Should I Attend a Seminary?

Whether you should enroll in seminary can be a difficult question to discern and answer. Many rewards, with perhaps as many challenges, await you as a seminarian. Understanding the purpose of going to seminary, discerning whether you are personally called to attend seminary, and assessing the pros and cons of enrollment will help you decide whether or not to go.

If you’re thinking about going to seminary, it is wise to contemplate why you want to attend. Identifying your reasons for going will help you decide whether enrolling in a seminary is right for you or if it would be better for you to achieve your spiritual and theological goals in another way.

Seminary Equips You

Others seek seminary education to improve their theological understanding. They may want to develop a more thorough knowledge of the Christian faith, better equipping them to instruct their families, teach a Bible study, more skillfully defend the faith, or counsel as a Christian. Taking classes with scholars in biblical languages and the Old and New Testaments enables one to know more about Christ. Such opportunities might also appeal to people who want to enter more deeply into fellowship with God. Seminaries can equip students with the resources and knowledge to walk more closely with God through studies of his word, piety, and prayer. All of these are good motivations to attend seminary.

Evaluating your calling is a second important step to deciding whether to enroll. Do you have a persistent passion for serving as a church leader? Is God developing ministerial gifts within you? Do people recognize them? Is scholarly Bible instruction and discussion what you crave? Do you want to know how to counsel congregants according to Christian values? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, seminary could be a stepping stone toward using your spiritual gifts well.

One of the several reasons people attend seminary is to eventually devote their lives to full-time ministry, especially since many churches require prospective ministers to have formal theological training. If this is your situation, consult leaders in the church or denomination you hope to serve, asking them to help direct you on the path toward full-time ministry with them.

Practical Considerations to Think About Before You Attend Seminary

Some more practical considerations include whether seminary would benefit your personal journey. Seminary might not be the best way to satisfy your desires to encourage fellow Christians and deepen your spiritual life. A spiritual mentor at your church, a group study with believers, or a book recommendation from a trusted pastor may be what you need if you do not intend to spend a significant portion of your future performing ministry service to others. Additionally, you may choose to audit a few seminary classes instead of seeking a full degree.

While there is plenty of potential to grow while attending a seminary, one should weigh the perceived advantages against the possible disadvantages.

Consider Finances

Finances are an important factor. Sometimes, churches, ministries, organizations, and seminaries offer financial support for students, but grants and scholarships are not always guaranteed. Many seminarians complete their education, even when they have families to support, but additional costs without adequate monetary support make attending seminary implausible for some in their current circumstances.

Are You Ready to Commit?

Seminary takes serious commitment. Graduating from a seminary often takes several years. This means that, for a few years, you will need to set aside a significant portion of time for reading, writing papers, studying, attending classes, and if studying on campus, accounting for travel time. For some students, this is in addition to spending time with their families, performing church responsibilities, and working. It is also wise to honestly reflect on your academic career. You should consider how much assistance and time you will need for your coursework. This is especially true if you are new to theological studies.

Attending Seminary Gives You Opportunities

As one enters seminary, one should consider the opportunities available once studies are completed. A few years in seminary can form a solid foundation for future opportunities, such as qualifying one for ordination, post-graduate theological education, and sharing deep learning with a community. If the Lord is not calling you into a life of ministry, it is worth considering that there are few career paths where a seminary degree will be helpful. A theological degree will usually open career doors relevant to your education.

The fruits one will gain in seminary may well be worth any challenges attendance may present. Every person has to prayerfully decide whether attending seminary is right for them.