If you could go back in time and have a conversation with a younger version of me and the topic of graduate school would have come up…I think the answer you would have received would be close to a healthy/cynical laugh. While college would have been the plan, graduate school would have been a dream at best. While growing up, going to school was never dreadful. However, I was also not the most studious.
On May 6, 2017, I finished a Master of Divinity from Piedmont International University (now Carolina University). This is my second graduate degree. My first was a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. To now be looking back upon this accomplishment is unique. I am proud, happy, and relieved that they are both done. I also know that I am very blessed to have accomplished this task.
The 2015 census estimates around 10% of Americans have advanced degrees. Many people will also say, “Adult learners are the better learners,” and I tend to agree. I started this endeavor as an adult with a family. However, today is not a post on why I am glad to have accomplished this, but one of encouragement to the pastor contemplating returning to school.
Today I want to talk about three reasons a pastor should consider going to seminary: through the lens of my alma mater Piedmont International University.
1. The Investment of Seminary
First, don’t look at the investment of price (we will cover that in point 3). This investment will deepen your understanding of God, theology, and practical application. This is an investment in you becoming a better pastor, teacher, and leader. Places like Piedmont and other seminaries help to provide the opportunity to examine the philosophy of why and how we are doing and thinking about pastoral ministry. Even within this topic of investment, I want to share three aspects that I found because of this investment in my life and ministry:
- Depth of Study – While study is a vital part of being a pastor, most of the time, we are studying for that next lesson, topic, or counseling opportunity. Taking courses from PIU caused me to dive deeper into subjects and push regular “comfort” zones of topics that are sometimes neglected due to the pace of ministry.
- The phrasing of important ideas – Due to the depth of study and revisiting topics, I found that I had relaxed some of the language and phrasing of important concepts. I was encouraged and convicted to rephrase important ideas more accurately.
- Interest in helping others grow in their biblical knowledge and understanding – While this idea may be self-explanatory, the outgrowth of this process has made me aware of the amount (or lack thereof) of biblical knowledge and the application of that knowledge into everyday Christianity.
2. Flexibility
I know I know…time is precious. You already have a full-time job and a family. There are some pastors out there whose ministry is not their job. And I hear the doubt in your voice by reading this entry. “When do I have time?” One of the most incredible benefits of modern seminary is the flexibility of classes. Piedmont offered me two sessions per semester, allowing me to go as fast or slow as I wanted. In addition, the week-to-week class assignment is also flexible because you watch, read, study, and test within reasonable expectations. For example, most of my time reading, watching videos, taking tests, or posting on discussion boards typically occurred after 9 p.m. The simple reason, this was the time in which there was quiet in the house (my two little ones had gone to bed). Please don’t misunderstand, they (wife and children) had to make sacrifices on time and opportunities with me, and for that, I am thankful. I also had a great advisor, and you will find many great advisors like Dr. Owens, who helped me accomplish my goal under the restrictions of my schedule.
3. Price
Let’s just be transparent. The reason that many pastors don’t go to seminary is the price. The ROI (return on investment) is priceless regardless of where you go to seminary. However, many must worry about the cost of classes, books, and other materials needed for a successful class experience. This is when a seminary like Piedmont pulls ahead of many other contenders. The price is comparable to others at first. Then, scholarships and other financial opportunities take that number even further to an affordable range.
Before you say no, due to price, take a moment and look up Piedmont. Talk, chat, or email them about your situation, and tell them about worries or concerns that you may have. The people in administration and financial offices are great.
So what now?
Before I draw this to a close, may I make another point? Seminary is not only for pastors. You may be a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, an elder, or a congregate and want to dive into more of a formal study of God’s Word. May I suggest you consider Bible College or Seminary to accomplish this task? You will not regret it.
Again, I am thankful for the opportunity to have completed these degrees. I am grateful for a wife and two children who have sacrificed time and opportunities for me to complete classes and finish the program. I am thankful for a church that helped support and encourage a pursuit like this. And grateful that God gave me this opportunity.
But what now? I encourage you to go and see what may be in store for you at a seminary.
One final note. This writing was part of the original pastormarkrogers website. It was one of the few that survived, and I am excited it gets a second opportunity. To hear more of that story, please visit Time to Dream Again.
Mark Rogers
Pastor Mark is the primary author and content creator of pastormarkrogers.com. Additionally, he serves as Pastor of Lighthouse Sylva. You can find out more by clicking the About Page.
