Thoroughly furnished, Southern Baptist alternatives in the education of ministers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain what Southern Baptists are doing in alternative programs of ministerial education for ministers who will not attend a theological seminary. Fifty-three percent of all Southern Baptist ministers will not attend a seminary.This study consisted of two phases. The purpose of phase one was to identify the variety of programs of alternative theological education. Six types of alternative education for Southern Baptist ministers were identified based on two criteria--residential or nonresidential programs and educational entrance requirements. The purpose of phase two was to select for detailed study one program from each of the six types of alternative education available to Southern Baptist ministers.The purpose and philosophy of these programs of study were to provide alternative education for ministers who cannot pursue a college and seminary education. Training the adult for Christian ministry is a common goal.The curriculums of these programs of study were all centered around Biblical and theological courses with varying amounts of liberal arts. The campus-based institutions also offer such extra-curricular activities as chapel programs, denominational organizations, and religious emphasis conferences.Two of the three residential programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The transfer of credits earned in the non-degree programs of the extension centers must be approved on an individual basis by the institution receiving the transfer.The graduate program has the highest student tuition of any of the programs. Financial aid is available at all three institutions studied. Tuition required by the non-residential programs is minimal and should be affordable by any minister.The most impressive future plan concerns the use of a satellite transmission of lectures simultaneously to classrooms across the country.The most important conclusion reached in this study is that any Southern Baptist minister in any place in the United States, regardless of educational background, has available educational opportunities offered by the Southern Baptist Convention or by a Baptist state convention.