What to Expect in Seminary: Theological Education as Spiritual Formation

by Virginia Samuel Cetuk

In What to Expect in Seminary , Virginia Samuel Cetuk looks at the various facets of theological education -- the call to ministry, classroom learning, community life, field education, financial realities, time-management challenges -- through the lens of spiritual formation. In each chapter she challenges readers to view the particular topic as an avenue to spiritual growth instead of as an obstacle to the same. Offering readers the conceptual tool of reframing, she draws upon psychology, Scripture, and her many years' experiences in theological education to help readers see both the challenges and the rich opportunities of theological education related to ministry and spiritual formation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian, Education, Theology

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a very helpful book as I proceed in my discernment process. Some of the advice is a little dated, but that's understandable given that it was written almost thirty years ago.

[Joy Ci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read this book before I started my Seminary. It really helped me to address the challenges and affirm why I am here. I highly recommend this book for beginners or anyone who might need a refresher in how to settle back to graduate level professional training. I really like the reminder of how to manage time-money, and the various duties in what the life of a pastor entails. I borrowed this books from the local library and was found it upon my studies.

[Mark Hennion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, useful primer for aspiring seminarians who seemingly are venturing forth without a single clue as to why or what they are doing. Cetuk's Methodist/Drew Theological background flavor much of the book, and an assumption that prospective readers are extremely unarmed to face the challenges of seminary is assumed. Although well organized and encouraging, for those individuals who are quite conscious of their decision to attend seminary (or consideration), this book may smack of "yeah, I know. Tell me something I don't."

[Noemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely boring and a waste of time, but I would have been helped by a shorter version of this. The author was tedious in her introduction to a seminary education, but highlighted very key values to hold while a "seminarian."

[Sara Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to Expect in Seminary is a useful book for the target audience of students at mainline protestant seminary. My academic environment is not a mainline seminary, nonetheless,some of the ideas are transferable to the Bible college context. Published in 1998, it is getting a bit out of date.