I think I want to go to seminary, but is seminary right for me? What is seminary like? How do I figure out which schools to apply to? If you or someone you know or counsel is asking these questions, this book is for you. A true insider, Derek Cooper answers the questions of anyone considering or just starting seminary, as well as questions they may not have considered. With plenty of personal stories and experience, he explains what seminary is, whether seminary can provide the right training for different kinds of ministry, the practical aspects of going to seminary (money, location, theological affiliation, etc.), how much time seminary takes, what classes are like, and what the different degrees offer. Cooper also shares his extensive experience in researching seminaries and gives practical pointers on how to evaluate schools online, how to apply, and what to expect during the process. He even includes an appendix of theological terms for understanding the language of seminary and seminary websites. The only book of its kind, this engaging, thoughtful guide helps both prospective and beginning students make wise choices and know what to expect as they begin this life-changing experience.
Derek Cooper (M.Div., Biblical Theological Seminary) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Lutheran Theological Seminary and is an adjunct professor at Esperanza College. Due to work, family, and program requirements, Derek has attended classes at six different seminaries. He lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with his wife.
"Derek Cooper has given us an excellent guidebook for those who are thinking about attending seminary. Like the best of travel guides, he knows the territory well. He has a clear sense of what questions people are asking--and also the ones they ought to ask--when they are thinking about taking this journey."
--Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Derek Cooper's conversational style and personal reflections make this book accessible and easy to navigate. He takes what is often a complex set of personal, spiritual, practical, and ecclesial decisions and offers history, perspective, and very practical counsel. It's an excellent resource for anyone contemplating theological study or who is already engaged in it, because Cooper covers the bases: from learning what a seminary is to how to attend to one's spirituality while in seminary to possible careers emanating from a seminary degree. His work is thorough, practical, and helpful."
--Philip D. Krey, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
"One of the most common jokes about seminary is that it can easily be mistaken for a cemetery, a place where living faith turns into dead religiosity. Derek Cooper debunks this misconception in a lively, informative, and accessible account of what a seminary education is all about. If you are considering the possibility of attending seminary, or even if you are just curious about the whole thing, this book will answer many of your questions and provide invaluable practical assistance in considering whether seminary is for you."
--John R. Franke, Biblical Seminary
"Why has no one published a book like this before? Derek Cooper draws from his experience, research, and wisdom and mixes it all together in an eminently informative--not to mention fun--read. For anyone contemplating the Amazon-like jungle of seminary options, here is your travel guide."
--Nicholas Perrin, Wheaton College
"A seminary education requires an enormous investment of time, energy, and finances while simultaneously having an enormous impact--for good or bad!--on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual formation of the student. Choosing a particular school is therefore a serious matter that needs to be evaluated from multiple perspectives. Derek Cooper anticipates nearly every thoughtful question that might be raised by prospective seminarians and provides a wealth of information to help them make an informed decision."
--David G. Dunbar, Biblical Seminary
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