In terms of how to be supportive, I think that praying and talking about it is a good first step. I'd also talk to couples where one person has gone to seminary. You can explore him exploring the idea. I like the idea of him taking a class or two to get his feet wet, and maybe serve as a lay leader in the church somehow. I've heard good things about Wesley (don't need to be Methodist). There are also programs like this one-year non-residential fellows program that might be of interest: https://newbiginhouse.org/fellows/. I also know people who have had a good experience here for urban ministry: https://www.cityseminaryny.org/.

Anonymous wrote:What denomination?

Yes it matters.

Episcopal

What denomination?

Yes it matters.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here

We are Episcopalian

If you're in the DC area he could audit some classes at VTS. It's close by and might scratch the itch.

He could also start with EfM -- Education for lay Ministry, e.g.,

https://dioceseofnewark.org/content/lay-people-enrich-your-spiritual-understanding-through-education-ministry

"Dear Fellow Episcopalians – Are you looking to enrich your spiritual life and expand your understanding of the fundamentals of our faith? Would you like to be more deeply involved in lay ministry? Do you hunger for a more serious Bible study than the short dip most of us get in Adult forums or Bible study? Then EfM – Education for [Lay] Ministry may be for you"

This is a very good suggestion. If he wants more after that, Virginia Theological Seminary is in Alexandria, and they have a Diploma in Theology program. Other institutions offer classes online, on in a hybrid format with brief residency (e.g. Nashotah House Theological Seminary).

My husband just finished seminary at age 35. Due to finances and life it took him ten years. His final program was fully online. It was a ton of reading. Hundreds of pages a week. All he ever did was read and stay up writing papers. My husband was always a big reader but the sheer quantity was astounding. So many days and nights were spent alone so he could work and I did most of the housework. He worked full time and took two classes at a time.

If you are on Facebook you should join a group called Leading and Loving It. It’s a group for ministry wives and women themselves in ministry. I don’t think many are episcopal but many could share their experiences and advice.

No advice here, but this sounds a lot like my FIL. He started seminary but didn't finish in his youth, and after he retired from his career, he became a Deacon in his Episcopal church. It's a lot of hard work but he feels fulfilled.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here

We are Episcopalian

If you're in the DC area he could audit some classes at VTS. It's close by and might scratch the itch.

He could also start with EfM -- Education for lay Ministry, e.g.,

https://dioceseofnewark.org/content/lay-people-enrich-your-spiritual-understanding-through-education-ministry

"Dear Fellow Episcopalians – Are you looking to enrich your spiritual life and expand your understanding of the fundamentals of our faith? Would you like to be more deeply involved in lay ministry? Do you hunger for a more serious Bible study than the short dip most of us get in Adult forums or Bible study? Then EfM – Education for [Lay] Ministry may be for you"

Not OP but this looks like a very helpful post.

Anonymous wrote:OP here again

Thanks all. To be clear- I don’t believe my husband wants to be a priest. He’s said that in so many words several times. My concern is that we are going from new believer to “I need to spend 3 years getting an MDiv” fairly quickly and I will continue to pray for his, and my, discernment on this.

In the last few years he has found the reality of God, Jesus and the Church and I believe is looking for ways to explore that feeling more and gain a deeper understanding of who God is. DH was raised in a Protestant church, and following the loss of his parents fairly young did not believe in God for many years.

I believe we are coming to this with good intentions and I am appreciative of those who have responded with practical advice and prayer suggestions. It’s truly appreciated.
[b] I don’t think our priest has nefarious intentions, or that he secretly works for seminary admissions, in counseling DH on the possibility of seminary.

I am surprised this needs to be said, but I don’t believe my husband is gay, or is looking for a way to leave me and our children.

You don't have to have nefarious intentions or work for seminary admissions to be eager to recruit someone for the priesthood. Admissions are down. A settled, married man with $$ would be welcome in most graduate programs.

I'm not really doubting your parish priest's intentions, but at the same time, he might not be so encouraging to a younger, poorer person - who needs a stipend to attend seminary and may be stuck without a job upon graduation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here

We are Episcopalian

If you're in the DC area he could audit some classes at VTS. It's close by and might scratch the itch.

He could also start with EfM -- Education for lay Ministry, e.g.,

https://dioceseofnewark.org/content/lay-people-enrich-your-spiritual-understanding-through-education-ministry

"Dear Fellow Episcopalians – Are you looking to enrich your spiritual life and expand your understanding of the fundamentals of our faith? Would you like to be more deeply involved in lay ministry? Do you hunger for a more serious Bible study than the short dip most of us get in Adult forums or Bible study? Then EfM – Education for [Lay] Ministry may be for you"

Anonymous wrote:OP here

We are Episcopalian

If you're in the DC area he could audit some classes at VTS. It's close by and might scratch the itch.