How To Get Into Seminary School

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary (GCTS) is the College of Theology’s graduate school at Grand Canyon University. Its purpose is to form Christian leaders theologically, spiritually and professionally, and equip them to minister faithfully and effectively within any cultural context. 

GCTS also strives to prepare godly leaders for a lifetime of faithful ministry rooted in biblical truth, sound theology and practical wisdom. If you feel called to a life of ministry and are considering going to seminary, explore your potential path here.

In This Article:

• What Is Seminary School?
• How To Get Into Seminary School: Admission Requirements
• Questions To Consider Before Applying To Seminary School
• What Kind of Theology Degree Do I Want To Earn?
• Become a Seminary Student at GCU

What Is Seminary School?

Seminary (or a divinity school) is a theological educational institution that offers biblical and theological instruction as well as spiritual and practical education with the intent of preparing students to serve in various positions within Christian ministry.

While you are a seminary student, you will examine the way of Christ and prepare to interpret and apply biblical and theological principles to modern life within various ministerial contexts. At the same time, you will be prompted to cultivate Christ-like virtue in order to grow in godliness and integrity of character.

How To Get Into Seminary School: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for seminary vary, depending on the specific school you’re applying to. In general, you will need to meet some minimum academic requirements. In addition, you’ll generally need to affirm your personal faith and your willingness to abide by the seminary’s faith-based code of conduct.

Questions To Consider Before Applying To Seminary School

Take the time to consider who you are as a person: the natural and spiritual gifts God has given you, the plans the Lord has for your life and whether going to seminary will prepare you to minister to others in the unique ways you are called to serve.

Students who are weighing whether to go to seminary often know they want to be involved in their church community, but they may be unsure of the extent of their involvement. All Christians are called to actively engage in the life of their church community; there certainly aren’t any seminary school requirements for that. However, going to seminary may empower you to pursue a position in leadership or a specialized ministerial role within your community.

In addition to reflecting upon your answers to the questions that follow, spend some time thinking about the level of involvement you desire within your church. Do you need training in order to step into a leadership role? Would you benefit from the seminary experience as you engage in other types of ministry, whether as a member of the staff or a volunteer?

Before making a decision, you may wish to approach your church community’s leadership team to discuss your plans. Ask them for guidance as you plan your future and strive to learn more about what you might expect from the day-to-day life of a ministerial leader.

Am I passionate?

Do you have a desire in your heart to serve others? Do you want to grow closer to God while exploring biblical content and values? Would you like to potentially join church leadership?

If so, going to seminary may be a great choice. In your program, you will be taught the biblical foundations that may prove helpful for pursuing vocation in church leadership. Seminary school can be a good choice for those who wish to make an impact on the world for Christ.

Am I ready to invest in a local church?

No other environment offers the same opportunity to be in a community with fellow believers like the local church. Theological seminary encourages students to get involved with a local church and engage in mentoring relationships, supervised ministry requirements and internship experiences. These opportunities offer students the chance to grow both spiritually and professionally.

You might also consider taking part in local outreach activities. Outreach activities help show God’s love in your local community. Additionally, you can be an example for others in showing how Jesus changes a Christian’s life. All in all, seminary is a great place to get connected with a Christian community and learn what it means to make an impact for Christ in today’s world. 

What do I want to do after seminary?

Before going to seminary, it can be helpful to know what you want to do after you earn your degree. For example, do you want to do nonprofit work, international missions or pastoral ministry?

Having an idea of the specific vocation you want to pursue after you graduate can help you to make the most of your education and tailor it to your interests. If you are still unsure about where God is leading you, pray about it and ask Him to provide guidance. Ideally, it is always wise to seek counsel from others in your local church or ministry context who are willing to join you in seeking God’s will for your life and ministry.

Has God called me?

Before exploring how to get into seminary school further, one of the most important factors to consider is if God has called on you. Ministry vocations require selfless sacrifice and dedication as you allow God to work through your life.

Pray and ask God for guidance if it is His will. If God has placed the passion in your heart, trust Him as you take the next step of faith and earn your degree at seminary school.

What is seminary school like?

There is a common misconception that seminary resembles a monastic retreat, where individuals of faith spend all day praying and reflecting upon God’s teachings. In fact, seminary is a flurry of activity. Yes, there is a need for continual prayer and quiet reflection, but you’ll also be immersed in a learning-centered environment designed to prepare you to share biblical truth with others and to engage the world with the love of Christ.

What Kind of Theology Degree Do I Want To Earn?

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary at GCU offers a variety of transformative graduate degree programs. Consider the following degrees and the paths you can take to serve God in His ministry.

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary offers the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree via online and in-person classes. This program is designed to develop students’ Christian character and values while teaching the core doctrines of our faith. 

You will explore biblical interpretation and the application of biblical principles. You will be expected to develop a strong sense of what it means to be a servant leader in the way of Jesus within various ministry settings.

Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry

Christian youths and families can benefit from transformative ministry that equips them to tackle the many challenges of modern life. You can prepare to serve this community by earning your master’s in youth and family ministry degree. 

You will examine foundational biblical principles and their application in guiding youth and their families. These include biblical teachings within specific contexts and ministerial ethics, which may guide young men and women to grow closer to the Lord.

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

The master’s in Christian leadership degree is designed to prepare you to pursue leadership positions within church communities. You will dive into timely topics such as leadership through crisis, conflict and change, practical theology, biblical foundations of leadership and ministerial ethics. 

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

The master’s in Christian ministry degree program teaches ministerial concepts such as pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You may find encouragement in preparing to serve in Christ-like ministerial service. Some of the many topics you’ll examine include: 

• Pastoral care within the context of the ministry
• Practical guidance for leading and organizing ministries
• Effective communication strategies for the modern ministry
• Biblical principles and fundamental knowledge of the Old and New Testaments
• Professional ethics within the ministerial context

Master of Arts in Urban Ministry

If you want to serve people in urban communities, then a master’s in urban ministry could be right for you. The program examines at-risk communities and considers how to bring meaningful change to the people who live there. Notably, this degree program emphasizes the need to make the Word of Christ both accessible and contextually fitting for modern urban residents. 

This seminary degree program covers topics such as:

• Competencies for the ministry in multicultural contexts, with a look at social services, community building and holistic ministry strategies
• The mission of the church within urban settings
• Ethical decision-making within the urban ministry community
• Ministerial ethics, including an exploration of personal morality, character development and self-care

Become a Seminary Student at GCU

The mission of the College of Theology and the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary at GCU is to educate students to communicate the gospel effectively, serve the church faithfully and minister with integrity at home and abroad. To learn more about the degrees available at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, including the Master of Divinity degree, fill out the form on this page and connect with a university counselor.