There’s a lot of discussion going on in the blogosphere (among other places) regarding the value of seminary. I’ve been silent… now I’m getting in.

In the interest of full disclosure… I have a seminary degree.

Now let’s get the rant on…

People disregard seminary because…

• It teaches outdated methods of ministry

• It does not develop leadership qualities

• It does not focus on the practical

• and on and on

Having been to seminary and having been associated with theological training from a variety of perspectives I can say, with a fair degree of authority, that these complaints are valid.

The problem is that these complaints are based upon a wrong set of expectations!

Seminary is not intended to:

• Make non-leaders leaders

• Teach leaders how to be cultural exegetes

• Teach the newest models of ministry

Just a word to seminaries…

Stop trying to teach these things! I don’t want to hear a man who pastored a church of 100 tell me how to grow a church. Neither do I want to hear a man who is wearing a polyester suit tell me how to be “in touch” with my culture. Crap like this is why people view you as irrelevant.

OK, on with the rant…

Seminary is intended to:

• Teach Bible-study methods (that’s kind of important for people who are going to use the Bible as their primary teaching source in the future)

• Develop theological paradigms for life and ministry (fairly important considering that theology is at the root of all things)

• Teach church history (again, this is kind of important considering that “Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.”)

• Give the student opportunity to develop some non-negotiables (i.e. core values) for ministry (e.g. The inerrancy of Scripture; the role of women in ministry; etc.)

Again, I believe that most people are frustrated with seminary because they have a wrong set of expectations!

A metaphor…

Would you be frustrated with Wal-Mart because you can’t buy a car there? Of course not! Why? Because everyone knows that Wal-Mart doesn’t sell cars! If you want a car… go to a car lot, and don’t “write off” Wal-Mart as irrelevant because they don’t sell cars!

Don’t write off seminary as irrelevant because you have unrealistic expectations.

Here’s the scoop…

If you want to learn how to be a leader… lead something!

If you want to be a cultural exegete… watch, listen, and analyze what your reading, seeing, and hearing in every day life.

If you want to know the newest model of ministry… read blogs.

If you want to develop a foundation that will enhance and facilitate further theological learning… go to seminary.

In a world of people skeptical of seminary, I celebrate Chris’s decision to go to seminary.

A parting thought…

There’s a difference between seminary and seminars. Take what you can from both! But don’t expect a comprehensive education from either.