Continuing Christian Education (economical, Not Necessarily A Degree)
Q: I am wondering if anyone knows of some courses or a program of study at or beyond the Master's level in Christian studies (theology, church history, practical ministry training) that is thoughtfully designed and economical. It need not lead to a degree. Basically, I think about continuing my education every so often, but I am concerned about spending a lot of money on a degree program, especially when I don't think it would have much practical benefit for me (e.g. in the job market). I've already completed an M.
A: in Biblical
Studies (New College Berkeley, 93) and I've been ordained (Crossroads
Bible Church, San Jose, CA). I've been in full-time Christian ministry
for 15 years, and get enough job offers to convince me that I'm in my
current position because I want to be, not because I have to be.
But I've always valued outside input, and I realize that a course of
study provides a kind of accountability and feedback that is helpful to
me. I just don't want to have to spend huge sums of money pursuing it,
if possible.
Any suggestions -- maybe an unaccredited school that has good courses?
A:In addition to their credit courses, Moody Bible Institute has several
continuing education and lay courses, and their course materials
continue to be among the best. (Their Scofield Bible course is a
classic.) Liberty U. (Falwell's school) also used to have a
comprehensive home study course, although I don't know if they're still
marketing this. For "headier" stuff, there are always the Institute
for Theological Studies courses, used by many seminaries for graduate
credit - they may also be available directly from ITS
ITS offers a broad range of courses from a theologically diverse perspective
(within evangelicalism, of course), and many courses are designed by eminent
faculty members at the Cadillac seminaries. There are a few caveats,
however.
I am nearing the end of a four-year graduate degree at one of the larger
seminaries, and in order to facilitate my schedule and get me out of here in
four years I've had to take advantage of a few ITS courses. I have taken
seven such courses in the last four years, and while some of them have been
outstanding, others have been a disappointment. That disappointment had
nothing to do with the quality of instructors chosen or rigor of the course;
rather, it had to do with the dated material in the reading and lectures.
For example, at least two of the courses that I took were designed in the
early 70's,