Seminary Advice

[Michael Chris]

First of all this thread is not intended for a discussion on the merits of religion or of any particular religion.

I am now feeling a calling to work in the ministry and I was wondering if anyone knew of good seminaries. My beliefs are evangelical and somewhat pentecostal. I'm still two years out from it, and I still have a ton of research ahead. However, I thought I'd ask if anyone has any experience with this type of thing.

 

[TheLonelySquire]

I don't but I wish you all the best.

 

[Miss Chicken]

Maybe the best people to ask would be your pastor or members of your church?

 

[Balrog]

Not a religious type myself, but one of my folks close friends went to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and spoke highly of it often. It's somewhere in Massachusetts.

I think he and my parents were hoping I'd get "a calling" too. Never happened. He was a fantastic guy though, and a hell of a preacher, if that helps.

 

[Peacemaker]

Gordon-Conwell has already been mentioned. It is evangelical, nondenominational.

Also, the six SBC seminaries aren't bad...of them, I think Southeastern and Southern are the best. Of those two, I prefer Southern by a hair's breadth. SWBTS is getting itself further and further into trouble because of issues with it's current president and his ongoing ego trip, I mean, involvement in SBaptist politics. I would recommend you steer clear of that one for now. If you go that route, here's a hint, move your membership to an SBC church. That will automatically cut your tuition and fees by one half. That's a perk to all SBC church members who attend an SBC seminary. Since you are in NM, you can look into Golden Gate. GGBTS is very understated and underrated IMO. You'll get a very cosmopolitan flavor to your education there, particularly if you are missions oriented in any way. GGBTS also has a number of satellite campuses and programs located throughout the Southwest and Pacific NW. Check with a local SBC director of missions or the NM State Convention for more information.

The seminaries associated with the PCA extremely rigorous and have curriculum that cannot be surpassed. Of those Westminster California is a bit high churchy for me insofar as they like to emphasis the Westminster Confession and historical theology a lot in their Presbyterian studies, but the school of Baptist studies is located there and it is different in that regard. I know at least one SBC seminary professor who has come from there (Greg Welty at SWBTS), and he is hightly regarded by his students and by the staff at SWBTS with whom he disagress theologically about issues related the doctrines of grace (eg. Calvinism) within Baptist life. Reformed Theo. Seminary operates a number of campuses around the country; of those I have a friend who TA's at the Charleston campus.

 

[Plecostomus]

OP, good luck. I have yet to do my missionary work through LDS. Someday.

Only advice: Remember the message. Remember what you are spreading. Don't get too involved in the politics and machinations of man but keep your focus on The Word.

 

[TheBrew]

I might not understand your pursuit, but I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Misfit Toy]

Virginia Theological Seminary is a great choice. One of my best friends is a grad.

 

[Kirby]

My nephew just finished his undergrad work St. Thomas in Minnesota and will be attending St. John Vienney (sp?) seminary next year. Of course it's catholic, so it's probably a little different than what you're looking for.
Start locally, it turns out that the Archdioses will pay for his 8 years seminary since he grew up here and will do his work here.

 

[Peacemaker]

If at all possible, you should also go ahead and take a course in biblical Greek if at all possible. If that can't be done, then classical Greek will do, but be aware, there are some differences. Regardless, when you get there take the biblical languages to the intermediate level. This will serve you extremely well. If you at all plan on going past the Master's level, then you should also take a course in one or two other languages: German and/or Latin.

 

[Captain Ice]

My brother and sister-in-law both graduated fromGarrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago. From what I understand of the cschool, it is well regarded and thorough. I've also heard a few good things about Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles.

 

[Freakness]

i only know Jewish seminaries, but maybe you could learn something at one of them...

 

[Hoser]

I am now feeling a calling to work in the ministry and I was wondering if anyone knew of good seminaries.

You'd be good at Elim Bible Institute.

 

[Sagart]

Although I'm a Roman Catholic priest, I remember my time of discernment very well and the most important thing to remember is that if God is calling you, then he is calling YOU. Others may try to shape you into the image of minister that they have in mind but don't loose sight of the person you are, the gifts you have that the Lord wants to use in spreading the Gospel's message.

Knowledge is so important, especially in this age where the faith debate is just as often carried out in the worlds of science and philosophy as much as in the world of theology. Don't forget though that in the long run, knowledge is nothing with personal witness. Actions always speak louder than words.

Remain humble. You are being called to serve. Trust in the Holy Spirit. It will see you through whatever comes; times of frustration, lonliness, doubt and fear and it will make you all the more aware of the glory of God and his presence in the world.

Good luck to you.

 

[backstept]

I am now feeling a calling to work in the ministry and I was wondering if anyone knew of good seminaries.

You'd be good at Elim Bible Institute.

I have several friends that went there
they all speak highly of it

 

[Vulcan Princess]

To Michael Chris: The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA is well-regarded. It's non-denominational. Many of the professors are Jesuits, but there are a lot of Protestants as well.

I have yet to do my missionary work through LDS. Someday.

Rock on. It's hard work, but it's worth it. I still have fond memories of riding a bicycle through North Carolina to spread the word.

 

[Michael Chris]

Wow, thank you all so much. I will look into each of these!

 

[RevdKathy]

Although I'm a Roman Catholic priest, I remember my time of discernment very well and the most important thing to remember is that if God is calling you, then he is calling YOU. Others may try to shape you into the image of minister that they have in mind but don't loose sight of the person you are, the gifts you have that the Lord wants to use in spreading the Gospel's message.

Whether you're a minister or anything else, this is one of the soundest pieces of advice I know for everyone. You are unique, and your purpose is primarily tp be the 'yourself' that you've been given. So many people waste an entire life trying to be someone else - the person their parents want, their teachers, their peers, even the denizens of a Trek forum. Be you.

 

[Hoser]

I am now feeling a calling to work in the ministry and I was wondering if anyone knew of good seminaries.

You'd be good at Elim Bible Institute.

I have several friends that went there
they all speak highly of it

O.o How long ago?
Hoser, alumni

 

[Holdfast]

If at all possible, you should also go ahead and take a course in biblical Greek if at all possible. If that can't be done, then classical Greek will do, but be aware, there are some differences. Regardless, when you get there take the biblical languages to the intermediate level. This will serve you extremely well. If you at all plan on going past the Master's level, then you should also take a course in one or two other languages: German and/or Latin.

It does indeed sound like it would be a great opportunity and motivation to brush up on your language skills. Good luck!