A Journey Through Seminary in the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin)

From The Forum Magazine, Winter 2025 - view the full issue here

In the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin), the journey toward ministry is deeply connected to both personal conviction and communal recognition. While I cannot speak for the entire country, I can share the process as it unfolds within my denomination. Becoming a pastor in it is not merely about receiving a calling and pursuing formal education. It involves a rigorous path of discernment, guided oversight, and spiritual direction. Each step is designed to ensure that those called to ministry are truly prepared to serve the church of God.

The Initial Call: Internal and External

In the Kosin denomination, the first step on the road to ministry begins not with an application to a seminary but with a conversation. When someone feels the internal call to serve God as a minister of the church, they do not rush to action. Instead, the first person to speak with is usually the senior pastor of their local church. The pastor becomes the first checkpoint.

The internal calling must be followed by external affirmation, and this is where things get serious. The pastor, who likely knows the individual from past involvement in the church community, will carefully observe them over time, ensuring their character and calling are genuine. They may ask around, gather insights from the community, and pay close attention to the candidate’s spiritual growth. The church’s session may also become involved at this stage, adding another layer of evaluation. The goal here is to ensure that the external evidence of the calling is as clear as the internal conviction.

The Role of the Presbytery

Once the local church determines that the individual has the makings of a future pastor, it’s time to petition the presbytery. The presbytery, a governing body made up of ministers and elders from various churches within a region (much like a classis in the Christian Reformed Church), plays an essential role in the process. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the presbytery holds meetings where petitions for permission to enter the seminary are considered. 

It’s not a mere formality, though. Candidates are asked tough questions by presbytery members – questions that probe their devotional life, faith, character, and motivations. Some candidates do not make it through this process, either because the presbytery determines they are not yet ready, or because it becomes clear that their calling still needs time to mature. The next step for those who receive the recommendation is the seminary entrance exam.

Entrance Exams: A Spiritual and Academic Process

The entrance process to Korea Theological Seminary (the Kosin denominational seminary) is rather rigorous. It begins with a Bible exam that covers both the Old and New Testaments. Applicants need to demonstrate not just familiarity but a deep understanding of Scripture. Next comes an English exam which assesses the candidate’s ability to engage with texts in English. This is important not just for navigating the global reach of the church, but also for accessing the wealth of diverse theological resources available in the language.

But perhaps the most intense part of the entrance exam is the interview process. This isn’t just a chat about their hopes and dreams. It’s an in-depth personality, character, spirituality, and academic assessment. Candidates are scrutinized to ensure they have the spiritual maturity and character needed to shepherd a congregation. For these various exams, applicants must stay on campus for a few days during these exams.

Life in Seminary: A Rigor of Study and Reflection

For those who pass the entrance exam and are admitted, life in seminary is also quite demanding. Almost all seminary students live in dorms, creating an intentional community of studying, prayer, and fellowship. Over the course of three years, they must complete 106 credits. The academic rigor and the ongoing encouragement for spiritual growth can be challenging, and some students may decide that seminary isn't the right path for them. Others may take an additional year or two to complete their studies, allowing them the time needed to meet the high academic standards.

But it’s not just academic performance that keeps students on their toes. Every year, each student must return to their presbytery to receive permission to continue their studies. This requires a new petition, adding another layer of accountability and ensuring that their calling and character remain intact.

The seminary years are often a time of profound transformation, marked by both personal struggles and spiritual breakthroughs. The students spend these years in a communal environment, learning not only from their professors but also from each other, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

Competition and the Changing Face of Seminary

Seminary education within the Kosin denomination has traditionally been quite competitive. In 2015, for instance, 209 students applied for just 154 available spots. While competition rates have varied over the years, this demand reflects the deep commitment many feel toward ministry.

However, the landscape is evolving. With an aging population and fewer young people pursuing ministry, the challenge has shifted. Churches are now finding it harder to call younger ministers. In that regard, Kosin seminary graduates generally do not struggle to find opportunities to serve a local church. Many are able to start as junior pastors, working alongside senior pastors to gain experience before eventually taking on the responsibility of leading a congregation.

Differences with the Christian Reformed Church

One of the differences I’ve observed between Kosin and other denominations, like the Christian Reformed Church, is how new pastors transition into ministry after graduation. Rather than jumping straight into leading a congregation, most newly ordained pastors start by serving as junior pastors. This mentorship model allows new pastors to learn from experienced leaders, gradually taking on more responsibilities while still being guided by a senior pastor. It also reduces the pressure to receive a call to be ordained.

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some graduates go on to lead churches straight out of seminary, but this is rarer. The mentorship model is a key part of the Kosin tradition, and it reflects the denomination’s emphasis on learning through experience and growing into one’s role in the church. It also creates a smoother transition into full-time ministry and provides a support system for new pastors as they begin their journey.

Concluding Remarks

Though cultures and denominations across the world may approach the formation of pastors and leaders in different ways, there is a common thread that unites us all – our deep desire to faithfully serve God and shepherd his church. In the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin), the rigorous process of discernment, training, and mentorship reflects our commitment to preparing pastors who will lead with integrity and faithfulness. In other traditions, the steps may look different, yet the underlying goal remains the same: to raise up leaders who will proclaim the gospel, serve their congregations, and embody Christ's love.