Pastoral Leadership Search Effort (PLSE)

Empowering discernment in youth and young adults

Archive for the 'Seminary' Category


Choosing a Seminary

Posted by plse on March 26, 2008

Sandy Webb is a seminarian at Virginia Theological Seminary and formerly staff at the Episcopal Church Center.

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“When talking about seminary selection, I have discovered that many people had the same experience that I did. It’s what I have come to describe as a “spoon drop moment.” You do all of your research, you weigh all of your options, and you can’t decide. Then, one day, you’re eating your breakfast cereal, and you drop your spoon and say, “I have to go to ___.”

Each of the Episcopal seminaries is unique, and your overriding criterion should be which of them will be the best fit for you. This is an extremely important decision, but it is also important that we remember the role of divine providence in making this decision. God has a seminary in mind for each of us, and we need to make sure that we’re keeping our eyes, ears and hearts open to what God intends rather than what we personally desire.

When I was searching, I thought that I wanted the strongest possible academic environment. But, what I discovered in my discernment process is that I really needed a place whose primary focus was on formation in the context of Christian community. I needed to let go of my own understanding of what I needed as an intellectual and grab on to what God needed for my formation as a priest.

The balance between academic rigor and priestly formation is an ongoing conversation at all of our seminaries. In a recent Ember Day letter, my bishop suggested to me that he will be concerned when we think we have that question resolved. You may want to ask about this as you visit different seminaries. As young people, recently out of college, with thirty-five or forty years of ministry ahead of us, this question is particularly relevant. However, those circumstances also make it supremely important that we listen to what God wants for us rather than what we want for us.

In looking back on this whole process, in the midst of my second semester at Virginia Seminary, I can tell you with absolute honesty that I have never regretted my decision to follow God’s path rather than insisting on my own. Good luck, and godspeed!”

Cheers,
Sandy Webb

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Seminaries Under Stress

Posted by plse on March 17, 2008

An interesting article on Episcopal Seminaries.

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Choosing a Seminary

Posted by plse on March 10, 2008

By Peter Swarr
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For me finding a Seminary was an eye-opening experience. Let me share some of that experience with you.
  Read the rest of this entry »

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How do I Choose a Seminary?

Posted by plse on February 5, 2008

by Sarah Irwin  

Okay. You’ve prayed and discerned and thought about your calling, and now it’s time to think about seminary.  How does anyone make a decision like that?  Is it like going to college?  Or choosing a place to live?  A lot of factors will go into your decision about which seminary you choose to attend. This is a time when you want to make as many contacts as possible with as many different people as you can.  Where did your parish priest or college chaplain go to seminary?  Where did your bishop go?  Does he or she want you to attend a particular school?  At first, there seems to be a bewildering number of choices to make.  The range of seminaries in the Episcopal Church is very, very broad. With a few categories of thought in mind, though, you can start to think concretely about where you are called to be.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Theological Education

Posted by plse on February 5, 2008

by Lynne A. Grifo, Office for Ministry Development

Lynne_grifo Anglican theologian Charles Gore wrote:

Only those who know from the ground up what they believe, and why they believe, are able to help those who seek them out.

Theological education is related to baptism. With baptism we enter into new life following the example of Jesus Christ.  It is a life of service and action to promote justice, peace and reconciliation.  Baptism is much more than a momentary experience; it is the beginning of life-long process of spiritual growth.  Learning is a key part of this growth process.  The mission of theological education is to better equip the people of God for faithful and effective ministry and leadership.

Seminary education is one form of theological education.  There are 11 accredited Episcopal seminaries and you can find information about them at the website Theological Education for All.  They offer degree programs, certificates, and opportunities for continuing education, including courses on-line.  They are located around the U.S. and each has a unique history, character and set of strengths.

Students in three-year Ministry of Divinity (M. Div.) programs are usually, although not always, in the process toward ordination.  Other possible degrees are: a Master of Theological Studies or a Master of Arts (e.g. in Religion).  Episcopalians also study theology at other seminaries and universities around the country.  Many dioceses offer local training programs which, while not providing a degree, do prepare persons for designated roles in the church.  If you hope to explore a call to be a priest or deacon your diocesan bishop would be the first person to talk to about where you might study.  It is important to have this conversation before you register for a degree program at a seminary. 

Some bishops want to encourage young adults in particular to consider a vocation in the church and may offer to fund the first year of seminary for a promising student.  For information about other potential sources of financial aid click here and here. 

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How do I Choose a Seminary?

Posted by plse on January 30, 2008

by Sarah Irwin 
 
Okay. You’ve prayed and discerned and thought about your calling, and now it’s time to think about seminary.  How does anyone make a decision like that?  Is it like going to college?  Or choosing a place to live?  A lot of factors will go into your decision about which seminary you choose to attend. This is a time when you want to make as many contacts as possible with as many different people as you can.  Where did your parish priest or college chaplain go to seminary?  Where did your bishop go?  Does he or she want you to attend a particular school?  At first, there seems to be a bewildering number of choices to make.  The range of seminaries in the Episcopal Church is very, very broad. With a few categories of thought in mind, though, you can start to think concretely about where you are called to be. 

One important thing to consider is that, more and more, Episcopal clergy do not attend denominational Episcopal seminaries.  If your spouse or partner cannot easily leave his or her school or job, you may choose to study at a non-Episcopal seminary closer to home.  You may also choose to attend a seminary without a strong denominational allegiance, where students come from all denominations.  An important thing to keep in mind in attending a non-Episcopal school is to be very clear with your bishop about what s/he expects you to study and how to stay in touch with Episcopal community and worship.  You may need to take a year or semester at an Episcopal school to learn about Episcopal worship and about other more church-specific topics. Read the rest of this entry »

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