Rethinking Seminary for the Next Generation: Bekah Buchterkirchen on Innovation, Inclusion, and Formation

As seminaries face shrinking enrollments, rising costs, and shifting demographics, what models of theological education will carry the church forward? In this episode, Loren talks with Bekah Buchterkirchen, a writer, speaker, and former dean of students with nearly a decade in Christian higher education. Drawing from her experiences in seminary leadership—and as a seminary spouse—Bekah offers a thoughtful look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change for theological education to stay relevant and form faithful leaders. Bekah also shares about her own spiritual rhythms as a mother and ministry partner, what she’d do if she were pope for a day, and why the legacy of Tim Keller continues to shape her hopes for the church.

Together they explore:

• The shift away from traditional seminary students to older, working adults

• The growing presence of women in seminary—and the challenges they still face

• Creative cohort-based and hybrid models that foster both learning and community

• The need for deeper church-seminary partnerships and real-time ministry formation

• Stackable certificates, lay education, and the future of non-traditional theological training

• Why poor digital presence is a turnoff—and how seminaries can adapt

 

 

Bekah Buchterkirchen is a writer, speaker, and creative collaborator passionate about cultivating joy and faith in every season. With nearly a decade in Christian higher education and ministry alongside her pastor-husband, she seeks to create spaces where curiosity, hospitality, and the love of Jesus meet. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with their two, almost three, young kids and writes to encourage moms in the trenches of motherhood to seek the Lord daily—even when they feel like it's not enough.

 

Mentioned Resources:

📱 Follow @bekahbuck

🌐 Website: https://www.bekahbuck.com

🎧 Arianna Malloy: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gb5yr-18a44c5

🎧 John Hawthorne: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zgqq8-18c307a   

🎧 Ulysses Allen: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-iumm4-1502da4

🎧 Ted Smith: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-w4nrb-15d747b

 

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Kokoro  Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant