Seminary training opens doors to a wider variety of ministries due to advanced preparation. The window of opportunity is much wider. Some doors will never open to you without it. Certain ministries will be considered by some – off limits.

Seminary training reduces self-imposed limitations which result from inadequate preparation. I have never talked to a seminary graduate who said he was sorry he went to seminary! I have talked to scores of pastors who did not go to seminary who now affirm that they wish they would have. They feel inadequately prepared. (There are exceptions – but rare!)

Seminary training expands the opportunity for mental and spiritual development before entering ministry. If doctors and lawyers need extended/expanded development, surely the man of God does! What we do has eternal implications. We of all people should desire the best possible preparation.

Seminary training permits the shift from majoring on minors to majoring on majors. In seminary we focus exclusively on what is biblical/exegetical/theological/missional. Everything we do has to do with ministry and truth. We are past the liberal arts and the extra-curriculars.

Seminary training facilitates a significant advance from the basics of English Bible to the world of Greek and Hebrew exegesis. The heavy accent on biblical languages builds confidence and authority in preaching. It moves us from a "black and white" vision of Scripture to the world of Technicolor!

Seminary training provides a broader base for both discerning and sharpening our spiritual gifts. We have more time to discern our giftedness and then perfect or sharpen the gifts!! It represents a significant advance in equipping ourselves for ministry!

Seminary training deepens our knowledge of truth, broadens our burden for mission and expands our skill in doing ministry. A superficial understanding of truth will lead to a thinning of theology and a weakening of ministry. Our understanding of truth and our passion for mission must be substantial not superficial.

Seminary training induces an authentic kind of humility by revealing what we don't know. When you are confronted with the whole universe of truth about God, you immediately recognize how little you actually know. This breeds humility, not pride! What you gain in seminary is not omniscience (that is reserved for God!) - You gain a bag of tools and a mode of thought which enable you to do your own thinking under the umbrella of absolute truth!