Suggestions on Reformed Colleges?

[Zach1689]

Hey ya'll,

I am looking for a Reformed College where I can get an undergraduate degree in Theology/Theological Studies,
Is there any I can complete online in a asynchronous format preferably? A synchronous format is fine too.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, God bless,

Zach.

 

[Polanus1561]

Study Theology at RBC :: Reformation Bible College

Learn theology for life at Reformation Bible College

reformationbiblecollege.org

 

[ReformedCuban]

Before I would begin making any suggestions, I would like to know what you intend on doing with your undergraduate degree just so that I can get a better idea of which college(s) would be your best fit.

 

[Edward]

My recommendation would be to forget the Reformed college, and get a cost - effective useful degree.

 

[Zach1689]

Before I would begin making any suggestions, I would like to know what you intend on doing with your undergraduate degree just so that I can get a better idea of which college(s) would be your best fit.

I'd like to get an undergraduate degree in Theological Studies, and then pursue further education at a seminary like IRBS or even WTS.
All this because God has called me to pursue ministry.. What role in ministry? I do not know.
Before I pursue my calling I want to be well equipped and sound in doctrine, and of course, in The Word.

 

[Zach1689]

My recommendation would be to forget the Reformed college, and get a cost - effective useful degree.

I have thought of getting a degree in the STEM field, and then pursuing further education in Reformed Theology after.
My concern is I want to be obedient in my calling to ministry. What are your thoughts?

 

[Zach1689]

Study Theology at RBC :: Reformation Bible College

Learn theology for life at Reformation Bible College

reformationbiblecollege.org

I have looked heavily into this, and love that R.C. Sproul founded this College. I haven't found that they offer anything in an online format though.
Thank you for your response.

 

[Deleted member 9611]

I have thought of getting a degree in the STEM field, and then pursuing further education in Reformed Theology after.
My concern is I want to be obedient in my calling to ministry. What are your thoughts?

It’s obedient to God to provide for yourself and your family; you never know where the Lord will take you and it’s good to have a reliable means to provide in case something happens. Get a degree that can land you a job and study theology on the side.

 

[iainduguid]

I sensed a call to ministry as a teenager and a wise pastor told me, "If it's a real call it won't go away; in the mentime, if you are going to be a pastor you need to know something about what it's like to work a regular job". So I did undergrad in Electirical Engineering and worked in the oil industry for a couple of years, and then spent two years in Africa as a missionary using my engineering training before going to seminary. The first semester of seminary was a steep learning curve for someone who had no undergrad intro to philiosophy etc, but I soon caught up. I can't say everyone should follow this pattern, but I was grateful for the life experience it provided for me.

 

[arapahoepark]

Sound advice here!
I was in the same boat 13 years ago. I loved (still do) theology and the Bible and wanted to be a pastor. I dearly wanted to go to the nearby Christian university specifically for theology and wanted to go seminary afterward. I got in touch with a professor at RTS who counseled me not to study theology as an undergrad. He said a liberal arts degree would be suitable to think in that vein later on. I also got an minor in something a bit more job pragmatic. Though my job has changed it was very useful and marketable.
Additionally, I am so glad I heeded the numerous warnings about jumping straight into a private four year school. Several former high school classmates of mine jumped back into community college due to the cost and after having bragged about their admissions senior year. I ended up not going to a private school at all and am so grateful that I barely have any debt and am now actually going to be using my liberal arts degree this year!
So like most have said get a useful, cheap and accredited degree, one you like of course, and start working your way up then jump into seminary if the call is still there.

 

[Polanus1561]

Wait.. are you not SBC? The Boyce/SBTS combo seems hard to pass up.

 

[Edward]

The Boyce/SBTS combo seems hard to pass up

HCC - UofH - RTS Houston might be a better path.

 

[Zach1689]

Wait.. are you not SBC? The Boyce/SBTS combo seems hard to pass up.

The church I attend is affiliated with the SBC, but I myself am thoroughly reformed in my beliefs, and fully subscribe to the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Thank you for the response.

 

[Zach1689]

HCC - UofH - RTS Houston might be a better path.

This is very sound advice, especially for where I live.
Thank you for your response.

 

[Jonathco]

Hi Zach, the first thing I would consider is speaking with the elders of your local church. As you've sensed a call to ministry, it is important that your shepherds to know this, to be able to affirm it and also take you under their wing and help see you equipped for ministry. Have you spoken in-depth with your church elders?

Like others on here have advised, I would counsel you not to be quick to pursue undergraduate theological study. I've been grateful for my secular undergraduate degree (affordable state school, broad business application), as it's enabled me to work from home and provide financially well for my family, while serving as one of the pastors at our church, so as not to burden our small congregation financially.

Pursue a degree that can feed your family in this job market, then read great theological books, and meanwhile, speak with your elders, as there may be opportunity for you to begin to stretch as a Bible teacher within your church right now (e.g. Sunday School, co-teaching, etc.). I taught Wednesday night bible study for nearly a year before the Lord led our congregation to recognize and affirm me as a elder/pastor among them.

I will be praying for you, Zach.

 

[ZackF]

Hi Zach, the first thing I would consider is speaking with the elders of your local church. As you've sensed a call to ministry, it is important that your shepherds to know this, to be able to affirm it and also take you under their wing and help see you equipped for ministry. Have you spoken in-depth with your church elders?

Like others on here have advised, I would counsel you not to be quick to pursue undergraduate theological study. I've been grateful for my secular undergraduate degree (affordable state school, broad business application), as it's enabled me to work from home and provide financially well for my family, while serving as one of the pastors at our church, so as not to burden our small congregation financially.

Pursue a degree that can feed your family in this job market, then read great theological books, and meanwhile, speak with your elders, as there may be opportunity for you to begin to stretch as a Bible teacher within your church right now (e.g. Sunday School, co-teaching, etc.). I taught Wednesday night bible study for nearly a year before the Lord led our congregation to recognize and affirm me as a elder/pastor among them.

I will be praying for you, Zach.

I second Zach about elders seconding your call. Externals calls are an important consideration.

 

[Deleted member 13126]

The church I attend is affiliated with the SBC, but I myself am thoroughly reformed in my beliefs, and fully subscribe to the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Thank you for the response.

What's your take on the doctrine of separation? If you're not sure, it's worthy of your prayer and study. I think that's going to significantly shape what seminary options you have on the table. I know that's been true for me.

 

[Zach1689]

Hi Zach, the first thing I would consider is speaking with the elders of your local church. As you've sensed a call to ministry, it is important that your shepherds to know this, to be able to affirm it and also take you under their wing and help see you equipped for ministry. Have you spoken in-depth with your church elders?

Like others on here have advised, I would counsel you not to be quick to pursue undergraduate theological study. I've been grateful for my secular undergraduate degree (affordable state school, broad business application), as it's enabled me to work from home and provide financially well for my family, while serving as one of the pastors at our church, so as not to burden our small congregation financially.

Pursue a degree that can feed your family in this job market, then read great theological books, and meanwhile, speak with your elders, as there may be opportunity for you to begin to stretch as a Bible teacher within your church right now (e.g. Sunday School, co-teaching, etc.). I taught Wednesday night bible study for nearly a year before the Lord led our congregation to recognize and affirm me as a elder/pastor among them.

I will be praying for you, Zach.

Hey Jon,
Man, I really appreciate the sound advice.
My local church just changed its by-laws recently to where we are now elder-led, as scripture supports, with The Word being our ultimate authority.
I have talked to my pastor and the youth-pastor, but now I will talk with my elders to seek their guidance.
Thank you for the wonderful, and great response, God Bless,
Zach.

 

[Zach1689]

What's your take on the doctrine of separation? If you're not sure, it's worthy of your prayer and study. I think that's going to significantly shape what seminary options you have on the table. I know that's been true for me.

Thank you for giving me a new study to research!

 

[Zach1689]

What's your take on the doctrine of separation? If you're not sure, it's worthy of your prayer and study. I think that's going to significantly shape what seminary options you have on the table. I know that's been true for me.

Could you point me to any reading material, and scripture proofs? For those that agree, and disagree with this doctrine.

 

[RamistThomist]

What role in ministry? I do not know.

For that reason get a marketable degree.

 

[KMK]

All ministry requires communication skills. A degree in English might be the most helpful Bachelors degree. Definitely don't get a degree in Music Performance, Trombone.

 

[greenbaggins]

And then there is T. David Gordon's advice in Why Johnny Can't Preach (a truly great book, even though the title might make some nervous: it is one of my favorite preaching books) and get a degree in English. Learn how to analyze a text. Of course, this means being discerning about the college, and not going after woke/politically correct departments of English which are allergic to Shakespeare. Ken's advice is sound, though I would say my piano performance degree has been enormously helpful in the ministry (knowing something about music just streamlines so many things!).

 

[Chas Brewer]

I recently went through the college process (I’m starting this fall) my decision came down to Covenant College and North Greenville University. Covenant is the college ran by the PCA it’s on the more moderate side of the PCA but after meeting with some of there biblical studies faculty I’d say there academics are very good. North Greenville is an SBC college it’s on the more conservative and Calvinist side of the SBC (it’s not fully reformed and the student body isn’t largely Calvinist but it’s more reformed then most SBC colleges) I ended up choosing North Greenville because it was the more cost effective option (they were able to offer the same academic scholarship as Covenant but they also offered athletic scholarships to me for track and cross country Covenant couldn’t because it’s d3) I also chose North Greenville because it’s where I felt lead to go and that’s the most important part of this once you have a couple solid options it’s just all about where God actually calls you. I honestly thought Covenant was the better option but it’s not where I need to be.

 

[J.L. Allen]

As several brothers have said, it is certainly good to get a practical degree that teaches you skills that will come into play in seminary, should the Lord lead you there.

The only thing I'd add is that you should pick a seminary's pre-seminary reading list (look at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, for example), and read all of the books listed or at least some from each section. The former being better than the latter. Get a good job after college and work for the next few years, and read the list or some variation of it. Serve faithfully at a church where and how you can, and be upfront that you are discerning the call to ministry and to go to seminary. Also, while you're reading the pre-seminary list, learn Greek and familiarize yourself with Hebrew. I can't stress that enough.

These things will well prepare you, and seminary will be greatly simplified. Also, it isn't a bad thing to use this time to get life experience under your belt, too.

 

[Deleted member 13126]

Could you point me to any reading material, and scripture proofs? For those that agree, and disagree with this doctrine.

Here are a few articles, booklets and books for your consideration.

Articles:

https://metropolitantabernacle.org/sermons-online/separation-for-Christ/

Secondary Separation | Dr Peter Masters

When to Stand Apart from Biblical Error. Here is a Gospel-preserving and church-protecting duty designed for our blessing.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Abandoning Separation from Biblical Error | R E Palgrave

In 2004 the BEC changed its name to Affinity and appointed a director, who terminated the policy of biblical separation.

metropolitantabernacle.org

The Doctrine of Biblical Separation | Dr Peter Masters

A brief article published in the Sword & Trowel early in 1971, soon after the Metropolitan Tabernacle had seceded once again from the BU.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Paul's Blueprint For A Separated Church | Dr Peter Masters

Satan's strategy is infiltration and compromise. So why do we not separate from error? Here is Paul's blueprint for a separated church.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Principles of Biblical separation | Metropolitan Tabernacle

The School of Theology is a Metropolitan Tabernacle annual conference - Special day of doctrinal studies.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Principles of Biblical separation (2) | Metropolitan Tabernacle

The School of Theology is a Metropolitan Tabernacle annual conference - Special day of doctrinal studies.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Booklets:

When To Stand Apart by Dr. Peter Masters
Stand for the Truth by Dr. Peter Masters

Books:

Be Ye Holy: The Call to Christian Separation by Dr. Fred Moritz, edited by Dr. Mark Sidwell
Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church by Dr. Ernest Pickering


There are other books on the topic which seem to have been published by some folks in the past 20 years, but as I haven't read them, I'm not comfortable commending them to you, personally. Along these lines, as I'm not a proponent of the opposing big tent view espoused by liberals, I'm not sure I'd do the other side much justice with my recommendations. Perhaps someone else can suggest resources for a dissenting opinion.

 

[Zach1689]

Here are a few articles, booklets and books for your consideration.

Articles:

https://metropolitantabernacle.org/sermons-online/separation-for-Christ/

Secondary Separation | Dr Peter Masters

When to Stand Apart from Biblical Error. Here is a Gospel-preserving and church-protecting duty designed for our blessing.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Abandoning Separation from Biblical Error | R E Palgrave

In 2004 the BEC changed its name to Affinity and appointed a director, who terminated the policy of biblical separation.

metropolitantabernacle.org

The Doctrine of Biblical Separation | Dr Peter Masters

A brief article published in the Sword & Trowel early in 1971, soon after the Metropolitan Tabernacle had seceded once again from the BU.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Paul's Blueprint For A Separated Church | Dr Peter Masters

Satan's strategy is infiltration and compromise. So why do we not separate from error? Here is Paul's blueprint for a separated church.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Principles of Biblical separation | Metropolitan Tabernacle

The School of Theology is a Metropolitan Tabernacle annual conference - Special day of doctrinal studies.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Principles of Biblical separation (2) | Metropolitan Tabernacle

The School of Theology is a Metropolitan Tabernacle annual conference - Special day of doctrinal studies.

metropolitantabernacle.org

Booklets:

When To Stand Apart by Dr. Peter Masters
Stand for the Truth by Dr. Peter Masters

Books:

Be Ye Holy: The Call to Christian Separation by Dr. Fred Moritz, edited by Dr. Mark Sidwell
Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church by Dr. Ernest Pickering


There are other books on the topic which seem to have been published by some folks in the past 20 years, but as I haven't read them, I'm not comfortable commending them to you, personally. Along these lines, as I'm not a proponent of the opposing big tent view espoused by liberals, I'm not sure I'd do the other side much justice with my recommendations. Perhaps someone else can suggest resources for a dissenting opinion.

This is greatly appreciated,
Thank you for your response, and the material along with it.

 

[ZackF]

As several brothers have said, it is certainly good to get a practical degree that teaches you skills that will come into play in seminary, should the Lord lead you there.

The only thing I'd add is that you should pick a seminary's pre-seminary reading list (look at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, for example), and read all of the books listed or at least some from each section. The former being better than the latter. Get a good job after college and work for the next few years, and read the list or some variation of it. Serve faithfully at a church where and how you can, and be upfront that you are discerning the call to ministry and to go to seminary. Also, while you're reading the pre-seminary list, learn Greek and familiarize yourself with Hebrew. I can't stress that enough.

These things will well prepare you, and seminary will be greatly simplified. Also, it isn't a bad thing to use this time to get life experience under your belt, too.

Not that I am short on things to read but thanks for the list.