I was talking with the director of my local county SBC association. He is getting his Master's from BMA Seminary in Jacksonville, TX and was suggesting it to me. It would be cheaper to do online than one of the SBC seminaries since they charge close to a $300 internet fee per class. I'm just wondering how SBC churches would react to seeing a "Landmark" seminary on an applicants resume?
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BMA Seminary?
- Thread starter labaptist
- Start date
The splinter convention 'Southern Baptists of Texas' has been cozying up to the state BMA, now described as a "Related Ministry" on its website:
http://sbtexas.com/about-sbtc/ministry-relationships/
http://sbtexas.com/about-sbtc/ministry-relationships/
If I saw the Baptist Missionary Alliance Seminary on a candidate's application, I would likely move on. Too much baggage that we aren't fond of at the church where I serve.
West Kentucky Baptist
Member
There is indeed a wide variety of theological beliefs within the Baptist Missionary Association. However there is just as wide of theological beliefs within the Southern Baptist Convention or within independent Baptists.
I would say the only people who would react negatively to seeing the BMA Seminary on your resume would be those who are ultra-strong SBC loyalists or people who are strongly anti-landmark.
Being that the Southern Baptists of Texas have formed a partnership with the BMA seminary also goes a long way to dispelling any negative responses. If I graduated from that seminary and was a Southern Baptist pastor, I would put an asterisk on my resume that said the seminary was approved by the SBTC.
Lastly, it is my understanding the BMA seminary has hired some Southern Baptist professors to teach there and has had several Southern Baptists to guest lecture there.
When you factor in the lower cost I can easily understand why your DOM is getting his degree there.
I would say the only people who would react negatively to seeing the BMA Seminary on your resume would be those who are ultra-strong SBC loyalists or people who are strongly anti-landmark.
Being that the Southern Baptists of Texas have formed a partnership with the BMA seminary also goes a long way to dispelling any negative responses. If I graduated from that seminary and was a Southern Baptist pastor, I would put an asterisk on my resume that said the seminary was approved by the SBTC.
Lastly, it is my understanding the BMA seminary has hired some Southern Baptist professors to teach there and has had several Southern Baptists to guest lecture there.
When you factor in the lower cost I can easily understand why your DOM is getting his degree there.
Hello dear brother,
I would add to the discussion just this, and I have played in the SBC sandbox for many a year; to have that degree from that seminary would be highly thought of in some geographic areas of SBC life. In other areas, not so much. An example might be western Kentucky for instance. They still have some landmark churches and the degree could possibly get you a church ministry. But in other portions of the world, it would be like anything else; whoever is doing the hiring would be the one whom you would want to please. Go figure!
My two cents worth.
rd
I see that some of the senior members are not comfortable with BMATS. Let me ask you this: Since BMATS is RA/ATS, what do you all think if one were to take some classes there for credit, and then transfer those credits into a more "acceptable" seminary? I ask because BMATS tuition is so affordable. Also, does it matter to any of you that they offer a MA-Religion, as opposed to MATS, or MABS, or MABTS, etc.?
ChrisTheSaved
Active Member
I attended BMATS and it' a ok school. Ignore some of those who wish to say bad things about accredited schools....its just they see that ats/ra and can' stand it lol.