Why You Should Consider the Timothy Scholars Program

“If your desire is pastoral ministry, then you should seriously consider this program.”

I remember sitting at a new-student cookout when someone said these words to me. It was my first semester at Southeastern Seminary, and the only thing I knew was that God had put a desire for pastoral ministry into my heart. With the encouragement of my mentors and a willingness to be obedient, I came to Southeastern to be prepared and equipped for ministry. At the time, I had no idea how central the Timothy Scholars program would be to my ministry preparation.

The Timothy Scholars program is a degree program that allows you to obtain a BA and MDiv in Preaching & Pastoral Ministry within 5 years. Having graduated from the program a couple of years ago, I want to give you the same advice that someone gave me. Here are five reasons why you (or someone you know) should seriously consider the Timothy Scholars program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

1. Cost and Time – One of the practical benefits of a program like this is that you can save both time and money by not having to retake classes at the graduate level. For example, instead of taking a New Testament survey at the undergraduate level and then retaking a New Testament class in seminary, this program allows you to start at the graduate-level New Testament class. While you must still satisfy the requirements for a bachelor’s degree before taking seminary classes, this program allows you to save 2-3 years of study when compared to the traditional approach. For those who know they would like to receive a seminary education after college, a program like the Timothy Scholars program is worth considering.
2. Academic Rigor – You might have read my first point and thought this program sounds like a shortcut or a watered-down degree; however, the truth is that this program offers an equal, if not greater, level of academic rigor. While this may seem like a turn-off for some, I believe this is one of the strengths of the program. As a young man, I needed to be stretched and challenged. The workload of this program forced me to consider how to prioritize my responsibilities and remain disciplined in my schoolwork. When forced to consider how to balance a full course load, working to pay your bills, and maintaining involvement with your church and friends, the rigor of the program can help students learn the discipline and habits they will need to meet the demands of pastoral ministry. Furthermore, in my experience, the program’s challenges helped prepare me for doctoral studies after graduation.
3. Special perks – One benefit of the program is the opportunity to connect with pastors and denominational leaders. Whether around a breakfast table or over Zoom, one of my favorite memories of the program is the conversations I had with the pastors I look up to. I remember hearing Robert Smith Jr preach for the first time and saying to myself, “I want to know Scripture like he does.” Or I remember the practical advice I received that I still refer to, like “focus on the depth of your ministry and let God take care of the breadth.” The conversations and practical advice I received were vital in my preparation for ministry and growth in Christ.
4. Missional Program – Though the Timothy Scholars program is an accelerated academic program, this is not at the expense of getting vital field ministry experience. In fact, this program requires every student to participate in three mission trips during their studies: one international trip, a domestic trip, and another trip of their choice. Though students may feel called to the pastorate, this program is structured to cultivate pastors whose hearts beat for the Great Commission, and the best way to do that is for future pastors to experience the need across the globe firsthand.
5. Practical Program – In relation to the last point, this program is also practical in nature as each student is required to participate in three local church internships as a part of their studies. While the classroom element is vital, this program reinforces the idea that one of the best ways to learn about ministry is doing it yourself in the context of the local church. I am immensely grateful that I was able to learn from my pastors as part of my degree program. As I look back on my time in the program, the combination of academics and practical instruction within the local church was one of its most formative aspects.

Are you interested in learning more about the Timothy Scholars program? If so, follow this link for more information. One of our team members would be happy to talk with you more about whether this program is the best fit for you.