young preacher needs help(move if you need to)

That's a good problem to have.

Others will have the online stuff, but I would urge you to begin to systematically study the Bible on your own rather than pick and choose. An online course is okay, Bible college and then seminary would be better, but letting the Author, the Holy Spirit, guide you into truth as you study for yourself God's Word will be the best.

 

There are several good online places to study. Liberty University, Dallas Baptist University, Tennesse Temple University, and Amridge University are the first few that come to my mind first. It is nice that you wish to learn, but I wonder what hinders you from moving?

 

Sounds like you've got a great situation.

I'd echo checking into some distance programs. Liberty University has amazing options in this area.

Also, I don't know where you are located (you certainly don't have to disclose it) in Oklahoma but Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has an extension center in the state. One final place you could check into is the B.H. Carroll Institute in Arlington, Texas. It is pretty well distance based and might be a good fit.

There is nothing better than to see a young man called to ministry who understands that part of that calling is being equipped for ministry. Nothing better. I encourage you and affirm you in this calling. You are on the right track! :thumbs:

 

Expense is real. Liberty is not that expensive, and the extension center for Southwestern is supported by the cooperative program. I know Liberty works with grants that help people finish, and so does Amridge, where I graduated with my undergrad, which helps with expenses also. I would recommend you call the admissions offices and then talk to financial aid. The schools want you to go, and will help you in almost anyway to enable you to attend.

 

You might see if the state will help you with your courses. They might not since you intend to do your schooling in a religious college. For instance, we have a guy here where I work with.... several years ago, he was disabled by a botched surgery on his back. The state paid for him to have a computer at his bedside and paid for his education. He know can walk (somewhat) and he's one of our design engineers. So maybe you can get some help.

And maybe since you are a Youth Minister, the chuch will help you with some college expenses. At this point, online courses are your best bet. Also, you might see if there are some scholarships for people with disabilities.

In any case, brother, I will lift you up in prayer. I was just licensed as a minister a week ago by our church and I know that I need systematic bible study, so you be sure to pray for me, too!

God bless you. Youth ministers are my heroes!

 

When I was in seminary we used a survey of the OT book by LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. For the NT we used a book by Gundry and another by Carson, Moo, and Morris.

Lifeway produces some good study books on the OT and NT.

Step by Step Through the Old Testament - Old Testament at http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=779399

and


Step by Step Through the New Testament – New Testament Guide at http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=782375

 

check out the online program at www.ccbbc.edu

 

I am a young pastor as well. I did youth ministry for a little over 5 years, working on my 4 year during that time; mostly on-line. I have been pastoring now for a 1.5 years. I am currently seeking God's will about furthering my education.

Let me share from my experince. I received my 4 year from a Bible college but to be honest, I learned more from the experience of serving in ministry, from my personal reading and study of God's Word and from books. I also learned much from more experienced pastors.

If the door opens for an "official" education then walk through it...but don't pressure yourself. Read and then read somemore. Learn from doing ministry and you will go far.

 

Places already named are only a start at what is now available in Distance Education, FTR. :thumbs:

I will say all DE programs "are not created equal" and that one should be aware of the pros and cons of specific institutions. Drop the name of any of these on the BB, and read the responses one will get with a bit of a discerning eye.

However, since one cannot adequately offer any comprehensive analysis of all such places in a short BB post, I'll not attempt to steer anyone toward (or away from) any particular institution.

That way I cannot be accused of giving anyone any "bum steer". :laugh:

Ed