Recommendations For Fundamental Bible College or Seminary?

[SovereignGrace]

As a recently retired nurse, I would not recommend nursing as a profession.

Rob

Oh, so you was a sandwich fetcher for patients who had abdominal pain for days before coming to the hospital, eh?

 

[Marooncat79]

Oh, so you was a sandwich fetcher for patients who had abdominal pain for days before coming to the hospital, eh?

Says Dracula who draws an extra vial of blood for “personal reasons”

 

[Marooncat79]

Says Dracula who draws an extra vial of blood for “personal reasons”

I know you like that. Hahahaha

 

[John of Japan]

From what I have heard, BJU has caught a good bit of grief for this but I always like me some good bluegrass music! I remember discovering bluegrass gospel back in the 80s when I was still "Hard-Core" and seemed no one objected since most didn't use drums (no "space" for them usually). I also loved the fact that I could "Rip up the Fretboard" with my flatpicking and still be "right with God!" Got pretty good with my "Scruggs-Style" picking on the banjo too!

Do you like the Petersens?

I am a guitar picker too, but have tried the mandolin and banjo. I had one when I started Japanese language school, but a SBC friend heard about it and bought it from me. Never got another one.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Do you like the Petersens?

I am a guitar picker too, but have tried the mandolin and banjo. I had one when I started Japanese language school, but a SBC friend heard about it and bought it from me. Never got another one.

Not sure if I have heard the Petersons before but I'm sure I'd like them.

I haven't really touched a banjo in about 25 years and sold the one I had about 10 years ago. I have about 13 guitars and basses in my closet - five acoustic, four electric, four basses, and one ukelele and then I have all of the amps and accessories plus some parts in my garage where I could probably put a couple more guitars together! Most of this was from a period in my life when I was actively gigging in bands and acoustic duos. Yes, I need to pare down my collection especially as I am getting ready to retire and spend much of my time overseas.

Japan makes some of the best guitars on the planet. Most notably is Alvarez Yairi. I happen to have three of them in my collection!

 

[John of Japan]

I dislike those who are overly agressive with their Calvinism as I would be with those who are overly agressive with their Arminianism (or "anti-Calvinism") and I would probably find myself pushing back either way. My pastor and I have had some long talks about this and have pretty much made an unwritten rule that we are not to be overly dogmatic either way and that may be discussed as historically significant doctrinal positions of which we may differ and of which differences are allowed among the teachers and members. I believe that with such a position, there is no danger in splitting a church! This would be my counsel to young men and future pastors preparing for the ministry.

I don't think God designed theology to be aggressive. Taking a stand on holiness, yes. Being aggressive about evangelical doctrines, no. However, being aggressive against heresy? Certainly. (If that makes sense.)

 

[John of Japan]

Not sure if I have heard the Petersons before but I'm sure I'd like them.

it's a Christian family that does bluegrass together. Looking for something to bind them all together, the father picked bluegrass. and they do right well at it in Branson, a mix of Christian and folk type secular music. Here's an example:

.

I haven't really touched a banjo in about 25 years and sold the one I had about 10 years ago. I have about 13 guitars and basses in my closet - five acoustic, four electric, four basses, and one ukelele and then I have all of the amps and accessories plus some parts in my garage where I could probably put a couple more guitars together! Most of this was from a period in my life when I was actively gigging in bands and acoustic duos. Yes, I need to pare down my collection especially as I am getting ready to retire and spend much of my time overseas.

Japan makes some of the best guitars on the planet. Most notably is Alvarez Yairi. I happen to have three of them in my collection!

Wow, that's an awesome collection. In Japan at one point I had 4, but back in the States nowadays just two: a folk and a classical (I love the sound of the classical for folk and hymns.)

Never played in a band, but was invited in high school to play bass in a rock band. Did not--maybe the Lord telling me no, not sure. But I did cut my teeth in high school playing for a choral type group known as Up With People. Then as a missionary the guitar was quite useful for when we didn't have a pianist in our church.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

I don't think God designed theology to be aggressive. Taking a stand on holiness, yes. Being aggressive about evangelical doctrines, no. However, being aggressive against heresy? Certainly. (If that makes sense.)

Theology is the study of God based upon our understanding of what he has revealed of himself to us. I am not sure how we can say how God "Designed" theology or determined its intended purposes. Well actually, he probably did but I'm thinking of theology from a purely human-centered standpoint. It is our human nature that leads theological discussions to be "agressive." You can factor in sin and pride and this is of course the source of most contention! As a matter of fact, I believe there is a verse somewhere in Proverbs that speaks of such...

We should definitely and earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints but we should also shun profane and vain babbling and I believe it takes some grace and wisdom to understand where one ends and the other begins. We should choose our battles wisely.

How important is the Calvinism/Arminianism debate? I believe our soteriological views impact the ways in which we view evangelism and world missions and for this reason, the discussion is necessary but we also understand that taken to their logical extremes, both can be quite heretical. Where things turn into profane and vain babblings is when one side misrepresents the other and/or uses their particular position as a "test of orthodoxy" and viewing the other side as being heterodox if not flat out heretical. This is where things become quite harmful if we allow it to remain unchecked in our churches.

Make sense?

 

[Armchair Apologist]

it's a Christian family that does bluegrass together. Looking for something to bind them all together, the father picked bluegrass. and they do right well at it in Branson, a mix of Christian and folk type secular music. Here's an example:

.

Wow, that's an awesome collection. In Japan at one point I had 4, but back in the States nowadays just two: a folk and a classical (I love the sound of the classical for folk and hymns.)

Never played in a band, but was invited in high school to play bass in a rock band. Did not--maybe the Lord telling me no, not sure. But I did cut my teeth in high school playing for a choral type group known as Up With People. Then as a missionary the guitar was quite useful for when we didn't have a pianist in our church.

They sound really good but what the guy is doing on guitar doesn't seem to match up with what I am hearing. I hear fingerstyle but he is obviously using a flatpick and even when "Cross-picking" (which I do mostly) it would sound different! Either way, they sound great and even after the song hardly ever gets old even though I wonder if some of these folks ever expand their song library!

I had a classic guitar at one time but sold it along with the banjo. It was a cheap Ibanez with a laminate top I bought while stationed in Guam. All of my acoustic guitars are "Dreadnought" style but each have their own "personality" I guess. My "band playing" days was in the 2010s when I was going through a divorce from my first wife). I felt quite "lost" during this time but it was also my most fruitful time for songwriting and such. Covid pretty much killed my gigging and since my (present) wife and I were getting back into church (and back into fellowship with God), I lost interest in returning to playing in bars and such. I have acquired a few "luthiery" skills which come in handy whenever I am traveling around and see some neglected "Church Guitar" somewhere that needs a little love. I guess this will be one of my ministries. I will often buy a cheap ("inexpensive but adequate) guitar while I am in the Philippines and will usually give it away to some church or ministry before I head back to the States. I thought about bringing along my Martin D-18 in future "long-term" visits but I hope I wouldn't have to give that one away! Perhaps I'll bring along my "beater" DY-71 Yairi instead. It actually gives the D-18 a good run for its money but it can be a little tempermental.

 

[John of Japan]

They sound really good but what the guy is doing on guitar doesn't seem to match up with what I am hearing. I hear fingerstyle but he is obviously using a flatpick and even when "Cross-picking" (which I do mostly) it would sound different! Either way, they sound great and even after the song hardly ever gets old even though I wonder if some of these folks ever expand their song library!

I had a classic guitar at one time but sold it along with the banjo. It was a cheap Ibanez with a laminate top I bought while stationed in Guam. All of my acoustic guitars are "Dreadnought" style but each have their own "personality" I guess. My "band playing" days was in the 2010s when I was going through a divorce from my first wife). I felt quite "lost" during this time but it was also my most fruitful time for songwriting and such. Covid pretty much killed my gigging and since my (present) wife and I were getting back into church (and back into fellowship with God), I lost interest in returning to playing in bars and such. I have acquired a few "luthiery" skills which come in handy whenever I am traveling around and see some neglected "Church Guitar" somewhere that needs a little love. I guess this will be one of my ministries. I will often buy a cheap ("inexpensive but adequate) guitar while I am in the Philippines and will usually give it away to some church or ministry before I head back to the States. I thought about bringing along my Martin D-18 in future "long-term" visits but I hope I wouldn't have to give that one away! Perhaps I'll bring along my "beater" DY-71 Yairi instead. It actually gives the D-18 a good run for its money but it can be a little tempermental.

Good plan for your trips to the Philippines. Guitars are tailor made for the mission field!

I took a Conn classical guitar to Japan in 1981--made in Japan! Loved it, but when I took it in for repairs once they were astonished. Didn't know Conn ever made guitars! My classical guitar here is a Lucero, with a nice built in tuner. I have a Seagull folk guitar that I like.

They're not big on guitars here, but several years ago when the 200th anniversary of "Silent Night," they had my son and me dress in period costume and lead the congregation in the song, "just like when it was written with a guitar. That was fun.

I play my Lucero and sing for my students on final exam day in my various classes a few songs to make them laugh and relax, theoretically to do better on the test: "The Unicorn Song," "Please Mr. Custer," and "Tie Me Kangaroo Down." Seems to work for them.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

I took a Conn classical guitar to Japan in 1981--made in Japan! Loved it, but when I took it in for repairs once they were astonished. Didn't know Conn ever made guitars! My classical guitar here is a Lucero, with a nice built in tuner. I have a Seagull folk guitar that I like.

I found this Conn website which may be of interest Conn Guitars. From what I can tell, they never made their own guitars but contracted with some of the other famous manufacturers (Matsumoku, Nippon Gakki, Fuji-Gen, Etc.) Old Japanese guitars have a real "cult following" these days. Used to be that they were a cost-conscious alternative to the USA manufacturers but the guitars manufactured in Japan command a premium that is right up there with USA brands like Martin or Gibson! Back in the 1980s, a $500 Yairi sounded every bit as good as a $1500 Martin but these days, a $3,000 Yairi sounds every bit as good as a $3,000 Martin.

One of these days I am going to have to check out all of the guitar shops in Mactan, Cebu but I always seem to be pressed for time when I am around there.

 

[jakethebaptist]

I don't recommend Liberty. It's standards have gone down in recent years. Jerry Falwell, a friend of my Grandpa's, God bless him, opted for human greatness rather than faithfulness IMO, especially in the area of intercollegiate sports. My old school, Tennessee Temple, did that too and no longer exists.

I've been employed by Liberty for the past 8+ years. I would have agreed with your assessment of the school a few years ago, but there has been a massive shift in culture under Dondi Costin's leadership. I certainly can't give a whole-hearted recommendation, as the university is still pretty relaxed in what they allow, and they are not strictly Baptist or fundamental, but it is worth considering.

I still keep up with BBC Springfield (now Mission University) and it is still solid in spirit and teaching. They are more in the contemporary realm for music and such. While the enrollment has decreased significantly from when I attended, that has stabilized and they are leaning into the strengths that a smaller school can provide. It is still primarily for ministry training, but as a fully accredited school, is not a bad place to go for the first two years to get the basics out of the way then transfer somewhere else if desiring training in a different career path.

The most important thing for your daughter is that she get connected with a solid local church that is not just a college church. Churches that are primarily existing to serve the college students of the area tend to not provide a real-life church experience to help navigate this critical development time. I would stay away from schools that require their students to attend a specific church.

 

[Ben1445]

I would stay away from schools that require their students to attend a specific church.

I would say that this is a non issue if the church you have decided to attend is the basis of the college. It makes sense, especially from a legal perspective, insurance, accountability, etc, that you be a member at least in so far as students are concerned, with the church that you would be training in.

Regardless, it is a great idea to know what church you will be attending before you launch into your college life.
It is like preparing for a hike or a long trip. You want to know where you can refuel your vehicle and your body as you drive or hike the Appalachian Trail.
It should be no different spiritually. You should know where you plan to be edified by fellow believers and not just hope that you run into the ideal situation.

 

[John of Japan]

I've been employed by Liberty for the past 8+ years. I would have agreed with your assessment of the school a few years ago, but there has been a massive shift in culture under Dondi Costin's leadership. I certainly can't give a whole-hearted recommendation, as the university is still pretty relaxed in what they allow, and they are not strictly Baptist or fundamental, but it is worth considering.

I'm glad to have this recommendation. I suppose I was thinking of events under the previous leadership. As the founder of Tennessee Temple U., Lee Roberson, used to say, "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

I still keep up with BBC Springfield (now Mission University) and it is still solid in spirit and teaching. They are more in the contemporary realm for music and such. While the enrollment has decreased significantly from when I attended, that has stabilized and they are leaning into the strengths that a smaller school can provide. It is still primarily for ministry training, but as a fully accredited school, is not a bad place to go for the first two years to get the basics out of the way then transfer somewhere else if desiring training in a different career path.

For a fully accredited Baptist U. I recommend Maranatha Baptist U. in Watertown, WI. My son got his BA there, and he and I graduated together with our MA in 2005.

The most important thing for your daughter is that she get connected with a solid local church that is not just a college church. Churches that are primarily existing to serve the college students of the area tend to not provide a real-life church experience to help navigate this critical development time. I would stay away from schools that require their students to attend a specific church.

Don't actually have a daughter, just a son. He went on to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for his PhD under Greek scholar David Alan Black. We now have the wonderful privilege of teaching together at our local church college, Baptist College of Ministry.

 

[jakethebaptist]

I would say that this is a non issue if the church you have decided to attend is the basis of the college. It makes sense, especially from a legal perspective, insurance, accountability, etc, that you be a member at least in so far as students are concerned, with the church that you would be training in.

Regardless, it is a great idea to know what church you will be attending before you launch into your college life.
It is like preparing for a hike or a long trip. You want to know where you can refuel your vehicle and your body as you drive or hike the Appalachian Trail.
It should be no different spiritually. You should know where you plan to be edified by fellow believers and not just hope that you run into the ideal situation.

My thoughts here come from my observations mainly of PCC's Campus Church, SW Baptist in HBBC, and TRBC for Liberty (TRBC is not required, but is the default church for most students). It is mainly that these create a bubble of life and church that does not exist outside of these congregations, and there is a tendency to get lost in the crowd. A good church in the area that exists apart from the college is better equipped to serve the individual and prepare them for post-college life.

I'm glad to have this recommendation. I suppose I was thinking of events under the previous leadership. As the founder of Tennessee Temple U., Lee Roberson, used to say, "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

Jerry Falwell Sr. coined the phrase for Libery - "If it's Christian, it ought to be better." The phrase being used under Dondi Costin's administration is "If it's Christian, it ought to be Christian." That should give a decent idea on the positive direction the school is going. Definitely still has work to do, and some philosophical foundations as being a "liberal arts" school that keeps me from whole-heartedly recommending the school for everyone, but it is a good solid choice, especially if a student gets involved with one of the good local churches.

For a fully accredited Baptist U. I recommend Maranatha Baptist U. in Watertown, WI. My son got his BA there, and he and I graduated together with our MA in 2005.

Funny thing - when I was looking to go to college, I only knew of a few Christian colleges in existence - PCC, BJU, Hyles-Anderson and BBC Springfield. The first three were completely out of my consideration, but I wanted to go to BBC anyway!

Don't actually have a daughter, just a son. He went on to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for his PhD under Greek scholar David Alan Black. We now have the wonderful privilege of teaching together at our local church college, Baptist College of Ministry.

I was referencing the original poster with the daughter reference. Apologies for not being more clear.

 

[Ben1445]

My thoughts here come from my observations mainly of PCC's Campus Church, SW Baptist in HBBC, and TRBC for Liberty (TRBC is not required, but is the default church for most students). It is mainly that these create a bubble of life and church that does not exist outside of these congregations, and there is a tendency to get lost in the crowd. A good church in the area that exists apart from the college is better equipped to serve the individual and prepare them for post-college life.

I know why you say this but I disagree with the premise, myself.
I had a job in high school and the management claimed to be Christians. They kept saying that they were preparing me for the real world. In reality, I saw more of the real world in their business than I have in the “real” world.
There is no part of life that should ever be considered as not realistic or not good preparation for life because you don’t experience everything out there.
Were that necessary, we would be advocating for parents to spend a year as the town drunk just so the kids know what it’s like to grow up that way. Hopefully we aren’t advocating that in any respect of life.
We should train well to do well. If there is something inside the “bubble” that doesn’t belong, that is a different problem. But there is no amount of the world that we need to incorporate into our lives and especially our training and education.
I have heard some folks who don’t believe in the rapture get upset that pastors are not preparing their churches to endure the tribulation. I think that this is a ridiculous thought. No matter if we are talking about Tribulation or tribulations, the people who are following Christ know Him and follow Him. It is not necessary to plan your life for problems.

Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.