Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidinKnoxville  If you re-read all my posts you will plainly see that I have gone out of my way to be respectful to you in this discussion. I am taken aback at the tone of your last post. If you think I have been disrespectful to you in anyway then I apologize for not communicating the respect you deserve as a Pastor and will try to do better in the future. |
David, please accept my apology for misreading your tone, which is easy to do in this medium.
[/quote]So again, I ask. Is it right in light of the scriptures to require such a sum of money from someone just to prepare them for the gospel ministry? I would love to be able to train for the ministry but due to monetary constraints (just married, new baby and just adopted my step daughter) I am not able to get the education that is needed. So do I think it is wrong/a sin to charge exorbitant tuition fees? Yes I do. It keeps the poor among you from having any chance at the ministry without having to go into debt. It also keeps those that think going into debt is wrong/sinful to get the required education to go into the ministry. [/quote]
The Reformed seminaries I'm familiar with, and who the vast majority of PCA and OPC pastors come out of, are not out to get rich. They do try hard to keep tuition costs down, and make education affordable. However, when you have 10-20 full time professors that are salaried, plus the cost of keeping up grounds, etc, the money has to come from somewhere. Even so, the cost of tuition does not normally reflect the cost of the education. It is already significantly off-set by donors. I don't recall the figures, but I remember hearing that several times at WSC.
One important thing to note is that the seminary is not the church, except for schools like Covenant where there is direct denominational control and oversight. They are para-church organizations and have to be good stewards with the funds entrusted to them. So, I would not charge them with any wrong doing with regards to finances.
It is then, up to the student to handle his own finances. Each does it a different way. I would never advise someone to take on a $100,000 debt to go to seminary!!! This of course is an extreme case, but it does happen. My student loans (college + seminary) are a little over $20,000. The reason they are not higher is because I had financial assistance from my family.
Although it's not exactly public knowledge, the OPC does make exceptions for men who do not go to seminary. Now, this is definitely the "exception" and not the rule. But, if the Presbytery is satisfied with the man's gifts and knowledge (gained through self study and mentorship), then they can request an exemption from the GA. The GA does approve such exemptions. However, the standards are not lowered for such a man, and in my own experience he is held to a little higher standard. I have heard that such is not the case in the PCA at this time.
It's an imperfect system, for sure. The church is relying on para-church organizations to train its ministers. However, it's the system we have, and it works ok for now.
What is definitely needed is more church support, in terms of $$$$ for men pursuing the ministry.