The generations we impact are like arrows pointed for battle. When we disciple the next generations, we prepare them to be godly women.
My son couldn’t even walk when I finished my MBA. I spent late nights studying Human Resources and analyzing accounting numbers. I thought a business degree was what I needed or even wanted.
I have always loved to learn (maybe it is the product of being the daughter of a college professor). From a young age, I knew college was a must, and an advanced degree even more so.
However, the more I grew spiritually and began to teach the Bible, the more I realized an MBA wouldn’t equip me for the calling on my life. Seminary became the desire of my heart.
Honestly, seminary seemed elusive as a mom of three and a woman.
So that dream sat high on a shelf in my mind, and maybe one day it would happen. Over the years, I learned everything I could on my own. I took free classes wherever I could find them. I wanted to know as much as I could.
As a Women’s Bible Study teacher, I noticed how little women knew about theology, studying Scripture, or even how to simply answer basic biblical questions. In most churches, the focus of a women’s ministry is to make them feel good, tell them they are enough and send them on their way.
The problem occurs when a woman has a heart change but no deep working knowledge of the Scriptures to equip the purpose in her life.
As the years went on, the more I learned and taught, I still desired a seminary education. It felt necessary for me to take on the challenge of bringing theology to women in the local church.
Fast forward through a pandemic, growing children, and a never-ending desire, I took the leap and enrolled in seminary. It was the best decision I have ever made, and it is one that I think more women need to make.
Let's look at three main reasons women need to pursue a seminary education:
1. Equal Call to Theology
Women are called to theology on the same level as men. I have heard more than once that seminary is for men. At one point, that was true because of gender barriers, but Scripture does not relegate women to a life without theology. In fact, as a believer, she is called to the work of studying the Scriptures.
Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work.” Every believer is called to training in righteousness through the Word of God. This training inevitably teaches us theology. We are not called to idleness but to the pursuit of holiness and the things of God.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The will of God is found in the Word of God. Transformation is found in the Word of God.
While both verses are not particular to women going to seminary, they do stress the importance of the Word of God in the life of a believer. Every believer is called to know the Word; they are called to know more of God and be transformed—male and female.
2. Mandate to Disciple
Women are called to teach and disciple. While I believe that a woman is not to hold to the role of pastor based on the teachings of Scripture, I do believe women are called to teach and disciple other women. This directive is given in Titus 2 when Paul directs Titus about the function of the church and its leadership.
Titus 2:3-5, “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” We are to teach other women the truths of Scripture; we are to instruct in the ways of holiness. This is the discipleship pattern of women in the church. It is needed work within the body; it is life-giving and vital discipleship.
3. Impact on Future Generations
Women impact future generations, which is why Scripture has a great deal to say about mothers, not just birth mothers but spiritual mothers. We don’t have to bear children to disciple others and impact the next generation. The truth is women are called to be life-givers, and the work of discipleship is life-giving.
Proverbs 31:28-29 says, “Her children ride up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Her family recognizes her life-giving nature, and they praise her for it. A woman’s example is lifelong to those she pours into, whether that be to her biological children or her spiritual children. Her work never ends, and she impacts those she loves all the days of her life.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” The generations we impact are like arrows pointed for battle. When we disciple the next generations, we prepare them to be godly women.
Each of these three reasons is what I believe to be an encouragement for women to seek out higher education through Seminary. If the opportunity arises for us to know more of God and His Word, and to be rightly trained to do the work, then we should open the door in front of us.
Going to seminary as a woman does not instantly give you higher spiritual status, so it should only be done if your heart genuinely desires to be equipped to teach and lead those around you and those within the local church. Seminary is not a requirement for a great spiritual walk.
However, I have been strengthened by my time in seminary by learning, leaning, challenging, and moving forward in my knowledge of God, His Word, and His people.
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Michelle Rabon is helping women be disciples who make disciples. Michelle has her MDiv in Ministry to Women from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently serving as Women’s Ministry Director in her local church. She is also the author of Holy Mess. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, being close to the ocean, and drinking a lot of coffee. You can connect with Michelle at www.michellerabon.com
