Ever thought about attending seminary? Most people have a mental image of what it’s like. However, the experience often differs significantly from the stereotype. If you believe God is calling you into church leadership and you’re considering seminary, here are some thoughts and general guidelines to help you through the process.
When to Consider Seminary
Seminaries are designed with one goal in mind: preparing future church leaders, missionaries, and academic theologians for the life ahead. If you’re simply looking for an intense Bible study that will challenge you, seminary is likely not the solution. It would be like attending medical school to learn why you have persistent headaches or getting a law degree to determine if you have a legal case against your HOA. Depending on the subject, a single seminary class can involve 500-1000 pages of reading and up to 25-30 pages of academic writing. Professors expect their students to be, at minimum, seriously exploring a lifelong call to church leadership.
Should a seminary degree be required for entering ministry? Not necessarily. However, it’s crucial that you are properly educated. Some individuals are self-motivated learners who devour systematic theology textbooks, enjoy church history, and seek hands-on mentoring from experienced pastors. If that’s you, it’s possible to gain the education you need through other avenues. But for most students, seminary remains the most reliable way to receive a disciplined education alongside future church leaders under the guidance of skilled teachers. With the rise of online programs, seminary is now more accessible and financially feasible than ever before. It’s never been easier to find a program that suits you.
If you’re looking for a solid alternative, many churches are now providing their own institutes and residencies designed to help members explore a potential call to church leadership. Some of these programs are fairly robust. While primarily intended to prepare lay leaders for deeper ministry, they can serve as a stepping stone toward seminary if you’re still undecided.
Choosing a Degree Program
If you’re going into seminary, four basic degree options are available, based on your anticipated calling.
Certificate Programs: Most seminaries offer basic certificates in specific fields of study. These programs are short but provide an excellent introduction to the theological academic world. They are primarily designed for laypeople who wish to learn more about a particular topic. They do not substitute for an actual master’s degree. If you’re on the fence about attending seminary, credits earned toward certificates can often be transferred to an official degree program. It could be a great trial run if you’re still kicking the tires!
Master of Arts (MA): Master of Arts programs typically take two years to complete. They are highly customizable and are often designed for those seeking a vocational ministry role where biblical preaching and teaching are not the primary expectations. The most common program is the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE), usually chosen by future small group ministers, student ministers, and children’s ministers. Virtually every seminary offers the MACE, along with a wide variety of other MA programs. These degrees typically include coursework in biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and electives focused on practical ministry competencies.
Master of Divinity (MDiv): This is the bread-and-butter program of any seminary. It typically involves 80-95 hours of classes and takes 3-4 years to complete. It includes the same coursework found in an MA, but adds preaching courses and biblical language requirements. The Master of Divinity is specifically designed to help pastors handle God’s Word with forensic precision. Just as in college, you can select a specialized concentration based on your calling. This is the degree most pastoral search committees expect their candidates to obtain.
Master of Theology (ThM): These programs are specifically designed for future academics. It is a Master of Divinity on steroids. Expect all the same requirements, but you will delve even deeper into each topic. This is often a prerequisite for aspiring PhD students. Unless you intend to serve as a professor or a theologian-in-residence someday, the ThM is probably overkill.
Choosing a Seminary
You also want to be intentional about where you study.
Choose a school with a reputation you’re proud to bear. Every institution comes with its own brand of theology and reputation. For instance, Dallas Theological Seminary is known for its high academic rigor and firm adherence to dispensationalism. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is widely considered the go-to school for Reformed Baptist pastors. Most seminaries produce graduates who carry a particular reputation and theological leaning. Not all of these reputations are positive, though. Some seminaries have a poor reputation for producing argumentative and prideful graduates, while others have graduated individuals known for moral failures.
Research what each institution is known to produce and ensure you’re willing to embrace its brand. Who are its best-known professors? What are they recognized for in the theological space? Ask a pastor you trust for guidance. Whether you like it or not, future churches will often judge you based on your seminary’s perception in the broader theological community.
Choose a school that is accredited. While there are plenty of organizations that advertise theological education, research the accreditation of the seminary you’re interested in attending. By graduating from an accredited institution, you can be sure you’re being trained with a solid standard of academic rigor and intellectual integrity. Accreditors also examine the seminary’s governance and financial management, helping guard against misuse that could impact your education.
Choose a school you can afford. Remember, you’re transitioning from school to vocational ministry. While graduate programs in other fields typically pay for themselves through increased earning potential, seminary rarely does the same. Don’t burden yourself with debt that could hinder your ability to accept a future leadership role in a church. Most seminaries offer generous scholarship opportunities. Institutions affiliated with a specific denomination may also provide discounts. For example, Southern Baptist seminaries offer a 50% tuition discount for all students who are faithful members of a Southern Baptist church. Count the cost and ensure it’s sustainable.
Choose Wisely
The choice of whether to attend seminary is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Prayerfully consider the best path forward. Involve family members and mentors in the process. Don’t forget why you’re doing it and what education you need to succeed in ministry over the long-haul.
