Denominations that would accept a Liberty MDiv

Does anybody know what other denominations (Beside Baptist and Non denominational.) would accept a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty? I know Liberty is Regionally accredited, but alot of denominations seem to want a MDiv that is ATS accredited. Would they consider LBTS equivalent since the main reason it's not ATS accredited, is because it offers a MDiv completely through distance ed.

 

Denominational requirements

Unlike most degrees, where you would get the degree and then seek work in the field it qualifies you for, an M.Div. normally has to be done concurrently with denominational requirements. Some denominations require you to seek approval/endorsement before enrolling in an M.Div. program. Additionally, a denomination may have a list of seminaries you can attend. There are some denominations which allow you attend any ATS accredited seminary and then take denomination specific courses in additional to the degree requirements. Normally a denomination will require some type of mentoring process throughout your education, as well as Clinical Pastoral Education (1 unit which equals 440 hours on site) a year long internship, and perhaps work in congregation while in seminary. Including CPE and an internship the process normally takes a minimum of four years.

All that being said you can attend a seminary as a non-ordination track student and get the degree without the internship and CPE, after which you try to get ordained. I have seen people do this, but have yet to see anyone do it successfully.

- Lifelonglearner

 

LU's program is really best for people in free church traditions, like Baptist churches, independent churches, and nondenominational churches. What makes these stand out is that typically the local church sets ordination requirements, not the denomination.

If the denomination outlines requirements, typically the LU MDiv isn't going to meet them. In mainline circles it almost always won't.

 

The Cumberland Presbyterian denomination will accept a person with the MDiv from Liberty. You will need to take a few courses in CP Theology, Polity, History, and Liturgy. Our denimonations have MDiv grads from Luther Rice, Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Vanderbilt, Emory, Princeton; to name a few. If intersted send me a PM.
Blessings, Howard.

 

I have an M.Div. from Liberty and I am ordained in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (CCCC or 4C's). I was originally ordained in the National Associations of Congregational Christian Churches and transferred credentials and the Liberty Online / Distance Learning program M.Div. was not an issue. I only had an M.A. in Ministry when I was originally ordained, along with lots of ministry experience. I had already started doctoral work when I transferred credentials into the CCCC but I don't think that had much bearing, besides my D.Min. is TRACS accredited.

The key for most Free Church groups is evidence of calling and some kind of minimum education requirement, usually a B.A. in Ministry or an M.Div.

I think the above poster is right on, you may need to make up some polity courses in a denominational seminary, but I have not seen where the degree itself is likely to be suspect because of being earned online. I would ask the group of churches you desire to serve with. I was in a similar situation, perhaps as you, when I first began to pursue ministry. I had been active in various churches while in the military then earned degrees with Liberty and then later found my way into the Conservative Congregational Churches.

Some denominational schools do offer good online options and you should ask yourself where you are theologically. When I was first ordained in the NACCC (National Associations of Congregational Christian Churches) I was unaware how much more theologically conservative that I am than most of their churches. If you are more confessional (Reformed) you would do better to look at RTS online (Reformed Theological Seminary) or, like me, know that you will get a good foundation with Liberty and need to do the additional theological research that they train you to do.

Are you plugged into a group of Churches now? Are you active in some kind of ministry? Have you explored the calling to pastoral ministry? Being a Pastor can be REALLY tough. If I wasn't sure that God called me to this work, I would do something else. I love what I do and that is because my personal gifts are consistent with the work, but if they are not, education or no education, this work will drive you find something else to do! All of this matters, along with educational goals.

If you are wading through those other questions, please feel free to PM as well or go to my website (Chris Surber) and contact me through the site. I routinely offer advice to people on this stage of their journey into the ministry. Blessings!

 

Psydoc,
I have sent you a PM.

 

I am currently pursuing ordination with the Church of the Nazarene. They accept credentials from all accredited schools as far as I know. With an Mdiv from liberty all you would need to do is take two classes online at Nazarene Bible College (Naz His and polity and Holiness theology.) Both classes are 7 weeks long and cost around a hundred$ a piece to enroll in. Hope his helps