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(Read after above post)

The second is in response to the question, Why are you seeking graduate theological education?

I love to study the Bible and theology. There are only a few things that I am truly passionate about, and that is at the top of the list. I think that reason is enough, in itself, for me to attend seminary. But also, I would like to have a job, ministry or otherwise, that allows me to interact and connect with people. I want to be involved (even be a leader) with people who don’t go to church, don’t have a pastor, are rejected by others or don’t have a positive Christian influence. In short, I want to live with people and be with people who I can invest in, have a pastoral role in their lives, and work at a job that I enjoy doing. I want to be in full-time ministry in the real world – I don’t want to be confined to the four walls of a ‘church’. I want to exercise my gifts (prophecy, teaching, serving, and showing mercy) through relationships. I want to be someone who people can come to if they are seeking answers and guidance. I want to help create group settings where everyone is accepted and can be themselves. I want to write, train people to study the Bible, and have an influence in the lives of many different people.

I see going to seminary as not the only way, but a very good way of moving toward these life goals. Some people who attend seminary are either already in vocational ministry, or clearly headed that direction. I don’t have a clear career path, and I may or may not end up in vocational ministry. But I do know that I want to prepare myself for being in Christian service, to be a person who God sees as very valuable for the Church and for His people, not just because of my willingness, but because of my training and abilities.

I also look forward to being in an academic environment again. An environment of learning can do a great deal to challenge me to love God and learn more about Him, about His Word, and about how to minister to people. Unlike the Pentecostal denomination Bible College I attended for my undergrad, I anticipate being in a place that is truly multi-denominational, where ‘traditional’ beliefs of all kinds are challenged and examined, and a place where there are many other people who have spiritual strengths that I have not been in contact with much before.

Lastly, and perhaps in some ways most importantly, I see going to seminary as an issue of stewardship. I have been charged by God to make the most of everything I have been given during my stay on earth – money, time, possessions, relationships. My mind is one of my most valuable assets, and one of God’s greatest gifts to me. I must use it. I take God’s command to love Him with my mind very seriously and gravely, Whether it is learning about the Bible, theology, postmodern culture, ministry, or people; or learning better how to communicate truth; or developing my ability to write, research, synthesize, analyze, and apply, I see Seminary as a unique opportunity to further loving God with my mind.