Is Seminary Old School?
4 pastors weigh the pros and cons of higher education.
April 1, 2005
Q: Is Seminary Old School? How important is a degree for today's church leaders? Forcing Contemplation
Sometimes I'm tempted to think that requiring all would-be ministers to go through seminary is sort of like hazing—I had to suffer through it, so everyone else should too! But I'm really not that cynical. Earning both my seminary degrees put me through a rigorous, focused theological process. I read, wrote, and contemplated ideas I never would have touched if left to my own devices. So even though there are things that clearly need updating in order to equip missional leader-servants for the 21st century, most future ministers would benefit greatly if they did what I did. Does seminary guarantee competence in the trenches? Absolutely not. Would it be richer and more helpful if it were culturally more comprehensive? You bet. Is it for everyone? No, especially those who aren't cut out for graduate level studying. But even if a congregation isn't keen on higher education, a pastor owes it to them, to himself, and to the Lord to get both mind and heart in shape for many years of ministry. Training in Church
While I think a seminary education is very beneficial, I do not think it is essential for all church leaders. Most leaders in our church have extensive experience in the marketplace. After attending the church for a few years, they develop a passion for our vision and philosophy of ministry. Then they leave their marketplace position to join our ministry team, often at a significant pay cut. As a result they come to our staff with proven leadership skills. Rather than seeing these gifted leaders absent from ministry while they attend seminary, I favor a partnership between schools and churches to provide theological instruction ...
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