Seminary Education

Would that include nonpastors who have attended bible college?

 

Dr Bob makes a good point: Never quit learning. I'm currently taking a comparative religions and philosophies class at my local community college. I've already got my grad degree, so it would be easy for me to say I don't "need" any more education. But you know what? Everyone needs an education, and everyone needs to continue to learn, whether they're degreed or not.

 

A man can fill a Baptist pulpit without the benefit of Bible College or Seminary. But I wouldn't want to.
One who has never attended seminary can not possibly imagine the knowledge and insight to be gained. Not only do you aquire Theological knowledge, but practical knowledge as well, in such areas as church administration, counseling, time management and other life issues affecting the church.
I am thankful every day that I made the decision to obtain all of the education that I could. I currently have two young men in my church who are aspiring to the pulpit ministry. Both are Bible College and Seminary bound.

 

* The blessing of a rich theological library which exposed me to books, commentaries, etc., that I would've never seen otherwise. Helped me in building my own library
* Seminary strengthened my belief in the inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility & authority of God's Word.
* Making friendships and relationships with students and professors that continue to this day.
* Learning from Godly servants who have been able to mentor me in practical ministry
* Humility
* Discipline in studying

I'm sure I'll think of more...if I do, I'll post them

 

I think that's true of seminary, as well. I do a lot of research on seminarians who are in their first churches after seminary or Bible college, and what you describe is common, regardless.

FWIW, the Bible college I went to was basically an undergrad seminary, with a curriculum based on what was then diploma programs at Boyce and at Southwestern Seminary. We even had CPE.

 

I went to TEDS after attending NBBC, BJU, and Grace College.

To see devoted followers of Christ from every denomination studying and serving the Lord was a real eye opener. That alone was worth the price of admission. The body of Christ is not limited to just one "brand."

 

QUOTE]Originally posted by gb93433:

Seminary helped to improve my grammar and writing abilities. It also helped me to organize a sermon better. During the time I had in classes helped me to better care for people as well.

[/QUOTE]I need to ask a question to make sure I'm not out of order before I post.

The above quote from gb93433 appeared in the thrread "The Reasons Why I See No Need for Formal Minstry Education".

Does this mean I can post on this string, even though I never went to seminary?

 

I will ditto these. Seminary was a very valueable experience in my life. You get out of it what you put into it. The preaching, theology and languages classes were all worthwhile!

 

Goodness, i dont even know where to begin. Seminary was so enriching and enlightening for me. I soaked up all the theology and everything else for that matter that I could. I was sad on graduation day b/c I wasnt ready for it to be over.

I really like how they laid out the different beliefs and systems that exist and didnt insist that "this one" or "that one" were the way to go. There was no brainwashing, contrary to some opinions.

 

What a question.

Well I am now in a better position to understand how the New Testament was formed. How God used history and men to put His Word (the Bible) in our hands (and the hands of many throughout History). I also enjoyed learning about how the church grew throughout history, and some of the problems it had, and how God used godly men to correct those problems (Luther, etc).

I have a better understanding of various doctrinal issues and thus I am in a better position to make an educated statement on those matters.

I read alot more books. Wait. I am not sure if that is good or bad since more books means more $$$$$$$ out the window!

Seminary has also given me an apologetic fever. I had it before seminary but before seminary it was a low grade fever. Now it is dangerously high. Which is a good thing (1Pet 3:15, Jd 3). As you can probably tell my apologetics focus is from a historical standpoint.

I am greatful to the Lord for giving me the chance to study at one of the best seminaries in the world. In my humble opinion anyway.

I am now off to earn a second masters in history. I can't wait.

In Christ,
Martin.

 

seminary gives you the tools to implement in your ministry to broaden your scope of ministry, deepen you insights in ministry, and acheive Kingdom growth in your ministry

 

QUOTE]Originally posted by gb93433:

Seminary helped to improve my grammar and writing abilities. It also helped me to organize a sermon better. During the time I had in classes helped me to better care for people as well.

I need to ask a question to make sure I'm not out of order before I post.

The above quote from gb93433 appeared in the thrread "The Reasons Why I See No Need for Formal Minstry Education".

Does this mean I can post on this string, even though I never went to seminary? </font>[/QUOTE]Will you please answer me, gb93433?

 

I am encouraged by the positive responses several have made about the value of seminary education -- how it teaches them how to study the Bible, how they learn to generate their own working theology, etc. I would just add that a good seminary is not only attuned to the theological tradition of the church, but it ia also aware of the intellectual and cultural currents of the world, and that is vital. We do need to understand the way those we are trying to reach think, and some courses in intellectual history or contemporary sociology are important for that.