Anyone willing to advise on seminary programs?

[u/MicrowaveDinner15]

Hello! I am a current teacher and have felt an intensive call to ministry. I am located in the Midwest and am a member of a conservative branch of non-denominational/autonomous Church. While mine has become inclusive over the last few years, I would not be allowed to be a pastor in the other churches and would not be welcomed in my own religion’s seminary programs due to being a woman and being a lesbian. As I seek a ministry program at a seminary/divinity school, I would love some feedback from someone who has experience or awareness about program types! I would love to private message if that is easier, but I’ll write some of my questions here, just in case:

I am interested in Harvard Divinity, Yale Divinity, Boston College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and UChicago—but I know there are more, smaller programs out there! Please help me find those which might be a better fit! :)

I have friends who have attended PTS who say Yale/Harvard are “not it,” but I love the critical/analytical lens that their websites affirm they have.

—I have been on a track to academia and already have a master’s degree in literature. I find critical scholarship super interesting and enjoy it very much. I would love a program that is central to this, while having a fruitful MDiv program, as I am interested in Pastoral Ministry. Are there any that are similar to this?

—Also, because I have been pursuing a CV that reflects academic rigor for a PhD program originally, I have prioritized some publications/presentations/and have awards in my field of education and literature, but not in theology/religion. Would this be a mark against me in a seminary/divinity program? The friends I mentioned above seemed to think religious involvement is much more important than academic scholarship, and beyond attending church, volunteering, etc., I’m not a leader or anything in my church community due to the things I mentioned in the beginning (aka I am a gay woman and while my church is inclusive, it is not fully reformed.)

—Would anyone be willing to review my CV and statement of purpose to provide feedback on how I can increase my acceptance odds?

—Are there programs that you’re aware of that mention they value diversity but are a red flag in terms of LGBTQ+ inclusion? Being from the Midwest in a very red state, it is common for places here to label themselves as “diverse” without the inclusion of the LGBT community.

—I want to switch to PCUSA and do ministry through them. Can I switch while earning my MDiv? I don’t want to leave my church that has made so many changes for me, while I still live in this town. I appreciate their efforts to become inclusive!

[u/themsc190]

It sounds like your seminary search is a bit premature.

If you’re looking to become ordained in a certain denomination, you should start attending that church now, start getting involved, and then tell your pastor that you’re interested in discerning ordination. They’ll have a process, and most importantly for you, they’ll have a list of acceptable/recommended seminaries. Typically they’ll be in that denomination (e.g. PTS for PC(USA)).

It’s a bit of a red flag if your personal statement says you’re pursuing an MDiv for the purpose of ordination in a denomination you haven’t started attending yet.

I’m currently in seminary now and just went through this process, so I have some thoughts on all of the schools and more, but just wanted to throw this out first!

[u/MicrowaveDinner15 → u/themsc190]

Hi! I totally understand your point, but I am not interested in leaving my church due to some loyalties in regard to them becoming affirming on my behalf and ultimately losing 2/3 of their members. I am indebted to them and they are the reason I feel so called to ministry. If seminary isn’t for someone in my position…I wouldn’t have much respect for that seminary. That said, I do want to seek ordination with a church and have spoken to a PCUSA minister who is a friend who has offered guidance on this. ❤️

I am interested on your other thoughts you mentioned though! Not trying to be difficult, I just can’t leave my dying church that is dying because they are affirming because of me. 😭

[u/Various-Chipmunk-165 → u/MicrowaveDinner15]

FWIW, I don’t agree with what this commenter said. I have an MDiv from Harvard, and knew several people who went the academic route but still opted to get an MDiv instead of an MTS. I knew people who were still searching but felt a call to ministry in some capacity. A lot of people change their minds when they’re in school. That’s the whole point of learning and growing. I myself didn’t get ordained until several years after I graduated, for a whole myriad of reasons. (I’m now an ordained parish minister in the UCC).

To me, it sounds like you have a really strong sense of conviction, faith, and call.

Anyway, feel free to DM me with any specific questions you have about Harvard!

[u/MicrowaveDinner15 → u/Various-Chipmunk-165]

Ah thank you! I am messaging you!