Originally posted on September 6, 2010
Tomorrow, I will be starting my first day of class at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, the beginning of my graduate level theological education. In the months prior to reaching this point, I had to spend a lot of time explaining to family members, friends, and acquaintances why I was going to seminary in the first place. In some of their minds, if I wanted to be a pastor all I should have to do is find a church that needs a pastor or start one up on my own. If I knew my calling, why spend three years at seminary, especially if my undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and I had already spent time working in the church?
Well, the first reason is that to be ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church you have to earn a Master of Divinity degree. However, there are other reasons I chose to go to seminary, besides fulfilling a denominational ordination requirement:
1. The Education
I wanted to be taught by some of the best and brightest in the fields of theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, Methodism, and Christian history. As a pastor, I will be charged with the daunting, though honored, task of teaching the sacred text of Christianity to my congregation, sharing my knowledge of the history of the Church, explaining what it means to be a United Methodist, and encouraging them to be thinking theologically about their life and the world. I also will be the listening ear for their troubles, trials, and tribulations. I owe it to my congregations and the One who called me into ministry to learn all that I can so that I will be fully prepared to lead, teach, and help my congregation grow intellectually, as well as spiritually.
2. The Diversity
I was reminded during orientation that the world is a very diverse place. Seminary provides me with an opportunity to study with professors and students of all ages, races, and ethnicities, from every part of the political and theological spectrum. While I may not agree with every person or every viewpoint, being able to hear all the different voices, opinions, and beliefs allows me the chance to critically think about what I believe and why I have those beliefs. I also get to interact with people whose background differs from my own and hear how they see the world, the Church, and the Scriptures.
It is important that, because we live in a diverse world, that we learn how to hear the voice of the other and, even when we disagree, to treat them with the same respect and dignity we desire. The truth is, the churches I will serve will be diverse, even if it is only in stances on church issues. Seminary allows me the chance to learn how to listen and dialogue differences of opinion and belief while respecting the other and without giving up my opinions and beliefs.
3. The Experience
Seminary is a unique experience that does not come around often (unless you’re looking for multiple master’s degrees related to religion/ministry, in which case, I will pray for your sanity). For many of us in the 2010 incoming class, we’ve made a lot of sacrifices to be here. We’ve moved away from places that we have called home for a long time. Some of us brought our family with us and others have left them behind. There is no doubt that I will experience A LOT in seminary – good and bad – but as with all new experiences, it is another opportunity for me to step outside of my comfort zones to grow and learn in this new place.
My experiences in seminary will not only prepare me for my ministry, but for living in this diverse world. I’m an Oklahoman who moved to Evanston, IL, just a short train ride away from Chicago. Life is very different here and I have already experience many, many, many new things – such as a lack of air conditioning in apartment buildings, which would be considered a sin in Oklahoma. However, I’m already cherishing these experiences – and I am really loving that I can stay cool in September with nothing more than a fan and some open windows.
These are just a few of the reasons I chose to go to seminary but they are all very important ones that also a played a part in my decision to choose to come to Garrett-Evangelical. I know that three years from now I will receive a degree that not only will fulfill an ordination requirement, but will also be a symbol of the choice I made to learn and prepare all I possibly could, so that I could answer my call to ministry with my very best.
Tasha Sargent is a first year MDiv student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She regularly blogs at http://thethousandmilejourney.wordpress.com.
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