internship is the best decision. Sometimes it’s best to wait so that you, your family, and the church you serve can get the most out of your seminary experience.