Seminary Choices

I've been seriously considering seminary for about ten years -- but only recently have the circumstances supported the call.

I've listened to hundreds of hours of seminary lectures from Covenant and RTS on iTunes U during my one hour each way commute to work (car and motorcycle).

My wife Janet and I have been married for 28 years. The youngest of our 3 children will be leaving for Army and school (ROTC) in a few days. we have an empty nest!

I'm well read, have a BA in History, taught High School 5 years, have taught adult sunday school classes for many years, retired from the Army after 21 years of service, work as a Senior Engineer, and am completing an MS in Legal Studies: Homeland Security this Spring ('10).

Janet was an SBC PK and my dad did prison ministry for years so we know the life.

I'd prefer to avoid the uprooting required to attend a resident seminary. I'd really rather be bi-vocational while taking classes (I've been a guest preacher at our home church several times and want to continue minsitering in that way, as well as teaching).

There are a few SBC churches in our area -- all are very small, and the nearest is all about Liberty, which is fine, but my theology leans towards the Founders.

We've endured some of the theological shakiness in the ABC in order to be salt and light within the church we've felt called for the last 6 years (through one pastor resigning, one LONG interim, and now a 2 year stint with a focus on counselling -- not preaching. :-( )

Anyway, after a try on another board that claimed to be reformed, I cannot shake my overall affinity and conviction for Baptist message. So Baptists we'll remain!

So...any suggestions from the more experienced types here who may have followed a similar path?

 

I'm definately struggling with that. I visited a seminary campus and everyone was soo...Young!!!

So while "Marriage and the family" may be a good course for a 24-year-old, I'd spend most of my time disagreeing or bored (respectfully, of course).

I'm to the point where I know I can minister effectively, but would like to increase my knowledge in certain areas. But at least half the seminary courses required for an MDiv would be review (we have a large house and about half of it is filled with books -- not just bought, but read).

I'm fluent in French so have that covered. I've had leadership classes and experience for many years (and the rubber met the road as a Company Commander, business owner, Board member, deacon, teacher, project manager -- etc).

I'm going to apply for a license from the local ABC region, but my strong stance on scripture over fad-du-jour has gotten me in hot water from time to time (such as the latest fight over "Spiritual formation" ala Willard, Foster, etc).

Anyway.. I want to be teachable and accountable -- so stiking out indepently seems to be a bit delusional. On the other hand, it's near impossible to find a Bible-centered fellowship that focuses on expository preaching, is not afraid of doctrine, and is willing to major on the majors, and address the minors as required.

So I suppose I'm a bit torn between playing by the rules (MDiv, denominational sanction, etc) and wasting more time.

\\raying:

 

I'm a CFI without my own airplane, so lately I've been trading instruction for keys.

It's a pretty nice deal for both of us -- he recently passed his PP practical, and I can fly a beautifully restored Cessna 205 whenever I want!

I haven't abused the privilege, and most times we fly together. I'm working on the CFII now and will work with him on the IR next.

Though I'd love to have a Aeronca Champ...raying:

 

That's a very interesting data point! I just read an article where someone at Liberty called 5 points a heresy (I'll find the reference).

I suppose doctrinally I'm leaning towards the SBC, as they seem to be embracing doctrines of grace. My Father in law has been an SBC pastor for years, so I know all about the good and bad.

I'm a bit less comfortable with some of the accomodationism of the ABC (our current denomination).

We used to attend an independent reformed church. We loved some of the people there, but I wasn't happy with the "We're right and everyone else has to be wrong" mindset.

It's tough finding a church, isn't it?

:smilewinkgrin:

 

Thanks for the reply.

I supose I should be clear -- I'd like enough training and supporting credentials to serve in the FT ministry.

 

Well, that is certainly revealing and comforting!

thanks!

:thumbs:

 

I had a 5 year break when we moved. No money and no time and fewer airplanes around.

Two years ago I decided to get curent and start flying again. 5 hours later I had a fresh BFR, but the bug bit hard so I got the IR, helped a guy with two Bonanzas fly (he needed someone to go along in case weather got bad). I took the Commercial and the CFI in an A36.

I have just under 600 hours now and love it. Someday I'll have my own bird but this is fine for me right now.

:thumbs:

 

Thanks for your post.

I applied to and was accepted to Dallas TS 5 years ago, but circumstances just did not allow -- the door was definately not opening.

I've since done quite a bit of study and come to realize DTS held a variety of positions I could not.

I looked up LTS online and the tuition rates are actually more than RTS or Covenant.

 

Thnaks for the good advice.

The only concern I have with RTS is I don't want be be locked out from ABC or SBC after attending a "Presbyterian" seminary -- you know the deal.

I agree older entry has its benefits. It takes some maturity to learn you don't know it all -- but also when to stand and fight to the bitter end over what Really Matters.