Should I go to seminary?
Have you ever asked "Should I go to seminary or get some type of formal biblical training? When's a good time to go? What should I consider before going? Are there good or bad motivations for going to seminary?"
Join Alli as she shares a brief version of her story about deciding to go to seminary, and how it is helping her grow in her love for God and others.
-
Surviving and Thriving in Seminary - I read this book during my first semester of seminary as part of my coursework. While it’s geared for current seminary students, it’s a helpful read if you want to get a glimpse into what seminary will look like, what will be expected of you, and what the non-financial costs will be (ex: family time, ministry responsibilities, etc). It’s also very practical and an easy read.
-
Western Seminary’s website shares a time-budgeting tool to help you learn more about your capacity for seminary. If you’re considering a seminary degree, this is a helpful resource to help you create an informed game plan.
-
If you prefer a more hands-on approach to deciding if seminary is right for you, try utilizing a SWOT Analysis chart. Though SWOT is usually performed in the business world, its basic principles can be transferred to your personal decision-making process as you put pen to paper.
Here’s a quick breakdown of SWOT. In a chart or a quadrant, list your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in relation to pursuing a seminary degree. Then briefly read through the process of analyzing a SWOT, like the one found here, and transfer those ideas to your considerations about seminary. Based on your conclusions, is seminary a wise decision for you?
