Finding The Right Theological Seminary

Answer 1

Theological seminary is a good choice for anyone who wants to pursue a future as a missionary or pastor. However, theological seminary is a value supplement to an educational background for anyone who wants to work for a major religious organization. There are two very important issues to consider before searching for schools.

Future Goals

While not every student bound for theological seminary knows what he or she wants to do in the future, it is a good idea to have a general idea. For example, if a person wants to become a minister at a Protestant church, it is best to choose a seminary that specializes in training pastors. Those who want to be foreign missionaries find that seminaries specializing in missionary studies are the best choice. However, some schools have an equal focus on both areas.

Accreditation

Since some religious educational institutions have their own teaching and curriculum standards, not all locations are accredited. Churches hiring pastors or organizations hiring missionaries may not require a degree from an accredited institution. However, there may be some exceptions. Accreditation is important for anyone who wants to work for a major religious organization that is not a church. A degree from an accredited school is also important for anyone who wants to teach or transfer to a secular college after completing seminary. Every theological seminary institution is honest and upfront about accreditation status, so the best way to find out if a school is accredited is to call and ask.

While these considerations are two of the most important, there are also other issues to think about before making a final decision. Some schools offer financial aid, and some schools have no government-sponsored financial aid options and few scholarships. It is best to analyze personal finances before putting too much effort into the application process. Campus location and the availability of online courses are also two important considerations that affect most students.