A recent report in Axios Detroit points to a decline in seminary enrollment in Michigan and across the country. Host Stephen Henderson sits down with Ecumenical Theological Seminary President Rev. Dr. Theodore Turman and Minister Mikiah Keener of Triumph Church to talk about why fewer people are becoming pastors and how the younger generation is choosing to engage in religious work.
Dr. Turman outlines some of the reasons for the enrollment decline, including the high cost of attending seminary. He explains that most seminarians today are older and on their second careers. He reflects on his own decision to attend seminary and how it opened his eyes to the variety of ways he could use a Master of Divinity in chaplaincy and ministry. Dr. Turman also discusses how there are many influences today that impact a person’s spiritual journey.
Minister Keener talks about her decision and motivation to pursue a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and eventually a master’s degree in theological studies. She explains that her Gen Z peers want to be in ministry, but not serve as pastors. Minister Keener talks about the different ways the younger generation wants to engage in ministry.
We’re featuring another installment in the “Faith in Detroit” project led by Christ Church Cranbrook in partnership with Detroit PBS and several other organizations. Faith in Detroit Executive Director Fr. William Danaher speaks with Paul Jones, a member of the Church of the Messiah in Detroit, about his faith journey, which began when he was an at-risk teenager.