BTSR

I was wondering if anyone had some objective feedback on the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. I am enrolled to begin my studies in the Fall and I am really looking forward to it!

 

Thanks for the input, Joshua. I am excited about beginning my studies in the Fall, and will undoubtedly use this board as a resource during my time at BTSR (as well as afterward ).

 

M.Div. with a concentration in Christian Ed.

 

Well, I knew I had placed the word "objective" in my original post for a reason.

When I met with my pastor months ago and talked about my leading to pursue a ministry, he said that if I went to school, there would always be people that would judge me by what school name was on the degree. Thanks, SBCbyGRACE, for confirming that.

I am relatively new to the Baptist faith (4 years - grew up Episcopal), but have a desire to seek God's will in my life and to serve Him and Him alone. I know very little about this political junk that has plagued the Baptists over the past few decades and which has caused much more trouble than good. Personally, I consider my ignorance in those affairs more of a blessing than a hinderance.

Some of you can continue to be driven by political labels and feelings. Me, I'm going to school to help seek God's will in my life. There will be staff members and fellow students that I will agree with, and some that I won't agree with. Personally, I'd consider myself a moderate conservative, whatever that means to you.

I will, however, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit before formulating my own opinions. Never will I form an opinion based on preconceived notions. To do so is not Christ-like.

Now, SBCbyGRACE, if you would like to discuss specific concerns about my choice of school, I would be glad to listen to them. That is, after all, what I requested in the first place.

One last thing: Maybe there was a lot more to my selecting BTSR than just who might provide funding for the school - think about that.

In Christ's Love,
James

[ July 09, 2002, 06:36 PM: Message edited by: JamesB ]

 

Jimmy - financial and employment reasons made BTSR a logical choice. I live in the Raleigh area, and work in the tech industry. I have been downsized three times in two years, and have been unable to find permanent employment since my last layoff in February. My wife is originally from Virginia, and we will be living in what used to be her grandmother's house. As a result, salary requirements are much lower for us in Virginia than in NC. If it were up to our church, I'd be going to Campbell Divinity, about 30 minutes down the road. The decision to relocate was a very tough one, but I am thankful I have the opportunity to pursue my studies.

TomVols - Thanks very much for the response. I was looking for objective feedback, not a blanket affirmation of my choice of school. If you would like to, I would be very interested in hearing your experiences involving BTSR. Feel free to respond or send me a private message. And I didn't mean to suggest that anyone who disapproves of BTSR is a "politico" (there are "politicos" in every "camp"). I was just very uncomfortable with SBCbyGRACE's response. Well, maybe not so much the response, but the spirit behind it.

One more thing, TomVols: I have a feeling we'll have some other things we won't see eye-to-eye on, particularly on Sept. 21.

 

I also want to point out that I mentioned I was raised Episcopal, and have been a Baptist only four years now. In 1998, when I joined my local church, I went through believer's baptism after publicly professing Christ as my Lord and Savior. So I am a "full-blooded" Baptist now.

In Christ,
James

 

boris99, thanks for the link. That was indeed an interesting article.

I will say that while I believe homosexuality is a sin, we are called to reach out to all people of the world. I would not turn away a homosexual from my church, but I would tell them every time the chance presented itself, in Christian love, that their lifestyle is scripturally wrong. And I believe it is wrong for a homosexual to hold any position within the church other than a member who is seeking God's forgiveness and love.

And even though I believe women can serve in any aspect of ministry, I will never refer to God in a gender-neutral manner. He is my God. Period.

Again, I appreciate the input, everyone. And if I ever encounter a situation like the gentleman described in the above link, I would reconsider my decision as well. That applies not just to my school, but to my local church or place of employment as well.