The Value of Going to Seminary for a Motivated Christian

[cyberjosh]

I couldn't find quite the right place to put this, but this falls partially under the category of "Christian Living".

For someone who believes they are called or equipped in some capacity to preach, teach, or lead within the Church what value to you believe that there is in going to a Seminary to learn right doctrine, theology, Church History, and the original languages? I know some of this depends on your individual inclinations and personality because the answer could be different for different subjects. I think all Christians would agree that we need to be knowledgeable in good doctrine but not all may be inclined (or patient enough) to pursue knowledge of the original languages.

For me personally I always wanted to go to Seminary and pursue at least a Masters degree, and I have always felt my gifts and learning be rewarded while at the same time being significantly (and positively) challenged in a seminary environment, almost like I was built to breath its air. I have recently found a way to bridge for now that interest and the fact that I have a full time/technical job, and no time to seek a degree, in that a seminary near me (Beeson Divinity School at Samford University) had the brilliant idea several years ago to offer condensed forms of their for-credit classes at a significantly reduced price, oriented toward lay people in the work force (and they position schedules for late evening classes for those who work a typical 8-5 job). They call the program the "Lay Academy of Theology" with several course offerings.

I decided to take a challenging, fascinating, and oh-so-relevant class for the first time this semester on Christian morality as applied to hot button topics like abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and war (to train and equip Christians to not take a head-buried-in-the-sand approach toward any of those issues). I am loving it so far to say the least, even if only to be in presence of other eager Christians who want to learn (which, sadly, can be a rarity these days)! They had another course in the same time slot on an exegesis/examination of the book of Exodus (which also sounded great) but I'm happy that I chose the class I did since it deals more with "where-the-rubber-meets-the-road" issues.

My deepest spiritual needs have been more than met in the last 2 years since I organized a small group that consistently meets at my house weekly for reading the Word, prayer, worship, accountability, fellowship, and edification. But I really see my intellectual preparedness for defending the faith, and even preparedness to tackle Christian moral and ethical questions, soar when I am in such a learning environment as a Seminary.

As the "Angel's Advocate" voice of caution, I can officially say that I greatly enjoyed this response by John Piper about this question. Watch the short video here:

Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmn7j6hctug

However taking my queue from his "allowances" I find myself (in mind & spirit) having a strong affinity toward and desire to be like "a Don Carson", as he mentions, and as a matter of fact I even like studying German (which he also mentions) and find it linguistically interesting and historically useful to read German Christian writings on the faith and the Bible (and ultimately Luther himself). I am a "Type A" scholar personality type.

I will also say from having audited a class at Beeson before and talking to various professors that they are not one of the "stupid PhD" issuing Seminaries but indeed are committed to the word of God and have a genuine focus on faith and teaching together. You are likely to find at least five or more books at any Christian bookstore written by some of the professors at Beeson actually, because they are deeply engaged in trying to dissemenate useful information to every day people, and are active in publishing.

My "wrestlings" as of late, which I have begun in earnest to bring before God in prayer (because when we leave making big life decisions like that solely up to ourselves, and do not consult God, we often take the road of the flesh's desire instead of God's), have been whether or not to quit my full time job and pursue going to Seminary. It really has become a dream for me to go to seminary. But I'm also praying to see if God has something beyond what I could even imagine exactly where I am at, where I can apply the level of learning and spiritual gifts that I already have. Of course either are possible and valid, but seeking God's will is key.

I suppose that I chose this semester to go to the once-a-week Lay Academy night class as a kind of "Gideon testing" of God's will to see what will fall out. Maybe there is a middle ground and I can just continue taking the Lay Academy of Theology courses until I feel equipped or otherwise directed by God how to apply it. At the same time I still have not received a "no" from God about going to seminary, so I still hold the possibility.

What are other people's thoughts on this issue and have you ever thought of being taught in a seminary, even if for more of a missions focus than on scholarship or theology (which it another Masters track you can take)?

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

God Bless,
Josh

 

[JLB]

I couldn't find quite the right place to put this, but this falls partially under the category of "Christian Living".

For someone who believes they are called or equipped in some capacity to preach, teach, or lead within the Church what value to you believe that there is in going to a Seminary to learn right doctrine, theology, Church History, and the original languages? I know some of this depends on your individual inclinations and personality because the answer could be different for different subjects. I think all Christians would agree that we need to be knowledgeable in good doctrine but not all may be inclined (or patient enough) to pursue knowledge of the original languages.

For me personally I always wanted to go to Seminary and pursue at least a Masters degree, and I have always felt my gifts and learning be rewarded while at the same time being significantly (and positively) challenged in a seminary environment, almost like I was built to breath its air. I have recently found a way to bridge for now that interest and the fact that I have a full time/technical job, and no time to seek a degree, in that a seminary near me (Beeson Divinity School at Samford University) had the brilliant idea several years ago to offer condensed forms of their for-credit classes at a significantly reduced price, oriented toward lay people in the work force (and they position schedules for late evening classes for those who work a typical 8-5 job). They call the program the "Lay Academy of Theology" with several course offerings.

I decided to take a challenging, fascinating, and oh-so-relevant class for the first time this semester on Christian morality as applied to hot button topics like abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and war (to train and equip Christians to not take a head-buried-in-the-sand approach toward any of those issues). I am loving it so far to say the least, even if only to be in presence of other eager Christians who want to learn (which, sadly, can be a rarity these days)! They had another course in the same time slot on an exegesis/examination of the book of Exodus (which also sounded great) but I'm happy that I chose the class I did since it deals more with "where-the-rubber-meets-the-road" issues.

My deepest spiritual needs have been more than met in the last 2 years since I organized a small group that consistently meets at my house weekly for reading the Word, prayer, worship, accountability, fellowship, and edification. But I really see my intellectual preparedness for defending the faith, and even preparedness to tackle Christian moral and ethical questions, soar when I am in such a learning environment as a Seminary.

As the "Angel's Advocate" voice of caution, I can officially say that I greatly enjoyed this response by John Piper about this question. Watch the short video here:

Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmn7j6hctug

However taking my queue from his "allowances" I find myself (in mind & spirit) having a strong affinity toward and desire to be like "a Don Carson", as he mentions, and as a matter of fact I even like studying German (which he also mentions) and find it linguistically interesting and historically useful to read German Christian writings on the faith and the Bible (and ultimately Luther himself). I am a "Type A" scholar personality type.

I will also say from having audited a class at Beeson before and talking to various professors that they are not one of the "stupid PhD" issuing Seminaries but indeed are committed to the word of God and have a genuine focus on faith and teaching together. You are likely to find at least five or more books at any Christian bookstore written by some of the professors at Beeson actually, because they are deeply engaged in trying to dissemenate useful information to every day people, and are active in publishing.

My "wrestlings" as of late, which I have begun in earnest to bring before God in prayer (because when we leave making big life decisions like that solely up to ourselves, and do not consult God, we often take the road of the flesh's desire instead of God's), have been whether or not to quit my full time job and pursue going to Seminary. It really has become a dream for me to go to seminary. But I'm also praying to see if God has something beyond what I could even imagine exactly where I am at, where I can apply the level of learning and spiritual gifts that I already have. Of course either are possible and valid, but seeking God's will is key.

I suppose that I chose this semester to go to the once-a-week Lay Academy night class as a kind of "Gideon testing" of God's will to see what will fall out. Maybe there is a middle ground and I can just continue taking the Lay Academy of Theology courses until I feel equipped or otherwise directed by God how to apply it. At the same time I still have not received a "no" from God about going to seminary, so I still hold the possibility.

What are other people's thoughts on this issue and have you ever thought of being taught in a seminary, even if for more of a missions focus than on scholarship or theology (which it another Masters track you can take)?

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

God Bless,
Josh

Spending time with the Lord every day, and learning to walk with Him and be led by His Spirit is what is going to lead to a fruitful ministry.

Without being filled with the Holy Spirit and having the anointing on your ministry, all the book knowledge in the world will not change someones heart.

Look at the examples from the word.

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:8-13


Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.


God bless you dear Brother as you seek Him.

JLB

 

[cyberjosh]

Indeed. Without the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, our Christian walk would be impossible and fruitless. And it is quite right that it is not necessary to be educated, as it plainly shows in Acts, since the Holy Spirit equipped them as needed.

My question/topic more pertains to: in the realm of those things permissible, but not necessary, of what value do you think it would be to go to Seminary? Think of those Christians like Apollos and Paul who were well learned in the Law, no doubt taught in the Synagogue (the Jewish Seminary of their day). Necessary? No. Most of the Jewish "common people" were not (like Peter), and Paul was rather privileged in his education under Gamiliel. Yet could it be beneficial when submitted to God? Certainly! Apollos used his knowledge of Scripture to great effect! Luther developed his critical insights of Faith Alone (Sola Fide) while studying in a Seminary. We may surely enlist historical examples galore.

The Holy Spirit is able to equip us in all things, but it is equally true that Christians can (and are instructed to) edify other Christians by teaching one another, and Seminaries are just educational institutions which extend that principle of teaching. This is almost like a, "What personal advice would you give to your own son or daughter if they had a zeal to study God's Word among those who have dedicated their life to its right-teaching (like those teaching at Seminary, who are very often also Pastors of Churches)?" question. My Dad personally was very supportive of it for me, but I'm asking each person's view in the liberty that is in Christ.

God Bless,
Josh

 

[Christ_empowered]

I'm a Baby Christian and all, but I say...go for it! The world needs more Christians who can defend the faith and win others to Christ. The vast majority can't and won't go to Seminary. Many would like to but can't. If you have opportunity and the burning desire, I'd say...go for it!

I've heard that there's high burn out among ministers and stuff like that, but...there's a lot you can do with an M.Div. My counselor (public mental health place) has an M. Div. I think you have to pray on it, you have to talk to your friends and family, and you have to seek out God's guidance for your life. That said...I don't see why you shouldn't do it.

 

[farouk]

I couldn't find quite the right place to put this, but this falls partially under the category of "Christian Living".

For someone who believes they are called or equipped in some capacity to preach, teach, or lead within the Church what value to you believe that there is in going to a Seminary to learn right doctrine, theology, Church History, and the original languages? I know some of this depends on your individual inclinations and personality because the answer could be different for different subjects. I think all Christians would agree that we need to be knowledgeable in good doctrine but not all may be inclined (or patient enough) to pursue knowledge of the original languages.

For me personally I always wanted to go to Seminary and pursue at least a Masters degree, and I have always felt my gifts and learning be rewarded while at the same time being significantly (and positively) challenged in a seminary environment, almost like I was built to breath its air. I have recently found a way to bridge for now that interest and the fact that I have a full time/technical job, and no time to seek a degree, in that a seminary near me (Beeson Divinity School at Samford University) had the brilliant idea several years ago to offer condensed forms of their for-credit classes at a significantly reduced price, oriented toward lay people in the work force (and they position schedules for late evening classes for those who work a typical 8-5 job). They call the program the "Lay Academy of Theology" with several course offerings.

I decided to take a challenging, fascinating, and oh-so-relevant class for the first time this semester on Christian morality as applied to hot button topics like abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and war (to train and equip Christians to not take a head-buried-in-the-sand approach toward any of those issues). I am loving it so far to say the least, even if only to be in presence of other eager Christians who want to learn (which, sadly, can be a rarity these days)! They had another course in the same time slot on an exegesis/examination of the book of Exodus (which also sounded great) but I'm happy that I chose the class I did since it deals more with "where-the-rubber-meets-the-road" issues.

My deepest spiritual needs have been more than met in the last 2 years since I organized a small group that consistently meets at my house weekly for reading the Word, prayer, worship, accountability, fellowship, and edification. But I really see my intellectual preparedness for defending the faith, and even preparedness to tackle Christian moral and ethical questions, soar when I am in such a learning environment as a Seminary.

As the "Angel's Advocate" voice of caution, I can officially say that I greatly enjoyed this response by John Piper about this question. Watch the short video here:

Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmn7j6hctug

However taking my queue from his "allowances" I find myself (in mind & spirit) having a strong affinity toward and desire to be like "a Don Carson", as he mentions, and as a matter of fact I even like studying German (which he also mentions) and find it linguistically interesting and historically useful to read German Christian writings on the faith and the Bible (and ultimately Luther himself). I am a "Type A" scholar personality type.

I will also say from having audited a class at Beeson before and talking to various professors that they are not one of the "stupid PhD" issuing Seminaries but indeed are committed to the word of God and have a genuine focus on faith and teaching together. You are likely to find at least five or more books at any Christian bookstore written by some of the professors at Beeson actually, because they are deeply engaged in trying to dissemenate useful information to every day people, and are active in publishing.

My "wrestlings" as of late, which I have begun in earnest to bring before God in prayer (because when we leave making big life decisions like that solely up to ourselves, and do not consult God, we often take the road of the flesh's desire instead of God's), have been whether or not to quit my full time job and pursue going to Seminary. It really has become a dream for me to go to seminary. But I'm also praying to see if God has something beyond what I could even imagine exactly where I am at, where I can apply the level of learning and spiritual gifts that I already have. Of course either are possible and valid, but seeking God's will is key.

I suppose that I chose this semester to go to the once-a-week Lay Academy night class as a kind of "Gideon testing" of God's will to see what will fall out. Maybe there is a middle ground and I can just continue taking the Lay Academy of Theology courses until I feel equipped or otherwise directed by God how to apply it. At the same time I still have not received a "no" from God about going to seminary, so I still hold the possibility.

What are other people's thoughts on this issue and have you ever thought of being taught in a seminary, even if for more of a missions focus than on scholarship or theology (which it another Masters track you can take)?

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

God Bless,
Josh

Josh:

Samford is completely integrated now, right?

I understand it didn't use to be.

Blessings.

 

[turnorburn]

Unless you get that "No" from the Lord you'll do just fine..

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.



tob

 

[cyberjosh]

Josh:

Samford is completely integrated now, right?

I understand it didn't use to be.

Blessings.

I have to say that this question threw me for a loop (as the expression goes) since I didn't know what you meant by "integrated" for a moment. Once I contextualized it within Brimingham's civil rights history it suddenly made sense, but I had to google for how Samford fit into the picture and found this: http://www4.samford.edu/belltower/061009/flynt_recalls_racial_integration.php. It probably has been integrated since at least the 1980s. There has been no racial segregation on that campus for at least two decades and unless you had said something about it I would have been none the wiser. It's like any other modern university or college that I've seen or been to. The class I'm taking now at Beeson/Samford has some brothers and sisters in Christ that are black and it is all as it should be. I lived in Birmingham for over 3 years and it has come a long way from where it was (note I was born in 1987 so the civil rights movement had all but prevailed by then - so I have never in my life seen mistreatment of blacks or minorities - and would be enraged if I did).

I agree wholeheartedly with Frederick Douglass's statements which he learned with difficulty through patiently enduring hardship and abuse as a slave, that any supposed "Christianity" that holds prejudice against those of another race is not the pure religion of Christ:

"What I have said respecting and against religion, I mean strictly to apply to the ~slaveholding religion~ of this land, and with no possible reference to Christianity proper; for, between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference--so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked. To be the friend of the one, is of necessity to be the enemy of the other. I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity."

That quote comes from the appendix to his autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" in the back of the book. It is well worth reading in its entirety here: http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/fdouglass/bl-fdoug-narrative-app.htm.

Thanks be to God that the "Christianity of this land" has changed since the time of Frederick Douglass!!!