Where did you go to Seminary?

[SeekJusticeLoveMercy]

I'm looking to apply to a seminary but I'm not sure which ones are best. I'm graduating with my BA in May and I'm currently working on my certificate in Apologetics through Biola University. I'd like to find a seminary on the East Coast. Which seminaries did you go to? I figure the best way to make a decision is to hear from people who have already gone through seminary.

 

[JRSut1000]

Is official seminary necessary to be a full-time minister?

 

[SeekJusticeLoveMercy]

I know many churches (such as the local Calvary churches in the area) don't require their pastors to have any form of formal education through seminary or what-not. Personally I won't go to a church unless the pastor has gone through seminary or has his degree in a Biblical area.

 

[actionsub]

Is official seminary necessary to be a full-time minister?

Depends. In most denominations, you won't be "full time" without a seminary degree. The Reformed denominations, with their emphasis on intellectual rigor, will demand it.

The Pentecostals and charismatics sometimes find education a hindrance to the movement of the Spirit.

Many of the evangelical denominations have a sort of 'two-track' system of ministerial training, but it is generally expected that a minister with a church large enough to support him or her with fulltime pay will have a seminary degree.

 

[GarrickBrewer]

The Pentecostals and charismatics sometimes find education a hindrance to the movement of the Spirit.

I wouldnt say that, I am from the assemblies of God (the largest pentecostal denomination) and all missionaries have to be an ordained minister, anyone working as a pastor, youth pastor, and similar jobs have to be ordained ministers aw well.

To the OP, well you need to go to a seminary that is for your denomination so you can pass your denominations ordination test. After that, it is your job to feel where God wants you to go, along with what would be easiest for you to do.

 

[Chaplain David]

Hello Everyone,

CF is looking for more chaplains. If you are an ordained or licensed, male or female Christian minister, please pm me and I will help you with the application process.

Faithfully,

 

[SeekJusticeLoveMercy]

I wouldnt say that, I am from the assemblies of God (the largest pentecostal denomination) and all missionaries have to be an ordained minister, anyone working as a pastor, youth pastor, and similar jobs have to be ordained ministers aw well.

To the OP, well you need to go to a seminary that is for your denomination so you can pass your denominations ordination test. After that, it is your job to feel where God wants you to go, along with what would be easiest for you to do.

I don't belong to a denomination. I go to a non-denominational church so I'm really not too sure where that leaves me as far as picking a seminary.

 

[actionsub]

I wouldnt say that, I am from the assemblies of God (the largest pentecostal denomination) and all missionaries have to be an ordained minister, anyone working as a pastor, youth pastor, and similar jobs have to be ordained ministers aw well.

To the OP, well you need to go to a seminary that is for your denomination so you can pass your denominations ordination test. After that, it is your job to feel where God wants you to go, along with what would be easiest for you to do.

Sorry if I came across that way. I meant to say they didn't necessarily deem an M.Div. from a seminary necessary for ordination. The A/G's have done a fantastic job of setting up a comprehensive home-study course for those working through licensing and ordination.

It wasn't until the late 70s that the A/G's even started a seminary. Church of God-Cleveland came to the game a couple of years later. Up until then, the COG had Lee College/University, and the A/Gs had a network of colleges all across the US.