When considering attending an episcopal seminary, evaluate career goals, faculty and programs, location, and financial stability. Consider multiple programs and faculty members, and seek feedback from others who have attended the seminary.
If you are considering attending an episcopal seminary, it is important to evaluate your career and ministry goals, consider the faculty and programs at the seminary, and familiarize yourself with the location of the seminary. It is also advisable to consider your financial situation and the financial stability of the seminary itself. Finally, it might be a good idea to talk with your bishop and other clergy and ministry leaders and get their feedback on each seminar you consider.
Many people attend an episcopal seminary because they want to prepare for the priesthood, but you may not be interested in ordination and would like to receive a graduate education in theology, pastoral counseling, or Christian education. Some seminars offer multiple programs that allow you to select the educational track that matches your professional goals. If you are not interested in ordination but want to prepare for a lay ministry, consider whether seminaries offer degrees other than a Master of Divinity, such as a Master of Christian Education or a Master of Arts in other areas. You should also consider each seminar’s faculty, particularly if you are interested in a specialized area of study. If you can find a seminary that has faculty members who share your academic or professional interests, you may find your studies more profitable and rewarding.
Another consideration is location. While there may be an Episcopal seminary close to where you live, in many cases you will need to relocate to complete your seminary education. Not only can moving be expensive, but it can also be a significant change for your family, if you have one, and for yourself. If possible, visit the cities where the seminaries are located to better understand your options.
It’s a good idea to try to get feedback from others who have attended the episcopal seminary before making a final decision. Your bishop will be able to provide you with good information about each seminary and let you know if the diocese considers certain seminaries more favorably than others. Your parish priest and lay ministers who attended the seminar may also have recommendations for you. If you have a question about a particular seminar, talking to people who actually attended the school can be extremely helpful in developing a better understanding of the school and making a decision about enrolling.
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