Burning the Plow: Addressing the Challenges and Capitalizing on the Blessings of Second-Career Seminary Students

Abstract

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matt 9:37–38 NIV84). With these words, Jesus reminds his church that there will always be a need for harvest workers and that God himself will always be the one to send them out. This thesis will examine the experiences of second-career students in the context of how God equips, calls, and sends out workers into the harvest fields. It will assess the challenges presented to second-career students, especially as they pursue training for pastoral ministry. It will highlight the blessings that second-career students are and bring to the church. Finally, it will offer practical suggestions for encouraging and supporting second-career students on their path to pastoral ministry.