In most churches seminary is a college where students are trained to become a minister, rabbi, or member of the priesthood. For youth it can also be a church funded high school, called a ‘mini-seminary’, with the specific purpose of training young men to prepare to enter the adult seminary.
Though the seminary is also a school in the Mormon Church (preferably known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS Church), unlike the seminaries of other religions, it is open to all youth belonging to the LDS Church who desire to learn more about the standard works of the gospel: Old Testament/Pearl of Great Price, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants/LDS Church History.
Each of these works is rotated over the course of four years, allowing new students entering 9th grade to complete the Seminary Program by 12th grade. If any youth between 9th and 12th grade who are not members of the LDS Church wish to join the seminary program they are certainly allowed to do so. At the end of these four years, if the student has made an honest effort to attend class, participate in any activities, and learn Scripture Mastery, they will be awarded a certificate.
In an area where there are many LDS youth, the Church will often purchase land near the schools where a seminary building is built within walking distance. When this occurs released time permits are negotiated to allow students to use one of their electives in order to leave school grounds to attend a seminary class. There can be as many as five or six teachers in one seminary building, with each teaching five or six classes over the course of the day. These teachers are employed by the Church Educational System (CES).
In areas where LDS youth may not be as prevalent or laws don’t permit it, students take Daily Seminary, previously called ‘early-morning’. Classes are held at 6:00 am, occasionally after regular school hours, and may occur at a local church building or a member’s home. Those who teach Daily Seminary do so as volunteers.
In the same pattern set up for the other organizations of the LDS Church, each class has a presidency. Through inspiration a student is invited to be the Class President, and chooses two counselors as well as a secretary.
For those who live in an area where Daily Seminary isn’t viable – the program is not offered or they live too far away – they are encouraged to do a home study program. Just as in any class, students are provided learning materials to help them study the scriptures on a daily basis, as well as to keep them on track with the rest of the program. These students will also meet with a teacher employed by the Church Educational System at least once a week as well.
The objective of religious education in the Church Educational System is to assist the individual, the family, and priesthood leaders in accomplishing the mission of the Church by—
1. Teaching students the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the standard works and the words of the prophets.
2. Teaching students by precept and example so they will be encouraged, assisted, and protected as they strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Providing a spiritual and social climate where students can associate together.
I can personally testify of the amazing guidance and strength that attending seminary all four years provided for me. It helped to keep my spiritual self balanced with the rest of my life.
