Seminary: The Academic Frontier

Attending seminary is a tremendous experience and blessing to ministers of the gospel. As students traverse their way through academia, there are a few pointers for their travels:

1. Be open minded.  In the seminary setting, you have an opportunity to engage in conversations with people that may not be of your same race, cultural background, tradition, or affiliation.  You have an opportunity to see Christianity from a different perspective.  You may not agree with everything you see, hear, or read, but you don’t have to become controversial or argumentative (Proverbs 15:1, 28; Philippians 2:14-16).  Voice your opinion, back it up with scripture (if applicable), and invite comments and questions.  Be approachable.

2. Know the difference between truth and opinion.  I’ve heard many people say that seminary can rattle your faith and cause you to question your position in Jesus Christ.  This may be due to some of the theories and opinions that emerge from the religious academic community. There are many books, scholars, and other media that provide numerous theories in an attempt to explain various Biblical accounts, some of which are not explicitly identified directly in the Biblical text (i.e. authors, dates of writing, sources of writing, mysteries, etc.). But many of those theories are just that…THEORIES!  It’ll be important to distinguish true facts from those that represent opinions and theories.  Many of the mysteries in the Bible cannot be answered on this earth unless God reveals them. Your professor should be able to help you decipher your readings and keep you in line with the facts. Continue to seek the Lord for direction and guidance.

3. Have the right ‘equipment.’  There are many tools you’ll need on your journey through seminary: Bibles, concordances, Bible dictionaries, Lexicons, commentaries, online Journal accesses, etc. Your college may have numerous resources for you to use, but there are numerous free resources on the Internet that provide 24-hour access.

4. Find opportunities to Serve. Even within the seminary setting, there will be opportunities to serve those within your class or across the campus. Seminarians face trials and tribulations just as anyone else. (Being in seminary does not make you immune to problems.) Be open to the Holy Spirit’s lead to help your fellow brothers and sisters:

a. sharing a kind or inspiring word

b. giving away supplies or books

c. paying for lunch (or even a class – if you can afford it)

d. opening your home or campus dorm to fellowship

e. praying for others

f. creating a prayer group or disciple center (providing resources and support)

Seminary is a perfect environment to display the love of Jesus Christ and disciple others. The small gift of your time and resources will speak volumes in the life of another.

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