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Q&A

Honest answers for those discerning a Torah-pursuant path.
 

Lyell Seminary is unique. Many who visit this page are trying to understand how we differ from traditional seminaries and what they can expect if they apply.


These questions will help you discern whether this is the right place for your formation and scholarship.

What makes Lyell Seminary different from other seminaries?

Lyell is formation-centered, Torah-pursuant, and academically serious.
We focus on:

  • spiritual formation

  • Torah rhythms

  • emotional honesty

  • mentoring

  • Scripture immersion

  • Jewish context

  • responsible scholarship

  • ethical use of AI

  • personal transformation

 

We do not aim to be large. We aim to be faithful.

Is Lyell Seminary accredited?

Not at this stage.


Our initial focus is on:

  • building a strong Council

  • establishing rigorous academic standards

  • producing Torah-rooted scholarship

  • cultivating mature faculty

  • forming healthy students

  • shaping a stable institutional culture

 

Accreditation may be pursued in a future season if it strengthens our mission without compromising our identity.

Is Lyell Seminary fully online?

Yes.
Our global community meets through:

  • live cohort sessions

  • recorded lectures

  • mentoring meetings

  • formation retreats

  • discussion forums

 

Despite being online, our community is relational, steady, and personal.

What does “Torah-pursuant” mean at Lyell?

It means a desire to walk in the wisdom and ways of the Father through:

  • Shabbat

  • holy speech

  • compassion

  • justice

  • generosity

  • honoring parents

  • ethical living

  • Scripture-centered identity

  • rhythms of rest

  • humility

  • integrity

 

You do not have to be perfect. You must desire the path.

Do students or faculty need to be Jewish?

No, all students of Torah through the lens of Yeshua are welcome.

 

We welcome:

  • Torah-pursuant Christians

  • People who self-identify as Messianic believers

  • Gentile disciples who honor Torah

  • followers of Yeshua from any nation

  • As well as Jews, open to the teachings of Yeshua

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Lyell is a Seminary built for a global community.

Is Lyell Seminary selective?

Yes.
We admit only the number of students we can mentor well.

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We evaluate:

  • spiritual maturity

  • Torah desire

  • emotional stability

  • academic readiness

  • teachability

  • honesty

  • formation posture

  • integrity with AI

 

Admissions are prayerful, relational, and slow.

What writing sample should I submit?

Any academic or reflective piece that demonstrates:

  • clarity

  • integrity

  • structure

  • thoughtfulness

  • responsible use of sources

 

The topic does not need to be theological.

What if I am new to Torah?

That’s welcomed.


We look for:

  • humility

  • desire

  • openness to learning

  • sincerity of heart

 

Many of our strongest applicants are in the early stages of Torah discovery.

What if I am recovering from past church wounds?

Lyell welcomes those seeking healing, but we must ensure:

  • emotional stability

  • readiness for formation

  • healthy boundaries

  • ability to thrive in the community

 

If you are in a season of acute pain or instability, we may ask you to wait until healing is stronger.

What if I struggle with writing?

We help you grow, but you must:

  • write honestly

  • avoid shortcuts

  • use AI ethically

  • commit to improvement

 

Formation will shape your writing over time.

What is the Individual Encounter Plan (IEP)?

The IEP is a personalized formation map focused on:

  • heart

  • soul

  • mind

  • strength

  • Torah rhythms

  • prayer habits

  • emotional honesty

  • community connection

  • ethical AI boundaries

 

It guides your growth for the entire year.

How does mentoring work?

Every student has a faculty mentor who meets with them monthly.
Mentors help with:

  • spiritual formation

  • emotional health

  • academic honesty

  • Torah practice

  • life discernment

  • resistance and breakthrough

 

Mentoring is confidential, gentle, and relational.

Is the Seminary counseling-based?

No.
Lyell offers formation, not therapy.


We encourage students to seek professional counseling when needed.

How rigorous is the academic work?

Lyell requires:

  • steady reading

  • clear writing

  • deep reflection

  • honest research

  • Jewish context engagement

  • Scripture immersion

 

We aim for depth, not volume.

Do you teach biblical languages?

Yes.
Students receive:

  • Hebrew foundations

  • Greek foundations

  • Torah vocabulary

  • ancient context insights

 

These foundations are integrated into courses rather than isolated.

Can I use AI for academic work?

Yes—but only responsibly.
AI must not:

  • think for you

  • write for you

  • replace your voice

  • replace formation

  • generate theology

 

You will sign an AI Integrity Covenant.

What does student community look like?

Students form small cohorts that meet:

  • weekly or biweekly

  • for prayer

  • for Scripture reflection

  • for discussion

  • for support

 

Community is essential to formation.

How much weekly time is required?

Expect 8–12 hours per week, including:

  • reading

  • writing

  • Scripture study

  • Torah practice

  • cohort dialogue

  • assignments

 

Formation requires rhythm.

Do you observe Shabbat as a Seminary?

Yes.
No live sessions or coursework are scheduled during Shabbat.
We encourage:

  • rest

  • worship

  • reflection

  • family

  • community

 

Shabbat is a gift.

How are faculty selected?

All faculty begin as members of the Council, a year-long formation and development fellowship.
 

We seek:

  • PhDs or equivalent experience

  • M.Div preferred

  • Torah-pursuant maturity

  • emotional stability

  • writing capability

  • mentoring strength

  • humility


Faculty carry spiritual and scholarly wisdom. We select them carefully.

Do faculty need to publish?

Yes.
We expect faculty to:

  • write with depth

  • produce meaningful scholarship

  • present at academic societies

  • contribute to Torah-pursuant literature

 

Writing is part of our mission.

Is there tuition?

Yes, but it is:

  • modest

  • fair

  • structured to protect accessibility

  • used only for Seminary operations

 

Details appear on the Tuition & Fees page.

Are scholarships available?

Yes.
We offer:

  • need-based support

  • limited formation scholarships

  • occasional donor-supported awards

 

Scholarship availability varies each year.

Discerning the Next Step

If your heart resonates with:

  • Torah

  • formation

  • humility

  • academic depth

  • emotional honesty

  • intimacy with the Father

then we invite you to continue exploring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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