Theological Seminary

Definition and Meaning

A theological seminary, or graduate school of theology, is a graduate program that teaches theology and pastoral practice to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. Its core program is the Master of Divinity (M.Div.). In Korea, students typically spend three years (six semesters) studying biblical studies, systematic theology (the field that treats doctrine in an organized, systematic way), church history, and practical theology (pastoral practice such as preaching, worship, and counseling), along with field training in local churches. Some institutions also offer a Master of Theology (Th.M.) and doctoral programs for academic research. The Korean term sinhakgyo ("theological school") refers collectively to both undergraduate colleges of theology and graduate schools of theology.

Biblical and Historical Background

As the basis for training leaders, the church points to Jesus's teaching of his disciples and to passages such as 2 Timothy 2:2, in which Paul tells Timothy, "the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." In the Middle Ages, university faculties of theology trained the clergy. After the Reformation, John Calvin founded the Geneva Academy in 1559.

In Korea, the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, founded in Pyongyang by the Northern Presbyterian missionary Samuel A. Moffett (known in Korean as Ma Po-sam-yeol), produced its first seven graduates in 1907. That same year, these graduates, including Kil Sun-joo and Yi Ki-poong, were ordained as the first Korean pastors.

Practice in Korean Churches

Many denominations accept as candidates for the pastorate only those who have graduated from a graduate school of theology recognized by the denomination. Admission often requires a letter of recommendation from the senior pastor of the applicant's home church or a minimum number of years as a baptized church member. Students usually serve in churches as evangelists (jeondosa) while enrolled.

• Presbyterian: The principal denominational seminaries are Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary for the Tonghap, Chongshin University for the Hapdong, Kosin University for the Kosin, Hapdong Theological Seminary for the Hapshin, and Hanshin University for the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (Kijang). After graduation, candidates sit for examinations administered by the presbytery or the General Assembly. The Hapdong, the Kosin, and certain other denominations require a licentiate preacher (kangdosa) stage before one becomes a pastor.
• Methodist: In the Korean Methodist Church, candidates study at institutions such as Methodist Theological University, Mokwon University, or Hyupsung University and then complete the process set by the Annual Conference before receiving ordination.
• Holiness, Baptist, and Pentecostal traditions: Seoul Theological University serves as the denominational seminary for the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church (Kisung), Sungkyul University for the Jesus Korea Sungkyul Church (Yesung), Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary for the Korea Baptist Convention (Kichim), and Hansei University for the Assemblies of God of Korea (Kihasung).

As denominations have split into numerous branches, the number of small theological schools lacking accreditation from the Ministry of Education has also grown. As a result, critics both inside and outside the church have charged that the oversight of ministerial qualifications is lax. In denominations that do not recognize the ordination of women, women cannot be ordained as pastors even after completing seminary.