When you find yourself compelled to pursue God’s calling, attending seminary prepares you with the foundational education necessary to become a Christian leader living your God-given purpose. The benefits of a seminary degree extend far beyond developing godly wisdom; attending seminary provides you the opportunity to deepen your community impact through your ministry. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of a seminary degree, and what skills and knowledge you can expect to learn from attending a seminary.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SEMINARY DEGREE?
DIVERSIFY YOUR PERSPECTIVE
You will encounter Christians from backgrounds and denominations that differ from your own throughout your seminary education. Despite these differences, you will unite through your shared calling, and that common ground will allow you to explore diverse perspectives as you refine your own beliefs. By learning to relate to people from all different backgrounds, you will strengthen your ability to connect with your community through your own ministry.
FIND INVALUABLE MENTORSHIP
While ministry leaders could all benefit from the experience of mentors, those relationships are not always easy to develop. As you pursue your seminary degree, you will have countless opportunities to connect with seasoned practitioners who can guide you through your education and into your own ministry. Studying at a seminary provides invaluable access to experienced leaders of the Church.
HONE YOUR MINISTRY SKILLS
When developing your ministry abilities, what you learn in seminary school will last you a lifetime. Under the tutelage of skilled and experienced leaders, you will refine your preaching and counseling skills as well as other essential practices. Receiving feedback from educators who have been in your shoes will help you become the best version of yourself as a minister.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR PEERS
Just like any other academic environment, seminary programs surround you with other like-minded individuals that share your passions and ambitions. Often there is no more extraordinary resource than the minds and spirits of our peers, and the relationships you form with other students today will support your ministry forever. Our peers inspire us to work harder, think outside the box, and challenge our own perspectives, all of which will help you better serve both God and your community.
CULTIVATE YOUR GIFTS
In each of us there are unique God-given gifts that will help us be of service to God and others. Attending seminary gives you the opportunity to pinpoint and develop those special gifts, offering room for them to grow and sharpen. These gifts vary in the most beautiful way from student to student, and throughout your seminary education, different areas of study will help expose and enhance these one-of-a-kind talents.
EXPAND YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
It’s a common misconception that completing a seminary education leads exclusively to a traditional career as a pastor. The truth is that a seminary degree gives you the freedom to take your ministry outside of the church and enables you to do God’s work in many creative ways. Those who have completed seminary school can build careers in the creative arts through music, filmmaking, drama, and just about any other artistic area. Seminary graduates can also pursue careers as chaplains who minister to the spiritual needs within different organizations. There are also opportunities in para-church ministries, non-traditional churches, and mission work.
ACCESS MINISTRY LIBRARIES AND RESOURCES
Education is a lifelong journey, and so by choosing to pursue a seminary degree, you are also choosing a lifetime of learning. As an alumnus/a of an educational institution, you will retain access to your school’s libraries, which can provide you with the latest in research and new publications. Keeping your education up to date will allow you to keep your mind and your ministry current as times change and ideas evolve.
RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
United Theological Seminary is committed to educating ministry leaders, empowering them with the Holy Spirit and biblical tradition so that they may make a difference in the world by creating disciples of Jesus Christ.
United Theological Seminary provides easy-to-follow instructions for the three-step application for each seminary degree program.
When selecting your seminary education institution, United Theological Seminary’s commitment to helping you develop into a Spirit-filled leader through diverse Christian perspectives and practical education makes it the undeniable choice to prepare you for ministry.
United Theological Seminary provides a variety of divinity and ministry programs that are flexible, making high-quality seminary education available in whatever way best suits your busy schedule.
United Theological Seminary is dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality education to students pursuing a seminary degree, providing options to reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs through scholarships and financial aid.