Seminary: A place to prepare pastors?

A recent conversation with a seminarian friend highlighted that it is no easy task for seminaries and Bible colleges to figure out how to remain faithful and effective in preparing pastors and gospel workers for the churches in the coming years.

In his inaugural address as Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, entitled "Seminary: A Place to Prepare Pastors?", Timothy Z. Witmer draws out "Four Imperatives Required to Improved the Seminary as a Place to Prepare Pastors":

Imperative 1. Renew the Commitment to the Mission to Prepare Pastors

"Forming men for the ordained Gospel ministry as pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and other tasks specified by the church" ... is not the only thing that we do, but it is the heart of what we do and always has been since the seminary opens its doors.

Imperative 2. Embrace a Holistic Picture of Ministerial Formation

Our goal is to form a person, not a professional. Our commitment must not be merely the transmission of information but the transformation of character.

Imperative 3. Accomplish the Mission in Partnership with the Church

A vital partnership with the local church must be cultivated.  "It takes a flock to shape a shepherd".

Imperative 4. Review Our Approach in the Classroom

John Frame defines theology as "simply the application of Scripture to all areas of human life. We do not know what the Scriptures say until we know how it relates to our world" ... We must strive to answer the "So what?" question.

Read Dr Witmer's full lecture at Westminster Theological Journal 69 (2007): 229-46.