Ordination overhaul

Yesterday, I heard some dismal new student recruitment statistics for a Presbyterian (USA) seminary. They weren't the first ones that I've heard. Admissions are low. Really low. Which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, considering we are in the midst of a recession. God’s call on my life to go to seminary became loud and clear when I was in a horrible job. Shouldn’t there be more people looking at seminary?

But then, if someone does any investigating in my denomination (PCUSA), they will know the obstacles. (Sorry for the denominational shop talk. I’d love to know if other denominations face similar issues.) I certainly let people know what they are in for when they tell me that they want to go. Many people have gone to seminary from churches I’ve served. I think that being a pastor is the best job in the world. But I do want people to be aware of what they’re getting in to.

The truth is that it is very likely that you will go to seminary and never be able to get through the ordination process. I usually tell them my story. I graduated with great grades. I had been a Teacher’s Aid, Tutor and Research Assistant in Systematic Theology, Church History, Greek, Hebrew, and Practical Theology. My internship went well. The church hired me when the internship was over, because they wanted me to continue in the position. I had wonderful recommendations. But I couldn’t pass one of my Ordination Exams, so I couldn’t look for a job.