Why We Chose The Master's Seminary

Below we have provided the explanation we gave to TMS in our application.

Why I want to Attend the Master’s Seminary and My Ministry goals

My primary goal is to serve God wherever, however and whenever He will let me, for His Glory. I am convinced that to be truly blessed is to be used by God, for His purposes, according to His will and for His glory, regardless of the ramifications. I believe that I am now being prepared to be a Pastor, or possibly a minister in another area that I am not aware of yet. I am open and praying that God will move my heart in the direction that He would best be served.

As Pam (my wife) and I prayed about and discussed what would be the best way to be effective in the ministry, we both have become convinced that seminary is the best answer. So, while the next question was obvious (Which one?), the answer to that question wasn’t, at first.

We’ve contacted several seminaries across the country. The two that have stood out most have been TMS and Boyce. We keep coming back to TMS. We are impressed with the emphasis on God’s Word and sound doctrine. We are very pleased with the lack of trying to sell the campus or the “stuff” that come along with the education. I don’t need “stuff,” I need to be mentored and given skills that will make me the best minister of God’s Holy Scriptures that I can possibly be. My greatest desire is to be able to wield the Word of God with precision and accuracy that will be glorifying to God and edifying to His Church.

We don’t make this decision lightly. I am 38 with two boys just entering their teenage years. By the time I graduate my oldest boy will be 18. That amazes me, and sobers me as well. I’ve weighed the cost and found that I really don’t have a choice. God has called me. To not go as I am being prompted would be to squander the resources He has entrusted to me and give up the opportunity to forsake all for His glory. My family understands and is behind me 100%. Of course the boys don’t want to leave their friends, but they understand and agree that this is the best decision.

After discussing this and praying about it at length, all four of us are confident that The Master’s Seminary is the best choice available. Our Pastor is fully supportive and of the same opinion. I know that a few men from our church have gone the TMS and that at least two are attending right now. We don’t know them very well, but Silver Beach Community Church is excited about them and the education that they’re receiving there.

Also, I am familiar with Dr. MacArthur’s teaching, having listened to him over the past couple of years almost every morning. I have several of his books, tapes and the “Truth” series on DVD. His sound teaching and willingness to stand for Biblical truth in the face of threats and adversity are a testimony of the character not only of the man, but of the men that support him. If this is what I can expect at The Master’s Seminary, I can do no better.

As I contemplated where and how God might use me, I read from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest, April 23: “We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.’” I really do agree with this position. It is God who gifts and God Who must direct.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

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