What Is a Theological Seminary?
A theological seminary is an institution of higher learning used to educate and prepare individuals for ordination as clergy or other religious ministry. Throughout its progression since the Reformation, the theological seminary has shifted its focus from purely preparatory study to academic disciplines which foster a more congregational, non-ordained focus. Seminaries offer a diversified range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, at the core of which remains Christian teachings and faith. Theological seminaries were solely used for the purpose of training clergy from about the 4th century until the advent of the Middle Ages in the 5th century, when the Catholic Church became the unifying entity of religious teaching and monasticism gained popularity. During this time, the training of clergy became intertwined with monasticism and occurred exclusively within monastery walls. The traditional role of the theological seminary fell out of favor and soon became obsolete. Following
