GSC MODULE 40: LEARNING AT JESUS' FEET; THE SEMINARY

The priest follows Jesus, the Son of God

LEARNING AT JESUS' FEET: 

THE SEMINARY

As priests, ordinees are on a special walk with Jesus. In order to be effective priests, ordinees need to ensure they have been baptized, and that they are properly equipped for ministry.

  Completing courses at seminary enables priests to feel confident and be effective in their ministry to others.

 

Before choosing courses, spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit of God to guide you to choose those most suited to your present spiritual and ministry needs.

  Ask God to make clear to you which courses are best and most appropriate for your own personal ministry in the Name of Jesus.

  Remember that every priest has particular gifts given by God for the ministry for which He has chosen the ordinee.

  Courses chosen need to reflect preparation for the particular task God has in mind for each individual priest.

Seminary course may include the following;

& Old Testament 1

& Old Testament 2

& Old Testament 3

& New Testament 1

& New Testament 2

& New Testament 3

& Systematic Theology 1

& Systematic Theology 2

& Philosophy 1

& Philosophy 2

& Philosophy 3

& Moral Theology 1

& Moral Theology 2

& Moral Theology 3

& Ethics 1

& Ethics 2

& Ethics 3

& Church History 1

& Church History 2

& Church History 3

& Canon Law 1

& Canon Law 2

& Spirituality 1

& Spirituality 2

& Exegesis Biblical Theology 1

& Exegesis Biblical Theology 2; Advanced

& Aramaic and Hebrew

& Greek

& Latin

& Preaching

& Worship

& Pastoral Counselling

& Spiritual Direction

& Pastoral Care

& Music Ministry

& Qualitative and Quantitative approach to      ministry

& Church leadership

& Roles within the church

& Church governance

Further specialized courses may be sought and obtained. 

  For example, if a priest decides to specialize as a chaplain, clinical pastoral education and chaplaincy qualification will be needed.

  Once the priest has discerned the area where priestly ministry will be conducted, the ordinee can choose study and experience in the pastoral field relevant to the area chosen.

DEFINITION OF SEMINARY 

A seminary is an academic institution in which the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for effective Christian ministry are offered.

  A good seminary offers the priest credentials and confidence in ordination and ministry.

  And, since Jesus is the Word of God made human [John 1:14], to study in seminary means to study at the Feet of Jesus.

Jesus formed the original template for seminary when He shared His preaching, teaching, healing and miracles with His disciples [students] during the years they were together.

  Jesus taught his disciples that they were blessed to hear these things [Matthew 13:16-17].

  The Messiah used His disciples as missionaries to bring His Word to others, such as the woman at the well in Samaria [John 4:1-42].

Jesus taught the Word of God to His disciples [Matthew 5:1 to 7:29].   

  They witnessed His compassionate healings, listened to His words as parables, marvelled at His miraculous power.

  The disciples witnessed Jesus’ heavenly glory [Matthew 17:1-3]. 

  They were humbled by His servant-leadership [Matthew 20:25-28].

HOW JESUS TAUGHT IN 

HIS FIRST SEMINARY

Jesus did not teach His disciples theological arguments, religious history or languages.

  He did not give reading or writing assignments, or mark percentages as to their fitness to minister.

  Jesus knew their hearts, and taught them to listen with their hearts, and purify their inner spirits. From a pure heart flows clean ministry.

  Jesus counselled His disciples, and regularly praised or redirected them.

  The Master praised Peter for his faith and understanding that Jesus is the Son of God [Matthew 16:17].

  Jesus praised His disciples as blessed [Matthew 13:16-17]. He redirected Martha about her negative attitude towards her sister [Luke 10:38-42].

  Jesus rebuked Peter for being an obstacle in His path, by counselling Him not to follow the path God the Father had laid out for Him [Matthew 16:23].

We can learn from the manner in which Jesus trained His disciples in the first seminary.

  As result of Jesus' training, disciples of devout character were enabled to witness to the gospel message with steadfastness and clarity.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care