I am nearly certain (about 99.9%) that I want to pursue a seminary education. However, I am not certain whether or not I am called to go into vocational ministry. I am currently looking at Mid-America Reformed Seminary because it's really the only Reformed seminary close to me, and I have no desire to relocate at this time. They have the traditional MDiv degree and a MTS (Master of Theological Studies) degree. The MTS degree follows either a theological track or a Biblical studies track; both of which are essentially subsets of the MDiv program. Like most seminaries, their primary goal is to train men for the pastorate.
However, I am just not 100% certain that is where I need (or want) to go. There are times that I desire it very strongly, but there are also times where I dread it because of the awesome responsibility it entails. I do know this for certain (100.0%); I do NOT want to be doing what I am currently doing (working in IT). It is just not my heart's desire to do this. I am grateful for my job and I don't despise it, but more often than not, it's a means to an end.
Is it odd or unheard of to attend seminary while determining one's call? Say, for instance, I pursue the MTS degree and later on decide (or determine) that I am called into full-time ministry; it would be no big deal to complete the requirements for the MDiv. However, if I don't feel called (or that call isn't confirmed externally), I will still have the MTS degree; if nothing else comes of it, I will (at the very least) be a well informed layman (maybe even elder material).
My main reason for wanting to attend seminary is to receive a formal and guided training in the Bible and theology. I have done a lot of self-teaching, but I crave the intellectual interchange and fellowship of the academic setting. I don't particularly like online or distance learning; I've tried it, but in my mind, nothing beats the live interchange of ideas and interacting with professors and fellow students.
Anyway, your thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!!!


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