Seminary or not?
1. What is the best way to study theology?
This question is largely a matter of opinion. There are many ways to study theology. The typical way of studying theology is to attend seminary or divinity school. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are many different kinds of seminaries and divinity schools. The differences can be great. So, it will be important to do a little research before attending any institution.
2. What are alternate routes for studying theology?
Another way of studying theology is to do graduate work in history. The study of history is broad enough to incorporate the study of theology. For example, if you study reformation history, you will be an expert in reformation theology. Or if you study the late antiquity, you will inevitably study the theology of the early church. In addition, if you attend a university with a divinity school or seminary, then you will be able to sit in on theology courses. For example, places like Yale, Harvard, and Duke have divinities schools. Another possible route is to study sociology or classics. With some creativity and a willing department, you can study a lot of theology from different and valuable perspectives. The other advantage is that you can market yourself more broadly, if you intend to enter the academic world. And even if you do not enter the academic world, you will gain insights from people outside the church, which is always a valuable perspective in ministry.
3. Are there unofficial ways of studying?
Yes, of course! The best way to learn anything is to have love or passion for the subject material. If you have this, you will learn and learn a lot. In fact, most learning should take place outside of formal programs of study. Also with the internet, you can learn everything a seminary offers at home, apart from the biblical languages. This might sound shocking, but it is a fact. And it is becoming more and more true.
3. Is it necessary to attend seminary for ordained ministry?
This is largely an ecclesiastical question. You would need to check with your denomination to see what their requirements are. If they require seminary, then you will need to attend. There are always exceptions, but you need to keep in mind that exceptions should be exactly that.
4. Is seminary enough?
You should not expect too much from seminaries, because they only have three or four years to train people. This is hardly enough time. For this reason, active participation in the life of the church will be absolutely necessary for preparation for any type of ministry. Many institutions have an internship program in place. It is worth checking out. Moreover, bear in mind that seminary professors are just people, that is, very fallible.
5. What can I do to prepare for ministry or academic study of theology during college or even high school?
Perhaps the best place to start is to be an active participant in the local church. This will give you a sense of what church life is like. You may even seek a mentor to meet with you periodically. On a more personal level, you should start reading the bible in an organized way. It is always surprising that even adults have never read through the whole bible even once. In terms of more academic study, try to learn biblical languages as early as possible. A classics major would prepare you very well for the life of the mind, and on the side try to take some Hebrew. If you only have recourse to Latin in grammar school or high school, take it. The study of Latin will help you immensely in Greek. Sociology and cultural anthropology courses are also very helpful, since they enable you to analyze society and culture. You will find your questions becoming more and more intelligent and probing. In short, cultivate a heart to love people and study.
6. Should I attend Seminary right after college?
This is largely a personal question, but let me give you some positive and negative points. The benefit of seminary right after college is that there is little break in the life of study. This may help from an academic point of view. Also it is difficult to leave a career later on in life to attend seminary. So, it may never happen. The negative point is that you might not be mature enough for seminary and more importantly ministry. It is a fact that people will think of you differently when they find out that went to seminary. This will require a certain amount of maturity. As we know young men and women are often prone to pride. In this sense, delay might be wise. However, in the end it is a personal decision.