Seminary in 3 weeks!

[Levahddi]

Hello Friends,
I am about to head off to seminary in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone here is a 'second career' pastor. I am very very excited to go, but also a bit nervous and I wanted to know if anyone else left a career to attend seminary. What was the experience like? Were you nervous? Many many thanks!
Lev

 

[filosofer]

Yes, I was second (really third) career student. Are you married? Children? Those answers can present great opportunities and/or challenges. I was married, and we had two boys (12 and 10) when I started.

I had been a LCDR in the Navy prior to going to seminary. Initially it seemed as if they were treating me like a recent college graduate, which was frustrating; however, I had been around enough to know what they were doing (keep in mind this more than a quarter century ago ). But I stuck my head into the books to study as hard as I could. This will be critical for you, because most students fresh out of college really don't know how to study or write good papers - I know, I was a grader for Systematics I, II, and III at Seminary (I would not have made it through college if I had turned in some of the papers that I graded).

I also worked Navy Reserves one weekend every month. By the second quarter of seminary, due to special circumstances at my field work congregation, I preached every 3rd weekend (Sat night plus two on Sunday), and was liturgist all other weekends, when not at Reserves. I didn't have time for much extra curricular activity. We lived in campus housing so the boys and I often went to the gym or softball field for ball playing, etc.

I don't know if they give you electives any more, but if so, then Exegetical and Historical classes are the best, and most helpful in the parish.

 

[Edial]

Hello Friends,
I am about to head off to seminary in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone here is a 'second career' pastor. I am very very excited to go, but also a bit nervous and I wanted to know if anyone else left a career to attend seminary. What was the experience like? Were you nervous? Many many thanks!
Lev

I am a third career ... Christian voluneer.

I am involved in various Christian volunteer circles after I lost my job. Could not find anything for some time and decided to switch.

I was very nervous about this, since I used to working at secular jobs and my father also worked on two jobs.

But God provides. He is the Specialist of providing one's needs.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[LilLamb219]

God's blessings to you

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Hello Friends,
I am about to head off to seminary in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone here is a 'second career' pastor. I am very very excited to go, but also a bit nervous and I wanted to know if anyone else left a career to attend seminary. What was the experience like? Were you nervous? Many many thanks!
Lev

Blessings.....

 

[AngCath]

I didn't leave a career when I started seminary, but I was still nervous and had all the feelings one has when making that kind of life change.
Many blessings on your new journey! May it be as exciting as it has been for me.

 

[D.W.Washburn]

I have no experiences or advice to share, only prayers to offer.

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

 

[Humuakalaka]

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

Hello Friends,
I am about to head off to seminary in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone here is a 'second career' pastor. I am very very excited to go, but also a bit nervous and I wanted to know if anyone else left a career to attend seminary. What was the experience like? Were you nervous? Many many thanks!
Lev

Cool. Which seminary are you attending?

 

[Levahddi]

I am attending the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, I move in three days! I can't wait to start.

 

[Edial]

I am attending the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, I move in three days! I can't wait to start.

Good for you.

Ed