Going to Seminary

I’ve been looking forward to this interview for quite a while now. Below is my interview with Ed Stetzer:

Well, I feel it is only appropriate to start with Twitter. You are obviously a fan (Follow him here). Whenever you’re teaching a seminary class, does it bother you that on one of those laptops in the room, someone is likely tweeting or on Facebook?

What? Why would you start with Twitter? It’s not like my friends have debated whether or not I need a Twittervention!

Seriously, I very much enjoy how social media can create instant conversations with such a variety of people. Knowing that what you say can be broadcast around the globe instantaneously has a certain effect on my prayer life and preparation methods. God allows me to speak in many arenas and write for multiple sources, and I’m honored to know that something I say is helpful enough to bear repeating.

So, it would seem a bit hypocritical if I objected to others being on Twitter or Facebook while I am talking.

In all seriousness, what role do you see technology playing in the pastorate and what role do you think the seminary has to play in preparing pastors for ministry in a Twitter and Facebook world?

It was Marshall McLuhan who coined the phrase, “The medium is the message.” We must acknowledge that how a message is communicated affects the message itself. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are nothing more than tools, like the printing press, radio, television, and the mobile phone. They can help in small bursts or can become a bane to relationship building. Their usefulness is determined by the manner they are used.

Seminaries would do well to focus their students’ attention to how the Scriptures define relationships and hold them in high regard. In striving for a biblical ideal of Christian community, we will then show proper discernment as to where the fun and usefulness of social media starts and ends.

Now, you have two masters and two doctorates, so you’ve spent more than your fair share of time in a classroom. Along with that you’ve planted and pastored multiple churches. Looking back, what role or impact did your formal education play in your pastoral endeavors?

Obviously, I am a big fan of formal education. I spend significant time subjecting, I mean teaching others in higher education settings. Today, I have the privilege of doing so at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago and Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.  In both cases, I serve as a visiting professor.

For me, going to seminary was a necessity. I was a terrible student in high school (barely graduated and ended with a 1.7 GPA) and I didn’t have a basic biblical foundation because I wasn’t raised in a Christian home. But once I discovered what could be learned in college and seminary – well, you’ve already noted I have more degrees than really seem necessary.

My seminary training helped me understand the nature of the church and God’s mission. That’s where I was taught to learn and to think critically about issues that deserve our attention.

Something I’ve noticed is this slight shift away from the traditional seminary model. We’re starting to see more programs like The Bethlehem Institute and Acts 29′s recently launched RE:Train, where you’re teaching. What do you think about this seemingly non-traditional approach to pastoral training? Is the traditional seminary model an old paradigm that needs to change or are these new programs a supplement to what the traditional seminary offers?

Glad you brought your softball questions with you today!

I find it encouraging to see local churches taking up the responsibility to train people who feel called to ministry leadership. The work of preparing the next generation of leadership is always with the church first. But, as we know, through much of modern Christian history this work has been accomplished by collections of churches – denominations or networks.  I believe it is a healthy sign that churches are stepping up to train new leaders and yet still are advocating other formalized training, as The Bethlehem Institute and RE:Train do.

Should seminaries change? Yes, and I think history shows that they have repeatedly changed. Strong schools carefully look at the challenges of their day and adjust both educational theory and methodology to accomplish their task of educating students in eternal truth. To use your phrase, the “traditional seminary model” does need to change to stay strong and prepare students for today’s work. Otherwise, they will use outdated models and prepare students for work that no longer exists. I believe traditional seminaries and the new church-based training programs can coexist in a way that benefits each.

You spend a lot of time with church planters. Has LifeWay done any research on formal education and church planters? It seems to me, and this could just be the circles I run in, that a lot of church planters will plant their churches and then, several years down the road, begin to work on their degrees. Is that just my perception, or are there any stats that would support me?

We have not done any formal research about that particular question. But my general observation is that seminaries are talking more about church planting, so more church planters are heading to seminary. In general, the training that seems critical for church planters comes in the form of “boot camps” or “basic training” about planting a church, and then ongoing mentoring through the first few years of planting.

Following up on that question, and really all the previous questions, how important do you think seminary training is for pastors and church planters?

Obviously, I believe formal training in a seminary setting is helpful for a number of reasons. Perhaps first and foremost, our culture in America no longer has the “home field advantage” of everyone holding to a Christian worldview. For church leaders who want to take their congregations on the journey of reaching and changing people, formal training in seminary can prepare their minds through theological courses and their hearts through the study of church history.

I realize some people are suspicious of seminary because they feel it institutionalizes the work of ministry. I would say to them, “You’re right. Sometimes it does do that.” Seminary can make us into ministry professionals who are more concerned with the organization of congregational life than the people of the church. But I would push back against that attitude and say that most graduates will tell you the education they received has helped to shape a proper theology, ecclesiology, and missiology.

Seminary also offers something personal that we tend to lose as pastors and planters: camaraderie. As a planter, I was constantly around people and, at the same time, I was utterly alone. The time spent in seminary gives you the opportunity to learn how to seek out strong friendships and remain accountable in them. It is a side benefit to the education but a helpful one nonetheless.

That being said, I think that seminaries alone cannot provide all the pastors and church planters needed to reach North America and the world for the gospel.

We need to give people permission to pastor and plant churches even if they have not been to seminary.  And, I believe, seminaries need to find ways to help equip those already on the field serving in mission and ministry.

My final question is one that I think you are particularly equipped to answer. From what I can tell you are married and have 3 daughters. Along with that you are a columnist for Outreach Magazine and Catalyst Monthly, as well as serve on the advisory council of Sermon Central and Christianity Today’s Building Church Leaders, and are a Contributing Editor at Christianity Today. You are a Visiting Professor of Research and Missiology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, a Visiting Research Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and are on the faculty of RE:Train.  You serve on the Church Services Team at the International Mission Board and you speak at like a bazillion conference each year. Along with that, you just finished serving as interim teaching pastor at a 10,000 member church in Hendersonville and then there is that other thing… oh yeah, President of LifeWay Research and LifeWay’s Missiologist in Residence. (Did I miss anything?) So, my question is this: Many seminarians face the challenge of busy schedules. With classes, jobs, church responsibilities, and often young families, what advice do you have for them to find balance? How do you do it?

Apparently I don’t do it! I feel convicted just hearing your question!

Seriously, my travels and responsibilities do pull me in a number of directions, so my wife and I are very intentional about our personal time. When I’m home, I’m home with my family and we go fishing, play in the back yard, and eat Saturday breakfasts at Cracker Barrel. As long as I travel for a living, my wife and girls go as often as possible. Trust me, nothing keeps me more humble than taking one of my daughters on a trip where I’m the “honored-guest / hired speaker” and spending half the morning helping with hair and wardrobe for her.

Besides, balance is a myth. Every day, we all have to decide what is most important and then try hard to make it happen. For me, God comes first.  My family second.  Then, it’s writing, research, and encouraging pastors and church leaders. For a planter, it’s winning hearts and building a church. For others, it’s counseling and teaching. Whatever your calling, distractions abound, so we must allow the Gospel to guide our steps to the core of life’s work: God’s fame spread to the nations, beginning in our households.

Plus, I’ve learned something else: Ministry and life will be there tomorrow; my daughters will not. They will be grown and gone before I can turn around. So it’s an easy choice to make.

Ed, thank you SO very much for your time. I know you have a limited amount of it. I believe this interview will be an encouragement and help to many people who are in or are considering seminary as part of their journey. Many thanks!

The other day I received an email from a mom who was planning on starting seminary. She mentioned that she had trouble finding any sites or resources online that helped her with her unique situation. So, I did some investigating and was able to find some women who had some advice to give from their seminary experience. Today is the first of those interviews.

Name: Susan J. Hetrick
Seminary: Phoenix Seminary
Age: I was 39 when I enrolled in Seminary (Aug. 2003) and 42 when I graduated (Dec. 2006).
Where you are in your seminary journey: I earned my Master of Divinity in Counseling & Family Ministry, graduating in December 2006, with Highest Honors.
Kids and ages while you were in seminary: We have four kids (2 girls, 2 boys): Zoni was 11 -14; Tanner was 9 – 12; Lysa was 8 – 11; and Chase was 6 – 9 when I was in school.

So Susan, why did you decide to go to seminary?
Short answer: God told me to go. Longer answer: I felt God’s call on me from the time I was about 10 years old. By the time I was in my mid-thirties it seemed like everyone at my church was encouraging me to pursue Seminary. It felt like God was hitting me upside the head with a 2 x 4! When I finally decided to go for it, all the pieces fell into place. I lived in Las Vegas at the time, and oddly there are no Seminaries in Vegas, so my kids and I had to move to Scottsdale, AZ. (My husband and his kids lived in Michigan, and they joined us in AZ after our wedding in February, 2004.)

What was the greatest challenge of going to seminary while being a mom?
Missing out on things like “Back to School Nights” at my kids’ schools, because they conflicted with my class schedule. I learned to set limits on what I could and could not do. I promised the kids that I wouldn’t be away more than 2 evenings each week, which was tough – I had to rework my course schedule several times in order to get all my requirements in, while still keeping the promise to be home most nights. I also had to make a concerted effort to keep date nights with my husband without bringing along a theology book.

What has been the greatest joy of your seminary journey?
Showing my kids that it’s possible to achieve something great, and that hard work and discipline pay off. (Not that they were at all impressed with any of it…)

Any unique stories from your seminary experience as a result of your stage in life?
When I was taking a Biblical Sexuality course, my son was in 7th grade at the time and also taking Sex Ed. at school. He said to me, “Mom, why do you have to take sex ed? You have kids – doesn’t the Seminary know that you know all about sex already?”

What advice do you have for moms who might be considering going to seminary?
Go for it! At the same time, have realistic expectations. You can’t do everything, and it’s OK to ask for help. Let the housework go, let someone else teach the Sunday school class. Also, flashcards are very helpful when it comes to memorizing Greek and Hebrew vocabulary!

What advice do you have for students who are in the class with a mom?
Try to be understanding if the Mom in your class sometimes answers questions with anecdotes about her toddler – not all of us are employed full-time in ministry yet! God works through us in the stage of life we are in at the moment – and those lessons are just as valuable theologically as any other.

How did you balance school and family?
I have a fabulous husband who loves to cook – he cooked dinner every night. He also drove the kids to soccer practice and guitar lessons when I was in class. I learned to take my homework with me wherever I was going, and would study in 5 – 20 minute increments as I waited for doctor’s appointments, kids in guitar lessons, etc. My saving grace was a color-coded calendar system: a different color for every person in the house, so I always knew who needed to be where, at a glance.

Any regrets about the decisions you made regarding seminary?
Nope! It would’ve been nice to have unlimited time or funds in order to take ALL the classes I wanted, but I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 _ years in the M.Div program.

If your kids were old enough, how did they feel about you going to seminary?
My kids were as ‘supportive’ as they could be, although they kept asking me over and over “exactly why” I was doing this. When I graduated my oldest daughter said, “Do we have to call you ‘Father Mom’ now?”

What do you do now that you’ve graduated?
My first book, Advice From The Blender: What to know before you blend so nobody gets creamed, was published in 2007, by Xulon Press. The book was awarded the 2008 Christian Choice Book Award, in the parenting category. I run an online ministry for blended families, (www.advicefromtheblender.com) and write and speak on the subject frequently. I lead stepfamily support workshops at my church, and teach others how to do the same through the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries (AMFM).

I am the President of the Phoenix Seminary Alumni Association, and I am currently working towards ordination in the Reformed Church in America, with the goal of becoming an ordained pastor by next summer. I also try to keep up with our kids’ schedules, which isn’t easy since they are all teenagers now!

The other day we ran a review of Derek Cooper’s book, So You’re Thinking About Going to Seminary (We’re also giving away 2 copies as well–See the bottom of the post). Today we are posting an interview where we got to ask Dr. Cooper some questions:

1. Could you explain why a Masters of Divinity degree from a seminary is so much longer (90+ hours) than normal masters level programs (30-40 hours)?

A Master of Divinity (MDiv) is longer than other masters’ programs (at colleges or even seminaries) because the MDiv is a professional program—like a law degree or a medical degree. It is extensive because it trains students for a profession that encompasses several different areas of study, e.g., Bible, theology, history, ancient languages, preaching, counseling, and so on. This degree is also customarily pursued by students who do not have any formal training in this field.

The traditional master’s degree, by contrast, is usually pursued by people who have a background in that area. For instance, students who earn a master’s degree in English usually studied English as an undergraduate. What’s more, these types of degrees are purely academic—unlike the MDiv, which is equally academic and practical in nature.

2. What advice would you give to a part-time student who is wanting to experience the seminary culture as much as possible?

The best advice is for them to remember that a seminary degree is just as much about the friends you make and the experiences you have than it is about the classes you take. At a practical level, this means the following for part-time students: staying late after class so you can talk with other students; having lunch in the cafeteria rather than at home, at work, or in the car; scheduling time with professors; attending extra-curricular functions at school (special events, intramural sports, etc.); inviting students or staff from seminary for dinner; and studying in the library or computer room rather than simply working from home.

3. What advice would you give to the seminary student who is married and has children?

This is a very important topic, so I dedicate an entire chapter to it in the book. My advice, in a nutshell, is this: Remember that your “calling” to attend seminary includes your family as well as yourself. It’s easy for a student to adjust to a new school and a new routine because he or she is meeting new people and being challenged in new ways. This may not be the case for the spouse and the children, so it’s important that students be sensitive to this and schedule time each week for their spouses and children.

4. Could you speak to the concept of “networking” whereby some students come to seminary looking to befriend professors and other students with the purpose of finding a career. What is the role of networking while in seminary and how should one go about befriending professors and other students?

In the book I emphasize that networking is more about being active in the school community and being in dialogue with students and staff about your interests and needs. It should never be about manipulation or using people in order to get something from them. Christian networking should be based on truth and genuineness and it should arise naturally through the course of honest and healthy relationships.
Recently, for instance, I was able to connect a former student of mine to a church position that was ideal for him. Because we have a good friendship that is based on truth and because he has communicated to me his needs for a job, I was able to recommend him to a position that I had heard about through another friend of mine.

5. If there is absolutely one thing you could tell the following two people, what would it be? 1) the student looking to attend seminary, 2) the one who is currently in seminary.

For the student who is thinking about seminary, I’d encourage them to read my book—not just to shamelessly promote an otherwise helpful resource (!), but to prepare them for the dozens of questions that they need to ask themselves before they attend seminary: Where do I go? Which degree do I enroll in? How much money does it cost? What will I do with my training? Should I move or stay local?

For the student who is already in seminary, I’d encourage them to constantly be mindful of what God has called them to do with their training after graduation. In the book I dedicate the last two chapters to this important question. In short, these students should be praying for guidance, networking with others, getting practical experience whenever possible, and discerning how they will convert years of training into years of service toward God and the church.

Dr. Kistemaker is my favorite professor.  Maybe it is because it was in his class that I, for the first time, finally understood the letter to the Hebrews.  Maybe it is because he retired 12 years ago, but still teaches almost every semester! Or, maybe it is because he shares his wisdom in such a way that his concern for the gospel and the church is almost tangible.  Actually, it is all of those thing… and so much more.

So, the other day I sent Dr. K an email and asked him if he would answer a couple of questions for the site.  He graciously agreed.

GTS – Dr. K, for those who might not be familiar with you, could you please share with us some general information about yourself?

Kistemaker - My teaching career began in September 1954, when I started teaching Latin and Greek at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI.  I continued there during the four years while I attended Calvin Theological Seminary.

In September 1958, I enrolled at the Free University of Amsterdam in the New Testament graduate program.  Three years later I was rewarded the Th. D. degree in New Testament upon defending my doctoral thesis The Psalm Citations in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Amsterdam: Van Soest, 1961).

I was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 1961 and served a congregation in Vernon, B.C. Canada for two years.

In September 1963 I joined the Faculty of Dordt College as Professor of Bible and Languages.  For eight years I taught courses in Bible, Latin, and Dutch.

In 1971, I was appointed Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS where I taught courses in the Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Literature, Hebrews and Revelation.

I retired in 1996 and since then with Emeritus status I continue to teach in the New Testament department at the RTS Orlando, FL campus.

It has been my privilege to teach occasionally in seminaries abroad: Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Mexico, Sweden and Taiwan.

For twenty years (1982-2001) I wrote commentaries on Acts, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, 1-3 John, and Revelation published by Baker Book House in the New Testament Commentary series.

GTS – Why are you a seminary professor?

Kistemaker - The Lord prepared me for this task by giving me an education, a talent to teach and write, and a desire to serve the church by training prospective pastors and teachers.

Whenever I stand in front of a class of seminary students and consider their future, I see pastors and teachers. Behind them I envisage individual church members who are eagerly waiting to hear a full and accurate explanation of God’s Word.  They want to know how Scripture can be applied significantly to their daily lives and occupations.

Church members come to the worship services to be spiritually nourished and equipped to be servants of Christ in their homes, families, places of work, and society.  They want to be lights in this dark world and point people to Christ and his salvation for them.

My greatest joy and satisfaction is to see seminary students become fully prepared pastors, teachers, and counselors in the church.  If they indeed study the Scriptures diligently and apply what they have learned in sermons and group meetings, or wherever the Lord calls them to minister, then I know that my labors have not been in vain.

GTS – What changes (good and bad) have you witnessed in seminaries during your years as a professor?

Kistemaker - In this fast moving world, everything has to be accomplished in a hurry.  But the result of speed often results in disappointments, because we tend to neglect the details that are important to the process.  The old adage still is relevant: haste makes waste.  Service in the ministry is a taxing and rewarding experience.  Therefore my advice to you is this: Do your work properly and efficiently or else don’t do it at all!

Over the course of my teaching ministry I have observed numerous changes.  Here is one of them. The computer has been a great asset to learning and teaching.  But there is a drawback.  Although we appreciate the function that checks spelling and grammar, we are at a loss when we are asked to write some paragraphs by hand. Then mistakes in spelling and syntax stand out as accusing markers of an inadequate education.

Second career prospective students who leave behind a professional career or a thriving business enterprise demonstrate maturity and determination to learn as much as they can absorb.  At times they are the better students in the classroom.

My last observation concerns the student who runs ahead of the Lord.  He is like an employee who tells the manager what he is going to do for him instead of waiting for instructions.  This seminary student makes it known where he wants to be a pastor or missionary and makes his specifications and predilections known.  I counsel students to wait until they are fully qualified and then and only then ask the Lord to give them a place of service.  Then do your work and eventually you may hear the words “Well done, you good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

GTS – What is your biggest piece of advice for current seminarians?

Kistemaker - Be absolutely sure that the Lord has called you to prepare yourself for a ministry of preaching, teaching or counseling.

If family obligations or finances cause you to take a lighter load and thus extend your seminary training for another year, do so.  No one demands that you must complete your studies in exactly two, three or even four years.

If you are preparing yourself for the pastorate or mission field, I advise you to know the biblical languages: Greek and Hebrew.  An ability to read the Holy Scriptures in the original text pays off vast dividends in your preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Spend much time in prayer and ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding.  I assure you that you will encounter a variety of difficulties in the ministry. If you fail to ask God for guidance and wisdom, you undoubtedly will run into dilemmas that can be avoided by praying for divine assistance.   Indeed, Scripture makes it abundantly clear to you to lean on the Lord for all your needs.  He gives you his promise that he will never forsake or abandon you (Hebrews 13: 5).

GTS - Dr. K, thanks for taking the time for this interview… and for just being you.

(Want to check out some of Dr. Kistemaker’s work?  Here are some of his books on Amazon.)

GTS – Just the basics (Name, age, family, work, seminary, etc):

Andy – Andy Coticchio, age 52, married, no children. Retired from business as a financial executive, attending seminary since May 2008. Born in NYC but loving in Dallas since May 2003.  I am at Dallas Theological Seminary for an MA-Biblical Studies. That means I get all the bible exposition and theology classes and none of the languages and expository preaching classes. All in all, I fair trade for an old dog like me.

GTS – Why are you going to seminary?

Andy – To learn the Word Of God more deeply and fully. to prepare for a second career in ministry. I am looking to do three things; as a retired business executive, 1) work with people coming into the workforce to help them start their careers, 2) work with other ministries to give them the benefit of a 30 year business and financial career and 3) work with business executives to help them develop and mature their Christian walk in the business world.

GTS – What is the most difficult part of balancing seminary and the rest of life?

Andy – It has been 30 years since I sat in class, it took several months to learn to be a student again. I am only going part time so I am not having trouble balancing it with the rest of my life, but it was an awakening to be back as a student.

GTS – What advice do you wish someone would have given you before your started seminary?

Andy – I should have become a Christian and done this 30 years ago! Seriously, I got a lot of good advice, and came into this with realistic expectations about the workload and pressure.

GTS – What do you love most about seminary?

Andy – The lectures. Sitting there listen to these godly men and women teach with such a love for the Lord, it is a privilege.

GTS – Here’s your chance for self promotion.  Where can people find you online?

Andy – I blog at The Narrow Road

We’re starting a new feature this week. Every Saturday (er, well I guess today is Friday) none the less, the plan is that every Saturday we’ll introduce you to a seminary student. Now, sure we’re all (well, most of us) seminary students and we all know seminary students… so, why do we need to meet more? Well, I just thought it would bee cool to meet some new people and hear a little bit of their story… sounded cool to me. So, today we meed John Saddington.Just the basics (Name, age, family, work, seminary, etc):

Just the basics (Name, age, family, work, seminary, etc):

John Lee Saddington, married to Sue and the father of Roenne. I am the Creative Web Director at North Point Community Church and I’ve been attending Dallas Theological Seminary for 3 years working towards a TH.M.

Why are you going to seminary?

Primarily I’m going to Seminary to explore the gift of teaching that God has confirmed in my heart through scripture, prayer, and the wisdom and guidance of others.

I’m not sure what will come of the TH.M (concentration in Christian Ed) in that I’m not sure if it’ll lead to a vocational change, but perhaps. I think part of Seminary is finding out where God wants you to go and to be lead by Him.

What is the most difficult part of balancing seminary and the rest of life?

Finding the time for all the reading. Being intentional about one’s studies is crucial. Also the ability to humble yourself and drop classes when needed… I’ve had to do this nearly every semester.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before your started seminary?

I wish someone would have told me how often “feelings of failure” would arise and how difficult it would be to manage those feelings. Seminary brings out the worst in people, and that’s a good thing if responded to appropriately.

What do you love most about seminary?

Without question the professors. They are incredibly wise and bring to the class a passion for the Word and an enthusiasm that one doesn’t often see. They challenge and delight.

What question should I have asked you?

Why did you choose the Seminary that you decided to go to?

I choose DTS because of their firm foundation in the Scriptures. Since the Word of God is the primary vehicle (for me) by which I received my spiritual growth by the Spirit I knew that I needed a seminary who “taught bible well”. DTS has not disappointed.

In addition, they have comprehensive language programs, going over Greek and Hebrew extensively. I’m a language “buff” and love it.

Here’s your chance for self promotion. Where can people find you online?

You can find me all over but primarily I blog at http://Human3rror.com and http://ChurchCrunch.com

Jake and I had the opportunity the other day to sit down with Dr. John Frame of Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando (RTS-O) and ask him several questions related to his writings and experience in the seminary environment. The interview revolved around two writings of Dr. Frame that I believe to be “must reads” for those in seminary or those thinking about it.

The first is a pamphlet Dr. Frame wrote at the request of the RTS-O admission department called, Learning at Jesus’ Feet: a Case for Seminary Training (free online). This is a phenomenal read for those thinking about attending seminary as it address many of the questions that are probably going through your head.

The second document is much older than the pamphlet. Written in 1972, Proposal for a New Seminary is an amazing work where Frame discusses the current seminary structure and suggests that there might be a better way. Since the original publishing date, Frame has added two postscripts to show how his thoughts have developed in relation to the original piece. This is a great read for all seminarians and some really good food for thought and discussion.

For the interview we asked Dr. Frame about these publication and a couple other seminary related questions. The interview is really great… and 17 minutes long… So, go grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever and get comfortable. There is a lot of gold in there.

The interview took place at the RTS-O chapel, so there is a little bit of an echo as the room was empty. Also, Dr. Frame is sitting in front of the organ… which he can totally jam on. For our last question we asked him if we’d play a little something for us and he most graciously agreed.

(goingtoseminary.com videos are available at youtube, vimeo, and blip.tv)

This video is the teaser video we posted on youtube. It is Dr. Frame’s answer to our question about advice for current and future seminarians. It is covered in the longer interview, but I thought I’d post it here too in case anyone wanted to see it or grab the code to embed it somewhere else… like their blog (hint, hint).

Brief Biography of Dr. John Frame

(taken from Reformed Theological Seminary website)

Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy
Princeton University, A.B.
Westminster Theological Seminary, B.D.
Yale University, M.A., M.Phil.
Belhaven College, D.D.

Dr. John Frame serves as J.D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at RTS – Orlando

An outstanding theologian, John Frame distinguished himself during 31 years on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary, and was a founding faculty member of WTS California. He is best known for his prolific writings including ten volumes, a contributor to many books and reference volumes, as well as scholarly articles and magazines. Rev. Frame is a talented musician and discerning media critic who is deeply committed to the work of ministry and training pastors.

Selected Publications
Van Til, the Theologian (1976)
The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (1987)
Medical Ethics (1988)
Perspectives on the Word of God (1990)
Evangelical Reunion (1991)
Apologetics to the Glory of God (1994)
Cornelius Van Til: An Analysis of his Thought (1995)
Worship in Spirit and Truth (1996)
Contemporary Music: a Biblical Defense (1997)
The Doctrine of God (2002)
Salvation Belongs to the Lord (2006)

Something new is coming to GoingtoSeminary.com… and it is coming soon…

This should be fun!

Something new is coming to GoingtoSeminary.com… and it is coming soon…

This should be fun!