hello good folks. I am a new member intrested in finding an Mdiv DL program at a reasonable or even less expensive price. I have read the trinity posts in the archives and realize that this institution certainly has drawn attention.Could someone give an estimate on the acceptability of this degree for people intrested in ordination as ministers in traditional denominations that require an Mdiv as a starting point. particularily intrested in episcopalian, lutheran denominations. I called trinity admissions and unfortunately was met with confusion whem inquiring re the experience of former grads being ordained as a result of a trinity Mdiv. many thanks
The are several clergymen who post here who could give you a better answer but I think the different Lutheran denominations and probably Episcopalians like to train their own.
Have you asked your denomination? I would think that they'd prefer a seminary of their own tradition. Perhaps DL is questionable in the view of your denomination. There also is the chance TTS will not be accredited, though it seems likely that it will.
I doubt very seriously if any presbytery in the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination would accept a MDiv from Trinity as meeting the requirements for ordination. As the chairman of the committee on ministry for my presbytery I can tell you that it would not suffice here. There are too many reformed schools to choose from. They don't offer the MDiv by total distance learning but they certainly are more aligned with presbyterian theology.
many thanks for the responses so far. I have been told that many of the mainline churches are seeing a significant drop in new ordinands that they are more accepting of second carrer life experienced candidates for ordination who might ot neccesarily posses traditional denominational or other credentials. I recently was told by a traditional Anglican church-Mdiv really didnt care from where and they could handle the rest on the job.Are board members aware of any trinity students recv ordination ANYWHERE THANKS
Hello Jimmy, I don't see it in the foreseeable future. The latest attempt was, I think, in 1998 when there was a joint planning committee to work toward the formation of one body but there seemed to be too many obstacles ---- which, of course, were unidentified. We do use the same confession of faith and have some joint participation at General Assemblies. The vice-moderator for the 2002 General Assembly was an African American but he attended a CP Church. Maybe the only way to form one body is to blend ourselves without calling attention to it. I will be in Greenfield, IN --- where I was raised --- the last of July. Are you close to there? Hope your wife is progressing well. Blessings, Howard.
Actually I am close to Greenfield. We should have lunch. I could meet you in Morristown at the Bluebird Restuarant. Jimmy
In answer to your question, there probably are people who have been ordained or benefited as a result of their Trinity degree. But I think in some sense you are looking at this in the wrong way. Each denomination has its own requirements and as was pointed out, often a preference for graduates of denominational schools (or closely related). You really need to approach the denomination that you are interested in. Many do not require much education some require a 90 credit hour graduate degree (even those often have alternative programs such as the Episcopal & Lutheran denominations do). Louisiana Baptist University is unaccredited by is a denominationally recognized school for one group of Baptists. Similarly, on another thread you ask about whether an MDiv is necessary for ordination. See above. Much variation. Also, depends on what you want to do with it. Good luck. North
Hell would probably freeze first. Any denomination which REQUIRES an MDiv is going to require an ATS accredited MDiv. Some have other requirements, too. Lutherans have to spend a certain amount of time at a Lutheran seminary. Episcopalians require that at least a portion of seminary be completed at an Anglican approved school. Check with your bishop. That's the starting place for figuring out what your denomination requires.
Hi Jimmy, Look forward to it --- Haven't been to the Bluebird in quite awhile. I will post you as to the dates a little later. Take care. Howard.