Higher Christian Education-It's Not Just for Preachers

            In my days of learning to be an English Teacher at a secular university’s School of Education, one of the more prominent efforts in the program was to turn a group of collegiates into suitable candidates for entrance into a professional field. Breaking the rule of punctuality to class was a cardinal sin. However, on one occasion a classmate managed to be 40-plus minutes late to class, looking disheveled, and refusing to remove his ballcap (another cardinal sin). The professor went to great lengths to highlight his grievance in a way that is still memorable over twenty years later.

            There are going to be times when we find that we’ve made a misstep. Does this mean we should throw in the towel altogether, or can we find it in ourselves to follow the adage, “better late than never?” I suspect there are some reading this who have sensed a calling to greater ministry service at some point in their life, but for one reason or another have chosen not to pursue training for it. Abandon this mindset now! Many adult learners are deciding to continue their education and are transforming the landscape of higher education. Colleges recognize this, and many are building or restructuring their programs around the needs of adult learners.

            For some, pursuing education is an effective path to a career change. However, worrisome thoughts may attempt to discourage us: extensive schooling is an expectation before entering a newly chosen field. This is not true![1] Higher education is too costly—or the affordable options are lacking in quality. Neither, necessarily, is the case. Still others may consider their college years behind them. Exactly what are “the college years” (which numerical ages represent the college years)? Certainly, some have felt led toward a greater role in service to the church, maybe even entering ministry as one’s work in life, but are not sure where to begin.

            In recent years, the Restoration Movement has watched many of its higher education institutions permanently close. However, out of these closures, several other institutions have been fortified or brought into existence to continue training men and women for Christian Service. Summit Theological Seminary (Peru, IN), Louisville Bible College (Louisville, KY), Midwestern School of Evangelism (Vandalia, MO), Advance Center for Ministry Training (Kissimmee, FL), and Three-Strand Ministries (London, KY) are among the schools continuing to train Christian workers while working to keep student costs to a minimum.[2]

How do these schools differ from university schools? Many of these schools were founded, or have special consideration for, the demographic of students being discussed—those finding their way back to the classroom after some time away. These are students who may have gone into a profession or the workforce only to desire ministry training after years of being in a line of work they come to find lacking. In addition to preaching, many of these schools offer programming designed for those who desire Eldership, Sunday School or other educational roles, or counseling tracks.

            What do these schools have in common with secular university schools? Not everyone who graduates from a school of music will be a Grammy winner. Not every graduate with a literature degree will write a bestseller. However, each is rewarded with the knowledge acquired and now at their disposal. Likewise, not everyone who attends a school of ministry will choose to make ministry their life’s work—but some will. Founded on the principles of quality and affordability, these ministry training centers are available to anyone with as many barriers removed as possible.[3]

            An added enrichment to those attending ministry training is forging new friendships in Christ. Much like students at larger schools who rally around sports teams and mascots, team colors and camaraderie, there is a connection that goes deeper when the basis is Christ. Oftentimes, gatherings such as Hillsboro Family Camp, Winter Worship Workshop, Delmarva Family Camp, or Southern Indiana Family Rally resemble a homecoming where those in ministry as well as ministry students, both old and new, greet one another in the Lord.

Anyone who has ever considered ministry training should consider this information when deciding whether to further their learning. Consider these schools. Are these schools the only way to train for ministry? Absolutely not. However, each provides learning opportunities that guide and prepare students for ministry. If you have ever thought about ministry training, prayerfully consider how these institutions may assist you in your ministerial journey.