Comments on: Things They Don’t Teach In Seminary

By: ronedmondson

ronedmondson — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:48:03 +0000

Absolutely

By: William

William — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:39:35 +0000

Add some IT skill. It's a great advantage for pastors to keep updated what's happening around them and get more productivity

By: ronedmondson

ronedmondson — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:23:17 +0000

Thanks for the practical example.

By: Chris V.

Chris V. — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:26:49 +0000

Honestly, the most valuable stuff I learned in seminary I learned outside the classroom. Most of what I learned in the classroom revolved around, ultimately, sermon preparation. And I would still choose my seminary if I had to do it all over again, because, unfortunately, I think it's the best one out there. But the practical things that you mentioned, Ron, were really nowhere to be found in my curriculum. I also wished I had learned about generational differences and how they shape how I pastor, team-building, communicating a vision, and discerning your gifts and passions so that you can find the best church fit. Probably 3/4 of my friends that I graduated with had a first call that lasted under two years (myself included), and were unhappy the majority of that time. I really hope that seminaries catch up soon!

By: Ron

Ron — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:21:52 +0000

I guess I should have shared that they do teach a lot in seminary. Understand church and Bible history and how to teach it is of course important for a pastor to know. There are great classes for people-helping, culture awareness and even church administration, but ultimately, as in many parts of life, some of the best training is on-the-job training.

By: Nathan Edwards

Nathan Edwards — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:13:57 +0000

Sorry I have to say this… but do they teach anything in Seminary?… cos that’s a reasonably extensive list and all are very important to a Leadership role.

Thanks for the advice Ron.

By: Michelle George

Michelle George — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:53:09 +0000

Why is it that this stuff isn’t taught at seminary/bible college? I get the distinct impression taht it’s not seen as “spiritual” to learn about this side of running a church…why? <>

By: Jon Stallings

Jon Stallings — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:53:32 +0000

Before starting my church plant, I worked as Church Business Administrator. I went through a major building project.

A great source of help is the “National Association of Church Business Administration” Most major cities even have local chapters that hold weekly meetings.

http://www.nacba.net/

I highly encourage that you have at least one person on staff become a member. They have lot of HR, tax, payroll help etc.

By: Daniel Berman

Daniel Berman — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:37:04 +0000

I haven’t had the chance to go to seminary, only Bible College; but I can tell you that we only just started to touch on some of this stuff in a 400 level pastoral course that was optional in my program.