Have anyone of you made it through Seminary by taking 1 or 2 classes per semester?

MinisterP, I stretched a 3 year M.Div. into 9 years. I'm glad I stuck it out. Hang in there!

 

I agree that family comes first. I tried to complete a 4 year BS in Biology with a minor in Anthropology by taking 1 or 2 classes per semester. I was getting nowhere fast. However, when I obeyed God at changed my degree to Biblical Studies (and came to SEBTS) I turned full-time student. I completed my BA in Biblical Studies in 4 1/2 years. Now I am doing the MA in Intercultural Studies. I have always tried to limit the impact to my family. I found a job working full-time 3rd shift security that allows me to study between my rounds. That way I kill two birds with one stone. I take the minimum course load (9 credits = 3 classes) to be a full-time student and make sure that I schedule my classes so that I can pick my kids up from school. It is a slow process to finish Seminary, but I'll do it with Christ's help.

 

Not only that...

But you had better take the time to work through your theological beliefs before you even attempt to serve as a pastor. I cannot tell you how many men I have seen come to seminary for a couple of semesters then leave for the ministry without finishing their degree. Most have ended up beaten and brused and with a messed up church that finally gives them the boot. Then they come dragging back into seminary with their tails between their legs and all wish that they had finished school first.

In my Church History II class last semester we had to read a work entitled "The Reformed Pastor" by Baxtor. If was written back in the 1600s I believe. Anyway, after reading it one student ask the professor, "How did these pastors find time to prepare their sermons and accomplish all the things that Baxtor recommends that they do?" Dr McKinion answered, "You see it was different back then. Those men went through seminary and worked out their theology first. Then they generally spent about three years serving under an established pastor before they were allowed to pastor a church. They did not have to spend 25-30 hours a weak working through their sermon material because they already had their theology nailed down. I am not saying that they did not take time to prepare sermons, they just did not need to take the kind of time to work through big theological questions, as we do today, because they took the time to study and be educated first."

Today, we come to semimary with the expectation that we will get through as fast as possible and start serving in the ministry. We come with families that we must support, so we have to work full-time. We have kids that need us, so we try to spend quality time with them. We desire to be used of God, so we try and find a place in ministry as fast as we can. In the end we neglect our studies and preparation and end up not being the sharp sword that God wants to mold us into. We cheat ourselves and we short change our congregations. The point is if God wants you in the ministry he wants you to be well prepared and ready to serve him to his glory. Get the education first and settle your theology then give your all to bring glory to God in the ministry.