Succeeding at Seminary: 12 Keys to Getting the Most Out of Your Theological Education

“For all prospective or present seminary students, this book is a priceless gem and a must-read. Jason K. Allen, one of our generation's most outstanding seminary presidents, has laid out a brilliant case for making the most of your theological education. Well-developed and practically applied, Allen will help you strategically maximize your seminary training. I urge you to read and follow this book's insightful wisdom and sound advice.”

“This book serves the health of tomorrow's church. We need men who aspire to the work of pastor-elder and get a focused season of training to acquire the skills they will need to preach and teach well for a lifetime. Seminary is not about filling your freezer with fish but learning how to fish for yourself—acquiring the mindset and abilities you need to keep reading and learning and freshly teaching God's Word for decades. I love that Jason shares this vision—and that he checks our subjective sense of "call" with the objective reality of marriage. If you are married, that calling is clearer and surer than any "call to ministry" you may be pursuing. From beginning to end, this book rings with such wisdom, and will not only help you stay Christian in seminary but perhaps even find what it means to flourish in this important season.”

“Many students have questions about preparing for seminary and about whether they should attend seminary. Jason Allen's book on succeeding at seminary is a must-read for students thinking about going to seminary, planning to go to seminary, and for those already in seminary. The book exudes the kind of wisdom we find in Proverbs and is full of the practical advice that is fitting for those who desire to live in a godly and mature way during their seminary years. I recommend this work with enthusiasm.”

“For an aspiring minister, where to attend seminary is a defining decision. It should not be made lightly. Drawing from seasoned experience, Jason Allen will help you ask the right questions not only for choosing a seminary but also for getting the most out of it while you're there. Succeeding at Seminary brims with practical wisdom for the journey. Read it and benefit.”

“Compelling, clear, and concise, Succeeding in Seminary is a remarkably helpful resource for those seeking to prepare for a lifetime of faithful Christian service. Kudos to Jason Allen for recognizing that a call to ministry includes a call to preparation and for providing such careful and thoughtful guidance regarding the importance of study, theological conviction, personal and family commitments, the place of church and friendship, as well as mission and ministry. Church leaders should keep several copies of this little book on hand to give to men and women contemplating God's call on their lives. Highly and heartily recommended!”

“Anyone called to ministry should read this book. Anyone! In it are nuggets of wisdom that will help one start, run, and finish the race well. I will be quick to recommend it to prospective seminarians.”

“This easily digestible work is both timeless and timely. Potential seminarians, you need to be asking every question listed in these pages. I found myself wishing that it had been written in 1991, when I needed it the most. Thanks to Jason Allen, you need not have any such regrets.”

“Jason Allen knows how seminary works. His experience as a student, professor, pastor, and administrator gives him unique and comprehensive insights into the seminarian adventure. When God calls you to preach (or to church leadership of any kind), God calls you to prepare. If you are thinking about committing to this level of preparation, you should read this book first.”

“This is exactly the right book for seminary students—or anyone considering a call to ministry. Jason Allen wonderfully combines the most practical observations and the most passionate encouragement for those called to serve the church—and are therefore called to prepare for that service. Sound wisdom is found here, and Jason Allen writes not only as a seminary president, but as one who knows the student experience firsthand.”