Brothers and sisters,
By the grace of God, I have been called to ministry. As a member of the PCA, I will be "coming under care" of my local presbytery soon - Central Carolina Presbytery. My plan was to attend Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in my hometown of Charlotte, NC. Although, I'm not sure if this will be wise or not considering the astronomical cost of attending RTS and other accredited seminaries.
I have to admit, during the past few years on this journey to ordination, I've become jaded. Why is it so hard for a man that has a genuine calling from God to receive proper biblical training in order to serve the body of Christ? Seriously, the M. Div. at RTS will cost well over $50,000! My church and session may or may not help finance this. There is some good news: apparently, RTS has agreements with many PCA churches that they agree to cover 33% and the local church cover 33%, and finally the candidate covers the remaining %33. Even so, the remainder is still very high for a one-income family with four children.
My wife and I are expecting our fourth child next week. I don't believe it is right that I should pile financial burden upon burden on my family and I. I don't recall one of the qualifications for Elders to be "burden you and your family with massive debt."
Our local churches spend money on stupid programs, picnics, and other useless activities any heathen YMCA could provide. What suffers? The training of men for the ministry! As you may have guessed, I believe the priorities are a little out of whack. It vexes me to know many qualified men have abandoned this process because of Christian educational institutions financial demands are too high.
Forgive the rant. Anyway, I was thinking of non-accredited seminaries. There are a few out other that have good reputations. I was thinking of taking this training which is a fraction of the cost of RTS and others. Then taking the Presbyteries "ordination / theological" test. If I were to pass it, they would ordain me.
Any advice? Suggestions? Thoughts or comments?
I greatly appreciate good, Christian counsel. This has been troubling me and I better stop now before the post becomes an essay.
To God be the glory,
Chris Mangum
[Edited on 1-11-2006 by mangum]
By the grace of God, I have been called to ministry. As a member of the PCA, I will be "coming under care" of my local presbytery soon - Central Carolina Presbytery. My plan was to attend Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in my hometown of Charlotte, NC. Although, I'm not sure if this will be wise or not considering the astronomical cost of attending RTS and other accredited seminaries.
I have to admit, during the past few years on this journey to ordination, I've become jaded. Why is it so hard for a man that has a genuine calling from God to receive proper biblical training in order to serve the body of Christ? Seriously, the M. Div. at RTS will cost well over $50,000! My church and session may or may not help finance this. There is some good news: apparently, RTS has agreements with many PCA churches that they agree to cover 33% and the local church cover 33%, and finally the candidate covers the remaining %33. Even so, the remainder is still very high for a one-income family with four children.
My wife and I are expecting our fourth child next week. I don't believe it is right that I should pile financial burden upon burden on my family and I. I don't recall one of the qualifications for Elders to be "burden you and your family with massive debt."
Our local churches spend money on stupid programs, picnics, and other useless activities any heathen YMCA could provide. What suffers? The training of men for the ministry! As you may have guessed, I believe the priorities are a little out of whack. It vexes me to know many qualified men have abandoned this process because of Christian educational institutions financial demands are too high.
Forgive the rant. Anyway, I was thinking of non-accredited seminaries. There are a few out other that have good reputations. I was thinking of taking this training which is a fraction of the cost of RTS and others. Then taking the Presbyteries "ordination / theological" test. If I were to pass it, they would ordain me.
Any advice? Suggestions? Thoughts or comments?
I greatly appreciate good, Christian counsel. This has been troubling me and I better stop now before the post becomes an essay.
To God be the glory,
Chris Mangum
[Edited on 1-11-2006 by mangum]