Well said, I'd like to add to your beautiful video: Some individuals are meant to be apologetics, theologians, and not active ministry. Knowing theology, hermeneutics, etc. is a great foundation, but seminary doesn't necessarily equate to being prepared for ministry. I've come across many classmates, who were burned out by school, and thought it was going to be easy. I can relate to your journey. I started as a Protestant youth pastor, went to seminary, and eventually found my calling in chaplaincy and now a Parish priest. Life experience, and active ministry, can help out tremendously. Along the way, I fell in love with Orthodox theology and transitioned into the apostolic faith. I received my Masters, and then Doctorate, but it took me almost 12 years for all of that. I am 40 years old now, and still learning to apply my education with life experience in ministry. We never know where God will lead us, and it's important to remain open to His guidance. It's a reminder that our paths in ministry can take unexpected turns, and it's essential to be attentive to where God is leading us. Blessings on your continued journey of discernment and service.
Your take on seminary has so many flaws. I agree that seminaries can do a better job at teaching realities of pastoral life and how to converse with/preach to those who do not have a seminary degree. But much of that comes with life experience that I did not have at ages 22-25. I believe one of the chief roles my seminary years played was transforming me (heart, mind, soul, and life) into a pastor. Realistically, that cannot be recreated in any other way or context. My suggestion is to be very discerning about which seminary to attend. Not all seminaries are created equal and choosing one that is not only academic benefited me (my seminary had spiritual formation cohorts and practice of ministry requirements). You talk about practicality a lot, but end the video saying local pastors should teach systematic theology to the next generation of pastors. I know very, very few pastors who have the time or knowledge for that.
Well said, I'd like to add to your beautiful video: Some individuals are meant to be apologetics, theologians, and not active ministry. Knowing theology, hermeneutics, etc. is a great foundation, but seminary doesn't necessarily equate to being prepared for ministry. I've come across many classmates, who were burned out by school, and thought it was going to be easy. I can relate to your journey. I started as a Protestant youth pastor, went to seminary, and eventually found my calling in chaplaincy and now a Parish priest. Life experience, and active ministry, can help out tremendously. Along the way, I fell in love with Orthodox theology and transitioned into the apostolic faith. I received my Masters, and then Doctorate, but it took me almost 12 years for all of that. I am 40 years old now, and still learning to apply my education with life experience in ministry. We never know where God will lead us, and it's important to remain open to His guidance. It's a reminder that our paths in ministry can take unexpected turns, and it's essential to be attentive to where God is leading us. Blessings on your continued journey of discernment and service.
Your take on seminary has so many flaws. I agree that seminaries can do a better job at teaching realities of pastoral life and how to converse with/preach to those who do not have a seminary degree. But much of that comes with life experience that I did not have at ages 22-25. I believe one of the chief roles my seminary years played was transforming me (heart, mind, soul, and life) into a pastor. Realistically, that cannot be recreated in any other way or context. My suggestion is to be very discerning about which seminary to attend. Not all seminaries are created equal and choosing one that is not only academic benefited me (my seminary had spiritual formation cohorts and practice of ministry requirements).
You talk about practicality a lot, but end the video saying local pastors should teach systematic theology to the next generation of pastors. I know very, very few pastors who have the time or knowledge for that.