What is a Reformed Seminary?

A reformed seminary is a theological college or graduate school for students who want to be educated in reformed theology, creeds, and traditions. The stated purpose of a reformed seminary is often to serve the church by producing church leaders and workers who are equipped and trained in the reformed faith. Students choosing a reformed seminary often expect to be trained in the doctrine and practices associated with the Protestant Reformation.

The essential doctrines that came out of the Reformation and are taught in reformed seminaries distinguishing them from other denominational seminaries include the unquestionable authority of the Bible as the Word of God and as the final authority for God’s people, that man has no free will in salvation because it’s by God’s sovereignty and grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ that man can be saved, and that man can be saved by faith alone in Christ and not by works. The doctrines of the Reformation are also codified in confessions of faith and catechisms that students often learn and utilize throughout their seminary education and in their careers. Some of the confessions and catechisms used are the Westminister Confession of Faith and Catechisms, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism.

Students can take courses and earn degrees in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and other degrees offered by the various types of reformed seminaries. Many reformed seminaries offer distance learning courses, which often make it possible for students to attend their seminary of choice at home. Graduates often pursue jobs as pastors, missionaries, and workers in church and para-church organizations.

An accredited reformed seminary is often approved by an association of reformed theological seminaries or an association of theological schools that is made up of different denominations. The purpose of the accreditation is to hold institutions accountable to a standard of excellence and to offer counsel in order to improve course offerings and training. The region where the seminary is located may also license the institute to grant degrees to students as well as approve the courses offered by the seminary. Individual degree programs may also be accredited by organizations that are different from the main accreditation that the seminary receives. For example, the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy might approve a degree program in family therapy offered by a reformed seminary.