Confessions of a Columbia Evangelical Seminary Mentor

[Rhetorician]

Thank you for your answers. And thank you for offering to consider to be my mentor. Judging from your posts on BB, I'd be honored to be mentored by you. However, I'm afraid I'm too early in the process as I'm only in the exploration stage right now. I'm currently exploring which seminary to apply to.

It's quite overwhelming since I don't have a background in formal ministry and didn't know about all the different reputations of all these seminaries. I've read so many views here on BB and have learned a lot. I think I'll have to rule out the big names (SBTS, DTS, Talbot, etc., etc.) due to cost.

So far, the seminaries below look attractive to me:

Columbia Evangelical Seminary (CES)
-I know they're unaccredited but the possibility to pursue a tailored curriculum is very attractive. I wanted to study the intersection between theology and narrative theory. And there's nowhere else I can go to do that.
-High quality faculty mentors like you sir.
-However, even one of the "stars" of CES, James White, has recently decided he'll pursue a traditional accredited doctorate from South Africa.

Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute (TTS/TBI)
-They're also unaccredited but their MABT cost is only $84/unit and could provide a great foundation in theology and biblical studies.

Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary (BMATS)
-Accredited by both RA and ATS! And tuition is only $190/unit.
-However, opinion on this BB has been that their history of landmarkism might mar my MAR from them.
-I could take advantage of their non-degree program and just take classes to earn credits for transfer

Since many people have multiple Master's degrees, I suppose I could just get an unaccredited Master's degree, and if I ever decide that I really do want to enter academia, I could get another accredited Master's degree later.

Advice givers on BB often say, "It depends what you plan to do with the degree." I plan to write books and lecture at the popular level,...but I don't want to entirely preclude the opportunity to teach formally.

I'm open to advice.
Thank you.

Dear Sir,

Tell me of your family circumstances.

Tell me of your calling.

Tell me of your passions.

Tell me of your formal education.

I am mentoring three students just now at the Founders Online Academy. One can do up to 24 hours through this program with mentors like myself, then the hours can be transferred into an MDiv program at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary or Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. And it only costs $120.00 per course. You cannot beat that.

And it will give you a good idea what seminary is like and will certainly get you started. My thoughts. And again I will offer my help to you any way that I can. Feel free to call and talk. I will give you my personal number if you desire. I would suggest you to to Founders.org and check out the program. And I must add that all three of these young men I am presently working with are just about where you are in their own life's process of discerning the call and "what they want to be when they grow up" (LOL!).

sdg!

rd

 

[EVChris]

I am truly grateful. I will private message you via the "Conversation" function. Thank you.

 

[Rhetorician]

I am truly grateful. I will private message you via the "Conversation" function. Thank you.

Sorry, I do not know how to use that function. I am up to my armpits in alligators just now with writing and editing projects, coupled with "wall to wall" grandchildren I am helping to raise. Why don't you call me at 901.752.4580 sometime in the AM between 9 - 11 and we will talk. Is that possible?

rsvp when possible.

rd

 

[Rhetorician]

I am truly grateful. I will private message you via the "Conversation" function. Thank you.

Dear EVChris,

I would add one thing, whatever you do please do a regionally accredited program. That way you will have what you have paid to get if and when you want to do further graduate work. Costs more but makes more sense in the long term.

And boy do I have an idea for you when we talk!!!!

Think about it.

rd

 

[EVChris]

Sir, I’m sorry I was not available for that time. Do you have any other times available today? And what time zone are you in? Thank you.

 

[Rhetorician]

Sir, I’m sorry I was not available for that time. Do you have any other times available today? And what time zone are you in? Thank you.

Dear EVChris,

I did some research and found some things that might make you take notice, done after our phone call. Check out this hyperlink and get back to me.

Cheap, Distance Learning Alternatives to an MFA in Creative Writing | HuffPost

OK?

rd

PS I found a good article with some thoughts you might want to read: What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree? | HuffPost

PPS Another good article I ran across: So You Want to Get an MFA?: An Open Letter to My Students | HuffPost