Paraklesis | Fall 2005

What to Look for In a Seminary

From time to time, I observe a pastors’ conference workshop title that reads: “Seven Things They Never Taught You in Seminary.” Even the byline of a popular book on pastoral leadership includes this statement. When I see it, I cannot help but wonder where the speaker or writer went to seminary. Apparently, not all degrees are equal!

How should a man choose a seminary? How can he avoid needing to attend the workshops referred to above? Through the years, I have become convinced that an excellent seminary will stress and provide three basic elements.

Scholarship for the Mind. Attention must be given to pursuing a highly credentialed faculty. A quality seminary will also give you: (1) skills in knowing and using the original languages of Scripture, (2) abilities for broad research using technology, and (3) scholarly thinking concerning biblical issues. Are the school’s faculty fully engaged with the text (2 Timothy 2:15)?

Passion for the Heart. Biblical truth cannot correctly or effectively be taught without engaging the heart and spirit. Men of God must be mentored and discipled in the attitudes, motives, and convictions of God by instructors who themselves love God and lost people passionately (Philippians 4:9).

Service for the Hands. Truth without corresponding behavior and information without follow-through both lead to an empty pharisaical lifestyle. The Word of God is alive and dynamic as it is applied in people’s lives by using the latest and most effective technology and teaching, preaching, discipling, and leading methodologies. Are the seminary faculty personally committed to and involved in church ministry (James 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:1-2)?

As a man considers which seminary to attend, he should take time to visit the campus, sit in on classes, have lunch with the professors, and even try to visit the faculty’s church ministries. These activities are important in showing you how you will be taught and prepared for ministry there. Ten years from now, don’t be forced to attend the workshop mentioned in the introduction. Pick the right seminary ... and you can teach it.

Howard Bixby (Th.M., Ed.D.) is the Seminary Dean and Vice President for Seminary Academics. His teaching in the field of leadership, church growth, and mentoring reflects a balance of scholarship, biblical study, and hands-on experience.