In America, the first colleges were intended primarily for theological students. By the nineteenth century, however, it was becoming clear that special schools should be provided for ministerial candidates. Soon various denominations had standardized the theological curriculum in a three-year course of post-college seminary instruction. The programs were based chiefly on the literature of the Bible, systematic theology and apologetics, practical courses in homiletics and pastoral methods, lectures on church history, and the art of public speaking. Certain denominations like the Presbyterians were insistent on an educated ministry; others like the Methodists did not make such demands generally, only among those who ministered to large, prominent congregations. With the broadening of general culture and the introduction of new subjects into the college curriculum, the theological schools were compelled to improve their facilities. Instead of taking ministers from the pulpit to fill chairs of instruction, schools turned more and more to the trained experts. Professors introduced new courses into the curriculum, including the social sciences, philosophy, and religious literature. A few students who wished to specialize went to England or Germany to acquaint themselves first hand with European scholarship. In addition, with the increase of evangelism and the multiplication of opportunities for service in the churches, there was a growing demand for religious workers other than ministers in both the home churches and in mission countries. To meet these demands training schools were founded, like Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, which gave a less thorough preparation, but which provided students with something of the technique of religious work.
Impact: From seminaries and Bible schools went thousands of young men and women eager for Christian work, ministering and serving wherever the opportunities opened.