Hello Friends,
If you are thinking about ministry education, I hope this post can assist you in the decision-making process. Like most, I consider the reviews of others to help me when it comes to any kind of investment. My journey has been full of twists, turns and lessons, so hopefully some of the things I learned along the way can help…
Accreditation: Accreditation is important as it allows institution to be viewed as professional and up to standard. When interviewing for a position in the future, an employer will look to hire someone who has received a legitimate education from an accredited institution. The Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries (AICCS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) are just a few examples of accrediting bodies that certify Christian institutions. Choosing a college without well-known accreditation is risky and often leaves the student feeling as though they wasted their money. Which leads us to the next topic.
Diploma Mills: In your search you may encounter what are called “Diploma Mills”. These are scam programs that advertise heavy but offer worthless degrees. A Diploma Mill can be spotted a few ways:
- Poor website quality.
- No pre-requisites required (no transcripts or prior education needed).
- Vague contact information.
- Limited available programs.
- No accreditation or is accredited by an agency that has no affiliation with any reputable school(s).
- Coursework that does not require any textbooks (physical or electronic).
- No brick-and-mortar location (not always but do some research into them).
Anyone enrolling into a Diploma Mill program is purchasing a worthless piece of paper that may not be accepted as a proper credential for employment. It’s best to stay away from them.
Denominational Colleges: Christian colleges are non-denominational while others are associated with a particular Christian denomination. Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist among other denominations hold affiliations with particular schools. If you want to find out if you are checking out a denominational college, read the “about” page on their website or call the school to check before going any further.
On-Campus / Distance Learning / Hybrid Formats: Even though we are living in the 21st Century, some colleges do not offer distance learning education. See if the program you are interested in is on-campus, hybrid (part on-campus, part online) or 100% online.
Degree Employment Potential – Like secular colleges, many degrees do not equal employment. The same goes for Christian colleges. Find out what careers are available with your degree. Another option is to speak with someone who is already in the field you want to enter. Not all ministry degrees will qualify you for the position you are seeking.
I hope this information is able to assist you in your search. Most importantly, when searching for the right learning institution, allow The Holy Spirit to guide you. God is always faithful.
