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Accepted to Seminary

Discussion in 'Baptist Colleges & Seminaries' started by JonHenry, Jan 31, 2003.

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  1. JonHenry

    JonHenry New Member

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    I've just been accepted to Calvary Baptist Theological in Lansdale, PA for the M.Div. program. Please pray that I make the right decisions regarding work, housing, etc. I am married and have a child, and I do not want to lose balance within my family.

    From all that I can tell, and from what some of you have told me, it is a balanced and Christ-minded place to attend. I can't wait to get started!
     
    #1 JonHenry, Jan 31, 2003
  2. baptistteacher

    baptistteacher Member
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    Congratulations! [​IMG]

    You are about to discover why you go to college, but you do graduate WORK!!

    Yes, keep the balance, even if you have to go to school part-time. 9-10 hours per semester can still be a lot of work sometimes. Having a home church that stands with you in many ways (financial, prayer, encouragement, etc.) will make a lot of difference, too.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    #2 baptistteacher, Feb 1, 2003
  3. JonHenry

    JonHenry New Member

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    Thanks Baptistteacher!

    I hadn't even thought of all the ways my home church could be helpful -- I haven't announced it to them yet.

    I just knew someone would give me an idea or hint if I posted!
     
    #3 JonHenry, Feb 1, 2003
  4. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Wonderful school. Many of my old profs are there. And if you HAVE to live anywhere on the East Coast, Valley Forge (coupla miles from campus) is a beautiful place to be.

    Suggestion I made to all my students who were going on to Central, Detroit or Calvary (premier ifb grad schools) is from my observations.

    Many men went to Central. Long classes, long hours at work, tough on family. Taking a lighter load and extending the MDiv to 5-6-7 years. Many would get opportunities to pastor or, because of family, finances, health, etc, they had to drop by the way side.

    Know many who have 50-60-70 credits toward the 96 needed for the MDiv and nothing to show for it (in the way of a degree).

    Recommendation: Take a 32-36 credit M.A. program first. You will get a seminary degree. Every one of those credits will also apply to Masters of Ministry degree (64 cr) or Master of Divinity degree (96 cr)

    Same amount of study, same classes, and 2-3 degrees rather than just one. And if you have to drop out, you HAVE more than just a handful of credits on a transcript.
     
    #4 Dr. Bob, Feb 2, 2003
  5. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Get all you can while at Seminary. Read widely, especially in the Biblical studies and theology. Store up all you can. You'll need it when you begin your ministry.

    Don't take an outside job. If you MUST, work only part-time. The rush to "make a living" has robbed many a person of a healthy education/preparation.

    Keep your devotional life strong.

    Dr. Bob's advice about an M.A. along the way towards M.Div is very wise. I wish it would've been possible for me to do.
     
    #5 TomVols, Feb 3, 2003
  6. following-Him

    following-Him Active Member

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    Congratulations.

    I was very pleased to hear your news. I will keep you in my prayers. Are there many students here at BB? i am a mature student in England reading for a B.A. hons in Theology with Religious Studies. Would be good to hear from other students. Yes, good advice to read widely. There is a lot of reading in my course. I wish you every success in your studies.

    blessings [​IMG]
     
    #6 following-Him, Feb 3, 2003
  7. Daniel Dunivan

    Daniel Dunivan New Member

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    I agree, read as widely as you can--historical, theological, biblical, etc. Also, conservative, liberal, moderate, and everywhere in between. I would also suggest that you have your purpose for this degree strongly established in your mind before you even start. For me, I always saw my M.Div. as the launching point for my Ph.D. That made me work harder (all A's), and do more even when I was so tired that I physically wanted to give up. There can be some long and lonely nights when you have a 20 page paper and a big test the next day. I wish you well!

    Grace and Peace, Danny [​IMG]
     
    #7 Daniel Dunivan, Feb 3, 2003
  8. JonHenry

    JonHenry New Member

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    Thanks for the good words! This is the kind of advice I was hoping for -- stories & experience.

    Dr. Bob, while I knew that the classes for the MA were identical to some from the MDiv, I was not aware that the school would favor that approach. As a matter of fact, I was kind of wondering about that. That sounds like a very good angle to me (and my wife agrees, so it must be solid).

    I've lived up in the NE -- I lived in Hatfield Village apartments (if any of you know where that is, over near Biblical Theological in PA & the smelly Hatfield Meat plant). I lived up near Allentown too.

    Thanks for your prayer, followinghim!
     
    #8 JonHenry, Feb 3, 2003
  9. swaimj

    swaimj <img src=/swaimj.gif>

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    JonHenry,
    Congratulations on being accepted by the seminary. It's a great school! I'm sure you'll be glad you came!
     
    #9 swaimj, Feb 3, 2003
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