Distance learning and ordination ... ?

Hello all,

I'm new to this board and while this question may have been asked
previously I have to admit I found no mention of it.
I have always held a deep fascination for theology and have only recently
found time to get back into its studies. I currently hold no college degree
but am looking to pursue one online.
I'm looking for a distance degree in basic Christian theology that would
lead to possible ordination in a ministry. I'm new to this so I hope I am using the correct terms.
Accredited schooling is a must.
Unfortunately, with my current job time away for on-campus study is minimal.
Do any of you folks have any suggestions?
I'm familiar with the University of London External Programme, although I'm unsure if they accept you without an Associates Degree.
Apologies in advance is
this has been addressed before.


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Sincerely yours,
Lucien

 

Welcome to the forum, Lucien.
www.bakersguide.com will provide a number of accredited options for a degree in theology/religion/ministry.

Your bio states that your interests are theology and home-brewing. Quite a combination!

Russell

 

Well Russell, there's nothing better then an enlightening theological discussion/debate while enjoying a nice chilled mug of home-brew, lol.
I'm not sure if I stated my request correctly -- I guess I'm more interested in the possibility of ordiantion upon completion of the degree, with a limited amount of residency to do so.
I hope I'm making sense, it's been a long week, lol.

------------------
Sincerely yours,
Lucien

 

I do remember in my late teen years (17-20) how a few tokes of the green stuff would set the stage for very interesting dialogue relating to theology/religion. Its amazing how one's altered state of mind can delve into deep philosophical/theological truths.

Seriously, in terms of ordination, www.bakersguide.com may also have some information regarding this issue. There is a thread on Kristin Hirst's site, www.distancelearn.about.com , under the forum section titled "Ministry by Mail," which highlights some of these issues.

I think the same caveat would be in order for ordination as one would have for a degree. Do the research to make sure the ordaining body/group/fellowship is going to be reputable, and that the ordination will have utility. If one only wants ordination the Universal Life Church (California) will ordain one via the Internet, free of charge--no strings attached. Keep in mind, however, that I was able to have my Beagle, who had been dead for four months, ordained by the ULC. No kidding!

Russell

 

If you can get into the London Bachelor of Divinity program, it's a good deal. I just ran into a guy on one of my e-mail lists who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from a good-sized British school, has written a book for Cambridge UP, and got where he is today by doing the external London B.D. I've heard nothing but good things about the program, and even considered it myself at one point.

But will it fulfill U.S. ordination requirements? To be honest, probably not all of them; the United Methodist Conference would, for example, expect you to do substantial residential coursework in pastoral ministry, I'd imagine. But an internship might also suffice...

This is a gray area, needless to say. Best policy, IMHO, is to check with your intended denomination and see what constitutes "M.Div. equivalency," then use that as a guide when looking for DL programs. If you meet them point by point, I don't see why there would be a problem.

Good luck!


Peace,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

 

sorry, OT: who ordains nondenominational Christian pastors?

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Sam C
www.uci.edu
UCI 2002
[email protected]
Confusion is just the path to insight and knowledge

 

According to the Universal Life Church I am able to ordain you.

Rev. Christian

 

The congregation. (Seriously!) I don't know how this works in other states, but here in Mississippi, my impression as a non-lawyer is that if you start up a church and register yourself as its Designated Religious Person, you have the same rights as a pastor in any other denomination, regardless of your seminary background (or lack thereof).


Peace,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

 

I don't know about other states, but that is pretty much the same here in California as well. My pastor is "licensed" by our church. So he is able to do weddings, funerals, and all other pastoral duties, but he was never ordained (He has a philosophical problem with ordination). He has been a recognized and respected Pastor in our community for over 20 years.

So as always, figure out exactly what it is that you want to do, then plot yourself a course on how to get there....

Jeff