You have your bachelor’s degree, perhaps in a professional realm or the ministry field. But what’s next? Should you go to seminary? And if so, what does that mean? Are you pigeon-holed into becoming a pastor at a church?

If you’ve been considering seminary as the next step on your educational journey, read on to see why Lancaster Bible College could be your perfect fit.

LBC offers multi-faceted educational opportunities: as a Bible college, seminary and graduate school. But let’s focus on the “seminary” aspect. What is a seminary or a seminary school? Is it the same thing as a school of theology, a theological seminary, a Bible college, a Christian college, a divinity school or a Bible institute? And why does it matter? If you’ve ever Googled “find a seminary near me” and wondered what exactly students are studying there, this article is for you.

Defining ‘Seminary’

Google will tell you that a seminary is a college that prepares students to become ministers. And that is true – but that definition is missing some important pieces. Yes, many of the masters and doctoral degrees LBC offers through our seminary, like Biblical Studies, Ministry, Christian Apologetics, Formational Leadership, and Divinity are directly related to “traditional” ministries. But we believe that ministry preparation goes well beyond traditional church vocations. That’s why we also offer graduate degrees in areas like Christian Care and a PhD in Leadership – because ministry happens wherever Christians find themselves.

Why study at an accredited seminary?

Here’s something you might not know: not all seminaries are created equal. There has been a recent trend where churches develop seminary programs that offer undergraduate and even graduate degrees with a ministry focus. Chances are those churches are not accredited institutions of higher education. And when it comes to higher education, institutional accreditation makes all the difference (check out our other blog post on this important matter here). LBC is a regionally accredited seminary and graduate school, meaning your ministry degree will be more readily recognized and accepted by those organizations looking for someone to join them in ministry. We’re accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Earning your seminary degree 100% online is possible! 

PhD in Leadership students engage and learn together during their fall 2023 residency.

LBC’s seminary programs are fully online, with a few incorporating in-person residencies throughout the year, combining the convenience of online learning with face-to-face engagement. For any of these degrees, it means you don’t have to move and uproot your life to experience the transformation of an education at Lancaster Bible College Seminary & Graduate School. In fact, many of our seminary students live outside of Pennsylvania and even beyond the U.S.! An added bonus of this geographic diversity is that you’ll meet and study alongside those with varied life and ministry experiences.

Plus, for two consecutive years, Lancaster Bible College was named the No. 1 Online Bible College in America – by not one but two higher education ranking bodies. Check out some of the other accolades LBC has been blessed to receive.

What can you do with a seminary degree?

So if you study at a seminary, that means you can only work in a church, right? Certainly not! Our graduates serve and work in a wide array of professional areas. Some are already pastors and teachers in Christian ministries, but others serve as CEOs, leader of nonprofits (both in Christian and secular settings), while still others are authors, licensed professional counselors, professors and school administrators. Some may think that a seminary degree limits your career outcomes, but we believe it does just the opposite: it empowers you to do more than you ever imagined.

Where can seminary take me?

Even if you’ve been serving in ministry for years, or decades for that matter, LBC’s seminary programs are designed to increase your knowledge, build upon your formational skills and heighten your passion for God’s Word. Some denominations require a graduate degree, while other ministries encourage their leaders to bolster their education and knowledge base whenever possible. LBC’s seminary programs are characterized by:

• Collaboration, rigor and relevance so you can take what you learn to your ministry right away
• Faculty who live according to a biblical worldview and use it to influence their teaching
• Theory based on current research that drives the education and provides for future learning
• Practical experience that brings life and meaning to the classroom experience
• Students who have a committed vision to engage in faith-based service

Take the next step!

Is now the time for you to explore LBC for your seminary degree? We can’t wait to talk with you! Start the process and find out more today!