Luther Rice Bible College and Seminary

That's really good news. I think LRS is a good school. I seriously considered applying to their DMin program last year. Dr. Bruce Kreutzer at LRS told me they were looking into other forms of accreditation. They run a tight ship. I think SACS will go through no problem.

 

The doctoral work at Luther Rice is equivalent to the M.Div. at SWBTS.

 

I'm not sure how you can compare the MDiv at SWBTS to the DMin at LRS. It's like comparing apples and oranges. They are completely different programs of study. My guess is that the most challenging aspects of the MDiv at SWBTS are the Biblical languages and exegetical work. At LRS the most rigorous aspect of their DMin is the major ministry project.

 

Sounds good.

 

Dr. Stanley earned his ThD from LRS long before the school was TRACS accredited. In conversation with the LRS librarian, I was told that Stanley's ThD dissertation was a study on prayer.

Amazingly, Stanley has never been accused of having a less than credible doctorate. For some within ministry circles a solid unaccredited degree may indeed meet one's needs.

 

A little documentary support, please?

I suspect that such a broadside with no support made in an MDiv paper at SWBTS would receive the prof's ire. I know it would at SBTS.

BTW, a DMin is typically a practical degree. It is not academic by its very nature. I would put a DMin from LRS as being comparable to many of the DMins at SBTS, and I don't think SBTS will compare unfavorably to SWBTS. A PhD, though, is a different matter.

LRS achieving SACS will be a solid step forward. I'm glad to see it. The more opportunities for folks to get solid training is better for the church all around.

Bill

 

I am 60% through the MAM-Leadership program at LRS and am encouraged by the SACS application. I have an undergraduate engineering degree and MBA from regionally accredited universities and see the academic standards at LRS on par with my prior experiences (but with less math!). I am considering whether or not to remain at LRS for my MDiv work and regional accreditation would certainly represent a check in the “pro” column.

 

What is the LRS program like? Do you like it?

 

“What is the program like?”

For a thorough answer, please visit www.lrs.edu. Top line: conservative doctrine, flexible class formats (see below), and affordability seem key strengths.


“Do you like it?”

Overall, yes. As was the case with my prior studies, there are some classes and professors that I have “liked” more than others. Probably more relevant, there are class formats I have appreciated more than others as follow:

On-Campus: Nothing beats face-to-face. Semester and one-week modules options are available. Modules require independent pre- and post-work. However, MAM can be completed entirely through distance ed options and MDiv with only two required on-campus courses.

On-line: LRS utilizes www.blackboard.com and the tools available therein can make for reasonable interactions and learning experience with a professor skilled in the format.

Alternate Studies: I attended the Intelligent Design Conference (www.idconference.org) plus LRS directed supplemental work to receive credit for Creationism. Seemed beneficial to experience ten speakers/viewpoints, especially as many disagreed. Supplemental work was in line with typical course requirements. I believe the maximum for Alternate Study work is two courses, pre-approval required.

Correspondence: I believe this format is being phased out (as it should be) but a few courses are still available. There are no peer interactions and minimal professor interaction…just the student and many hours of tedious work. And don’t get me started on proctored exams!

 

I enjoyed the account of your experience at LRS. LRS has always intrigued me. It's interesting that the MDiv can no longer be completed entirely via distance. I think that's a fairly recent change(based on the 2003/2004 catalog). That's true for the DMin too. Can the Greek and Hebrew classes be done via blackboard or just modules? May the Lord bless your endeavors at LRS.

 

I am not a student at LRS and have no connection with them...but....I have a tremendous respect for them. They have educated a veritable whose who of Southern Baptist clergy, seem highly involved in missions and educational excellence.

Had I not earned my doctorate elsewhere, I would have enjoyed the opportunity to study at LRS. Their innovatuve DL processes are now being picked up by other schools but thanks to LRS for being there for pastors early on. A place that can turn out Charles Stanley, Spiro Zodhiates, Jerry Vines and a host of others can't be all bad.

Nord

 

My perspective is a bit dated so probably not very helpful when looking at present-day LRS. I was graduated with the MDiv in '85 and the DMin in '92 and the MDiv and PhD from SBTS in '98 and '03, respectively. Too many apples and oranges.

That said, I think LRS is even more academically viable now than in days gone by.

I would not hesitate to recommend LRS today, especially with their more innovative methods of teaching and with their very real pursuit of SACS accreditation. I consider those seminaries which continue to look down upon LRS's credits as being guilty of institutional arrogance (tact isn't my strong suit ).

Blessings,
Bill