Many already involved in Christian ministry or contemplating going into the ministry do not seem to find it important to consider a seminary education beyond an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a Bible college or Christian university. However, there are many compelling answers to the question Why attend seminary?
First, significant professional development is gained in a concentrated, dedicated time of study. Most pastors and ministry professionals are far too busy to spend a lot of ti
me isolated from distractions, surrounded by colleagues, delving deeply in to resources and simply soaking in theological nourishment. This time set aside simply to study can be invaluable in forming a solid foundation from which to live a life of ministry.
Seminary will be one place a person can discover and work to develop their God-given gifts. The atmosphere of inquiry and feedback is a safe place from which to explore personal development.
Seminary is, quite simply, a deep and wide Bible study. Students will engage the whole Bible in depth and at length. In this exposure, they will be forced to develop their own theology by adding, deleting and modifying beliefs according to what is learned. They will learn from the church fathers and other contributors to Christianity, both of old and of contemporary times.
At the same time that students are grappling with the nuances of doctrine and practice of their denomination, they will be able to interact with those who think and minister differently, both personally and theologically. Rubbing shoulders with folks who are dissimilar will invariably make individuals better thinkers and ministers.
Most seminaries these days place an emphasis on spiritual formation, rather than assume it is happening between and around church time and hands-on ministry time. Students will be equipped with practices that will serve their spiritual well-being for personal and ministry life for the rest of their days.
Seminary is one place where it is both critical and safe to dialog about social issues. Those who are not familiar with the implications of this trend or that fad should be able to find someone among their instructors and peers who can break it down clearly, offer resources, and point out the different ways to consider it. There are contemporary issues in politics and society and on the global scene that have huge impact on both segments of humanity and on shifts in worldview. Knowing how to address these with integrity to the Word of God and nature of Christ is paramount to effective ministry. This alone is frequently the most compelling answer for those asking Why should I attend seminary?
Finally, the gift of fellowship with peers cannot be overlooked. Those in ministry face enormous pressures, not just in the daily work of their profession, but also their personal lives. Seminary is one place that individuals can make friendships that will last a lifetime, people who will be support and wisdom, accountability and stress relief in tough times.
Taking all of these advantages into consideration, the answer to the question Why attend seminary? becomes Who do I want to become as a minister? Please visit www.iccsonlinebiblecollege.com, to learn more about how a seminary education can enhance your ministry.