Online Seminaries

We've done some threads on this before. You can search and find out a lot of info here in this area.

I'd try this link:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=75913

In any case, the discussions always mention:

satsonline
http://www.globaluniversity.edu/
lhbionline
http://www.nationsu.org/ (but I think they're church of Christ folks)
moody
Any of the 7 southern baptist schools

I'd like to go with satsonline personally, but I don't think I could juggle that, being a dad, being a husband, working 50+ hours, being a deacon, running Sunday School AND taking the garbage out to the curb.

I guess you might want to tell us what your goals are for education and maybe that will help folks steer you a little better.

 

CES has been mentioned. It isn't accredited, but it certainly is not a diploma mill and you would be challenged. The BB's Rhetorician would be a very fine mentor.

The are several....all of the following are accredited by an agency recognized by the CHEA:

1. Bob Jones University - online MA in Biblical Studies
2. Maranatha Baptist Seminary - online MA
3. Luther Rice Seminary - several online Masters programs
4. Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary - several online Masters
5. Piedmont International University - online MA
6. Campbellsville University - online MTh
7. Cornerstone University/Grand Rapids Seminary - two online MA programs
8. Grace Seminary - online MA in Ministry
9. Temple Baptist Seminary - several online Masters programs
10. Columbia International University - several online Masters

As far as I know....CIU is the only one that has residency requirements. I think you can obtain a degree without going to campus on the other nine. Someone can certainly correct me if I am wrong.


That gives you several options....some are more affordable than others!


FWIW!

 

Rhetorician is correct. Midwestern Seminary's MA in Theological Studies would be a good choice and their tuition is very competitive.

I, as would most here, encourage you to look at accredited schools if you think you might want to teach.

Once again, CES isn't a bad school, and Rhetorician would be an excellent mentor, but you may limit yourself with that degree's mobility/versatility. I am confident Rhet would tell you the same thing!

God Bless!

 

If you want to serve as assembly eldership and thus in ministry it is best to properly prepare. Go to an established school and study in residence. Online education doesn't work well for ministry preparation except as supplemental and for a few classes.
If you're not willing to make the sacrifices necessary for proper preparation then please limit your ministry to online blogging. Too many preachers too little education. That is the modern epidemic that has stricken assemblies. Or you can go on TV where no preparation or common sense is needed.

 

This is an absurd statement. Proper preparation can be attained through an online only degree. The exact same work is required; in fact, the online degree is more difficult, in my opinion.

Ignorant statements such as this do nothing to help, or advance the conversation. I believe an Online degree, done at one's home church, is greatly advantageous over a degree where someone is sent to a brick and mortar school to play for 3-4 years. MUCH better to stay under the mentor-ship of one's own pastor, right where you are, while getting the academic portion through online studies.

Resident studies are inferior and they are a detriment to the overall work of ministry (taking all the young, aspiring ministers and grouping them into one place, leaving thousands of cities to languish without outreach, while some cities, such as Dallas, are absolutely overrun). Nowhere in scripture do we find permission to abandon one's ministry to go off and study at some building for four years....

 

What makes you say this? Have you experience with ministers who are poorly prepared because the have online-only education? If that is the case, you might want to help us by mentioning the schools/degrees they obtained and other info such as clarifying how their online prep has caused them to perform poorly.

Perhaps you say this because of case studies you've read?

At any rate, if you say it you should be prepared to support it. Looking forward to your response.

 

I think you make a great point so long as it is implemented. If online education was coupled with a dual mentorship program with a local pastor of the student, that would greatly increase the education. My best education was my first 3 years in the ministry. If this was done (and enforced), then I would advocate a this big time!