Are there alternatives to Seminary education? I ask because of the cost of going to seminary and was wondering if there any alternatives to seminary education.
Seminary education
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by "Lil" Possum Preacher man, Jul 9, 2015.
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I think I put this in the wrong section my bad
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Sure there are alternatives, but...
All the people who went to Seminary expect colleagues to have the same or better credentials.
Some of the "diploma mills" provide nearly worthless instruction. -
JohnDeereFan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Honestly, everything I learned in seminary, I could have learned (and was already learning) in the real world.
The biggest benefit of seminary for me was other people to challenge me and push back.
I think it depends on what you're looking for and what your goal is. I think seminary is necessary only because more and more people are convinced that it's the only way to go.
When I was a social worker up in the hills and hollers of Kentucky, I met some of the Godliest and Biblically knowledgeable men I've ever met in my life and most of them didn't even finish high school. -
Wave of the future is online education. Not those ridiculous diploma mills, but honest to goodness schools that teach online. Saves lots of money
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preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
That said, if that is still out of your reach, my first encouragement would be to link up with a solid pastor in your area and begin serving as an apprentice under him. Approach the local church and him and ask if you can do this. After a number of years you'll have a solid ministry background that is, in practical senses, as good as some parts of seminary education.
I would always encourage folks to attend seminary. If your calling is definite, part of that calling is being willing to take the necessary steps to be trained accordingly. One of the reasons why seminaries exist is so individuals who are called by God to vocational ministry will take the first major step in fulfilling that calling by going and being on that campus. Your calling has a cost, it may be your current life and lifestyle. The reward is greater than anything you can imagine. -
The Trinity River Baptist Association of which my church is affiliated has this going on:
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Okay thank you everybody for your in put. I am planning to go to Seminary at some point it's just the cost. I am also 17 and homeschooled. I think the apprenticeship idea sounds great.
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