Why Go to Seminary?

Six Reasons to Go to Seminary

1. Scope and Rigor of the Call

   Answering God’s call to enter ministry is one of the most difficult and courageous decisions you can make. Whether it’s pastoring, church planting, chaplaincy, formation, Christian thought leadership, justice or missions work, ministry is not a romantic romp of Bible preaching, creating exciting events and programs, and comforting hurting souls.

   It’s a job that engages the principalities and powers of darkness. It’s a role with few financial or social rewards. It will always take you to the end of yourself. There are few compliments and many conflicts. The responsibilities bleed into every area of your life, even weekends, family time, evenings, vacations, and personal downtime. You constantly disappoint people whose expectations you can rarely meet. For this elite, tough work, you must prepare yourself for the importance and challenge of the call.

2. Requirement for Preparation

   If you were going into battle as a soldier, you would want to be fully trained and prepared for every eventuality. If you were a surgeon, pilot, or social worker, you would want to know your craft and have practiced it until you feel confident to serve others in that role. So why would the highest calling of serving a church or a mission require less?

   Jesus himself intentionally trained his disciples for two years. The early church had a rigorous training process for its elders and ministers. Throughout history, Christian leaders have always taken seriously the need to prepare those called to ministry for the spiritual, mental and human challenges before them.

3. Knowledge of the Bible, Church History and Theology

   The fundamentals of understanding Christian faith are the disciplines of the church: Old and New Testament studies, church history and theology. Engaging in these vast, ancient fields requires a commitment to study, think critically, engage with experts, and discern with the Holy Spirit.

   Grades, exams, essays and discussions are all part of serious and responsible learning. It matters that we have rooted in our minds the best thinking about Scripture and theology. It matters that we are not casual about our faith or arrogant enough to think that our frail minds can hold all the wonder and truth of God. We need the “great cloud of witnesses” to help guide and form us.

4. Complexity of Required Skills

   To lead and serve in ministry requires a complex set of skills that engage the mind, will, heart and soul. One needs to be able to think critically and respond professionally. You have to be self-aware, deeply rooted in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and relationally and culturally astute.

   Communication skills, conflict-management skills, change-management skills, leadership and administration skills, preaching, teaching, counseling, forming, listening and community engagement are necessary. These skills are learned and developed. Even with natural gifts, the bucket can quickly run dry without a well to return to.

5. Formation & Companionship

   In seminary, the education journey is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about the formation of oneself to be like Christ. Ideas are not enough.

   Many faithful people become complacent with their faith and spiritual disciplines. Seminary provides a steady focus on becoming like Christ over a period of time, with accountability and companionship. This is critical for developing leaders who can endure the tests and temptations of ministry and thrive in their calling over the long haul. By integrating this intentional formational focus into the curriculum, seminary leads to the best outcomes for growth and the best outcomes for a healthy minister in the long run.

6. Opportunities

   A seminary master’s or doctoral degree can open doors for a variety of ministries, such as chaplaincy (military, hospital, hospice, prison, business, etc.), soul care, missions, leadership positions in nonprofits, and teaching in schools and universities.

   To name a few examples:

   • The master of divinity (MDiv) is required for ordination in some denominations, as well as for military, prison, and hospital chaplaincy programs.
   • To do doctoral work in theological education, a master’s degree or MDiv is necessary.
   • If you want to be a spiritual director, getting a masters in spiritual formation brings an additional level of accountability and training oversight.

   A seminary graduate education comes with the opportunity for better-paying positions and more options.