Biblical Studies or Theology

AN ABHE-accredited school that might fit the bill would be the online program from Hobe Sound Bible College: HSBC Holiness Online Bible Degree - ADE Online Degree Program.

 

ABHE accredited schools are an option. There are a number of ABHE schools that also have regional accreditation. The only potential downside to a school that is solely ABHE accredited is a potential limited utility if you decide to further your studies beyond the bachelors level.

If you want to go on to an M.Div. you might not have a problem finding a school that will accept your B.A. as meeting the admission requirements. But, maybe down the road, you decide that you want to earn an M.A. in Psychology or Social Work or something that ties in well to your biblical studies but isn't continued biblical studies.

An RA degree would be a safer bet.

That said, if you are absolutely 100% confident that the situation I just described will never, in any possible world, occur then you can proceed accordingly.

Hobe Sound looks like a solid school. Though, to tie in an earlier concern, they do require a recommendation from a Pastor in their undergraduate application. If you don't have a regular church then that could pose a problem.

Another option is the Baptist Bible College in Scranton, PA. They have a few interesting online options including a one year Certificate in the Bible, a degree completion program as well as bachelors degrees in Ministries, Integrated Studies and Counseling.

BBC is both ABHE and Regionally Accredited.

Even if you didn't choose BBC right now, dual accredited institutions like this may provide a pathway for further studies if you chose an institution which is only accredited by ABHE. So, you may be able to earn your degree at Hobe Sound and, if you wanted a Masters degree, you could potentially go on to BBC.

All just suggestions, mind you. You know your situation best.

 

Regarding the requirement for pastoral recommendations, I believe most schools are pretty flexible on the issue. At one time I was considering BBC&S (now Summit University) and Liberty University. I told the enrollment office that I did not attend church services regularly. Instead, I told them, I met with a Christian Coach, met with a prayer or Bible Study group, etc. Both institutions told me that a letter from someone that could speak to my Christian character was sufficient.

 

Regarding SATS, I've looked at this school for many years and have even had Skype conversations with the admissions office. I have been extremely impressed. One thing I like about them is that they are going to stick to essential doctrines and themes (the triune nature of God, man's sinful nature, the need for salvation, the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice, etc.) without getting hung up in a lot of the issues that cause division in the various denominations. For example, believing in an old earth creation is practically heresy in many schools. SATS offers an entire MTh dedicated to old earth thinking. However, if you take a young earth position, that's fine too, just support your position with sound reasoning. They are still a conservative institution so they hold to a position of Biblical inerrancy. Don't expect to find acceptance of a Unitarian position, or of any doctrine that directly contradicts clear instruction from the Bible, but they do allow room for differences in thinking so long as those variations tend to lean toward non-essential beliefs (age of earth, infant baptism, arminianism vs calvinism, differences in style of worship).

While this school is your least expensive option and is considered to RA here in the United States, be prepared to do a lot of writing and a lot of studying.

 

Nice description. Clarifying and helpful. Thanks.

 

Here are some distance learning programs that you can check out.

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School | Extension & Online Education

NOBTS - The Online Learning Center

 

Good school, but expensive. I think it might be the most expensive of those listed previously in this thread. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, they do not offer undergraduate degrees which is what the OP was seeking.

 

Try johnsonu.edu they have a cheap, last I saw ws $125 a class, in bible. All distance.

 

Their tuition rates seem to be scattered:

$430 per credit hour / Master of Strategic Ministry

$320 per credit hour / MA New Testament

$290 per credit hour / BS Ministry Leadership

$290 per credit hour / BA/BS Pastoral Care & Counseling

Their website: Johnson University - Affordable Tuition

 

An interesting dilemma.

It is a dilemma because most schools are already on that "scale", at a firmly established position.

May I suggest that you look for similar path as your wife is on? It would help a lot with your role, and to avoid marital discord.

Also, go to the various denominations' main site and read the notes of their "confession of faith", "our views", "what we believe", or similar. You could do this with schools directly and narrowing your choices faster.
Compare. See which one appear to be closest to your belief.

Here is a (very primitive) survey that may help you.

Also, if you do find a denomination that is perfect - please do not join, and do not let anyone know. :veryhappy: