Visions of surfing in between theology classes in California or studying in the historic hallways of Boston architecture dance in the heads of many aspiring seminarians. For some, seminary is an extension of their wonderful undergraduate years and for others it is the prestige of studying at North America’s finest. Below are several compelling reasons why one should consider pursuing seminary in upstate New York at Northeastern in Rochester, with some classes held in suburban Buffalo making it even more convenient.
1. Content is as abundant as the stars. You can find more books on ministry and theology than you could read in a lifetime. Contextual ministry, however, is the name of the game. Your location has unique challenges and pressures that may not be addressed in an Orlando, Florida seminary option. Going to a regional seminary that is attune to local upstate New York ministry challenges affords you the benefit of having the most prevalent issues regularly addressed during your degree.
2. Going to a regional seminary is a fraction of the cost of relocating out of state. Oftentimes, regional seminaries have flexible scheduling and locations that allow students to maintain their employment and residence while going to school (or earning a degree) at the same time. There will be a Buffalo-area information meeting on March 12, 2012, at 6 p.m. in Williamsville. You should go to “check it out.”
3. For most seminaries, a supervised practicum (or field education) is critical to a student’s experience. Regional seminaries are positioned to place students so they can complete their field education in their current place of ministry if they wish to. And when that placement includes an intentional and effective oversight as a well developed goal setting process, all the better.
Interested in learning more? Contact JP Anderson at 585-594-6800 or email him at seminary@nes.edu. Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College is where Buffalonians go to seminary. –Mark Weber
