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Seeking help from M Div graduates and experienced pastors

Discussion in 'Baptist Colleges & Seminaries' started by dmedley, Jul 22, 2012.

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  1. dmedley

    dmedley New Member

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    Currently, I am in the process of completing a MATS through Midwestern. Although I am 39 years old & married with two kids, I feel that God is leading me away from my current job to enter into the pastoral ministry.

    In your opinion, should I discontinue pursuing the MATS and focus strictly towards an M Div degree or complete the MATS then pursue the M Div?

    Personally, I kind of like the idea of setting short range goals (I may have just answered my own question) since I work 60+ hours a week and go to school.

    I am seeking feedback from some of the more experienced guys who have completed a Master of Divinity and/or those of you that are currently involved in full-time vocational ministry.

    Thank you.

    David Medley
     
    #1 dmedley, Jul 22, 2012
  2. Greektim

    Greektim Well-Known Member

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    Can you not role those credits right into the MDiv??? Get the MA and move right into the MDiv. Why not get both?
     
    #2 Greektim, Jul 22, 2012
  3. Siberian

    Siberian New Member

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    I agree. So long as you can use your MATS towards your MDiv, I would complete the MATS, then roll into the M.Div. That gives you the option of taking a break if circumstances require it, and still having something to show for your training. That is better then if you had to take a year off mid-M.Div.
     
    #3 Siberian, Jul 23, 2012
  4. mjohnson7

    mjohnson7 Member

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    Get the MA first. At Midwestern, because of the way they structured the MATS thru their undergraduate college rather than the seminary, you can only transfer all your MATS hours into the MDiv if you surrender the MATS upon completion of MDiv requirements.

    So, get the MA....continue working toward the MDiv, and once you have met all the requirements surrender your MA and get the MDiv.

    You can keep the MA, but they limit the number of credit hours you can transfer in if you choose to keep it.

    BTW, all this info is taken from Midwestern's website and FAQs.
     
    #4 mjohnson7, Jul 23, 2012
  5. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I'd say complete the degree you're on first and take up the MDiv second. Even better would be to complete the MATS and then transfer to another school (not sure if you can) to get the MDiv. Make sure you check on whether the MDiv accepts credits from your MATS work.

    If for no other reason than everyone like diversity in education. Also if you get a MATS and can find a ministry position using your MATS you're going to benefit from actual field experience with your MDiv. Many of your MDiv peers won't have the same blessing.

    It's crazy that you're working that much and going to school. Wow, I couldn't do it so way to go! :thumbsup:

    I think you've got a lot of options out there. My encouragement is to finish the course and then look to what is next. Also, if you're interested (even remotely) in a doctorate you'll be benefitted by having academic work to back up your MDiv.
     
    #5 preachinjesus, Jul 23, 2012
  6. dmedley

    dmedley New Member

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    Gentlemen,

    I just wanted to thank each of you for your insight. I have really been praying over this issue and feel that God is instructing me to continue on with my MATS degree. I will, however, place the M Div in my sights as a long range goal. Again, thanks to each of you for your input.
     
    #6 dmedley, Jul 25, 2012
  7. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    -That sounds like a very good plan! Getting the MA and folding it into an MDiv is a very good idea.
     
    #7 Martin, Jul 25, 2012
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