Joseph Knowles
Puritan Board Freshman
For starters, I'm not presently in a position to actually go to seminary due to family and work obligations. I might be able to do it in the future, thus this thread. I'm not really asking about the financial aspect at this point. My first obligation will always be to provide for my wife and children.
Now then . . .
It seems to me that, although it is not a requirement, those called to preach should at least consider attending seminary. So I think the vast majority of people would probably say that those who want to preach and want to do it well have a good reason to seek seminary training. I don't consider that I've been called to preach.
I do, however, enjoy teaching and I have regular opportunities to do so at my church (presently SBC), mostly in our adult Bible study (a.k.a, Sunday School) classes. I also just really enjoy learning, and over the past several years have done considerably more Bible reading and reading of theological books than before. I realize that most seminaries offer degrees for those who are not pursuing pastoral ministry, but for some reason I feel hesitant about my own desire for learning being a "good enough" reason to pursue formal seminary education.
Can anyone offer any advice to help me think through this?
Now then . . .
It seems to me that, although it is not a requirement, those called to preach should at least consider attending seminary. So I think the vast majority of people would probably say that those who want to preach and want to do it well have a good reason to seek seminary training. I don't consider that I've been called to preach.
I do, however, enjoy teaching and I have regular opportunities to do so at my church (presently SBC), mostly in our adult Bible study (a.k.a, Sunday School) classes. I also just really enjoy learning, and over the past several years have done considerably more Bible reading and reading of theological books than before. I realize that most seminaries offer degrees for those who are not pursuing pastoral ministry, but for some reason I feel hesitant about my own desire for learning being a "good enough" reason to pursue formal seminary education.
Can anyone offer any advice to help me think through this?