Unsolicited Seminary Advice
Advice for Potential Seminary Students
If you’re considering seminary, this part is for you!
Ahhh, unsolicited advice. Everyone’s favorite.
The best advice I have for you? Be an uncomfy buffalo.
You might be scratching your head at that. Why do I have to be uncomfortable?
You may think you’ve got a strong grasp on everything related to Jesus but brace yourself—discomfort is on the horizon!
Prepare your mind for this endeavor. If you’re passionate enough about the word of God to commit to an academic journey in seminary, it’s time to challenge your perceptions. Your professors—those wise bible scholars—are likely going to present ideas that shake up your previous understanding. Seminary invites you to step back and examine your beliefs—not to tear them down, but to help you consider whether they truly reflect Scripture and whether they are the best way to understand the world.
This isn’t like studying flowers, where you can remain objective without it having a personal impact. Seminary is deeply personal and directly tied to your identity. Expect to question your beliefs and explore why they shape who you are. Growth isn’t easy; it can be downright uncomfortable. However, remember that, while there may be nuances, your professors are likely to share most core beliefs with you. Just like a flower reaching for sunlight, you’ll bloom through this process, too.
Now, about the buffalo: when storms approach, cows tend to run away, which only prolongs their discomfort as they try to escape.
Buffalo, on the other hand, charge directly into the storm.
They go through it and come out stronger. The only way out is through.
If you shut your mind to new ideas, you risk becoming like those cows. Don’t be a cow. Be a buffalo. Keep an open mind. You don’t have to abandon your beliefs, but engaging with unfamiliar perspectives can deepen your understanding of others. Plus, it prepares you for the diverse views you’ll encounter as a leader. So, embrace that discomfort and be a buffalo!
The next piece of advice, and probably the most important, is to prioritize your time with God and be intentional with that time. Fun story: The first week of seminary, I walked into corporate prayer at our church that Friday and sat on the floor, crying. I realized that I spent 7 hours each day that week, Monday through Thursday, learning about Him, but I spent no time with Him. Spending time with God, going to a secret place, praying, and worshiping are all important. Learning about Him is important too, but it’s not either-or; it’s both. You need to study him, both mentally and emotionally.[6] Friend, God has a plan for you and wants to spend time with you. And at the end of the day, remember why you chose to enroll in Seminary. What’s your why? You’ve got this!
