I need help

I struggled with the same issues and for me, the answer was to go to a regular college, get a regualr degree, then head to a solid seminary for further study. It may depend on what area, if any, you feel led toward.

 

I'd go to an accredited Bible College.

 

I attended a secular university for my Bachelor's degree. I did so with the counsel of my pastor at the time. He said the secular school would prepare me just as well for seminary and also give me experiences and relationships with people in the real world that would help me throughout my ministry. I think he was right on the mark and I am thankful I listened to his advice.

But he also warned me that to go through a secular university I would face some of the biggest challenges and tests to my faith that I had ever encountered, and he was right there. If you choose to go the secular route, be committed to staying strong spiritually, and not allowing anyone to rock your faith or trust in God. But see it as time of sharpening where the Lord is preparing you for what is to come in your ministry.

 

My daughter faced these same issues when preparing for missions. She chose an accredited Baptist University, but by the end of her freshman year she believed it was a mistake. I'm not sure if I agree with her or not.

On the negative: The quality of her general education in non-biblical areas was not up to par with the secular universities, and the issues you expect would not be at a Baptist University were. She said it was much more upsetting for her to see "Youth Ministers" and "Worship leaders" getting drunk and bragging about who they had sex with than it would have been to hear secular people doing the same thing.

The Positive- She had excellent bible-teachers, and excellent theology and missions teachers. She had many opportunities to actually serve the lord in the mission fields, both home and foreign that would not have been offered to her through secular schools. I teased her about it being, "on the job training."

 

==Pray and trust in the Lord to guide you, He will. Also talk to your pastor. You could attend a secular university for a BA in religion. However be aware that you will be taught alot of hyper-critical theology instead of Biblical theology. You could attend a solid, accredited Bible College, or Christian college. There are many options. All of the major seminaries (Southern, Southeastern, etc) offer undergraduate degrees.

Martin.

 

Of course seek the Lord and pray. My recommendation is to go to an accredited Bible College, and major in somthing other than Bible, but be sure to minor in Bible to get a good foundation. Then go off to a good seminary.

 

It depends on where the Lord leads you. I am also entering the ministry, and am starting Bible college this fall. I know a lot of people here will disagree with me, but Crown College in Powell, TN is a very sound, Biblical college. Also a couple others I like are Pensacola, Northland Baptist Bible College, and Maranatha Baptist Bible College (both of those are in Wisconsin). I would pray and see what God wants you to do.

HTH!

 

One testimony: I majored in ministerial training. I never took a day's training in a secular college or an accredited Christian college. But because I can learn and I have integrity, I've never had a problem finding a secular job and supporting my family in the "real" world.

The marketplace is crying for workers: not people who've had extensive training for a field, but people who know how to use an alarm clock and say "yessir" to bosses they don't like.

If you'll focus on making your boss successful, you'll always have a job.

I say go to a Christian school (a real Christian school). You might major in something other than ministerial studies, but take Greek and stay busy on the weekends with some church or outreach ministry.

 

1. Always have a plan. If you're not sure of what is the best long-term goal, have a temporary plan for the meanwhile. (If you're not sure where you're going, you won't know it when you get there.)

2. Read everything you can get your hands on.

3. Go to whatever school helps you with item #1 above. Whether it's secular or Christian, as soon as you get there, hook up with some solid believers. There will be some wherever you go.

4. Turn off the TV so that you can accomplish item #2.

 

My advice would be to attend an accredited, Baptist liberal arts college. I'd suggest majoring in ministry and getting involved in ministries through the college. You should minor outside of the department, though, IMO. Perhaps you could minor in business to have something to fall back on.

This way, you should have general education courses to give you a well-rounded education, but you'll be able to begin your ministerial studies while having a good outlet for ministry through your college.

To all: after sitting through my college hermeneutics class and seeing how bad it can get...I want all ministers to take classes like that ASAP, before much damage can be done .