Although I was never a stellar student, I loved my seminary experience because it was formative. Seminary provided an opportunity for me to discern God’s call: to be a pastor and a professor who helps believers develop a biblical worldview and train upcoming pastors to be healthy and effective in their ministry context.
Like me, many students enter seminary with the hope that their education will provide all the necessary tools to thrive in ministry. Yet some students reduce seminary to a means to an end. The temptation might be to take courses hastily without meaningful interaction with the content or instructors. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglecting relationships or forgoing personal effort in favor of generative A.I. to complete assignments because there are “more important ministry-related things to do.”
Now that I am a professor, I have learned that seminary courses are meticulously designed to help students develop a robust theology and philosophy of ministry so they can flourish. Seminaries also provide tools to check your heart posture so that one experiences character growth.
Not every seminarian will have a positive experience. However, I believe that every student can make the most of what their education has to offer. Like the church, seminary can also be a place where a person can experience transformative growth. I draw upon personal experiences, both as a student and now a professor, to help you maximize your time in seminary.
Relationships, Relationships, Relationships
One of the most fundamental realities of life and ministry is the need for genuine relationships. Any experienced pastor or ministry leader will tell you that ministry cannot be done in isolation. You were created to be in relationships. In Our Deepest Desires, one of my friends and mentors Greg Ganssle wrote this in regard to how we ought to think about relationships:
“Relationships are indeed central to our lives. This fact raises the question of where relationships fit in our picture of reality. Christianity holds forth a story that captures this centrality. The Christian story is relational at its core. The human capacity for relationship is a reflection of the divine capacity for relationship… Human relationality, however, connects with Christianity in even deeper ways than the fact that we reflect God’s own capacities for relationship. In the Christian story, the most fundamental reality is intrinsically relational.”1
Ganssle suggests that all relationships ultimately begin with God. Our faith is predicated on the relationship within the Trinity. Therefore, seminarians ought to consider how they can cultivate meaningful relationships throughout their time in seminary. This is why your peers and professors are equally as important in your education.
In your educational and ministerial pursuits, you are likely to experience stressful challenges that might seriously discourage you. Although some people can overcome discouragement on their own, everyone needs the support of others to receive encouragement, share grievances, and hear the occasional rebuke.
From a student’s perspective, I can understand how it may be daunting to practice vulnerability among other seminarians and professors. Some might be concerned about how transparency can affect their reputation. Others might struggle with being shy. Our reasons for neglecting relationships can be endless. Yet, attempting to overcome our apprehensions is essential because the aim of both seminary and ministry is to draw people together to glorify God.
What made my seminary experience so great were the moments I spent with friends and professors. Some of my classmates became good friends with whom I thoroughly enjoy doing ministry with. I can recall several late-night conversations on ministry practices and theological debates. Although we did not always see eye to eye, we leaned on each other for encouragement due to the challenges of ministry.
Speaking with my professors also provided a great sense of relief because they helped me process tough circumstances. Even during some of my lowest points in ministry, I persevered because my professors continued to advocate for me. It was a relief to share my burdens with people who understood the nuances of pastoral ministry. I would not be where I am today if not for my relationship with peers and professors.
“Real Ministry” Can Happen at Seminary
One of the benefits of teaching at a university are the opportunities to meet students from all walks of life. Although each student has different motivations for their studies, they generally share a mutual desire to learn about theology and ministry to serve God. As a professor, I often overhear students express the desire to get through seminary as quickly as possible so that they can start doing “real ministry.” However, I challenge this sentiment. It is a misnomer to believe that doing “real ministry” happens once you graduate from seminary—ministry happens wherever you are.
The students who treat seminary as a form of ministry tend to persevere and thrive in doing the work of ministry because they learned to work with others well. However, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of time. There are always life circumstances that could prevent people from actively engaging with community such as family life, other jobs, or commuting. Given this, some students may double-down on studies in efforts to set themselves up well for their future in ministry. Studying and grades are important, but are not indicative of personal formation. Getting straight A’s looks good on paper, but your studies should also be devotional and connected to others in order to shape your heart. The message here is not to abandon your responsibilities for the sake of being engaged with others. Rather, you ought to conduct a heart check and evaluate yourself honestly so that you can take advantage of opportunities to be connected with others. This can bless you in your season as a student, and prepare you for what’s ahead after you graduate.
If you don’t have people to lean on upon graduating seminary, it can become even more challenging to build a community of peers. Therefore, I want to strongly encourage you to slow down, build relationships, and balance your responsibilities well so that you can persevere in your ministerial pursuits.
Learn to Listen, Not Debate
One struggle seminarians face is the temptation to become metaphorical Pharisees. It is possible to let your wealth of knowledge puff you up and render you devoid of love.
Much like our conversations on subjects like politics or current affairs, theological discussions can become zealous. We unintentionally treat the opposing view as hostile and feel compelled to passionately defend our views. Debates are not the problem. The issue is when we fail to truly listen and be present because our innermost desire is to wait for our turn to speak. In short, winning becomes more important than being winsome—to be kind, understanding, and gracious in our speech.
Topics for debate will always exist because people are different. You might debate with other leaders at your church regarding how ministry ought to be done. You might debate with people who disagree with your theology or vision for the church. But what we ought to do as pastors, professors, and seminarians is to listen well. As Michael P. Nichols says in The Lost Art of Listening:
“To listen well we must forget ourselves and submit to the other person’s need for attention. While some people may be easier to listen to than others, conversations take place between two people, both of whom contribute to the outcome.”2
Instead of fueling your desire to outdebate someone because of theological or ministry related disagreements, it is imperative for us to listen well. Active listening can help you be more attentive to yourself and more attuned to the person sitting across from you.
Final Thoughts
My observations are intended to encourage you to consider how you can fully take advantage of your time in seminary because your time in seminary is temporary. The reality is that there will always be things that fight for your attention, yet God desires for all of us to be faithful stewards of the things that he has placed on our plate (Matt. 25:14-30), which includes your education.
Maximizing your seminary experience is about being formed for the glory of God as you draw closer to others who are on a similar journey. Seminaries might not be able to address every single issue you will experience as a ministry leader, however, they can provide ways for you to think through problems as you lean on others for support. Instead of being silent because you might be entrenched in comfort, do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions because chances are, your fellow classmates are pondering the same questions. Your time in seminary will form you for the purposes of ministry, so my prayer is that you make the most of your experience there by being fully present. As you develop your theology, do not forget your character formation and your relationships with peers and professors.