what are the good baptist colleges? Needing info please!

[Koontzy]

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

[JustinWilliams]

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

Luther Rice - I don't know much about it.

Liberty University - Yes they do have a distance learning program. I just graduated from their this past May with a BS in Social Science. But I began as a religion major so if you have any particular questions I try to answer them.

Boyce College - On the campus of The Southern Baptist Seminary. It is a SBC school and is relatively small in comparison to some of your other choices.

Bob Jones - Mainly all I hear about this school is their strict codes on students lifestyle. While this has no reflection on their ability to prepare one for ministry or their academic standards it is something to consider.

I hope this helps somewhat :sorry:

[Koontzy]

The only BS Libertyu has that will help me for being a preacher is the BS of Religion? what was it like?

thanks

[RED that's ME]

I know of several people who have used Liberty University and happy with it.
Another one you might check out is.... Louisiana Baptist University (http://www.lbu.edu/)

[TwinCrier]

Ambassador Baptist College (http://www.ambassadors.edu/)
Maranatha Baptist Bible College (http://www.mbbc.edu/)
Northland Baptist Bible College (http://www.nbbc.edu/)
Pensacola Christian College (http://www.pcci.edu/)

I don't know a whole lot about these as I'm not a callege type, but they are listed on my church website so I trust they are good baptist colleges. You'll have to check out the websites to see if they do distance learning.

[JustinWilliams]

The only BS Libertyu has that will help me for being a preacher is the BS of Religion? what was it like?

thanks

I enjoyed my time at Liberty. Although there were some minor things that became redundant, such as the multiple convocations, I still am glad that I went there and gained a well rounded education with Christianity as it's foundation.

Now, personally, I think the BS in Religion:Biblical Studies would be helpful BUT I would also ask you to consider getting a degree in History.

Hear me out. Most of the undergraduate courses for Religion deal with specific New Testament and Old Testament books or backgrounds and languages. But if you are wanting to be a pastor then you should want to attend seminary where you can learn these same materials at a greater depth than at the undergraduate level.

Having a history degree allows you, as a pastor, to have a historical context by which to view the world and the Christian faith. Plus the BA in History would allow you to still get 12 hours in New Testament Greek.

Either way the choice is yours but I thought I'd provide you with some different views.

Here is a link to the status sheet for the BS in Religion which details what courses you would have to take to complete a four year degree:

http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/Religion_Biblical_Studies_BS.pdf

Here is a link to a summary of the BS in Religion degree at Liberty:

http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=62

If you want more specifics, let me know.

Blessings,

Justin

[Project 86]

From what I know Liberty is good. If you want a more conservative school I would then pick Bob Jones.

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

[mlqurgw]

Do you have to go to school to be a pastor?

[JustinWilliams]

Do you have to go to school to be a pastor?

Paul writes to the young Timothy:
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

If someone wants to be a scientist, then they pursue training that would prepare them to excel in their field. This is the same for doctors, lawyers, businessmen, etc.

If then men are called by God to proclaim His Word which is of utmost importance then why shouldn't a young man seek to prepare himself for the ministry?

While it is not necessary for one to have an MDiv or PhD in order to proclaim the Gospel, it shows the diligence and sincerity of the called man to seek to gain a knowledge of the Word and the Christian faith.

A degree will help the young man become acquainted with history, theology, and the languages. This will provide a solid foundation from which to be able to righly divide the Word of Truth so as to equip the saints to ministry.

Blessings,

Justin

[mlqurgw]

Paul writes to the young Timothy:


If someone wants to be a scientist, then they pursue training that would prepare them to excel in their field. This is the same for doctors, lawyers, businessmen, etc.

If then men are called by God to proclaim His Word which is of utmost importance then why shouldn't a young man seek to prepare himself for the ministry?

While it is not necessary for one to have an MDiv or PhD in order to proclaim the Gospel, it shows the diligence and sincerity of the called man to seek to gain a knowledge of the Word and the Christian faith.

A degree will help the young man become acquainted with history, theology, and the languages. This will provide a solid foundation from which to be able to righly divide the Word of Truth so as to equip the saints to ministry.

Blessings,

JustinI am not against going to school but find no Biblical basis for it. It has been my experience that many who go to school to become pastors do so because they don't want to get a real job. That is why pulpits are full of hirelings. By all means learn everything you can but when God calls a man to a work he prepares him for the work. I believe the best place for a man to learn about pastoring is to sit in the pew learning from a man who is a God called pastor. Going to school to learn to pastor is like going to school to learn a trade you do it so that you can earn a good living. Pastoring is an altogether different thing. If God has called a man to pastor He will put him in the pastorate in the place He has prepared for him and him for.

[mlqurgw]

Reading my post it came across harsher than it was intended to. Please read it as kindly meant though I did mean what I said.

[JustinWilliams]

Reading my post it came across harsher than it was intended to. Please read it as kindly meant though I did mean what I said.

I didn't even read it that way friend :)

Although I do believe that if God calls a man then he will provide the means. YET there are many right hearted men behind pulpits today who love the congregation they serve but ineffectively lead them because they do not know the Scriptures themselves. If one feels called then it should be their honor to prepare themselves as best as within their ability and means.

Seminary helps to prepare the mind of a pastor and only experience can learn to use that knowledge to help equip his flock. Yet a pastor can have years in the pastorate and still not understand basic biblical teachings. I have personally witnessed men who have served in the pastorate for 40 plus years who haven't a clue as to how to preach through a text. Sad, but true. So one can become like the Pharisees in the sense that they have a zeal without knowledge.

Remember the Lord's people were destroyed from a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). The passion is there but it can often be misguided.

Blessings,

Justin

[GordonSlocum]

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

I think you have some great selections. The two I like the most are LR and LU - BJ is a unique place. It has been years sense I visited the campus. My Brother In Law is a BJU Grad - now a VP of an Electronics Firm. I am a 1994 Grad from LU. I have a fond affection for LU. Signed up with LR about 15 or 20 years ago and never followed through. LU has a sister College in Tennessee if my memory serves me correctly. You many want to consider Bryan College too in Tennessee.

If you are not into a lot of extra activity a smaller college my be for you. The larger ones however do offer greater ministry opportunities but are not for everyone.

God Bless
It will be one of the Greatest times of you life. You will do great.

[novcncy]

Ambassador Baptist College (http://www.ambassadors.edu/)
Maranatha Baptist Bible College (http://www.mbbc.edu/)
Northland Baptist Bible College (http://www.nbbc.edu/)
Pensacola Christian College (http://www.pcci.edu/)

I don't know a whole lot about these as I'm not a callege type, but they are listed on my church website so I trust they are good baptist colleges. You'll have to check out the websites to see if they do distance learning.

If you add BJU to this list, you have a list of VERY conservative schools. Also West Coast Baptist College and Crown College in Tennesee. Note that neither PCC nor BJU are Baptist schools, but they both are baptistic in their philosophy and doctrine. If this is important to you, take note. They will all help you become equipped to more deeply study the word. I don't know how you feel about the KJV issue, but PCC takes a very strong stance in support of the KJV, so factor that too, if you're considering.

Ambassador, Crown, and I think West Coast as well, are very ministry focused. They are not a liberal arts colleges or universities, their sole purpose is to equip individuals for the ministry. This focus on ministry can either be highly desirable or a negative, depending on your mindset.

As for the rules and what not that the media likes to play up, if you have dealt with the Marine Corps, you will have no trouble with the rules. It boils down to submission, not neccessarily wholehearted agreement with the individual regulations.

As a prior Army guy, I would reccommend you prayerfully ask the Lord about attending a college which is ministry focused, and augments the local church(s) around it. You have learned about being mission focused in the Corps, and if you know God is calling you do this, why dilly dally around with the fluff that accompanies a Christian liberal arts university that happens to offer Bible degrees. These other schools are good, and God's will cannot lead you astray.

There are several smaller schools and Bible insititutes based in local churches which offer distance based education. I attend one in Virginia, Virginia Baptist College. They are rarely accredited, (which isn't important to me, but might be to you. I can use my GI Bill, which is nice) but they will prepare you for the ministry, and in my opinion, their greatest asset is that they leave students in place, serving in their local church.

I don't know about the other schools in the OP, hence my silence on them. I hope these thoughts are helpful to you as you consider God's will for your life.

[GordonSlocum]

The good of schooling is that most Christian Colleges and Universities have staff that not only have the Head knowledge but have the practical experience too. They are, in my opinion, both necessary. You learn to interact with different people and you are exposed to a wide range of issues, belies, and cultures.

School puts you in the setting where you have to learn and grapple with the hard subjects and learn to do your own research. You learnt to process and think and hopefully do as well.

The good about school it can make or break you with respect to discipline, drive, and commitment. A person going to college and then on to graduate work is learning hopefully to be a free thinkers (think for themselves - capable of doing their own research, work and coming to their own conclusions). They have been forced to study differences and have been made to react and probe and interact with all kinds of topics, situations, and even environments.

School is part of the process of becoming a well rounded person. It is not an end in itself but a process that can lead to great rewards.
Yes there are ship wrecks but they are exceptions not the rule. Don’t focus on the ship wrecks - set your site to full steam ahead at full throttle.

When you are young you have great mountains to climb and by setting out to climb them it may very well mean that you will always have mountains to climb - this is good. The world is exciting and you can make a difference so do it. Visit all the schools you mentioned and then more perhaps. Talk to the teachers and students then prayerfully make a decision. It will be the right decision. I hope it is LU because I am biased as you can understand. I will be 59 tomorrow and I hope, if Lord Willing and the Creek don’t rise” a Southern thing, to move to the Holy Land (Liberty U) and attend church at TRBC and Go back to school. I may even take something here and there also.

Gordon

[aReformedPatriot]

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

I go to Boyce College and am currently in the Biblical and Theological track. Basically, if you come here, your going to get a fine theological education. They will exhort you in roghteousness. But only come here if you can afford the tuition. Imagine paying down 50k in student loans on a pastor's salary and also become content with the fact that international missions for you are out because of that if you choose to do loans.

Having been here I am ready to leave to be quite honest. Mainly because of money and the fact that I think an undergrad in Bible is silly especially since, at least here, you're going to Seminary would be redundant (if that's your plan). You will learn the same, read the same, have some of the same profs, just as seminary does (its a good thing the Bible is consistent as is good theology). As such, I am finding it beneficial to get a secular degree first (tentmaking like Paul) and then head to Seminary for an eventual M.Div and PhD. This is especially helpful because Seminary, for SBC students, is substaintially cheaper than what it is for an undergrad.

If you come here, I reccomend you get a part-time job at UPS as they give you 1500 a semester and it's really the only financial aid and scholarship you will find for undergrads here.

But the profs are top-notch, in my opinion. The administrative aspect of the school resembles a chicken with it's head cut off though.

I see, however, that you want distance learning. That aspect of the school I have not tried. Definitely wont be as cool as actually sitting in on a DeKlavon class when he explains Peep Theology or in Joslin's class as he expounds on the doctrines of grace.

They also stress here that one does not need to goto school to be a pastor or missionary. All they do is focus the studies for you.

-Later

[TwinCrier]

If you add BJU to this list, you have a list of VERY conservative schools. My church has a link to BJU as well, but since it was previously mentioned I left it off. :D

[Katieboo]

Another thing about BJU is that it's not an accredited school. Some info about accredited/non-accredited schools can be found here. (http://www.degree.net/guides/accreditation_faqs.html)
I know quite a few people at Boyce/the seminary, and they all seem to love it. Louisville is a great city and I love living here. I can't tell you much about Boyce, but I can tell you that Louisville is a great place to live.

[jjoel]

Another thing about BJU is that it's not an accredited school. Some info about accredited/non-accredited schools can be found here. (http://www.degree.net/guides/accreditation_faqs.html)
I know quite a few people at Boyce/the seminary, and they all seem to love it. Louisville is a great city and I love living here. I can't tell you much about Boyce, but I can tell you that Louisville is a great place to live.
http://greenvilleonline.com/news/2005/04/26/2005042663370.htm

bob jones IS accredited.

I'd reccomend bob jones but also im a current student so im pretty biased.

I think if you feel the Lord leading you towards a more conservative college that you should come down to Greenville, SC for a visit (perhaps during our Bible conference so you can hear some AWESOME preaching too!)

I'm not a ministerial student but I know that some of the majors in the school of religion include Bible, Pastoral Studies, Youth Ministries, Evangelistic Training, and many more.

I hope you do consider visiting, I think you will find God's presence on this campus doing great works.

[JacobHall86]

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University


Stay away from Liberty and Luther Rice, both are regionally accredited, not SACS, so the degrees arent really worth much in the academic realm. Never heard of Boyce, and Bob Jones is for ultra crazy Indy Baptists.

I recommend NOBTS. Its where I go, and Luther Rice is in Conyers GA, so Im assuming the ATL campus of NOBTS is an option, send em a PM or IM and ill answer any questions you have.

[novcncy]

Bob Jones is for ultra crazy Indy Baptists.

....and things were going so well.....

Let's be nice. Have you ever noticed that those more conservative than ourselves are crazy fundmentalists, and those more to the left are "liberals?" I guess that's one of those relativistic, universal truths...quite the oxymoron, huh? It's all relative to MY position....interesting.

Anyway, to the OP, I'm pretty sure that if he even listed BJU in the first place, he's not totally unaware of its stance.

[JustinWilliams]

Stay away from Liberty and Luther Rice, both are regionally accredited, not SACS, so the degrees arent really worth much in the academic realm.


I must correct your error.

Liberty University IS accredited by both SACS and TRACS.

https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=61

So my degree is worth something ;)

[JacobHall86]

I apologize, I was told thjey were not by one of the people in their office. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is still the way to go.

[JustinWilliams]

I apologize, I was told thjey were not by one of the people in their office. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is still the way to go.

Does NOBTS have a separate name for their undergraduate school?

[JacobHall86]

Leavell College. Its technically where I am going, but the degree says NOBTS, not Leavell. and my Checks are made out to NOBTS, and everything says NOBTS, not Leavell.

[Katieboo]

Thank you, jjoel, for correcting my error. :)

[jjoel]

Leavell College. Its technically where I am going, but the degree says NOBTS, not Leavell. and my Checks are made out to NOBTS, and everything says NOBTS, not Leavell.
Ever visited BJU? I guess im a crazy inde-baptist HAHAHA.

[jjoel]

Thank you, jjoel, for correcting my error. :)
no problem, it's been fairly recent (the end of the school year 2 years ago). so the word is still getting out and about.

[RED that's ME]

no problem, it's been fairly recent (the end of the school year 2 years ago). so the word is still getting out and about.

Glad to see you're back posting at CF jjoel. :)

Does BJU have a *distant learning* for College?

[InHisSpirit]

North Greenville University--small college in the mountains of south carolina. Small learning environment, GREAT president, and supported by the SCSBC. I attened Charleston Southern (also baptists), but as far as spiritualness, North Greenvile surpasses it by far!

[DiscipleOfIAm]

I am going to be starting college here shortly... I am going to be a Pastor, god willing, and I know he's calling me for it... I am trying to find out which college to go to.. It will be distance learning since I also have a full time job at a sawmill and I run a mission station with my wife.... I am currently looking at

Luther Rice
Liberty University (do they have distance learning?)
Boyce College(SBC i think?)
and Bob Jones University

what other one would you recommend and what do ya think of Luther Rice and the others I am looking at?

thanks

Well, I've been there myself. Working full-time, have family responsibilities, but still need a good school. Distance Education is great!!

Try Baptist College of America. Here's the link: http://www.bca.edu/

It's a good, solid, sound school with very reasonable costs. Let me know if you have any questions!

God Bless!

[daveleau]

I am currently enrolled in Liberty Theological Seminary's Distance Learning program. I am seeking my Masters of Divinity. If you have any questions about it, PM me your phone number and a time to call, and I'll let you know anything I can to help out. I am currently 18 hours into the program.

Liberty is a conservative Evangelical Baptist college that has a host of superb professors and is fully accredited.
SACS is a regional accreditation. Tracs is not. TRACS is a national, recognized accrediting body. https://www.liberty.edu/administration/index.cfm?PID=284
http://www.back2college.com/library/accreditfaq.htm
http://www.tracs.org/

I am also very familiar with Bob Jones University because I am from Greenville, SC. I would have to say I have a less-than favorable impression. I will reserve further statements (aside from the below items) for private communication.

Bob Jones is Independent Baptist (nothing wrong with that), but they are what I would consider to be overly legalistic with disputable theologies. My high school friends that attended there said they did not teach a lot of differing ideas to produce well developed students. Liberty teaches what others believe, but tell you why Baptists believe as we do in light of these differences.

Regent is an outstanding school that has a distance learning program available for graduate study, but not undergrad.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a great school. They have rebuilt the school and are working on getting the housing back in order after Katrina. Their president came to our church and spoke. A very dedicated Christian man that has been able to do great things in New Orleans to help with Katrina victims.

Advice on Distance Learning programs: http://www.back2college.com/distanceed.htm

[mont974x4]

I am not against going to school but find no Biblical basis for it. It has been my experience that many who go to school to become pastors do so because they don't want to get a real job. That is why pulpits are full of hirelings. By all means learn everything you can but when God calls a man to a work he prepares him for the work. I believe the best place for a man to learn about pastoring is to sit in the pew learning from a man who is a God called pastor. Going to school to learn to pastor is like going to school to learn a trade you do it so that you can earn a good living. Pastoring is an altogether different thing. If God has called a man to pastor He will put him in the pastorate in the place He has prepared for him and him for.


I agree with this. How many full time paid psoitions of ministry do we see in the Bible? I think the man, and his flock that God gives him, would be better served by a real working pastor. Too often we have pastors trying to counsel people on issues they have never truly faced.

In the last few hundred years there seems to be a tendency of churches to look to school trained leaders. However, in more recent years it seems to be heading in the other direction....the biblical practice of seeing God raise leaders from the local fellowship.

Is school bad? Of course not. I myself have been taking some seminary courses and I am in the process of getting back into a more traditional university.

A good education balanced with practical experience would make for a well rounded leader.

[Koontzy]

The biggest thing I have with getting into Liberty University is that I heard Jerry Falwell and Rev. Sun Yung Moon are friends... is this so? I heard he accepted money from him? true????

thanks
-Ryan

[novcncy]

Bob Jones is Independent Baptist

Not so. It is Christian Liberal Arts institution. In fact, Bob Jones was Methodist, and at one point (I don't know if they still do) they even offered a reformed theology track for their Bible students.

[JPPT1974]

Well I used to go to Johnson Bible College
Here locally in Knoxville TN
Expensive but it was well worth it
As they treated you like family and not
A number!

[jjoel]

bob jones university is non-denominational. most students here are come from "fundamental" churches. denominations include: bible, christian, presbyterian, and a couple of others i can't really think of.

as far as disputable theologies i'd sure be interested what you're referring to.

i'd say visit whatever campuses you're interested in and see how the Lord leads.

[DeaconDean]

I have a cousin who considered going to Bob Jones. After looking into this college, what was found out was that it is a co-ed college. The ladies and the men are housed in different dorms. They are not allowed to mix except during school functions. And it is fact that Bob Jones university is a racist college. My cousin found out one student was dismissed for dating a person of a differnt race. I'm not going to say which race because that is not the issue, but it is fact that although it is a good school, it has some terrible issues also. I plan to enrole in Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary's extension campus in Charlotte N.C. in 2007. And I did hear nothing but good things about Liberty University and Southern Baptist Seminary.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[JacobHall86]

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, that Hurricane has nothing on us, nor does any other school. NOBTS FTW!

[novcncy]

I have a cousin who considered going to Bob Jones. After looking into this college, what was found out was that it is a co-ed college. The ladies and the men are housed in different dorms. They are not allowed to mix except during school functions. And it is fact that Bob Jones university is a racist college. My cousin found out one student was dismissed for dating a person of a differnt race. I'm not going to say which race because that is not the issue, but it is fact that although it is a good school, it has some terrible issues also.

I am SOOOO sick of this racism card, as it continues to be used, in my opinion, as a poster issue to attack BJU, while avoiding the more substantive issues the school represents. Ohhh, big shock!!! A school that doesn't want its students shacking up actually houses them in different facilities!!! Oh NO!!!! That's quite a destructive argument against BJU, I must say.

BJU is in South Carolina. Is this one school the only institution in the whole south to have struggled with racism, particularly throughout the Civil Rights era??? The point is, they have moved on, and so should their critics. I have heard a lot of criticisms of the Citadel, or maybe an even better example is Clemson, but institutional racism isn't one of them. Anyone care to look into the history of the Clemson, particularly as it pertains to racism? It is a sad fact of American history and culture that practically every institution which has been around for over fifty years has had marked struggles with racial issues.

If you have legitimate issues w/BJU, bring 'em up. But this whole "they're racist" card is blatantly false. It MAY have been true in the past (I'll allow for it, but my personal opinion is that it has never been true, but instead implementation of poorly founded policy was eagerly distorted by the school's opponents to be racism), but it simply is not the case today. I'm not a BJU alum or student, but I am tired of hearing this bald faced lie parrotted by people "who know somebody...", or better yet, when postings such as Dean's and other forms of misinformation are used as a basis for the propogation of such unwarranted mischaracterizations.

At one point the Army was racist. In many ways it still is. But change occurs one day at a time, and to insist that the Army is still defined by the racial policies which governed it, say during the Civil War, is infantile, to say the least. BJU has its share of problems, but racism, while perhaps applicable in the past, is not one of the present issues which affect that institution.

[PastorJim]

Paul writes to the young Timothy:


If someone wants to be a scientist, then they pursue training that would prepare them to excel in their field. This is the same for doctors, lawyers, businessmen, etc.

If then men are called by God to proclaim His Word which is of utmost importance then why shouldn't a young man seek to prepare himself for the ministry?

While it is not necessary for one to have an MDiv or PhD in order to proclaim the Gospel, it shows the diligence and sincerity of the called man to seek to gain a knowledge of the Word and the Christian faith.

A degree will help the young man become acquainted with history, theology, and the languages. This will provide a solid foundation from which to be able to righly divide the Word of Truth so as to equip the saints to ministry.

Blessings,

Justin

You're right. I was called to be a pastor before I had any formal education and I'm serving my church now, while I'm going to school.

I'm taking a couple of classes at Maryland Baptist Bible College, as well as some distance classes from SEBTS and coupling that with an informal mentoring program.

I don't have to go to school, but if I'm going to serve God and serve my church in this office, then I have a responsibility to both God and my church to take advantage of all of the education and training I can get in order to serve them better.