Q & A For New Seminary and/or College Students

Help!

nkypastor,

It might help some of us "older hands" if we know some more about you.

Where do you live?

What did you study in your BA/BS degree?

Is your BA/BS accredited?

Why do you think you cannot move or relocate?

Do you have to have a Master of Divinity or would a university MA do?

Do you want to go on to do graduate studies, IE. the PhD?

Fill in some blanks and maybe some of us can speak to your situation a bit better.

By-the-by, I would encourage you to "take heart in the Lord." This education stuff can "bum you out" very easily if you let it. On the other hand, you have come into the market place in a time when there are more and more options than ever.

Just a short edited note:
I just now noticed that you are from N KY. Why don't you get yourself quick, fast, and in a hurry to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville?

sdg!:thumbs:

rd

 

Financial Help!

nkypastor,

I am sorry that you were disappointed and let down by the Financial Aid Office at Southern. Southern is custom made for you where you are. It did have a "Monday only" program for the busy pastor such as yourself. I would encourage you to try it again. That problem may just be a small hurdle the Lord placed there to check out your perseverance and commitment to education.

As far as the driving is concerned; I commuted from Memphis to Louisville for two semesters and a J-Term in order to finish my MDiv. That is about 360 miles one way every week! While at the same time I worked full-time as a pharmacy technician 3-11 shift, had a part time ministry, and even taught New Testament @ a local Bible College one semester. So, it can be done if I can do it; anyone can.

Concerning the money help, I would check with your own church. Pitch to them that they are going to benefit if you get an education. Maybe you can contract not to go anywhere for a period of time. Secondly, check with the KY state BC. I am sure there are some monies out there some where. Thirdly, check with your local association. Fourth, I got some money for educational assistance from the SBC Foundation in Nashville.

Money is available and out there. Some times we (you and I) have to step out on faith to prove the Lord. I don't mean that to sound "super spiritual," but I have seen God work in my own life and ministry so so many times.

Just an additional note. Personally, I would steer clear of any school that has ethical problems and is not accredited. IMHO! No slander or malice intended on any level!!!

Stay by the stuff!:applause:

sdg!

rd

 

Response for Benjamin

Benjamin,

Remember, "Where God guides God provides!" I would take heart. No one who has ever wanted to serve our God has been left alone without a word of what to do next and how to do it and with what resources.

I don't know if you have wrestled through the issue of "the call to preach" or not. That is where I would start. I would tell you that if you can do anything else then go and do that. But, if God has shut his word up in your bones like the prophet of old; then you must follow the call.

When and if you settle that then the educational part will come along in due time with prayer, Bible reading and study, fasting, wise counsel from older and wiser friends, and basically just seeking the Lord until He makes his will and way known to you. And don't let anyone tell you it is easy. Some times in certain situations it may be. But it never has been for me personally.

Next the Southern Baptist Convention has a branch of the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Phoenix. It has been a tradition in SBC seminary life since the beginning that there were custom made programs for men who were called to the ministry late in life. It is called the Diploma Program. GGBTS shows that they have such a program at the Phoenix campus. Check it out:

http://www.ggbts.edu/campuses/arizona.html#degrees

I am a late life preacher. I was 30 when the Lord called me to preach, I was a pipe fitter/welder, and left it all to go to seminary. So I have a heart for folk who have little or no education and who make such a big commitment late in the game as it were.

This is a big amount to put on you. But that is exactly why I started the thread. I knew for sure there were other people like you and me out there who might be having a tough time getting started.

There is also another program in the Phoenix area. It is called the Phoenix Theological Seminary. It has a special program for folk who just might want to start looking at the seminary scene. You might check it out too. It does not appear to be as long or as involved at the diploma program mentioned above. It might be what you need to get you into the game initially though. It is called the Enrichment Program. Now be aware I am not too familiar with it. So walk softly as you check it out. Here is the address:

http://www.phoenixseminary.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=180

Get back to us in a day or so and let us know what you think and hit us (me) with any other questions you may have. I know you feel like you are in a maze just now. Part of that will drive you to the Lord anew in a fresh commitment of faith!

Stay by the stuff!:thumbsup:

sdg!

rd

 

Stefan Response from Rhetorician

Stefan,

Before I begin, I want you to know that this is not directed at you personally!:smilewinkgrin:

It is true that the gas prices are higher.

I was only trying to demonstrate a couple of points:

1. "Where God guides, God provides!" If you really have the "fire in your belly" in a secular sense or "the fire shut up in your bones" in a prophetic sense then you can do (and are willing to do!) what God calls you to do regardless.

Personally, I get rather aggravated with those who come to this section of the BB and want a "quick fix" or "short cut route" to educational excellence. It seems we have forgotten that to be a "disciple of Christ" one must have an extremely high level of personal discipline. Is that not the root of both terms?

But, it seems that folk do not want to move their families in order to do a good academic program or they want a "gimme'" degree especially a "Doctorate" w/out paying the price that Dr. Bob, UZThD, Broadus, myself and several others have paid. It must be remembered in life and very especially in the Christian ministry, "There is no free lunch!"

If God's Call is on your life you will pay any cost. You will get your education in order to do later what God otherwise could not do with you if you continued with an "empty head." There certainly is a place for the "full heart" for Christ, but there is also just as much a place for the "full head" as well.

2. As my colleague Broadus has said so many times and so articulately, there are so many programs of good, formal, accredited, DL programs out there, there is no excuse to get a non-accredited hap-hazard degree. Period!!! Hap-hazard schools produce hap-hazard sometimes have-to-be-done-over-again students and degrees. Choose wisely on the "git go" and you will not have to re-choose later! AMEN!!

The truth of the matter is; if one is committed to the Lordship of Christ, and is called to minister, then there is absolutely positively NO REASON to settle for seconds in your life. NONE!!

This reminds me of the joke about the animals in the barnyard as they discuss the farmer's breakfast. The chicken was not too concerned. But the pig was really upset about the whole affair. "Why are you so worried," quired the chicken, "it is not that big of a deal!" "Not that big of a deal?" lamented the pig! "You only have to make a contribution, I have to make a total commitment!" Forgive the peaching but you get the point!

I would apologize for the rant but you (any of you seeking an education for ministry) might think I am compromising on the issues discussed here.

Do not tell us why you cannot get an education for ministry. Testify to us that it has been hard, I did not know how much I was going to pay for it, it took longer than I thought, it cost(s) my family much, I had to relocated my family, etc., etc., etc., et al. I know one "etc." is sufficient but I want you to know my passion for the topic. Don't look at life circumstances as "reasons why you cannot" get an education but hurdles to be overcome to follow Christ at whatever the costs.

Thinkaboutit!:thumbs:

sdg!

rd

 

One extra word!

To all who have an ear:

Knowing that we will give account of ourselves to God; what is the call of Christ on your life really worth? And, what is being the "best educated and equipped" you can be worth?

Thinkaboutit!:thumbsup:

sdg!

rd