Bringing Academia to the Local Church: the Compass Cohort
Nov 8, 2024
The church needs well-equipped pastors and ministry leaders with deep wells of biblical wisdom. Through seminary education, many men and women deepen their biblical wisdom by devoting themselves to full-time theological education before diving headfirst into vocational ministry. However, not every seminary student’s life circumstances, finances, or responsibilities allow for full-time graduate studies.
There was a time when these barriers to pursuing theological education were seemingly impossible to overcome. However, many seminaries like Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) now offer part-time, highly customizable programs, making theological education significantly more accessible. While pursuing a part-time seminary program has both advantages and disadvantages, these programs fit many students’ circumstances.
Part-time seminary programs allow students to better balance various commitments while completing coursework. Whether you’re working a full-time job, caring for family, or dealing with other personal responsibilities, part-time studies offer the flexibility necessary for balancing life’s demands.
Students can progress through their theological studies at their own pace, ensuring that they can fulfill their academic goals and honor their other commitments to the glory of God.
Many online courses utilize pre-recorded lectures, which allow for an almost entirely personalized coursework schedule. Instead of building your work schedule and personal life around class, these courses allow you to watch lectures at their convenience throughout the week.
Unfortunately, opting to pursue a part-time seminary program means that the degree will take longer to complete. Unlike full-time programs that offer more condensed degree completion plans, part-time studies spread the same quantity of coursework across a longer period.
However, many find that the extended duration of a part-time seminary program allows for a more manageable workload. Some students have even found that course content is easier to digest and internalize when focusing on one or two courses at a time. This allows students to dive deeper into course materials and engage in more meaningful discussions.
Flexibility is a hallmark of part-time education. Whether you prefer evening classes, weekend intensives, or customizable online courses, you will have the flexibility to tailor your seminary education to fit your unique needs.
This flexibility extends beyond the classroom, with many institutions like TEDS providing resources such as online libraries, virtual office hours, and collaborative online platforms to facilitate remote learning. By empowering students to design their academic journey, part-time seminary programs ensure that education remains accessible and adaptable to the needs of the modern seminarian.
Here is everything you need to know to get started on your application. First create an account to start and complete your free application online. Once you have applied, you will be assigned to a personal enrollment counselor. They will assist you in requesting transcripts, explaining your financial aid package and with any other questions you may have throughout the admissions process.
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