I Was Just Thinking
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Seminary in a book?
I've gotten lots of emails as a result of my introduction to this week's Preaching Now. (Click here to read.)
Here's how I responded to one brother who said he was unable to attend seminary. He wondered whether my comments were sarcastic or serious, and wondered whether such a book would be helpful. I wrote him: "I was poking fun at the way they promoted this book as a replacement for a seminary education.
"I do understand that going away to seminary is not an option for everyone. Sometimes on-line study is an option, and there are increasing numbers of good programs being developed along these lines. Many pastors have trained through a combination of focused reading (more than one book!) and mentoring with more experienced ministers.
"I'm sure the book is fine and might even be helpful as an introduction to what a seminary education will include. But just don't think of it as a substitute for serious study, which can be done both in and out of a seminary classroom."
Another pastor who entered ministry after several degrees and an Air Force career wrote me to question how valuable seminary would be for him. He also cited the example that Jesus chose non-seminary trained men as His disciples. I responded:
"You come to your ministry with a great combination of academic training and leadership experience. For you, a seminary education would be a nice bonus but is not essential. However, if you were in your 20's and sensed a call to ministry, I'd strongly encourage you to consider seminary as a foundation for pastoral service, not only for the academic preparation but also for the opportunities to be mentored by senior faculty and to build a network of ministry colleagues with fellow students.
"As for Jesus choosing non-seminary-trained men - I've always figured spending 24/7 with the Lord for three years was about as good a seminary as you could get! After all, He wrote the textbook!"
It's always fun to get feedback on something like this. Let me hear from you!
Comments:
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Thanks for your thoughts. As a pastor in the "liturgical" tradition (Lutheran-Christian), I can't help but notice you've left out the chance to enter the Lord's house Mon.-Fri. with the Doctors of the Church; to hear them pray, sing, preach, and practice good churchmanship is the living, 3-Dimensional textbook that should be required for everyone. It is required to complete our DELTO program (Distance Education Leading to Ordination). Participants must come to the Seminary campus at some pre-chosen and mutually agreed-upon intervals to experience, listen, pray, and receive the gifts of God in Word and Sacrament with the professors.
Pax Christi
Pax Christi
Michael,
While I would agree with you, that you could not get a seminary education from one book I would have to say also, that there are many good and godly men in the pulpits of churches who have no seminary education. Many of these men have spent their lives reading, studying and devoting themselves to the Lord and His Word.
I personally, have had two years of schooling (Boyce Bible School)but did not graduate, though sometimes, I do regret that. What I have learned from the Scriptures and from books of godly men cannot be substituted for anything. I have also had several great examples to follow.
I would recommend that any young man go to seminary and get an education in ministry, but follow God's lead, and go to a good Biblical, Christ centered seminary.
While I would agree with you, that you could not get a seminary education from one book I would have to say also, that there are many good and godly men in the pulpits of churches who have no seminary education. Many of these men have spent their lives reading, studying and devoting themselves to the Lord and His Word.
I personally, have had two years of schooling (Boyce Bible School)but did not graduate, though sometimes, I do regret that. What I have learned from the Scriptures and from books of godly men cannot be substituted for anything. I have also had several great examples to follow.
I would recommend that any young man go to seminary and get an education in ministry, but follow God's lead, and go to a good Biblical, Christ centered seminary.
I liked your post at PN, and I appreciate your explanation here.
There's certainly no quick way to obtain a valuable seminary education. But actually, a 751-page book is more education than a lot of ministers out there have: it might do a lot of folks good to read it.
There's certainly no quick way to obtain a valuable seminary education. But actually, a 751-page book is more education than a lot of ministers out there have: it might do a lot of folks good to read it.
I, too, enjoyed your "Preaching Now" essay, as I always do. In fact I adapted it as a quote in a larger audio CD we produce here each month for commuters of Dallas First Church called "Road Warriors." It's designed to help those who travel to work in the Dallas Metroplex to redeem some of the time by using it to pray for this ministry and the Church around the world.
Keep up the good work...I'll see you in April in Dallas.
Robert C. Simmons
Keep up the good work...I'll see you in April in Dallas.
Robert C. Simmons
Michael,
I have been reading Preaching for several years (probably more than 10). I usually read your back page commentary first before anything else. I have learned to appreciate your tongue-in-cheek humor. I was never in doubt as to your meaning concerning "Seminary in a book" comments. Keep up your good work!
Bob Bliss
I have been reading Preaching for several years (probably more than 10). I usually read your back page commentary first before anything else. I have learned to appreciate your tongue-in-cheek humor. I was never in doubt as to your meaning concerning "Seminary in a book" comments. Keep up your good work!
Bob Bliss
Some people have no sense of humor! Most of those negatives are by people dealing with the insecurity of handling thier education in a manner that GOD LED THEM TOO. Now they are trying to second guess God because some men don't accept thier studies.
I have preached on the 11th. Commandment and would be glad to send a copy to anyone who would want it. It is entitled "THOU SHALT NOT SWEAT IT!". God bless and don't loose your sense of humor. Pastor Al Brodbent,DM, PHD, THM ( all non-traditional degrees)
I have preached on the 11th. Commandment and would be glad to send a copy to anyone who would want it. It is entitled "THOU SHALT NOT SWEAT IT!". God bless and don't loose your sense of humor. Pastor Al Brodbent,DM, PHD, THM ( all non-traditional degrees)
Michael,
I appreciate your balanced view of seminary training. I'm one of those people with a ton of life experience, in addition to non-seminary education (B.S. and M.A.), that God called into pastoral ministry late in life (late 40's). He has steadily equipped me through specialized training opportunities, seminars (including one of yours!), conferences, mentoring relationships, and intense ministry experiences. He's provided me with a growing personal library of wonderful resources, and keeps me grounded through friendships with respected, experienced pastoral leaders. As one friend of mine put it, God is "home-schooling" me!
Keep challenging all of us--
Blessings,
Wendie
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I appreciate your balanced view of seminary training. I'm one of those people with a ton of life experience, in addition to non-seminary education (B.S. and M.A.), that God called into pastoral ministry late in life (late 40's). He has steadily equipped me through specialized training opportunities, seminars (including one of yours!), conferences, mentoring relationships, and intense ministry experiences. He's provided me with a growing personal library of wonderful resources, and keeps me grounded through friendships with respected, experienced pastoral leaders. As one friend of mine put it, God is "home-schooling" me!
Keep challenging all of us--
Blessings,
Wendie
