About the Serious Seminarian
The courses and course-tracks on this page are designed to give you, the pastor, a better comprehension of how all the pieces work relative to each other. This is also a place to see what gaps there might be in your own preparation for the ministry or for scholarship. Several tracks are indicated as well.
Maybe you are preparing for the ministry. Perhaps you did that, but found some gaps later on. Possibly within your ministry you encountered something for which you need a basis from which to respond. Also, you might have trained for one specialty in ministry and require a different one. Either way, this website can help you.
Some Seminary programs depend on you having entered with specific items already covered in your Undergraduate education. This does not always happen and there might not be a way to fill these in at that Seminary. Reduction in M.Div. hours might also have caused restructuring of degree programs to not include essential ingredients. Biblical languages may have been taught incompletely or there might not have been a healthy transition into how to use those languages to your benefit. Whatever occurred, the education offered at this website can go a long way to filling in gaps, shoring up weak areas, or structuring whole areas not yet developed.
The Education of the Pastor/Scholar
The chart below indicates a range of elements that are useful in the preparation of the Pastor. These areas more specifically relate to the exegesis process, some to a greater degree, and others to a lesser degree. Many pastors will be highly trained in a select few of these areas, and be merely acquainted with others. Others might be more of a generalist and not have a high level in any one area. Specialties among this set highlight the need for each person in ministry to be in frequent contact with others. Several specific collections are also highlighted in later sections to indicate typical tracks for pastors available in Seminaries. A short description of each specialty is provided along with some specific course offerings.
Here Scripture is placed at the center of all the possible elements typical for educating the Pastor. Translations are placed nearby because anyone starting out will need to access Scripture through a translation rather than the ancient texts. The languages are presented in green boxes, while the science of linguistics is in orange. Several things related to the formation of the bible, such as history, texts, and the cannon, appear in blue, while the relevant sciences for those are also in orange. Items related to applying logic to scripture are in pink, including several things related to hermeneutics or theology. Higher level items are in red relevant to these. They include overarching principles that helped define and organize things developed in the pink areas. The yellow areas involve those of practical ministry, which may include preaching, counseling, chaplaincy, and missions, while their overarching categories are also in red. None of these boxes are just one thing, but simply indicate larger categories under which a number of smaller elements exist. In other words, each one of these boxes can be expanded to include a lot of finer details.
The typical "Practical Ministries" Pastor
This next chart indicates which areas of concentration are typical for those who enroll in a practical ministries degree. Generally speaking, these individuals will get a smattering of things from other boxes such as a little bit of language, a little bit of theology, or maybe a little bit into the Biblical backgrounds, but not enough to develop expertise in them. A lot of variety exists in practical ministries in the area of "practice." For example, if someone was studying practical ministries to be a senior pastor they would focus on elements of church leadership in the "practice" section, if they were going to be a worship minister they would focus on music in this section, if they were going to be a missionary they would focus on intercultural relations, or if they were going to work with youth or children they would have a lot of material related to interacting with minors. While specific elements of practice are various, and create different degree programs, the model doesn't change much.
This model, circled in red is one of the most limited ones for biblical interpretation. It includes only Culture, Practice, Preaching, and a translation. However, when it comes to meeting other people's immediate needs, or providing a service, this model is the most useful. This model does not interact with the original text very much if any, and often doesn't emphasize learning the Biblical languages because of that. While someone might engage in introductory theological training, it will be more to gain familiarity and less about learning how to theologically think. The focus will be on what to think rather than how to think.
This is often a great track for anyone seeking to be a deacon responsible for performing certain services within the church. It is less valuable for someone who must learn the truth, recognize it, and guard it from error. It is not a recommended track for the senior minister who must guard the flock from harm. A minister in this track will be completely dependent on someone else for understanding what scripture means, dependent upon a translation, and most likely dependent upon their Bishop or equivalent within the denominational structure for these items. Non-denominational pastors and pastors within smaller denominations will need to partner with other ministers who have solid skills in these areas in order to avoid typical pitfalls of Biblical interpretation. However, some of the dangers can be avoided if ministers use quality translations and read commentaries that are of a detailed nature. A related problem to this is that the pastor still is unable to determine which are the better translations or commentaries and will depend on a trustworthy person to inform him or her.
pros:
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quick to train
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quick payoff to immediate ministry needs
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great for lay leaders, lay preachers, or ministers working under direct authority of an senior leader
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direct connection to a lot of practical matters
cons:
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unable to build and thus see the whole picture
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little engagement with source material
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dependent on tradition
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should rely heavily upon introductory commentaries written by or approved by the denomination
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dependent on strong leaders
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does not develop independent church leaders
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mostly unable to read and comprehend detailed commentaries
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unable to offer corrections to denominational materials
This is the model that currently offers the most programs overall and the most variety of programs for training ministers. The majority of pastors and ministers today are trained using this model. None the Reformers, movement founders, or key leaders were trained using this model. Many programs using this model will tuck in a bit of denominational theology, church history, and some electives that the minister in training can use toward one biblical language.
The typical "Biblical Studies" Pastor
This next chart indicates which areas of concentration are typical for those who enroll in a biblical studies degree. Generally speaking, these individuals will get a smattering of things from other boxes such as a little bit of practical ministries, a little bit of theology, or maybe a little bit into philosophy, but not enough to develop expertise in them. Most of the time someone taking this track would have to choose whether he or she would concentrate in New Testament or Old Testament. Very few do both as this requires a double major or a second degree. Some ministers in this track will develop a useful skill level in at least one biblical language, and will dig deeper into several books of their chosen concentration.
This model, circled in red is one of the ones that provide the most source material for biblical interpretation. It includes at least one biblical language, the backgrounds to texts involved in that language, and some interactions with the sciences behind those elements. This track may also include a bit of theology (especially biblical theology), hermeneutics, and practical ministries. This model usually develops scholars over pastors, but includes many pastors as well. This model interacts with the original texts of at least one language, but often doesn't emphasize application to congregations or culture. This model usually focuses on theology only in how to construct it from the text, and typically does not develop theological thinking or relationship to philosophy. The focus is more on how to think in this model. One difficulty in this model is that the languages themselves occupy a vast amount of time to master them and typically do not interact with linguistics - the sciences behind understanding how languages work. The time devoted to even just one language in any seminary track is not enough, although it is sufficient to be able to read detailed commentaries on the biblical text.
This is often a great track for anyone seeking the truth behind theological thought. It is great for a senior pastor or for someone who aspires to become one someday. It also works well as a starting point for the scholar. It is less valuable for someone who simply wants to minister in repetitive tasks. A lay minister or board member at a church also would benefit from this track as this person could then become a person modeling the Bereans, who searches scripture to see if the pastor is telling the truth. A minister in this track will be more independent when understanding what scripture means, better resourced when he or she does not know what it means, not dependent upon a translation, and able to operate well in the absence of hierarchical leaders when determining the meaning of the text. Non-denominational pastors and pastors within smaller denominations will be better suited to interpret texts without oversight. However, some of the dangers still exist, and these can be avoided if ministers engage with commentaries that are of a detailed nature. A person in this track should include a theological commentary in their reading. A minister in this track will be able to identify the better commentaries and offer critiques of commentaries as needed.
pros:
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Good connection to source material involving one biblical language
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Better ability to answer why the text means one thing and does not mean another
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Able to assess translations and commentaries
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Usually can provide a rich understanding of a biblical passage
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Can develop into an independent ministry role
cons:
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More challenging in time investment than most degree tracks
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More data to manage while working
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Often no development in the other biblical languages
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Typically no ability to connect the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament
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Will need to rely on trusted resources for the scientific information
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Will need to stay connected with a trusted Theologian
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Often cannot assess grammars or linguistics to decide if there are errors
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Little if any training in actual ministry
This is the model that captures the educational focus that most of the Reformers, movement founders, and key leaders used. It is less complete than what many of the early leaders were involved with, though as people often develop specialties and few combine the languages and texts of both testaments with theological method. Less people apply to this type of program than in former centuries, mainly because the main goals are less attainable. The amount of information has multiplied and specialties within this track often know little about each other. Many programs using this model will tuck in a bit of denominational theology, biblical theology as a method, some church history, and some electives that the minister in training can use toward practical ministries.
The typical "Theological Studies" Pastor
This next chart indicates which areas of concentration are typical for those who enroll in a theological studies degree. Generally speaking, these individuals will get a smattering of things from other boxes such as a little bit of practical ministries, a little bit of biblical studies, or maybe a little bit into logic and philosophy, but not enough to develop expertise in them. Most of the time someone taking this track would have to choose whether he or she would concentrate in denominational theology or historical theology. A few concentrate in systematic theology. Some ministers in this track will develop some skill in at least one biblical language, and will concentrate on a quality translation while thinking through the arguments of various theological traditions.
This model, circled in red is one of the ones that provide the most material for the big ideas within Scripture. It usually includes a low level of at least one biblical language, some of the backgrounds to texts involved in that language, and some interactions with "Reason" and "Philosophy." This track may also include a bit of ethics, hermeneutics, or practical ministries. This model usually develops into pastor/scholars. This model emphasizes connecting the text to the big ideas, but strangely often bypasses insights from the texts in the original languages. This model usually develops theological thinking and may include its relationship to philosophy. The focus is more on how to think in this model. One difficulty in this model is that the theological treatment of any subject has a lot of historical commentary, and this occupies a vast amount of time to be familiar with them and typically persons in this track forget much of the biblical languages and interact with them as commentators relate the ideas to specific language item. The time devoted to just one theological tradition almost excludes much development into other areas of biblical interpretation.
This is often a great track for anyone seeking how to wrestle with the big ideas. It is great for a senior pastor or for someone who aspires to become one someday. It also works well as a starting point for the scholar. It is less valuable for someone who simply wants to minister in repetitive tasks. A lay minister or board member at a church also would benefit from this track. A minister in this track will be more independent when understanding what scripture traditionally means, better able to argue from a system to an answer, and able to operate well in the absence of hierarchical leaders when determining the focus of the text. Non-denominational pastors and pastors within smaller denominations will be better suited to interpret texts without oversight. However, some of the dangers still exist, and these can be avoided if ministers engage with commentaries that are of a detailed nature. A minister in this track should access detailed commentaries involving the original languages to ensure the big idea is well supported by the text.
pros:
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Good connection to the big ideas
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Better ability to offer canonical interpretations
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Able to assess theological thought
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Usually can provide a rich understanding of a biblical passage
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Can develop into an independent ministry role
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Can connect texts theologically
cons:
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More challenging in time investment than many degree tracks
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More data to manage while working
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Often light development in one biblical language and none in the others
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Typically connections between the Old Testament and New Testament is based on those observable in English
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Will need to rely on trusted resources for the grammatical information
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Will need to stay connected with a trusted Grammarian
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Often cannot assess the original texts beyond rudimentary matters
This is the model that captures a portion of the educational focus that many of the Reformers, movement founders, and key leaders used. It is less complete than what many of the early leaders were involved with, especially in the languages and texts. Less people apply to this type of program than in former centuries, mainly because they wish to focus more on the how-to, than on the what. Many specialists to apply to this type of program if they have an interest in historical theology or in denominational theology. Many programs using this model will tuck in a bit of biblical studies, theological method, some philosophy, some church history, and some electives that the minister in training can use toward practical ministries.
The typical "Church History" Pastor
This next chart indicates which areas of concentration are typical for those who enroll in a church history degree. Generally speaking, these individuals will get a smattering of things from other boxes such as a little bit of practical ministries, a little bit of biblical studies, or maybe a little bit into logic and philosophy, but not enough to develop expertise in them. Usually historical theology will be a component. Most of the time someone taking this track would have to choose whether he or she would concentrate in period of church history, or in a specific tradition's history. A few concentrate on key movement leaders. Few ministers in this track develop skills in biblical languages, and will concentrate on the forces in history that shape theology and translations rather than on the systematizing of theology or the language-based decisions on translations.
This model, circled in red is one of the ones that provide the best anchoring for any movement. It usually includes the reasons various decisions were made, and the content of debates over the years. This track usually interacts with historical theology, and anything that helps explain how things change over time. This track can produce a minister that guards against new heresies and trends when they have occurred before with disastrous results. This track may be coupled with more theology, some biblical studies, or practical ministries. This model usually develops anchored ministers. This model emphasizes the causes behind changes in the church, changes in theology, changes in practice, or changes in translations. This model usually offers corrections to remembered theological histories. The focus is more on finding exact historical details and relating them to the ongoing development. One difficulty in this model is that theological treatment is light and the biblical languages and texts are typically not covered.
This is often a great track for anyone seeking correct reasons for change. It is great for a senior pastor or for someone in denominational hierarchy to be the church historian. It also works well as a starting point for the scholar. It is less valuable for someone who simply wants to minister in repetitive tasks, or who wants to wrestle with arguments pertaining to the big ideas. A lay minister or board member at a church could benefit from this track. A minister in this track will be more grounded when understanding theological traditions or development, better able to argue from historical details, and able to support hierarchical leaders when focusing the direction of a movement or denomination. Non-denominational pastors and pastors within smaller denominations will be occasionally benefit from this track by researching into broader church history, rather than in only one tradition. A minister in this track should access detailed commentaries involving the original languages to ensure the big idea is well supported by the text along with theological commentaries.
pros:
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Good connection to the causes for change
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Better ability to offer historical interpretations
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Able to assess the reasons for change
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Usually can provide a grounded understanding of a biblical passage
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Can develop into an supportive ministry role
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Can connect texts to historically significant decisions
cons:
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Often light theological development
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Often no development in biblical languages
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Typically connections between the Old Testament and New Testament is based on those observable in English
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Will need to rely on trusted theological resources
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Will need to rely on trusted resources for the grammatical information
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Often has little to no development in practical ministries, but electives can be used for this
This is the model that captures another portion of the educational focus that many of the Reformers, movement founders, and key leaders used. It is less complete than what many of the early leaders were involved with, especially in the languages and deeper theological concerns. Less people apply to this type of program than in former centuries, mainly because they wish to focus more on the how-to, than on the what. Many specialists to apply to this type of program if they have an interest in historical theology or in denominational theology. Many programs using this model will tuck in a bit of biblical studies, theological method, some philosophy, some practical ministry, and some electives that the minister in training can use.