Online MDiv Decision

[cschwenig]

Brothers,

I am seeking any helpful insight about two different online MDiv programs: PRTS Church-Embedded MDiv and RTS Hybrid MDiv. I have heard excellent things about both, but am trying to discern which would be best based on my season of life. I will be working full time at my church (one day a week I’ll commit to seminary at the office, as well as after hours studying), am married and have 4 small children. I plan to take 2 classes per semester and one during their offered intensive weeks. Do you think that is doable given my circumstances? I’ve heard PRTS is especially academically rigorous, which is great, but am not sure if it would be a wise choice. I want to serve my family and church well while honoring the Lord in my studies.

 

[Polanus1561]

It’s worth to visit them physically to get a sense

 

[No Other Name]

Brothers,

I am seeking any helpful insight about two different online MDiv programs: PRTS Church-Embedded MDiv and RTS Hybrid MDiv. I have heard excellent things about both, but am trying to discern which would be best based on my season of life. I will be working full time at my church (one day a week I’ll commit to seminary at the office, as well as after hours studying), am married and have 4 small children. I plan to take 2 classes per semester and one during their offered intensive weeks. Do you think that is doable given my circumstances? I’ve heard PRTS is especially academically rigorous, which is great, but am not sure if it would be a wise choice. I want to serve my family and church well while honoring the Lord in my studies.

Personally, I would choose Church-embedded if I was to go back to school.

(Hey brother, just up the road! God bless you!)

 

[iainduguid]

It would be an intense schedule and need some self discipline, but it is doable. Get the syllabi and start on the materials as soon as possible: you can often add a couple of extra weeks to the class that way. Be thoughtful about what classes you take together: some are writing heavy, while others may be reading heavy; some are lighter classes. Be attentive to your learning experience and your family's experience of you learning. Presumably the goal is not simply to get an MDiv, or you could mail in for one; it is to learn. If you are already pastoring a church, it is probably best to think of it as ongoing continuing education, so the goal is not merely to complete the class with a "B" grade, but to learn useful things. If taking one class rather than two means learning more, that might be a better choice. And if you are in this for the long haul (6 years?), it has to work for your family. Ask your wife regularly how she is feeling about your workload. Involve your kids in your learning; as they get older, they can ask you practice questions that you have written as you prep for exams. Trying to explain the answer to them will help you find out if you really understand it and can communicate it in simple terms.

 

[cschwenig]

Personally, I would choose Church-embedded if I was to go back to school.

(Hey brother, just up the road! God bless you!)

Hey! Another BFC guy. Greetings from the Reading church. Do you mind explaining why you'd choose the church-embedded?
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It would be an intense schedule and need some self discipline, but it is doable. Get the syllabi and start on the materials as soon as possible: you can often add a couple of extra weeks to the class that way. Be thoughtful about what classes you take together: some are writing heavy, while others may be reading heavy; some are lighter classes. Be attentive to your learning experience and your family's experience of you learning. Presumably the goal is not simply to get an MDiv, or you could mail in for one; it is to learn. If you are already pastoring a church, it is probably best to think of it as ongoing continuing education, so the goal is not merely to complete the class with a "B" grade, but to learn useful things. If taking one class rather than two means learning more, that might be a better choice. And if you are in this for the long haul (6 years?), it has to work for your family. Ask your wife regularly how she is feeling about your workload. Involve your kids in your learning; as they get older, they can ask you practice questions that you have written as you prep for exams. Trying to explain the answer to them will help you find out if you really understand it and can communicate it in simple terms.

Dr. Duguid, thanks for your wise and thoughtful response!

 

[Ploutos]

Possibly stupid question - what is a church-embedded MDiv?

 

[cschwenig]

Possibly stupid question - what is a church-embedded MDiv?

From PRTS:
"The Church Embedded MDiv offers the same academic rigor and accreditation in a program suitable for students who are unable to relocate to meet the residency requirements of the traditional MDiv degree.

The “embedded” aspect of the program enables students to remain in their congregation or local ministry, where they will work under the direction and nurture of a personal mentor. The personal mentor is an experienced pastor or other ministry leader who also fulfills an important role in guiding the student’s spiritual formation and practical experience.

Academic coursework will be completed remotely, under the direction of an academic mentor at the seminary. The program harnesses technology through a specially designed web application to track and assess assignments done within the ministry setting and to maintain the vital communication link between the student and both mentors. Embedded students will also benefit from the Puritan Reformed campus experience by coming to Grand Rapids for one-week modular courses that will be offered starting in 2024."

 

[Ye_Olde_Heidelberger]

I'm at PRTS and know a few of the men in the embedded program. It may be worth contacting the administration at PRTS to see if you and your church would be a good fit. Otherwise, yes, I can attest that PRTS is academically rigorous, but they have styled the embedded program in such a way that your assignments align well with your church responsibilites (for example, instead of writing an essay, you have the option of writing a sermon, Bible study, or lecture that you can then use in your congregation).

 

[No Other Name]

Hey! Another BFC guy. Greetings from the Reading church. Do you mind explaining why you'd choose the church-embedded?

For much the same reasons given above me: practical alignment with the everyday duties we face.

 

[Blood-Bought Pilgrim]

I did the hybrid program at RTS Orlando and loved it! The hybrid weeks really do make a big difference in getting to connect with students and professors from the seminary. I also greatly appreciate the culture of RTS overall. However, I started when I had no children and by the time we had two it was much more of a challenge for me to be away for a whole week-- so you'd need to assess with your wife how doable that really is for you all with four.