Seminary 101: what's the goal?
When I was wrestling with whether or not to go to seminary, I came to one conclusion. I couldn’t go expecting to get a job where I got paid enough to make back the cost of my degree. I couldn’t go if the only acceptable outcome was to get a job and a title. The only way I would attend seminary was if what I learned was going to be enough even if I continued doing the exact same things I was already doing: teaching the Bible. (I am very aware that men do not have this conversation.)
For me, it was. I want to learn more about handling the Bible faithfully. I wanted to be formed more fully as a person who is following Jesus. I wanted to develop research skills and learn primary languages. I wanted to do the work to have some credibility because literally anyone can get on the internet and say things. I wanted to learn from a broader base and be introduced to scholars and theologians I had never heard of. I wanted to work in community with people who were not like me. I wanted to be able to apply for jobs and be considered. I wanted skills for the work. My goals are more about process and becoming than jobs and positions.
I do not regret that. I don’t think I will ever regret that. Though I do have hopes for a job and many different kinds of work post-seminary.
Other people have said similar things. Jackie Hill Perry talks occasionally about her slow walk through seminary. I had saved a post by Lore Wilbert talking about her perspective on seminary and a twitter post by Kaitlyn Schiess and I cannot find either of them and don’t care to waste more time scrolling attempting to find them. Suffice it to say, I’m not alone.
I’m almost to the mid-point of seminary. It’s still a gift but it’s a long, slow slog as well right now. It feels like I might never actually be done. Homework might haunt me for the rest of my life. After all, what’s even the point? That’s when it helps me to remember the point.
This has been a week’s break before the new quarter starts tomorrow. It’s been a much needed respite and I actually tried to take a break. Comments from professors on my final projects and research papers have encouraged me that this is the work and I’m learning to do it well.
But next week, I’ll move back into a rhythm of the work and I’ll remember why I’m doing it.
If you're in a slog with your work, maybe it's worth remembering why you are doing. Write down the encouragement that happens along the way. Take regular breaks. Then move back to the work, remembering why you're doing it.
Always,
Lisa
Links I Love:
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