Where do Christian ministers study?

Answer 1

I assume you mean 'where do Christian ministers train to become ministers', as if you simply mean general studying, then they study much in the same way as anyone else by going to evening classes or reading at home. As for training, study depends upon the denomination. Roman Catholics train at 'Seminary' - a college where they study theology (the study of God), scripture and the Church. The seminary is open only to Roman Catholics. Most other denominations study at theological colleges where they undergo a set time for training (usually 2 years full time or three part time minimum) before being ordained. If they wish to do a degree course in theology rather than a diploma, then it is usually 3 years full time or 4 part time. Some colleges are denominational (eg Methodist, Anglican, Baptist), some are parts of a larger university and some are ecumenical. Practical training and study is done in ones own church or in a designated church nearby under a training minister. Many also train on a 'course'. As an ordinand myself, this is what I am doing. Courses offer flexibility in training and study. The course I am doing is for three years part time, where most study is done online, with the help of a weekly meeting with a local academic tutor, practical activities in ones own church under a training minister appointed by the college, and all this coupled with residential weekends at college every 6 weeks or so with others in your year group. This is not as impersonal as it seems as with email and videoconferencing, students can forge links with others on their course and in their tutor group. Assessment in the training is usually primarily through essays - as an example I have to submit around 8 per year of 2500 words each, on various topics set by the college. Essays have to be high quality and are frequently on topics that are meaty and conroversial to enable skills of argument to come out. Needless to say, the study necessary to train ministers is rigorous, deep, and covers a wide range of topics, from classic theology through to the Bible, ethics, ministry, mission, Church history, other religions, practical considerations and a host of other relevant areas.