Pastoral ministry is an unusual calling. Some things we can prepare for, and some we cannot. While such ministry requires hard work, study, prayer, and godly character, the outcome depends entirely on the Holy Spirit forming Christ in people’s hearts (Gal. 4:19). These facts sometimes lead to extremes, either of overworking and preparing, or of slacking off and not preparing because everything depends on the Triune God’s power. However, Paul held both realities together, laboring hard, but doing so by God’s power working in him (Col. 1:29). Pastors need more than strenuous labor and study, but they do not need less.

Most churches require ministers to earn a divinity degree of some kind. Yet the fact is that many of these men already have Bachelor’s degrees, families, jobs, and other responsibilities. Denominational requirements aside, any man considering a four-year divinity program must ask, “Is it worth it?” Although seminary training cannot replace godliness and the Spirit’s power, it is worth it to get you started in the right direction for laboring in Christ’s church. The curriculum itself illustrates why, especially through gaining skill in biblical languages, learning from church history, putting the pieces together in systematic theology, and aiming to put what you learn into practice.

First, seminary training is worth pursuing to learn biblical languages. Without a working knowledge of Scripture’s original languages, the church depends solely on translations, much like she did in the late Middle Ages. Translations cannot convey everything in the original text. For example, Isaiah 42:3–4 tells us that the Messiah will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax. Yet verse 4 adds that neither will he “fail” or be “discouraged,” which uses the same words as “bruised” and “quenched.” Through a simple explanation, pastors can tell people that though God’s people may be bruised and about to be quenched, the Messiah will not be, and he can save them fully and unfailingly. Studying biblical languages with a group of students helps promote a working-knowledge of the Bible, producing better preaching and teaching.

Second, seminary training is valuable in its focus on church history. The church cannot tell us what to believe; only God can through his Word and Spirit. However, Christ gave his church teaching offices to prevent us from being tossed about by every wind of doctrine, and to bring us out of our childish understandings to unity and maturity in him (Eph. 4:11–16). Though never perfect or infallible, church history helps us understand, retain, and promote sound biblical doctrine through learning what Christ has done through imperfect and fallible people whom the Spirit used.

Third, seminary training is important for putting the pieces together in systematic theology. As a Professor of Systematic Theology, I love being able to do a little bit of everything. Biblical exegesis, historical theology, and big picture connections in the Bible converge and culminate in practical Christian living and ministry. For example, we learn not only why the Trinity is biblical, but how the church helps us express it best, how the doctrine runs through Scripture, and why knowing the Triune God should shape our devotion and preaching.

Fourth, seminary training is worth the time because it aims to pull what you learn into practical hands-on ministry. I have more in mind than “practical theology” courses. Having experience in pastoral ministry, our professors, in every course, have the pastorate in view. Studying on-campus particularly creates an atmosphere of mentorship, fellowship, and life-long friendships. Gleaning from the wisdom of faculty and the encouragement of other students is simply irreplicable.

One caveat about seminary training: you cannot pursue a four-year divinity degree at the expense of the local church or of your family. Unless you prioritize your family above your ministry, you are disqualified from your ministry (1 Tim. 3:4). The church, not the seminary, is God’s family, Christ’s body, and the Spirit’s temple. Keeping your priorities straight is part of counting the cost. Yet seminary training is ultimately worth weaving in, creating a pattern of striving in Spirit-dependent study which expands for a lifetime.