What’s the sum of the matter on seminary? Let’s plunge into the Deeper Waters and find out.
My writing on seminary has been for those of you wondering if you should go to Bible College or seminary. I am sure I have said some matters that are surprising, such as my not placing a lot of weight on the idea that someone is called to preach or something of that sort. I have instead pointed to the way you function and the abilities you have and to see if you’re qualified for ministry and able to take it on.
Of course, when I say concluding thoughts on a matter, that’s going to be somewhat subjective as I might have something more to say later on. For now though, I don’t want to go on forever. Here are some final points I want to make about seminary.
First, it’s a lot of hard work. I don’t care if you’re working on an undergrad or a Master’s or a Ph.D. Be prepared to work. I am someone who has a natural bent towards matters of the intellect, but I also do have to work.
Second, it’s expensive. This is one reason you should push for a scholarship. It costs a lot of money to go through seminary and I have a strong aversion to taking out any student loans. I do have a Patreon set up, but I’m also trying to find other ways to make more income.
However, the most important thing I want to stress is really that seminary is a lot of fun. What makes it great here is the people that are here. I have only been here for a month and I have been treated already like I am an honored guest and many people know me by name. That doesn’t mean I’m known well yet, but I am known. Right now, I’m in a gaming group on campus that I helped start even and we’re working on planning the first of our gaming nights right now.
I enjoy walking around the campus and getting to meet the people. I go out in the evenings and have Pokemon Go on my phone and do some walking around with the daily incense feature and try to greet people that I run into. The fact that we all share a shared faith in Jesus Christ is really great for us. I also enjoy interacting with my professors.
Along those lines, yes, I am starting to get very well known on campus as the guy who affirms the virgin birth, which I do affirm. Someone has told me they like to read my Facebook because I put so much on there that is funny. For me, I try to do everything I can seriously. When I debate and argue a case, I do that seriously, but when it’s time to play and to try to get people to laugh, I do that seriously as well.
I hope this has been helpful for you on your path to deciding if you want to seek higher education in ministry or not. The church could bear to have more people who are ably equipped to do the work of ministry. Check and see if that could be you.
In Christ,
Nick Peters
(And I affirm the virgin birth)
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