The Westminster Podcast Sanctification While in Seminary
Mar 3, 2025
Join Jerry McFarland, former Dean of Students at Westminster Theological Seminary, as he dives into the intertwined journey of faith and education. He emphasizes the necessity of balancing spiritual maturity with academic excellence. McFarland shares insights about fostering a supportive community and the vital role of mentorship in online education. He encourages future theologians to prioritize their relationship with Christ over academic accolades, ensuring a richer spiritual growth experience during their seminary years.
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Theological Competency vs. Spiritual Maturity
- Seminary students can prioritize intellectual mastery over spiritual growth.
- Spiritual maturity doesn't always match giftedness, so sanctification is crucial alongside academic learning.
Prioritize Holiness
- Be as committed to personal holiness as to academic excellence.
- Mastering theology without piety can create impressive Pharisees, not Christ-like servants.
Faithfulness, Not Success
- Jerry McFarland recalls being challenged about prioritizing faithfulness over success in ministry.
- An older brother corrected his focus, emphasizing God's call to faithfulness, not outward success.