Money for Seminary

[AThornquist]

The purpose of this thread is to have your insight regarding a particular form of fund raising for seminary. I leave for school within a few weeks and my desire is to prayerfully focus on the course load and therefore work only enough to make ends meet. To that end, at least one person has suggested that I send out newsletters at least once every semester that includes my progress, along with an attached form for donations to help with the cost of schooling if the reader so decides. Would this be an appropriate way to fund one's seminary education?

I am somewhat hesitant about this approach for several reasons: 1) I don't want to cause undue pressure to anyone who cannot afford to give; 2) I don't want to inadvertently give someone an opportunity to think that I owe them anything back for the donation; and 3) I want to be very careful about creating a circumstance in which I might look at my family and friends as opportunities for personal gain. The last concern is especially relevant for my wealthy cousins and uncles that I probably wouldn't care to update except for the very purpose of getting donations.

A friend of mine used this method of fund raising and it worked very well for him. None of my three main concerns were an issue. Nevertheless, I want to walk circumspectly before the Lord. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[jwithnell]

People generally feel really differently about offering to help vs. being asked to help.

 

[AThornquist]

Good point.

 

[Jack K]

Hmmm. How would I feel if I received such a request for financial support from a friend?

I would ask myself what his church was doing for him. At the very least I would want to know that his church approved of his going to seminary. Better yet, I'd like to see that his church was committing as they could to provide some financial support, the same as I would from a missionary I was asked to support.

We've gotten used to these sorts of appeals from missionaries. I try to usually give something, in some cases quite a lot, because I'm able to and I want to encourage friends. But for some reason it feels different for someone attending seminary. Maybe because we've come to see the ministry as a career that will pay for itself financially over time. Maybe just because it's unusual.

So I don't know. I guess I think the following:
- I think it's a good idea for the larger body of believers to support a man going to seminary.
- I think it'd be best that such support come through the organized church, not individual believers where the only accountability is a newsletter.
- I think such a concept will be unlikely to catch on as long as the ministry is viewed as a profession and a reasonably rewarding career financially. Even if it isn't, many people think it is.

Don't really know what all that means. But that's what I'd be thinking.

Your concerns seem valid too. My comments are just one guy's thoughts from the letter-receiving end of things. Maybe they help.

 

[LawrenceU]

Someone suggested the same thing to me years ago when the economy was rolling. I didn't do it. I've never regretted it.

 

[larryjf]

It's an interesting idea.
I would probably not do it that way myself...but i can understand the utility of it if there are no other venues for help.
One of the things that came to my mind is, would you also give the letters to those who would not be able to help financially but would be praying for you? This would be key in determining your motive and whether you are focusing your attention on the need for $$ more than the need for God.

 

[Pergamum]

Would it matter if this person was a minority from a poor area, or a foreign pastor getting training to go back to his local context and minister? Or how about a poor white from Appalachia?

I live off support and support provides for me every month. I am curious as to the psychological dynamics of this whole relationship and how my means of existence makes others think about me, my task, giving in general, and the methods of giving. Why do some things seem appropriate and others do not?

 

[AThornquist]

Would it matter if this person was a minority from a poor area, or a foreign pastor getting training to go back to his local context and minister? Or how about a poor white from Appalachia?

I live off support and support provides for me every month. I am curious as to the psychological dynamics of this whole relationship and how my means of existence makes others think about me, my task, giving in general, and the methods of giving. Why do some things seem appropriate and others do not?

Those are big, important questions. I have nothing to say about them at the moment, but a lot to think about.

And by the way, I have decided that I will not be seeking funds in the manner of the OP. However, my pastors will be setting up a way for my church to financially support me in seminary, at least partially. I suppose my plan of budget engagement will become more clear as I become establishment in Kentucky, but for now it is "seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." He will provide as He desires. Thanks everybody for your input!