A pastor friend wrote a book by the title “What They Never Taught Me in Seminary.” I even drew the cover and inside cartoons for him, which suggests he didn’t learn as much about discernment in school as he might have.
Preachers are always going on about what they didn’t learn in school, and what they should have. Some of the courses divinity schools now offer resulted from those very graduates mentioning subjects they felt they needed. One required of all masters level grads of my seminary, the direct result of alums’ wishes, is called “Interpersonal Relationships.” I’ve taught it a few times myself.
Now, let’s point out up front that it is impossible for seminaries to teach their students everything they need to know for future ministry. What they are trying to do is prepare them with enough basic skills that they’ll be ready to face whatever comes. After all, the Holy Spirit is alongside each one to teach and instruct and guide.
All right. That said, like most pastors I do have my list. Here are the ones that come to mind today….