After twenty years of pastoral ministry, I enrolled in seminary and currently working on the MDiv. The program is a blessing. What I appreciate the most is having the opportunity to immediately apply the work in my ministry.
I'm working on a bachelor of divinity and plan on going to seminary. I want to have a street ministry in my town and also preach at nursing homes, volunteer as a chaplain at the hospital.
I feel that God has called me to teach the Bible and now I am enrolled in the Biblical study program. God has put in me the greatest desire to study the Bible.
I can’t justify the expense when the material taught in seminaries is essentially available at nearly an equal level through personal diligence. This is especially true for someone who isn’t coming straight out of high school or from there early 20s and isn’t yet in full-time ministry. Online opportunities are there but it’s certainly better for some situations than others. For example, it might be required you take certain classes that you have already spent a lot of time studying personally. It can be very difficult to justify unless it’s required for the ministry your aspiring to
You can always ask for recommended readings that you haven’t already read. There is always more to learn on any subject and the benefit of seminary is in the feedback and insights of others who will nurture you beyond where you can go alone. That doesn’t justify the price perhaps but few have learned everything in one class before they take it, much less a whole curriculum.
I don’t have an MDiv however it’s a direction I’ve decided to go. And I hear that comment a lot. I’ll respond to it from the perspective of someone who once refused to get any formal education. I’ll start by asking… Assuming cost wasn’t an issue, would you then pursue an MDiv? I find that people typically say yes. I’m a non-traditional student. I spent a lot of time in the streets doing wild and crazy stuff. When I decided to change my life, many companies wouldn’t hire me. In terms of my education, I just didn’t have the money or any formal education. Nor could I justify going to a school. So I figured seeking mentors and taking tons of free courses and certifications would do the trick. Overtime, I became more familiar with God’s calling on my life. And I began researching MDiv programs. I’d like to also add that despite not having formal education, I once had the opportunity to regularly teach pastors and highly educated church leaders and some scholars in a Bible study. So then why would I decide to pursue a MDiv? For me, it was about the structure and the wealth of information and learning and experience those degrees offer that is nearly impossible to gain when it’s just you. Teaching a Bible class to well educated folks versus having a holistic understanding of the pastorate are entirely different ends of the spectrum. When I began exploring and researching the depth of MDiv programs I began to understand why many churches require that as a must have in terms of pastoring and managing or leading other aspects of the church. And I also had experience planting churches prior to my decision to formally pursue any form of Christian education. In addition, I researched how an MDiv can be a road to PhD programs where you can build your niche in less competitive spaces outside of traditional church settings. I also learned about dual-track MDiv programs that prepare you for pastoral roles in addition to other career paths. An MDiv at a quality seminary, in my opinion, far exceeds the value of Googling free courses or even church mentoring. It’s a systemized track of learning guided by highly intelligent minds who are experienced in church development and pastoring that you simply can’t get in a book. And to be able to have these leaders at your fingertips is something that’s just priceless. I certainly don’t think an MDiv is the path for everyone. However, in my opinion, if you’d pursue it if money weren’t an issue, then I would go that way. And I don’t see an MDiv is starting over. Sure, I have about years of bible study and life experience, including church hurts and many other experiences under my belt. And so that experience now serves as the a complement to a MDiv. What I find interesting is that many people expect professions such as medical doctors, lawyers and other fields to have higher degrees. And yet when it comes to souls, many Christians don’t see education on the same level. We’re talking about training to be effective at leading and impacting souls to make decisions that have everlasting implications. Take a moment to let that sink in. When you think about an entire congregation of people and their friends and families looking to you as their spiritual leader, that’s something that holds greater weight and responsibility than not doing it because of money. Lastly, I also researched flexible MDiv programs that are not expensive. It takes work to explore alternative paths to complete an MDiv. They’re out there. However the most important thing is deciding that you are led to pursue an MDiv. If so, then there indeed is a way. I hope this helps and I believe we all have different paths to accomplishing our calling. We are bothers and sisters in Christ doing God’s work. I will be praying for you as you do the work as well. ❤
I've taken some classes at a Bible college and seminary and I'm planning on taking some more. I teach the Bible at a children's ministry and at some Bible studies, but I'm not interested in going into the pastoral ministry. I could study the Bible outside of the school environment, but I wanted to get some feedback. What do you think of the study of the philosophy of religion or philosophical theology? Some seminaries have coursework in that.
I was massively disappointed seminary required a degree when i first learned about it. as i felt the tug of calling as i approached 30 without ever having gone to college cause i was a wreck when i was fresh young adult.
I am not sure how my future ministry will look like. I am currently pursuing a bachelor degree with Christian Leaders Institute. I can really recommend them, all of their courses can be done for free online.
What do you think about the New World Translation Bible of Jehovah's Witnesses? I see a lot of pepole saying it's dishonest translation, but I want to hear your opinion. Thank you🙏❤️
It is slavishly literal in many ways, but they also change the meaning of words or use obscure terms when it suits their purposes (e.g. "obeisance" instead of "worship"). So overall it is an inconsistent and slanted translation.
What are your thoughts on a MA in Biblical languages such as from Liberty online and MA in Biblical and theological studies at Oklahoma baptist university? What about MA in Bibical exegesis and Lingustics for Bible translator track? I have a BA in Christian studies. What do you recommend? I feel called to be both a Bible translator with Wycliffe and a fully tenured seminary professor (Biblical languages, Theology, Old Testament, Apologetics).
I know I'm late to the party here, but do you mind if i ask what your opinion is on studying theology at a university like Oxford? It's a prestigious University, but now a secular one.
It depends on the University and what specifically you are studying. There are things that I would study at Oxford if I was interested in those things.
It won't hinder it, it is really still required to teach in higher ed, but the problem is that it is so competitive that it isn't enough. Thanks for watching!
"Absolutely" is a pretty strong word. I pastor in a rural community with a lot of small churches. Some of these small churches are pastored by men (and/or women) who are woefully deficient in pastoral/theological training. The theological errors they are teaching are scary and treacherous. I attended a good credentialed Bible College a lot of years ago for 5 years earning two theological degrees. I have attended an online seminary in the days before the internet, and now I am taking some online courses through a good seminary. We expect, even demand that tradesmen go through proper training, and schoolteachers are properly trained. I had a hip replacement a few years ago, choosing the best surgeon by training and experience. Preaching the Word of God is so much more important than plumbers and surgeons. I think every pastor/counselor/teacher should be at least as well trained as any professional tradesman.
After twenty years of pastoral ministry, I enrolled in seminary and currently working on the MDiv. The program is a blessing. What I appreciate the most is having the opportunity to immediately apply the work in my ministry.
Good call! An MDiv is a great grounding for pastoral ministry.
What seminary PhD majors do you recommend over others have the best job opportunities?
I'm working on a bachelor of divinity and plan on going to seminary. I want to have a street ministry in my town and also preach at nursing homes, volunteer as a chaplain at the hospital.
I feel that God has called me to teach the Bible and now I am enrolled in the Biblical study program. God has put in me the greatest desire to study the Bible.
Hey, I don't believe that video "right hills to die on" is linked in.
Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.
It was, but it wasn't timed quite to perfection. I've fixed it now, thanks! Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/04RtPDzhRfM/видео.html
I can’t justify the expense when the material taught in seminaries is essentially available at nearly an equal level through personal diligence. This is especially true for someone who isn’t coming straight out of high school or from there early 20s and isn’t yet in full-time ministry. Online opportunities are there but it’s certainly better for some situations than others. For example, it might be required you take certain classes that you have already spent a lot of time studying personally. It can be very difficult to justify unless it’s required for the ministry your aspiring to
You can always ask for recommended readings that you haven’t already read. There is always more to learn on any subject and the benefit of seminary is in the feedback and insights of others who will nurture you beyond where you can go alone. That doesn’t justify the price perhaps but few have learned everything in one class before they take it, much less a whole curriculum.
@@bmadefinitely use recommended reading lists ! and also can audit lectures for cheap
I don’t have an MDiv however it’s a direction I’ve decided to go. And I hear that comment a lot. I’ll respond to it from the perspective of someone who once refused to get any formal education.
I’ll start by asking… Assuming cost wasn’t an issue, would you then pursue an MDiv? I find that people typically say yes.
I’m a non-traditional student. I spent a lot of time in the streets doing wild and crazy stuff. When I decided to change my life, many companies wouldn’t hire me. In terms of my education, I just didn’t have the money or any formal education. Nor could I justify going to a school. So I figured seeking mentors and taking tons of free courses and certifications would do the trick.
Overtime, I became more familiar with God’s calling on my life. And I began researching MDiv programs. I’d like to also add that despite not having formal education, I once had the opportunity to regularly teach pastors and highly educated church leaders and some scholars in a Bible study. So then why would I decide to pursue a MDiv?
For me, it was about the structure and the wealth of information and learning and experience those degrees offer that is nearly impossible to gain when it’s just you.
Teaching a Bible class to well educated folks versus having a holistic understanding of the pastorate are entirely different ends of the spectrum.
When I began exploring and researching the depth of MDiv programs I began to understand why many churches require that as a must have in terms of pastoring and managing or leading other aspects of the church. And I also had experience planting churches prior to my decision to formally pursue any form of Christian education.
In addition, I researched how an MDiv can be a road to PhD programs where you can build your niche in less competitive spaces outside of traditional church settings. I also learned about dual-track MDiv programs that prepare you for pastoral roles in addition to other career paths.
An MDiv at a quality seminary, in my opinion, far exceeds the value of Googling free courses or even church mentoring. It’s a systemized track of learning guided by highly intelligent minds who are experienced in church development and pastoring that you simply can’t get in a book. And to be able to have these leaders at your fingertips is something that’s just priceless.
I certainly don’t think an MDiv is the path for everyone. However, in my opinion, if you’d pursue it if money weren’t an issue, then I would go that way.
And I don’t see an MDiv is starting over. Sure, I have about years of bible study and life experience, including church hurts and many other experiences under my belt. And so that experience now serves as the a complement to a MDiv.
What I find interesting is that many people expect professions such as medical doctors, lawyers and other fields to have higher degrees. And yet when it comes to souls, many Christians don’t see education on the same level. We’re talking about training to be effective at leading and impacting souls to make decisions that have everlasting implications. Take a moment to let that sink in.
When you think about an entire congregation of people and their friends and families looking to you as their spiritual leader, that’s something that holds greater weight and responsibility than not doing it because of money.
Lastly, I also researched flexible MDiv programs that are not expensive. It takes work to explore alternative paths to complete an MDiv. They’re out there. However the most important thing is deciding that you are led to pursue an MDiv. If so, then there indeed is a way.
I hope this helps and I believe we all have different paths to accomplishing our calling. We are bothers and sisters in Christ doing God’s work. I will be praying for you as you do the work as well. ❤
I appreciate your perspective on the PhD. It is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I've taken some classes at a Bible college and seminary and I'm planning on taking some more. I teach the Bible at a children's ministry and at some Bible studies, but I'm not interested in going into the pastoral ministry. I could study the Bible outside of the school environment, but I wanted to get some feedback. What do you think of the study of the philosophy of religion or philosophical theology? Some seminaries have coursework in that.
I was massively disappointed seminary required a degree when i first learned about it. as i felt the tug of calling as i approached 30 without ever having gone to college cause i was a wreck when i was fresh young adult.
Many seminaries will accept you into their programs without a degree, but it will affect your graduation degree.
This was a really good video thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
I am not sure how my future ministry will look like. I am currently pursuing a bachelor degree with Christian Leaders Institute. I can really recommend them, all of their courses can be done for free online.
I'm studying with them too. Got my Assoc. of Divinity degree and now working on Bachelor's.
What do you think about the New World Translation Bible of Jehovah's Witnesses? I see a lot of pepole saying it's dishonest translation, but I want to hear your opinion. Thank you🙏❤️
It is slavishly literal in many ways, but they also change the meaning of words or use obscure terms when it suits their purposes (e.g. "obeisance" instead of "worship"). So overall it is an inconsistent and slanted translation.
I’ve tried to enroll in seminary but I can’t find a good one near me and a they all say I need certain qualifications
What are your thoughts on a MA in Biblical languages such as from Liberty online and MA in Biblical and theological studies at Oklahoma baptist university?
What about MA in Bibical exegesis and Lingustics for Bible translator track?
I have a BA in Christian studies. What do you recommend?
I feel called to be both a Bible translator with Wycliffe and a fully tenured seminary professor (Biblical languages, Theology, Old Testament, Apologetics).
I suggest picking one outcome - perhaps the Wycliffe one - and working backwards from there. I don’t know those programs sorry.
I know I'm late to the party here, but do you mind if i ask what your opinion is on studying theology at a university like Oxford? It's a prestigious University, but now a secular one.
It depends on the University and what specifically you are studying. There are things that I would study at Oxford if I was interested in those things.
Can’t afford seminary
Very interesting that a PHD hinders opportunities to teach higher level education.
It won't hinder it, it is really still required to teach in higher ed, but the problem is that it is so competitive that it isn't enough. Thanks for watching!
Absolutely not!!!
It's not for everyone! Thanks for watching!
"Absolutely" is a pretty strong word. I pastor in a rural community with a lot of small churches. Some of these small churches are pastored by men (and/or women) who are woefully deficient in pastoral/theological training. The theological errors they are teaching are scary and treacherous. I attended a good credentialed Bible College a lot of years ago for 5 years earning two theological degrees. I have attended an online seminary in the days before the internet, and now I am taking some online courses through a good seminary. We expect, even demand that tradesmen go through proper training, and schoolteachers are properly trained. I had a hip replacement a few years ago, choosing the best surgeon by training and experience. Preaching the Word of God is so much more important than plumbers and surgeons. I think every pastor/counselor/teacher should be at least as well trained as any professional tradesman.