Why seminary isn't enough - Church leadership development beyond seminary

I suspect most of my readers intuitively know that "seminary isn't enough." Seminary is about information transfer, while those of us in ministry know that our work is about more than information; we are called to proclaim God's Word so that transformation can take place in the hearts of those who hear. Seminary can teach this distinction, but seminaries are not well-equipped to ensure it happens in the individual hearts of their students. In fact, God has only given one institution to accomplish this end, namely the local church.  

But the issue is deeper than this. Yes, the local church has been entrusted with God's Word to proclaim, but it has also been entrusted with God's word for the sake of discipleship, which includes helping young men with ministry leadership potential grow in competency in the context of the local church. Without opportunities to discover, use, and develop their gifts in the local church, how can leaders be developed, evaluated, or affirmed?  

So let me say it this way: Perhaps more important than a seminary education is being deeply involved in a local church where God's word is applied, spiritual gifts can be identified, ministry skills can be sharpened, and competency can be affirmed. But imagine receiving a theological and ministry education in the context of a local church. Still further, imagine going through this experience with experienced mentors.  

I certainly wish my theological training had looked like this. I have received three different masters degrees and a PhD in theology and church ministry. The closes I came to this model of contextualized learning came in a secular university environment that was designed to train me for academia. But why don't churches and seminaries do the same? Why is a secular university taking more care to train me for the academy than my seminaries did to prepare me for competent ministry?  

As pastors and church members we know that our leaders need more than an education. Their character needs to be evaluated and their skills need to be developed and refined. Seminaries can't do this. It is the role of the local church. That is why seminary is not enough.