I Never Learned that in Seminary!

by Ircel Harrison

If you are in ministry, you are probably thankful for the theological education you received. You can reminisce about professors who challenged your ideas but empowered you to think theologically and biblically. Those were good days! But in the years since then, how often have you encountered a situation that caused you to say, “I never learned that in seminary.”?

Hopefully seminary did prepare us to be lifelong learners; however, some of the skills we most need today were not part of our seminary curriculum.

Scholars at the Association of Theological Schools keep track of this situation. Recent research suggests a misalignment between how students in theological schools are being trained and what the workforce needs. (“Workforce” is their term, so we will use it here.)i The research is based on alumni responses correlated with the offerings of ATS schools.

In the most recent study, administration and leadership were high on the list of needed competencies listed by pastoral leaders. What was surprising were some new additions to the “top ten.” These included what the researchers call “soft competencies” --spiritual disciplines, interpersonal competency, and intrapersonal competency.

The recent research looked at the correlation of the predominant disciplines in theological schools and what alumni identified as “what I wished I had learned in seminary.” There was little correlation. As you would expect, fields like biblical studies, theology, and Christian heritage were dominant in what the seminaries offered. The researchers identified this as a “misalignment” between what the churches need from their leaders and the preparation that seminaries provide. This doesn’t mean those disciplines are not important, but that prospective clergy need other skills as well.

Of course, a number of seminaries understand this and are working to change their curricula as they form future ministers, but what about those of us who are well past seminary?

The first thing that each of us must recognize is not only the need for lifelong learning but a commitment to pursue it. The world changes and if you wish to be a competent leader in today’s environment, you will take the responsibility to read, pursue continuing education, join a peer group, or seek out a coach.

Second, we must find partners in enhancing our abilities or acquiring new skills. This is where an organization like Pinnacle Leadership Associates comes into play. We are not a theological institution, but Pinnacle associates are theologically trained ministers who not only have experience but have honed their skills around some of the competencies needed by effective pastoral leaders today. Several have been adjunct professors at theological institutions.

Consider Pinnacle your “just in time” learning partner. Whether you are dealing with congregational relationships, leadership, staff supervision, or spiritual formation, we can come alongside and address the challenges you face. It’s never too late to enhance your skills for ministry.

i In Trust Center: Ep. 83: A misalignment in theological schools and a way forward, Dec 23, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-trust-center/id1606942587?i=1000681471802&r=830