Five Lessons God Taught Me In Seminary

Standing on the lawn outside Royce Hall in UCLA, I celebrated my medical school graduation. I had completed my academic pilgrimage. No more school—or so I thought.

Twenty-two years later, whether I was spirit-possessed I do not know, I asked Janice, "What do you think about me studying in seminary?" Receiving a surprised look but not one of disapproval, I embarked on an unforgettable four-year journey. And if God wills, this summer, I will finish my Masters in Theological Studies at Reformed Baptist Seminary.

There are innumerable lessons God is teaching me, and here are five.

1. God answers prayer.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in his distress; I will rescue him and honor him. (Ps 91:15)

When I shared that I was starting seminary, many friends said they would pray. My community group also. Almost every prayer meeting I participated in church, at least one person would pray for me. I was praying too, for I was unsure if this was wise and good use of time, money, and energy.

I took four classes during my first semester, one of which was introductory writing. I had never received a lower assignment grade than a B in high school, college, or medical school, so when I submitted my first paper and received a D, I was stunned.

Seminary is no joke. The standards for graduate-level research writing are high. I had two papers left to raise my final grade to a C to pass. I devoted more time and effort to my second paper, so I was horrified when I got a D+. Every evening thereafter, I asked my family for silence as I struggled to craft my final paper.

I never expected seminary to be a cakewalk, but this scholastic pursuit is more rigorous than initially anticipated. Perhaps it’s because I'm older and juggling more responsibilities with family, work, and church. There are days I feel so exhausted that instead of studying, I close my eyes to pray silently before succumbing to sleep.

My wife and children persevere in praying for me. So have my pastors and some of you. If I cross the finish line, it is because God carries the weak and answers prayer.

2. Being a seminarian’s wife is hard.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. (Prov 31:12)

In the first weeks of marriage, my wife learned that being married to a doctor is not easy. Physicians work long hours, and they come home exhausted. More recently, Janice discovered that being married to a seminarian is extra difficult.

My wife spends many evenings and Saturdays alone while I retreat to study. She gets the leftovers when I expend my best time and energy at work and in the virtual classroom.

I reduced my work hours, but that meant less income. Less money for vacations, amenities, and conveniences like eating out.

In a residential seminary, wives can gather in fellowship groups to encourage and pray for one another. Since my seminary is in Florida, that support is unavailable. After the first semester, I had serious doubts. I asked Janice if I should quit. I expected her to answer, "Yes." Instead, she encouraged me to press ahead.

Is seminary hard? Yes, but it is harder on my wife. Seminary would have been impossible without her lovingly standing by my side.

3. Theological training is a privilege.

And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim 2:2)

Charles Spurgeon never attended seminary. Neither did D. Martyn Lloyd Jones. Seminary is not a prerequisite for preaching, but it is advantageous and a privilege.

I have devoted over 1500 hours to praying, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, and writing for seminary. I marvel at God's provision. He has given me the financial means, sober mind, physical health and stamina, a supportive wife and understanding children, and a prayerful church. I am overwhelmed with my unworthiness of this God-given opportunity.

It brings back memories of the 16-year-old boy who never worked but was given a new car or the short, socially awkward man who walked down the aisle to marry a beautiful woman who was clearly out of his league.

Applying my theological training, I pray that God's Spirit will help me study His word, understand its meaning, and explain its significance so I can emit light and radiate heat to my church. Seminary training is not a trophy to be paraded but a stewardship that must be shared.

4. Godliness is greater than giftedness.

And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)

I sought a renowned preacher to train me in place of the homiletics professor in my seminary. Over the next year, I met with him in person and online, watched his many lectures, and had my sermon manuscripts and videos critiqued. After I had completed my training with this man, I received news that he became morally disqualified from the ministry.

Knowledge and speaking gifts must be accompanied by godly character. Without God's Spirit producing holiness and Christian love, one cannot be used by God. Skill, without sanctification, means nothing.

Paradoxically, I feel more timid and unsure. The older I get, the more I recognize my shortcomings. I never asked to speak well. But now I plead to God that I may live godly while trusting that He continues to count me righteous because of the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, Him alone.

5. Discipleship is more caught than taught.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. (Heb 13:7)

Through seminary, I have become more familiar with Hebrew and Greek, as well as the historical writings and theological thoughts of our church fathers. God has solidified my understanding of Reformed hermeneutics, biblical theology, and systematic theology. Seminary fills in my gaps.

But much of my discipleship has come through the fertile training ground of my local church. Sitting under solid pulpit ministry, I appreciate the weekly blessing of Christ-centered preaching. Our biblical counselors show me how to guide someone gently through a difficult life season. I witness how extending mercy looks like through our deacons and deaconesses. I emulate the prayer warriors I hear during prayer meetings when I pray÷ in public. I study the meekness of our inconspicuous ministers serving behind the scenes. Much of what God has taught me these past 15 years has come through my church family.

God answers prayer. He blesses me with a perfect helpmate who He continues to sustain. He gives me a stewardship I don’t deserve. I treasure Him and pray that He conforms me to the image of His Son as I learn and grow each day. And should God bless our church even a little through me, that's just icing on the cake.