Juggling Seminary and Ministry
Seminary is a great training ground for current and future pastors. Providing theological and practical ministry training, seminary training is a requirement for ordination in most churches. But, for many youth workers (including myself), attending seminary full-time is not an option. So how do you juggle full-time ministry (or work) and seminary?
- Coordinate with your Church. Talk to your Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, or leadership team about making time for Seminary. There are many different avenues to find time: online or distance education, week-long classes, sabbaticals, and off-seasons in your ministry. Also find out how else the church can help you, whether it be with finances, transportation, or study materials. Your church should support you in your education, as it is beneficial to both you and your ministry.
- Budget Your Time. Make sure to budget your time, both for classes and homework and studies. Find a place (away from the office) where you will not be distracted. I like to get all my seminary work done one morning a week at Starbucks, my unofficial 2nd office.
- Use the Info. One knock people have against seminary is that much of what you learn there is theoretical and not practical. You can help change that outlook by applying your classes directly to your ministry. Use a current situation as an example during discussion. Meet with your professor after class to apply the lesson further to your setting. Connect with other pastors from your class, sharing advice and information.
(image by pedromourapinheiro)
Great post. Sometimes churches will allow their pastors/directors to use work time for seminary work as long as the majority remains dedicated to the church. The thought behind this is that seminary should directly influence your ministry so read a book and apply it to your context. This just takes courage to ask your church to give you time.
Many people have treated seminary as useless because they think all seminarians are “brainiacs” with no clue how the “real world” works. There is nothing further from the truth. I often have taken what I learned and seen it transform my ministry. On the other hand, getting overly-anxious and killing people with your seminary knowledge isn’t the best either. It’s truly a juggling act.
Thanks Evan.
I think getting the courage to ask the church for time and financial support is a big deal, especially if there is no precedent.
I really like your idea about juggling the practical/theoretical learning in seminary. Got me thinking. Perhaps a post will come of it!