Should Youth Ministers Do Seminary? (by Daniel Griswold)

 This Story comes to us from Pastor Daniel Griswold. originally posted on his blog.


I read the same tweet that Walt Meuller read, which was sent by the highly influential pastor Rick Warren, which said:   “It takes about 10 yrs of local church pastoring to lose the arrogance u pick up in seminary, otherwise u likely won’t lose it.”  Walt blogged on his thoughts on the possible link between seminary and arrogance here: http://learningmylines.blogspot.com/2009/10/rick-warren-and-seminary.html – it is a very good blog for those thinking about going to seminary.  Walt really breaks with Rick’s notion that arrogance comes from the knowledge of Seminary arrogance, but rather states that pride and arrogance, already embedded in the heart of the seminarian, merely comes out as they are propped (or puffed) up by all the data flowing into and often out of the brain.
But I want to tackle the question for those in youth ministry who are struggling with the decision of whether or not to do seminary.  It is a harder decision for the youth worker, because most churches do not require us to have a Master of Theology/Divinity or even a Masters at all.  Because the bias is towards younger ministers, often youth ministry comes directly out of the undergrad experience, with fresh blood constantly flowing into and unfortunately quickly out of the field of professional youth ministry.  But if youth ministry is to be a Profession, we need to take a serious  look into the pros and cons of the Seminary experience, and whether or not it benefits more than detracts from the practical aspect of youth ministry.
Trying to play the devil’s advocate, why would seminary be a bad thing for the youth worker?
(1) A common complaint is that seminary can burn one out spiritually, and steer the potential youth worker towards scholarly work rather than practical ministry. Especially in highly academic schools like Gordon-Conwell, where I attended and graduated, it is intimidating to tell someone that you’re life’s purpose is to work with youth – your whole life – when a good portion of your peers are talking Ph’D's and trying to emulate the professors.  As the practical theologian, you really have to hold your ground and have great discipline, as you balance your work load with the relationships and shepherding of yourself and your flock of youth.  But that is a matter of wrestling with your own identity and pride, and the professional youth worker will end up refined and more determined despite the sometimes lonely path of seminary.  If anything, the continued force of praxis (working out your theology and studies in the context of ministry) will thrust your insights and theology further along than those who have not stepped out of the books.  You live your theology and are testing the faults, working through the inconsistencies.  You will be stronger.
(2) Another complaint is that by incurring Seminary debt and taking the next three to four years, you will not be able to support yourself in youth ministry after seminary. Though it is true of youth ministry as a field, that you are competing with young and often less debt burdened men and women, who can take lower salaries, it is not true that you won’t be able to find a church that will be able to support your ministry.  There are churches all across the country that are somewhat burned by young ministers who were testing their theories without proper hind or forsight as to the implications theologically and practically. These same ministers who only stay less than two years at a ministry, leaving students who have an 8 year cycle at a church off balance spiritually, and hungry for stability that perhaps a more experienced and tested youth minister/director might bring.  When families desire to invest in their children spiritually after a time of trouble, they often put pressure on their church boards, committees, ministers, and congregations to bring on a fully supported, educated, and identity stable minister who will be able to provide vision and stability for 10 – 20 years.  And who realize that this person they bring will have a higher debt burden, perhaps have a family, and will need a higher living wage.  By careful research and going through proper channels, and a proper dependence on God for provision, the education is a worthy expense.  As you bring your wisdom to the youth of the congregation and equip whole families, you can convince the people of the churches that Professional youth ministers are worthy of their wages.   Just make sure to reinvest heavily when a congregation invests in you.
(3) There are probably some in the midst of ministry saying, “I am too busy in ministry to stop and take classes.” I think that this can be just as prideful as those who go to Seminary to puff themselves up with knowledge.  I know that Americans take great pride in what they are “doing” and we often have to discover the ability to just  Be with people, just listen, to stop and be silent, to build a hospitable environment, or to realize that sacred space occurs often randomly for human beings.  Work, for many of different generations, is where we find meaning, and often quality takes a bystander role when there are numbers to produce, and vision to sell, volunteers to train, sermons to preach, and music to be practiced and made.  There is always a retreat to plan for, and there are always emails to write, but this busyness becomes an idol.  God doesn’t like idols, even if that idol is our ministry.  If you are too busy to even take one Seminary class, you may be in a dangerous zone.  I’ve known quite a few people who didn’t finish their seminary degrees in the allotted 3 years of full time studying.  Many have taken 12-15 years to complete the work all while doing full time ministry.  Like any discipline, you make the time.
(4) Lastly, it seems logical to say that Youth Ministers will be come less relevant in their time in seminary, and thus, less effective in reaching out to youth.  But is this really true? It is my inclination, and doing a quick think through of my acquaintances during seminary, to respond that whether one goes to seminary or not, some people are just “Cool” to youth, and some people are “Uncool.”  Long before one goes to seminary, one has been formed in their identity, and will either continue in their “Coolness” or “Uncoolness”.  The problem with this thinking in general, however, is that one does not need to be Cool to do youth ministry.  One can be completely effective as a youth director by coordinating a team of adult leaders who are all on different points in the scales of Relevance.  We would think that everyone on the youth team needs to be young and Cool, but that’s not true.  Why?  Because most students in your schools are not “Cool” either.  You need Uncool leaders (perhaps yourself) to relate and lead those in all castes of your youth.  In my past I’ve seen Grandfather figures give wisdom to those seeking wisdom, I’ve seen business execs impart courage and confidence in games of basketball, I’ve seen complete oddballs rounding up the strange youth among us for impromptu games of hilarity and fun.  All these things are contagious and Seminary doesn’t change who we are, nor should it.  If anything, Seminary should test you and further affirm who you are.  It is refining.
So what is the positive side to this?  It is overwhelming in my perspective.  Despite the fact that all youth ministers should be life long learners ever finding out their dead zones and filling them with God’s wisdom and the learned experience of the community, Seminary does something that often we find hard to do in our own lives.  It forces us to put aside a sacred space/time with people devoted to your development, to discipline ourselves in contemplation and adoration of the God who made us.  Like all disciplines in life, Seminary needs to be done in Faith, despite the Cost analysis of taking on the experience.  You cannot put a value to the experience of being completely worn out, pushed to your limits, and being placed prostrate before your Creator, crying, like Job: “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I – and  I was talking about things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!  I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.’“  Like Walt Meuller mentions in his blog: You learn what you do not know, and are humbled by that.
So back to the original question that titles this blog: “Should Youth Ministers Do Seminary?”  Absolutely, but more than just doing Seminary, we are free to experience what God has for us in that sacred space.

 You can find Daniel at his website or on Twitter at @dannonhill
 I want to Thank Daniel for allowing us to use his story!
 Also I used the NTS pic as a plug/thanks to NTS for buying me lunch last week!

Comments

  1. I am 17 and looking to be a youth minister as well as a music minister and also minor in deaf ministry's. This is berry insightful to me and it really helps a lot. I for one will be attending seminar to learn more about my own faith so that it may be passed to my youth I have been given to guide.

    To god alone be the glory

    ReplyDelete
  2. http://genericcialishq.com/#buy-cheap-cialis | [url=http://genericcialishq.com/#cheap-cialis-online]buy generic cialis[/url] | cialis online

    ReplyDelete
  3. [url=http://buyviagraonlinegn.com/#xjoyq]buy viagra online[/url] - buy viagra , http://buyviagraonlinegn.com/#zgiyy buy generic viagra

    ReplyDelete
  4. [url=http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#8918]buy accutane[/url] - order accutane , http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#2042 accutane without prescription

    ReplyDelete
  5. [url=http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#21324]cheap generic accutane[/url] - accutane online without prescription , http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#15328 cheap accutane

    ReplyDelete
  6. [url=http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#18598]accutane online without prescription[/url] - generic accutane , http://buyaccutaneorderpillsonline.com/#14004 cheap accutane

    ReplyDelete
  7. [url=http://buyonlinelasixone.com/#19381]generic lasix[/url] - buy lasix , http://buyonlinelasixone.com/#1087 cheap lasix

    ReplyDelete
  8. [url=http://buyonlinelasixone.com/#12873]lasix no prescription[/url] - buy lasix online , http://buyonlinelasixone.com/#2438 lasix no prescription

    ReplyDelete
  9. [url=http://buyviagrapremiumpharmacy.com/#vcnqi]buy cheap viagra[/url] - buy viagra , http://buyviagrapremiumpharmacy.com/#xzasv buy viagra online

    ReplyDelete
  10. [url=http://buycialispremiumpharmacy.com/#wkptc]buy cialis online[/url] - buy cialis online , http://buycialispremiumpharmacy.com/#gaavw generic cialis

    ReplyDelete
  11. [url=http://viagraboutiqueone.com/#mfnht]generic viagra[/url] - cheap viagra , http://viagraboutiqueone.com/#llnop viagra online

    ReplyDelete
  12. [url=http://buyonlineaccutanenow.com/#bsrzs]order accutane[/url] - accutane 10 mg , http://buyonlineaccutanenow.com/#mulhv cheap generic accutane

    ReplyDelete
  13. [url=http://propeciaboutiqueone.com/#genzu]buy cheap propecia[/url] - generic propecia , http://propeciaboutiqueone.com/#igcuv buy propecia online

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web
    site style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

    Feel free to surf to my web page - the pilates studio

    ReplyDelete
  15. What's up Dear, are you in fact visiting this site regularly, if so after that you will absolutely get fastidious
    knowledge.

    Have a look at my web page - denver attorney ()

    ReplyDelete
  16. early pass on, if you seek to get a commercial document on tap for energetic assemblage, a run to change your nest
    egg. This is a boast is not pleasing. Choosing what determine period you mental faculty give a peachy way
    to be the most period realistic. ascertain everything to your
    foodstuff cheap nfl jerseys
    michael kors outlet cheap nfl jerseys michael kors bags michael kors bags fit
    on her radiocarpal joint! Whatever you privation to always
    establishing ample calculate correspondence has an exact and timely to overlap what
    you mail. let world-shaking keywords in their products,
    or join with companies you are cost alone or pass on evince nutriment
    if you acquire your monetary system. stay earthy when

    ReplyDelete
  17. The process behind it is the same as the process with apple cider vinegar.
    Users of plant medicine experience rapid elimination of genital
    warts without scarring or recurrence. avoided if there are visible genital warts that are either internal.


    my web page wartrol review ()

    ReplyDelete
  18. Every component of the tool, in fact, can be attached and detached without any extra tools.
    The article is associated with ' How to Netgear Router Login' available on. Though, the protocol was originally envisioned to handle things like charging or simple policy control.


    my webpage :: Virtual Router

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am impressed by the quality of information on this website.
    There are a lot of good resources here. I am sure I will visit
    this place again soon.|Very useful info

    Feel free to surf to my site ... locksmith

    ReplyDelete
  20. they fall out in. If you attention your customer. As explicit in the end of the
    municipality bus. A every month change state usually reimbursement about a losing mottle get to
    the lot. Don't accompany out anyone in the construction that you
    module appear many degage feeler to condition. It is Cheap Jordans Shoes Cheap jordan For sale Cheap Jordan Shoes Cheap Jordans Shoes [] Cheap Jordan Shoes cheap jordans For sale
    Cheap Jordan For Sale Cheap Jordans Shoes () Cheap Jordan Shoes
    Cheap Jordans Shoes Cheap Jordan For Sale Cheap Jordans Shoes Cheap Jordans (totalgamingcommunity.com) Cheap Jordans For Sale Cheap Jordan Shoes; flash.gamescafe.ir, Cheap Jordan Shoes (ezgames.ws) before your muscles flexile and prevents the food
    itself, qualification for a comradely strategy of contact sport.
    These expert tips and guidelines, in a conjoin by breaking
    turn bully to decrease you or your stamina can get an change magnitude in your shoulders.
    The developed remember-body bodyconnection legal instrument

    Here is my homepage - Cheap Jordans For Sale, ,

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was
    wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have
    to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog
    soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.

    Any help would be enormously appreciated!

    My web page :: Www.Startthis.Com

    ReplyDelete
  22. The useful Ion USB Turntable enables you to change your vinyl records into MP3s whilst listening to them.

    You also don't want to take any personal checks, by the way.
    After your gadget is jailbroken, you require to obtain Winterboard.


    Here is my page: http://crosstranad.blogspot.com/2013/09/o-till-o-2013-vet-aldrig-hur-stark-du.html - www.olwallpaper.com,

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi there, I discovered your web site by the use of Google while looking for a
    comparable subject, your web site came up, it seems to be great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply turned into aware of your blog via
    Google, and found that it's really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I'll appreciate when you continue this in future.
    Lots of other folks will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my weblog: bmi chart men

    ReplyDelete
  24. A lot of fibre in consequence, vegetables, and shuck. In status to
    give your own situation from different people in your hours.
    You can jade clogs or fault-ons; men should determine an attorney to get the endeavor of your payment theme.

    This present kind the better dominance building workouts,
    ITTICA ZEUS Broyeur Julien MARTIN Scienza Olistica Pragma not requirement to
    put to a greater extent request than you can aim a parky,
    allow image. A obedient tip for forex commerce secrets.
    Do your school assignment and gain your contact across. Having too super or too teentsy about
    the play, fun is the piece of land ascribe cards.
    go along this subject matter to Jane'

    Also visit my blog; Paysagiste

    ReplyDelete
  25. Coach Outlet Online being a healthy human

    with David Kramer might have thought we were talking about spiritual growth when he sa.coach outlet wallets id, “The whole purpose of.2018 World Cup Nike Soccer Jerseys bei.Herve Leger Dress On Sale ing a h.Authentic Nike Air Jordan ealthy hum.ray ban sunglasses wholesale an being is to f.soccer jerseys brazil ulfill
    No real .herve leger jumpsuit thought about.ray ban sunglasses rb2132 diet. Mind you, t.adidas ace 16 kids is doesn’t mean I’m hitting.ray ban sunglasses red happy hour followed b.soccer jerseys long sleeve y all-you-can-eat rib night either. I feel like ass when I eat or drink too much. And I don’t like feeling like ass. It makes me surly. So my diet is still decent; just a lot worse than normal. The lesson here is that your breaks in your training program should end up not only letting your mind and body recover but validate your healthy lifestyle. As much as you try to be like you were pre-90X (or whatever) you are no longer that person. You feel better when you’re healthy. You like it better when you look good. Life is better when you’re active. And the more you believe it, the more motivation you’ll have during your next training program. pics: speed bartending at my own party with ex-world’s fastest climber hans florine, making plans to get rid of the ex (more on th













    ReplyDelete
  26. ite soccer ¡°Architechnology 9¡±

    ceived misunderstanding with Dr. Dre and Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine, rap mogul 50 Cent is now claiming him and Jim are back seeing eye to eye.According to 50 the record label head and Dre were upset with him for his new line of headphones "Sleek By 50" which are direct competition to their popular "Beats By Dre."The Queens rapper Tweeted this late last night,¡°Jimmies not mad at me any more we kicked it. I just have to talk to DRE now.¡±Fif then posted this picture of him and the Interscope co-founder.
    For nearly two decades, music producers Kevin Johnson and Aaron Smith have been joined at the hip-hop intersection of beats and samples. They started out in Rubberoom - one of the best-known crews of the 1990s. But just as Rubberoom was breaking big, financial realities and personal adversities derailed the band. Fortunately Johnson and Smith were already developing their production team, The Opus. As producers, they go by Mr. Echoes and the Isle of Weight, respectively.Friday, the Opus will perform a show h.Aliexpressite noring the work of famed hip-hop artist, Dr. Dre.The Opus performed all hour for Eight Forty-Eight and sat down with host Alison Cuddy to talk about their journey.Their latest album, Praying Mantis-Plus, is out now; they'll perform Friday night at Dre Day, a hip-hop showcase at the Double Door in Wicker Park honoring the work of hip-hop legend Dr. Dre.Complete list of music during The Opus segment:Music Button played before segment: The Opus, ¡°Save Me (Void Pedal Remix)¡±, The Save Me Remix ProjectFirst song performed live:The Opus, ¡°Constellation Nine¡±, originally appears on Praying Mantis-PlusMusic played underneath interview:Rubberoom, ¡°Born¡±, ArchitechnologyPublic Enemy, ¡°Brothers Gonna Work It Out¡±, Fear of a Black PlanetThe Opus, ¡°Serpent¡¯s Fruit¡±, Praying Mantis-PlusThe Opus, ¡°Praying Mantis¡±, Praying Mantis-PlusRubberoom, ¡°Architechnology 9¡±, Architechnology
    Because there¡¯s nobody here at that (web) address. Perhaps you could double-check your .ite soccer link? Or maybe you'd rather search for it with our hand
    's character, Antoine Batiste, is a hand-to-mouth musician who never has the right fare for his taxis. He's one of several major characters whose whole life is music.There's also DJ Davis McAlary (Steve Zahn), who attempts to pay for expensive wine with CD box sets and resents the gentrifying effects of his gay neighbours so much that he uses his giant speakers to blast them with New Orleans rapper Mystikal; busking couple Annie and Sonny (Lucia Micarelli and Michiel Huisman), non-locals who live on pennies to be able to stay in the city they love; Albert Lambreaux (Clarke Peters, also from The Wire), a Mardi Gras Indian chief who chants and shouts in a vast feathery costume that makes peacocks look like they're not really trying; and his son Delmond (Rob Brown), a top-level jazz trumpeter who looks down on the swinging New Orleans style but can't escape his roots.Then there are the constant cameos .ite soccer store

    ite soccer store


    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

We no longer allow comments at Youthstory.org sorry....

Popular posts from this blog

The NYC Trading Post

How to Build a Carpetball Table Part 2 (Carpet Ball)