Ep. 331: Is seminary necessary for pastors?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio tackle the question, “Do pastors need seminary?” They lay biblical foundations for pastor training, share their own non-traditional paths (church-based training, mentors, intensive self-study), and explain when formal degrees are genuinely necessary (denominations, missions, teaching roles). They also highlight new church-connected seminaries and Practical Shepherding cohorts, and offer strong encouragement to pastors without degrees—emphasizing calling, character, competence, and lifelong learning over credentials alone.
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(03:20) Framing the Question: Do Pastors Need Seminary?
(05:10) Biblical Foundations for Training
(06:50) How Seminaries Assumed the Training Role
(07:27) Jim’s Training Story: Church-Based “Seminary”
(10:00) Brian’s Training Story: Mentors & “Informal M.Div.”
(13:15) Serving at Southern Seminary Without a Seminary Degree
(15:45) So, Is Seminary Required? Global & Historical Perspective
(18:30) Who Really Needs Seminary? Denominations, Missions, Teaching
(21:45) Credentials and Closed Doors
(23:30) Seminary as Structure, Deadlines, and Motivation
(26:05) The “Educational Bubble,” Enrollment Decline, & Competition
(28:10) Tension: “You Need the Church” vs. “You Really Need Us”
(29:40) Encouraging Smaller, Church-Connected Seminaries
(31:15) Alternative Pathways & Practical Shepherding Cohorts
(32:40) Encouragement to Non‑Seminary Pastors
(34:45) Pastors, Don’t Outsource Training Your Men
(37:10) Final Word & Prayer