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Why Should I Go to Seminary School?
With all of the books, articles, and online resources available, is a seminary education necessary? Yes, in today’s complex world, seminary school is more critical than ever. If you want to be a lawyer, you go to law school. If you want to be a nurse, you go to nursing school. If you want to be a pilot, you go to aviation school. If you want to be a pastor or other ministry professional, you need to go to seminary school. If people invest years in medical school, preparing to care for bodies, how much more should pastors invest years into seminary school in order to nurture souls?
In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Apostle Paul boldly proclaims, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Seminary school provides the concentrated time and community support that future ministers need to skillfully and biblically meet mankind’s deepest needs.
Like all things in life, preparation is essential. Dedicated preparation is the catalyst behind fruitful ministry, and seminary is one of the most structured ways you can prepare yourself for long-term ministry and missions. It is a season where you can pursue a blend of essential studies and practical experiences so that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and become a blessing to people. Not only will you benefit from focused study time in seminary school, you’ll also gain an invaluable support group. Knowledgeable professors with years of experience, an extensive library for studying, and like-minded students in Christ who share your passion for ministry will serve as lifelong resources for you during your vocational ministry. You’ll never regret investing the time to gain the training and insights that you will acquire at seminary.
Another valuable resource gained in seminary school is good doctrine. Threatened by biblical illiteracy, churches today need intelligent, educated people who can articulate and teach the truth of Scripture. Biblical ignorance and an inability to clearly articulate the Gospel paint a poor testimony of the church—especially when we’re called to make disciples of all nations. By going to seminary and earning a theology degree such as a Master of Divinity (MDIV), you become enriched with the knowledge of how to interpret the Bible (hermeneutics), how to preach the Bible (homiletics), and how to impart the wisdom of the Bible to enrich the lives of others.
In a world that’s filled with sin and hurting people, it’s no understatement to say that learning and applying the Word of God to our congregations and communities is a matter of life and death. It is of the utmost importance to learn how to council hurting people in difficult life situations toward a likeness of Christ. It is the highest calling to minister the Bible and the hope and grace of Jesus Christ and to watch these endeavors transform people’s lives through you.
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary will help you become a leader in learning and applying the Word of God. We not only engage your mind with good doctrine, but also your heart, as you learn how to practically relate to individuals and minister to their deepest needs. In short, your whole person will be ready for ministry—mind and soul. Everything that you learn and understand will become a tool that will work for good to help you increase in your love for God and your love for people. That is our purpose.
Before you go to seminary, pray with loved ones and talk to the leadership at your church. Seminary school is a big decision that should be made with advice from church leaders, family discussions, and prayer. Of those who do attend a seminary, many are burdened with excessive student loans. Mid-America Seminary is unique in that we are dedicated to keeping tuition low and providing substantial scholarships. Most of our students graduate debt-free and energized to reach the world for Christ. MABTS also offers seminary online.
Registering to visit our campus is just one click away. To learn more about seminary school and the resources it can contribute to your ministry, schedule a campus visit.