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Seminary education

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by "Lil" Possum Preacher man, Jul 9, 2015.

  1. "Lil" Possum Preacher man

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    Are there alternatives to Seminary education? I ask because of the cost of going to seminary and was wondering if there any alternatives to seminary education.
     
  2. "Lil" Possum Preacher man

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    I think I put this in the wrong section my bad
     
  3. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Sure there are alternatives, but...

    All the people who went to Seminary expect colleagues to have the same or better credentials.

    Some of the "diploma mills" provide nearly worthless instruction.
     
  4. JohnDeereFan

    JohnDeereFan Well-Known Member
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    I think Pennco Tech offers theological training now.

    Honestly, everything I learned in seminary, I could have learned (and was already learning) in the real world.

    The biggest benefit of seminary for me was other people to challenge me and push back.

    I think it depends on what you're looking for and what your goal is. I think seminary is necessary only because more and more people are convinced that it's the only way to go.

    When I was a social worker up in the hills and hollers of Kentucky, I met some of the Godliest and Biblically knowledgeable men I've ever met in my life and most of them didn't even finish high school.
     
  5. go2church

    go2church Active Member
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    Wave of the future is online education. Not those ridiculous diploma mills, but honest to goodness schools that teach online. Saves lots of money
     
  6. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I would encourage anyone to consider taking seminary courses online with an accredited, validated seminary. Even if it just one or two a semester (or year) you'll gain valuable insights and be helpfully trained.

    That said, if that is still out of your reach, my first encouragement would be to link up with a solid pastor in your area and begin serving as an apprentice under him. Approach the local church and him and ask if you can do this. After a number of years you'll have a solid ministry background that is, in practical senses, as good as some parts of seminary education.

    I would always encourage folks to attend seminary. If your calling is definite, part of that calling is being willing to take the necessary steps to be trained accordingly. One of the reasons why seminaries exist is so individuals who are called by God to vocational ministry will take the first major step in fulfilling that calling by going and being on that campus. Your calling has a cost, it may be your current life and lifestyle. The reward is greater than anything you can imagine.
     
  7. revmwc

    revmwc Well-Known Member

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    The Trinity River Baptist Association of which my church is affiliated has this going on:

     
  8. "Lil" Possum Preacher man

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    Okay thank you everybody for your in put. I am planning to go to Seminary at some point it's just the cost. I am also 17 and homeschooled. I think the apprenticeship idea sounds great.
     
  9. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    You are still quite young with lots of time opportunity ahead of you. If you do pursue education, please be very wise and prudent with Student Loans. Do all you can to seek grants, scholarships and employment to pay for your education as you go. I would also recommend that as for your undergraduate education you pursue some major that can be quite marketable in the work force.... You never know....bivocational ministry might be where you land.
     
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