15 coisas que o seminário não pôde me ensinar

by Collin Hansen, Jeff Robinson, Matthew McCullough

Many hopeful men emerge from seminary eager to dive headfirst into ministry. Confident that seminary equipped them with the tools they need for the journey ahead, they find themselves discouraged when the realities of their first call don't line up with what they came to expect from assigned readings and classroom discussions. This book, with contributions from fifteen veteran pastors, including Daniel L. Akin, Juan Sanchez, Phil A. Newton, Scott Sauls, offers real-world advice about the joys and challenges of the first five years of pastoral ministry--bridging the gap between seminary training and life in a local church. Armed with wisdom from those who have gone before them, young pastors will find encouragement to stand firm in the thick of the realities and rigors of pastoral ministry.

Genres: Christian, Church Ministry, Theology, Church, Leadership, Christianity

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2020

About the author

Collin Hansen is editorial director for The Gospel Coalition and was previously an associate editor for Christianity Today. He has written for Books & Culture, Leadership, and Christian History & Biography, and is the author of Young, Restless, and Reformed.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been nearly twenty years since I graduated from seminary. Those days were filled with loads of coursework, Greek, Hebrew, and theology classes. I look back with a sense of wonder as I remember some of the deep lessons that captured my heart and informed my mind. In Seminary, I was introduced to the Puritans. During these days, I became friends with Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, John Owen, and John Bunyan. These were rich days that helped prepare me for a lifetime of pastoral ministry and teaching.

But seminary has some weaknesses that need to be addressed. 15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me tackles these weaknesses with tact and pastoral care. Edited by Collin Hansen and Jeff Robinson, this book pays homage to seminary education but acknowledges some areas that fall short.

Seasoned pastors present fifteen areas that are typically not covered in seminary. An overview will set the stage and will welcome seminaries to devour this excellent book:

1. Knowledge and Credentials Aren’t Enough
2. What to Do When My Church Is Dying
3. How to Shepherd My Wife
4. How to Pastor People Who Are Different From Me
5. How to Follow My Lead Pastor When We Disagree
6. How to Lead My Leaders
7. How to Raise My Kids to Love the Church
8. How to Shepherd My Congregation through Season of Suffering
9. When to Accept a Call or Leave a Church
10. How to Handle Conflict
11. The Need to Fight for My Relationship with God
12. The Time it Takes to Become a Shepherd
13. The Temptation to Make a Name for Myself
14. The Joy I Can Know Over a Long Tenure
15. What to Do When No Church Hires Me

Each chapter is loaded with real-life help from pastors who have been through the trenches. Two areas are undressed, however, and should be included in future editions. First, the matter of loneliness should be addressed. Second, the matter of discouragement/depression should be broached.

This is a deeply encouraging book that will serve pastors well in the days to come. This book should be required reading for every seminarian. The lessons taught here will be a significant source of strength for the next generation of shepherds.

[Blake Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 Corinthians 13:2

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains,

but have not love,
I am nothing.”

This book is a quick and beneficial read.
I think it is best summarized that knowledge is not the goal. Though the knowledge you gain in seminary is good and helpful for understanding the truth, it is nothing without love as Paul outlined in 1 Cor.

The best chapters are “The Time It Takes to Become a Shepherd” by Dale Van Dyke and “The Joy I Can Know Over a Long Tenure” by Phil Newton.

“Most days [sheep] just need to be cared for -fed with the gospel, washed with the water of the Word, and strengthened with gospel promises”.

“You will need your comfort kit far more than your combat gear” -Van Dyke

[Jared Donis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title speaks for itself. Many of the contributing authors share authentic experiences. For instance, I never imagined which Bible translations/ versions pastors used for sermons mattered to congregations and individuals/ families in the church. Eye-opening!

[Jeff Noble · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve been serving in ministry for less than 5 years, this book is a must-read. It should be read and considered by anyone wanting to begin a vocation in ministry. For those in ministry longer, it may not be as helpful, only because it seems to target short chapters which can’t address the issues raised well. It resorts to lists or principles too quickly. However, even the experienced minister can receive something from this book.

[Rodrigo Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que livro necessário. Existe uma frase que diz “o sábio aprende com os erros dos outros”, talvez esse não seja um bom subtítulo desse livro, mas é por aí. Uma coletânea de várias experiências de pastores que relatam as agruras da vida pastoral e o que aprenderam com elas. Recomendaria esse livro aos seminaristas e também pastores recém ordenados.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seminary cannot teach you everything that you need to know. Seminaries are valuable and the contributors to this book are quick to let you know that their sections are not an attack on the idea of seminary, but rather an honest observation that there are some things you can’t learn unless you are in the trenches. Whether it is learning to stay long term in a ministry or knowing what to do when no door opens to minister, this book covers a variety of subjects. 15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me is a series of 15 chapters written by different contributors and published by Crossway.
Below is a summary of each chapter.
Chapter 1 is entitled: Knowledge and Credentials Aren’t Enough. In this chapter the contributor, Jeff Robinson Sr., reminds the pastor that the ministry is not for the faint of heart. He reminds us here just because you have credentials, doesn’t mean that you are confident; that unfortunately ministry means war; and that pastors are in need of God’s grace most of all.
Mark Vroegop was given the topic of what to do when your church is dying. In this chapter he gives seven pieces of advice that he learned while helping a church make transition. How important it is that you love, depend on God, and trust God in the pastorate.
Daniel L. Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, tackled the topic of how to shepherd your wife in chapter 3. The highlight of this chapter for me was his seven ways to bless your wife.
Jeff Higbie, pastor of Faith Evangelical Church in Underwood, North Dakota, had the topic of how to pastor people who are different from you. Coming from large metropolitan areas to rural North DaKota was a challenge for Higbie, and in this chapter he addresses the differences that a pastor might face and how to serve well in the midst of them. Probably his best piece of advice is that “every pastor is interim” so serve well.
Matt Capps spoke out of a painful experience in his life when he had differences of opinion with the senior pastor of the church that he pastored. That led him to tackle the subject of how to follow your lead pastor when we disagree. In this chapter he speaks from his mistakes and lessons learned. The unity of the church always is to be cherished in such a circumstance.
Having solid Biblical leaders is a must in the local church. Juan Sanchez takes up the topic of how to lead your leaders in chapter 6. In this chapter he thinks through what Biblical leadership looks like and how to search for it and build upon it with leaders that you call alongside of you in your church.
Teaching your kids to love and not loathe the church must be intentional. Matt McCullough tackles this subject in chapter 7 bringing his experience as a pastor’s kid from a dad who did it well and from his experience of being a pastor with kids.
John Onwuchekwa knows pain from loss in his own life. In chapter 8 he is given the task of speaking about shepherding your church through seasons of suffering.
When do you know when God has called you away from the ministry that you are in to another ministry? Harry L. Reeder speaks to this and once again he speaks from personal experience giving practical biblical advice.
There will be conflict in a church whether it is between members, between members and the pastor, or between staff members. Jay Thomas does a great job in this chapter of taking all of these conflicts to the gospel.
Vermon Pierre speaks on the needed subject of fighting for your relationship with God. How does a pastor keep from becoming dry and discouraged? Helpful advice is given in this chapter.
How do you be a good shepherd to sheep that sometimes can bite? That is what Dale Van Dyke tackles in his chapter. In this chapter he meticulously discusses how to build trust which is a necessity if you are going to be their shepherd.
Scott Sauls was almost Tim Keller’s successor. Almost. His chapter comes from his pain of disappointment when that dream was snatched away. The chapter entitled, The Temptation to Make a Name for Myself, gives solid advice about living for a name that is way bigger than yours.
Phil A. Newton discusses the value of a long tenured pastorate in his chapter of things that he did not learn in seminary. Also speaking from his experience of pastoring South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. In his own words, “Seminary academic focus didn’t teach me about the oy found in deep roots.”
Collin Hansen is the editorial director for the Gospel Coalition but his desire at one time was to pastor. When that didn’t happen right away it made him question what he felt was his call. Once again from his own pain he speaks to the subject of what to do when you are not called to a position.
This is a good short read for any pastor in my opinion. I was impressed how many of the contributors spoke out of their own painful situations. The lessons learned are valuable.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Michael Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of spending 4 years of my life studying the scriptures full-time at Bob Jones University and graduating in 2010 with a B.A. in Bible. After graduation, I went straight into an internship, then into full-time ministry. I served seven years as an assistant pastor and then helped in a church plant. After five boys and the emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion that comes with ministry, my wife and I are currently in a time of rest and preparation for the next chapter of ministry. If there is anything that I have learned over the last eight years of ministry is that while bible college/seminary prepares you to teach the Bible, there is still much that is learned only on the front lines of ministry. I realized that I still have a ton to learn along the lines of handling disagreements with my leaders, loving my wife and sons, handling finances, fighting spiritual warfare, and taking care of my body through rest. By His grace, God surrounded me with great mentors, but I have a long way to go. My first teacher is the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures, but a few great books have helped me stay the course with joy Including:

-The New Pastor’s Handbook by Jason Helopoulos
-Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp
-Am I Called? by Dave Harvey
-and my most recent read 15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me published by Crossway and edited by Collin Hansen and Jeff Robinson.

Among the contributors of the helpful volume are Daniel L. Akin, John Onwuchekwa, and Scott Sauls. The topics covered in this book are invaluable. For new seminary graduates Collin Hansen writes an essay entitled, “What to Do When No Church Hires Me” in which he tells his story of finding his niche in ministry and gives some practical advice for discovering your gifts and place of service. For the young, restless, and overly ambitious Scott Sauls writes, “The Temptation To Make A Name For Myself.” Daniel L. Akin writes probably the most important essay on “How to Shepherd My Wife.” The book addresses some very practical topics such as, “How To Pastor People Who Are Different from Me” by Jeff Higbie and “How To Follow My Lead Pastor When We Disagree” by Matt Capps. No matter the season of preparing for, beginning in, or continuing on in ministry you find yourself, 15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me is a must read and a lifelong resource to keep on your shelf.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Katelyn McGuffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not written for me, even though I am a seminary student, because I am a woman. It did not take me until chapter 3, which is titled "How to Shepherd my Wife" to notice, either. The book consistently talks about men pastors and male leadership, assuming women would not be reading this text. There is no chapter addressing the possibility that a wife might be the seminary student and her husband may not be, that both a husband and wife could be students, or that the aspiring pastor could be single, whether male or female.

Awkwardly enough, this book isn't even written to my husband, either, who is also a seminary student, but is not planning on being a pastor. This book was inapplicable to both of us, which is a problem for a book which claims in its forward to be "helpful to seminary students." It's as if the authors completely forgot that there are women seminarians, seminarians who don't want to be pastors, and that there are various degrees offered at their very own seminaries. It is more likely, though, that they are making the statement that those most worth writing to are future male pastors.

Additionally, this text advocates for one brand of evangelical Christianity and is not inclusive of various denominations or faith traditions within Christianity.

Basically, if you're not a married complementarian male who wants to be a pastor, this book is not written for you. Do not waste your time or money. And even if you are someone they had in mind when writing this text, there are much better resources available. Instead, to all, I highly recommend "Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic Spiritual Handbook" by Daniel Zacharias & Benjamin Forrest. Zacharias's text is inclusive of ALL seminary students out there who are women, single, getting their MDiv or other masters programs, or even those getting their MDiv, who may or may not want to be pastors.

Also, the typos were very disappointing.

My copy of "15 Things" was a gift by a dear friend and mentor who fairly assumed that the title and forward meant this was applicable to my husband and me as seminary students. The Gospel Coalition should STOP writing books that are deceptively marketed to "all seminary students" and instead have a disclaimer that it is written for exclusively for men who want to be pastors. Otherwise, please stop attempting to market this book as if it is relevant to any other kind of seminary student.

[Christy Spader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I look back and can see that several chapters have more sentences underlined and highlighted then those around it not. As a woman who has both an MA and is pursuing an MDiv, I too have found myself looking to seminary for a fast pass to ministry ease and growth that only experience mixed with obedience can offer. Simply the sentiments of "ministry is hard" and the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes at the life and challenges of faithful pastoral leaders was refreshing and relatable. I don't think I realized how much I needed to know I'm not alone in that.

My one critique of this book is it's central focus on men. Women attend seminary. Women too are involved in shepherding the flock. Women in ministry, even in the most conservative of churches, have significant influence on the health of a church. And, in fact, there is complexity in being a woman in ministry that is severely lost in this book. Seminary never taught me some of the unique challenges of what I was called to as a woman in ministry. Seminary never told me how different ministry to men and ministry to women would be and how few female mentors and coaches would have the experience to speak into my life as I navigated it. It never taught me what being a woman in a sea of married men in ministry would be like and feel like. It never prepared me for the weightiness of emotions, or varying life stages that I would carry and have to navigate that some of my male counterparts would never understand. This book needed a woman's voice.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of experienced (American) pastors share lessons from their own ministries, covering fifteen areas that don't fit neatly into a seminary curriculum (although perhaps some seminaries need to change their curricula...)

The first line of the blurb states that, "Some lessons can't be learned in a classroom." Of course, such lessons can't be learned from reading a short book chapter either. But this would be a good resource for seminary students or recent graduates, or others being mentored for ministry, as a discussion starter for some of the human realities of pastoral ministry.

The book is less helpful for those who are already serving in ministry, although several of the chapters address character and heart issues, and could be deeply helpful and convicting even for people like Brian Croft. (See back cover commendations). I particularly spent time musing over the fact that "knowledge and credentials aren't enough", thinking about "how to raise my kids to love the church", "the need to fight for my relationship with God", "the temptation to make a name for myself" and "the joy I can know over a long tenure."

Throughout the book, there are also repeated exhortations to patience, prayer, humility and love. Can you think of a pastor who doesn't need to hear such exhortations?

So, a valuable collection for those preparing for ministry, but also a good book to dip into if you're already serving in a pastoral role.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 125 of 2020: Seminary is often a time of information overload as students learn about the Bible in an in-depth way, often including the original languages in which the Bible is written. However, many new pastors, when they get to their first pastorate, look around them and see practical things that they don’t know and wish they had learned in seminary.

This book assembles fifteen essays to address fifteen of these issues. Issues range from how to teach your kids to love the church, what do do when your church is dying, how to manage conflict, and what to do when you can’t get a job. This gives the book a very eclectic mix of practical advice that would be excellent for new pastors (and maybe a good refresher for more experience pastors).

Even though I am not called to pastoral ministry, I found several ideas that were helpful in this book’s pages. I kept putting this book down for other books though because of the way the chapters were formatted. Each chapter gives advice in the form of a list or bullet points. I think some pastors might find that helpful, but to me, it gave the book a whole self-help article kind of feel, and I just can’t reconcile that with the nature of the advice given. Spiritual progress and success runs along a very different timetable than success in other areas of life, and reducing decisions, such as whether or not to accept a ministry call, is a little distasteful to me.

[Anthony Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a series of long form blog posts. I was thankful for the tone of the book – it was not anti-seminary or overly-zealous pro-church. The various authors reminded me that so much of ministry is social, political, and emotional – whether learning to lead leaders, how to think about new ministry posts, or how to love your family well. Appreciated the insights to fight burn out and to remain humble. I was particularly struck by the last post by Hansen – how he graduated from seminary in the middle of the Great Recession and struggled to find work. What do we do when seminary doesn’t lead to a ministry post? This essay was good to wrestle over.

[Stephen Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was much about this book that I enjoyed and appreciated, and some great chapters from veteran pastors. But as I read I realized how much I’d personally dislike the multi-author format. One chapter would be solid, and the next so-so. There was also a lot of overlap in what was said. Conceptually it’s a very important conversation to have regarding the short comings of seminary, but overall I was disappointed with the short chapters in themselves.

[Asher Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of an ironic read as I figure I'm more likely to go to seminary than become a pastor. But nonetheless edifying and perhaps it'll be more helpful down the line than I'd anticipated.

Onwuchekwa's, Reeder's, Van Dyke's, Newton's, and Hansen's contributions were my favorites, in chronological order. All of the sections are pretty short and simple, and some of them, for that reason, don't feel particularly useful.

[Nathan Seale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly helpful book for those who have gone through seminary, as well as anyone who is involved in church ministry. Seminary can provide a wonderful theological foundation for ministry but there will always be things that will learned through experience. There are many years of experience combined in these chapters and some helpful and biblical advice.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t think of a more suitable read for someone just wrapping up seminary than this (or during it for that matter). Most of all, the essays in the book teach the reader that not having everything together with a freshly-minted M.Div in hand should not be seen as an unfortunate tossing of providence but rather as a recognition of the weightiness of the true and greater work that is to come.

[Zachary Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, with some of the chapters rating significantly higher and others lower. Increasingly, I find that I am less and less inclined toward the multiple contributor approach (unless it is a four views type book), due to the inevitable variance in quality between the essays. Some real gems here that make the book worth reading and owning, but several chapters felt like filler, sadly.

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few very helpful chapters in a book that hits on a lot of really important insights quickly. Each issue needs its own book, but the point of this book was more to introduce many ideas than thoroughly unpack one.

[Nabaraj Thing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Reading for Seminary Students

This resource is a biblical, practical, and useful tool for seminary students, those recently starting their ministry, and those currently serving in the church.

[J. Amill Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful discussions about things seminary cannot teach you.

[Cong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qualities in these 15 essays vary. But collectively it provide good guidance on how to weather through conflicts, temptation, suffering, and unemployment.

[Tyler Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably much more helpful for not-yet or recent graduates. The only chapter that I found really helpful was Hansen on not getting hired.

[Alex Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think a good summary of this book would be “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

I can’t wait to read this book again.

[Conrade Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seminaries serve the Church and not the other way round. Seminaries do not call pastors. This calling belongs to God alone. Seminaries do not produce pastors because pastors are formed by God through churches. These are some of the things in which perspectives are important. It is easy for young seminarians, even professors in theological institutions to have an ivory-tower perspective that is utterly disconnected from church reality. A prominent academic and theologian even acknowledged that "ministry studies" is the "weakest component" in theological studies. In driving the point home, education is important, but the application of it is equally important. Like letting our bodies being operated on by a surgeon. Would we prefer a well-educated medical graduate without practical experience or an experienced doctor? Indeed, the school of hard knocks is where young seminarians would have to enroll after their graduation. This book shows us 15 things that we can learn from experienced practitioners.


First off, Jeff Robinson Sr sets the stage by saying, "knowledge and credentials aren't enough." Having a good theological qualification is not the end product. It is just the beginning of the next stage of education. He gives warnings about expectations. From the self, credentials do not necessarily translate into competence. He talks about spiritual warfare, the complexity of ministry; the need to depend on God; and many more. Mark Vroegop deals with an increasingly relevant issue: What to do when the Church is dying? Highlighting one of the flaws of the contemporary Church, that they are more know for what they are AGAINST instead of what they are for, he supplies seven lessons out of his ten years pastorate experience, every single one of them bathed in real-life experiences not for the faint-hearted. Daniel L. Akin relates the story of his own marriage, how he came from a good home while his wife struggled with a painful childhood. Getting married also means he learns to shepherd his wife who needs to deal with her own issues. He provides seven ways how pastors could love their wives. That said, this matter of marriage and ministry could spawn several books as there are way too many different kinds of marriages, ministries, contexts, and struggles everywhere. On relating to people different than us, Jeff Higbie's solution is to recognize the three categories of differences: Cultural; Demographic; and Theological differences. Cultural could be unique meanings in a particular context; demographic in geographical context; while theological in faith persuasions. Higbie reminds us the importance of being sensitive to differences so that we could be peacemakers as much as possible. Matt Capps touches on the unique challenges of ministry: When we disagree with our lead pastors. Mutual respect is key. He gives four questions to ask ourselves; steps to reconciliation with others; and what to do when things become unbearable. Juan Sanchez teaches us on how we could lead our leaders biblically and practically. Matt McCullough writes a chapter about how we could love our kids to love the Church, touching on the unique challenges of ministry workers who often had to struggle between what is work and what is play. John Onwuchekwa shares about leading and shepherding congregations going through awful times of suffering. People go through really dark moments when tragedies strike hard and sudden. His four lessons teaches us about being prepared emotionally; to be ready as a place of refuge; to build a team; and constantly pray. Harry L. Reeder covers the area of discerning when is the time to leave. In fact, if joining a church is considered a calling, so is leaving. His ten "lines of guidance" is worth pondering about. Jay Thomas addresses the area of conflict, arguing that pastors should deal with them constuctively; believing that the gospel heals; and that Christ-centered love is not about taking flight but loving one truthfully. He deals with four different types of conflict; between church members; between congregation and leaders; between congregation and lead pastor; and between church leaders. In the midst of unending work and rising expectation, Vernon Pierre exhorts us to fight for our relationship with God. Dale Van Dyke preaches patience that it takes time to become a good shepherd. That we need to be humble to learn; to let the Word be authoritative in our preaching; and to care for the flock like Jesus cared. Scott Sauls warns us not to use the ministry for self-serving purposes. His two lessons to learn and to re-learn keeps us from such a temptation. In an age where the average pastorate lasts only 2-3 years, Phil A. Newton encourages those of us serving a long tenure. Finally, Collin Hansen shows us what we can do when no church hires us.

Three Thoughts
First, this book is soaked with pastoral wisdom. All the contributors are pastors or are closely linked to pastoral ministries through their seminaries or gospel-centered organizations. They have this common goal: To fill in the educational gaps that seminaries often are unable to teach. The school of hard knocks is not an easy place to be in. Very often, pastors are lonely and do not know what to do in their unique circumstances. No books or manuals could tell them what to do. Even the best seminary programs would not be able to prepare one to handle the most peculiar cases. This book offers a step forward to bridging this gap.

Second, one can disagree with the specifics but don't miss out the principles of ministry: Speaking the truth in love. What is the difference between speaking and practicing? For the most part, they are the same because the pastoral ministry mostly revolves around speaking. In preaching or in teaching, we speak. In praying, we speak. In counseling and encouraging, we speak. In board meetings and leadership gatherings, we are expected to speak. Knowing how to speak the truth is one thing. Discerning when is another. All of these is basically about wisdom and love in practice.

Third, there is always room for more resources like this. For there are many more issues that could have been addressed. Issues such as financial considerations; academic qualifications and theological training; guiding a Church through a building project; selecting programs and activities wisely; how to balance family and church; administrative challenges; etc. In fact, I would posit that every pastor would have his own set of 15 things seminary couldn't teach.

To all young seminary grads. You may have a great GPA, a meaningful practicum, and a spiritual high experience of a newly minted degree/diploma. Remember with great humility: All your knowledge and qualifications are simply there to kick-start your ministry. Your journey has only just begun. To readers or potential ministry workers, this book would give a needed reality check before you even begin.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.