To the Pastors:

Looking for good advice on seminary. Any you recommend. Considering reputation, cost, location (I'm in Florida), faculty, student activities/groups. Tell me your experience there, please.

Appreciate it.

__________________
Bryan Wiley
Layman
Reformed Baptist Church
Louisville, Kentucky

"Seek the Kingdom of God first."

I can't really tell you anything specific about either or these, since I haven't yet had any experience with them, but the two major Reformed seminaries in Florida are Reformed Theological Seminary (Richard Pratt, John Frame) and Knox Theological Seminary (D. James Kennedy, R. C. Sproul, O. Palmer Robertson). Some typically well-respected Reformed seminaries in other states are Gordon-Conwell, Westminster, and Whitefield.

But the one seminary I'd definitely recommend far above all the others is Dallas Theological...just kidding!!!

Chris

__________________
Chris


A passion to know and reflect Christ by living and demonstrating the truth and richness of the historic Reformed faith

Visit My Website Here

Christopher Blum
Member of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Northern Kentucky (PCA) in Burlington, KY

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

So DTS ain't known to be re-formed. I was misin-formed. A pastor friend told me it came into bein when conservative seminaries were hard to find in the US.

Any feedback from on Southern? I like it 'cause it's cheap for me ($130/s.h.) along with what it stands for in it statement of faith or whatever you call it.

Southern is great! A lot of fantastic things have happened and are continuing to happen.
Of course, it helps if you are a [i:a1ba7595d9]Southern[/i:a1ba7595d9] Baptist... Only $133 per credit hour... and an $800 a semester scholarship: I only pay about $500 per semester... that leaves a lot of book money! I've found a good SBC church that is a Founder's church and is quite nice... the SBC culture is kept to a minimum so it isn't mancentered. (ie we don't do alter calls every week)
Now, I must say though... if you are hoping to work within the SBC there is starting to be some fallout within the denomination because of how Calvinistic the school is... I guess it isn't going over to well with some of the denominational powers that be. (I have an aquaintance who was denied funds for planting a church when the local association found out he was going to plant a Calvinistic/"Founders" church. Sigh....)


I have enjoyed my time here and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone else.

By the way... about DTS... yes, it is conservative and evangelical. Yes, it was a bulwark of conservatism - read committed to biblical inerrancy- back when there were few schools that were. But there is a difference between being "conservative" and being Reformed.
I wouldn't go to DTS... but they do have a few really good scholars there that I would love to study under (eg, Darrell Bock, Daniel Wallace, Eugene Merrill...)
Maybe they'll come to SBTS and teach a summer or January class... :thumbup:
Actually, there is one reason - and only one reason- that I would recommend someone go to DTS... If a person was called to do Bible translation I would recommend they go to DTS because they have this MA program in linguistics that is teamed up with Wycliffe and is very good.

Just so you know, I am a mere man and I sometimes get frustrated. I sometimes write in frustration as sometimes the SBC culture and arminian bent grates on me. But at the end of the day I think there is room for someone such as myself in the SBC.

[Edited on 3-13-2004 by SolaScriptura]

[Edited on 4-27-2004 by SolaScriptura]

__________________
Ben
Sanford, NC
TE Ohio Valley Presbytery, PCA

Even beyond the fact that they are not Reformed, I would never recommend DTS to anyone, if for no other reason then because of their [i:b2fdb4e6ed]strong[/i:b2fdb4e6ed] emphasis on Dispensationalism.

Chris

If you are looking for good sound Reformed instruction, I can honestly say that I have been VERY pleased with RTS-Jackson. There are some top rate "nationally known" scholars (Ligon Duncan, Derek Thomas, John Currid), and some first rate "hidden gems" (for example, Miles Van Pelt is probably the best young Hebrew scholar in the Church today) .

The majority of the faculty is confessional and Reformed. There is also probably no other school more committed to the languages than RTS. Three Greek, three Hebrew and an Advanced Biblical exegesis are all required, as well as a significant amount of language work in the Biblical studies classes (e.g. Greek assignments are given out in Pauline Epistles, and Hebrew work in Genesis to Deuteronomy, with exceptions made for those not on the MDiv track)

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Fredrick T. Greco
Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA (Katy, TX)
Christ Church Blog

"The heart is the main thing in true religion...It is the hinge and turning-point in the condition of man's soul. If the heart is alive to God and quickened by the Spirit, the man is a living Christian. If the heart is dead and has not the Spirit, the man is dead before God." (J.C. Ryle)

There's also Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in SC. I just got back from there and was quite impressed with them.

__________________
Patrick
OPC
MDiv, RTS Jackson.

"He does well, that discourses of Christ; but he does infinitely better, that by experimental knowledge, feeds and lives on Christ." Thomas Brooks.

[quote:ce28c97dcd][i:ce28c97dcd]Originally posted by puritansailor[/i:ce28c97dcd]
There's also Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in SC. I just got back from there and was quite impressed with them. [/quote:ce28c97dcd]

Isn't that the seminary of which Dr. Joseph Pipa is President? I know he once had a live debate with Dave Hunt on the doctrines of grace.

Chris

[quote:c7d7a54da0][i:c7d7a54da0]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:c7d7a54da0]
[quote:c7d7a54da0][i:c7d7a54da0]Originally posted by puritansailor[/i:c7d7a54da0]
There's also Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in SC. I just got back from there and was quite impressed with them. [/quote:c7d7a54da0]

Isn't that the seminary of which Dr. Joseph Pipa is President? I know he once had a live debate with Dave Hunt on the doctrines of grace.

Chris [/quote:c7d7a54da0]

That's the one. I went to their Sprnig Theology conference where they discussed the traditional reformed view of the Covenant and compared it the the Auburn Ave theology. Great info and insight.

Applying to Southern. Good teachers, cheap, nice town. Need prayer about book cost, health insuarance. Being single is a big bonus right now. Sola's input helped in deciding - Danke. Will look into Reformed in Fla more.

Bryan,

I would once again advise you to at least take a look at Jackson. Very cheap to live in, and in my opinion the soundest place to learn preaching today (although Greenville is also very good) .

Bryan, please remember that SBTS is Calvinistic in its view of soteriology... but it is a Southern Baptist school. If you don't like SBC culture then you'd chaffe here.

Fred, I'm with you on this one. It doesn't have to be the cheapest, as long as it's reasonable, and the best!!!! Languages are really important. (English is a good place to start)
Melissa

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Melissa Brown
Evansville, Indiana
Looking for a body of believers to hook up with
"It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. Let me tell you something, friend, it is not love and it is not friendship if we fail to declare the whole counsel of God. It is better to be hated for telling the truth, than to be loved for telling a lie. It is impossible to find anyone in the Bible who was a power for God who did not have enemies and was not hated. It's better to stand alone with the truth, than to be wrong with a multitude. It is better to ultimately succeed with the truth than to temporarily succeed with a lie. There is only one Gospel and Paul said, 'If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.'"
Pastor Adrian Rodgers, excerpts from talk, Nat'l Religious Broadcasters Convention, 1996

Is there any Reformed Seminary in Canada? Has anyone had a line on any school here in the True North, Strong and Free?

__________________
Mr. T. Reuben Skerritt, BRS (Old Testament)
Member: Canadian Reformed Church of Brampton, Ontario
Student: University of Toronto BA, Philosophy (Hons)
Toronto, Canada

"There from thy holy habitation
Thou wilt thy saints provide
With every blessing of Salvation
'Til all are satisfied.
With awesome deeds so just and mighty,
God saves of from all woe
To those who walk with Him uprightly,
He will salvation show."

-Anglo-Genevan Psalter

Nothing in stone. They may say "so sorry don't need ya," too.

What is this "soteriology?"

I'm also, thinking Southern is big, meet a bunch of people, get more rounded by hearing different opinions. I go to a big church now and groups develop naturally. I will fall into one that'll help mold me, too.

Promise to look into Reformed.

Say a prayer. I'm half crazy and his direction is needed.

Languages ain't my forte. I'm a conversationalist - evangelist wannabe. Later pastor after I get the snot beat out of me in life and mature to lead. My hunch is that Greek will come fast (hungry for that) Hebrew will confound -overwhelming. May be wrong. No experience to say!

Sola - I'll be getting back to you fer sure as questions arise.

Input is aprreciated!

TO all of you folks I wrote regarding seminaries, I appreciate your input and referrals.

I visited Southern and met with Dr. Mohler for a very short while and a few of his protege's (sp?) during the preview.

He's low-key but amiable man with a personal library that staggered me: 40,000 books I'm told with his own student librarian who is categorizing them for him. He reads 3-4 books a week and I saw entire sections dedicated to people like Spurgeon, Luther, Edwards, even Tolkien and Churchill.

By God's grace I'll be there this fall soaking in the word and spitting out essays.

Cool! I'm glad you enjoyed it! If you need help with finding a church... I attend a good one, but it is about a half hour from the school.

I appreciate the offer. Southern has a great feel to it. I'm hoping the campus life is fun. I'll take you up on the church offer - I will enjoy investigating churches in the area. Ultimately I plan on finding a church that needs help from a seminary student and earning some money during my stay.

If your gearing up for finals, Godspeed!

[quote:a8a5204dd9][i:a8a5204dd9]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:a8a5204dd9]
Even beyond the fact that they are not Reformed, I would never recommend DTS to anyone, if for no other reason then because of their [i:a8a5204dd9]strong[/i:a8a5204dd9] emphasis on Dispensationalism.

Chris [/quote:a8a5204dd9]

I am inclined to agree withyou, but it should be noted that it is going to a more progressive model of dispensationalism, which is more covenental and thus more Biblical. Furthermore, the PCA is sending many there for a basic theological education.

__________________
Grace and Peace in Christ,

Brett Rader
Member
Redeemer Presbyterian(PCA)
Austin, TX

[quote:c46269770d][i:c46269770d]Originally posted by Richard B. Davis[/i:c46269770d]
Is there any Reformed Seminary in Canada? Has anyone had a line on any school here in the True North, Strong and Free? [/quote:c46269770d]

I've been looking for a Reformed Seminary in Canada for quite some time, but have come up empty. I know some Reformed Churches here promote schools in the US for Seminary and not any in Canada.

__________________
David Belanger
Member, APC Vancouver
Student Minister, Associated Presbyterian Churches
Student, Haddington House Divinity School
Port Coquitlam, BC

[quote:c7d3bff1ca][i:c7d3bff1ca]Originally posted by raderag[/i:c7d3bff1ca]
[quote:c7d3bff1ca][i:c7d3bff1ca]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:c7d3bff1ca]
Even beyond the fact that they are not Reformed, I would never recommend DTS to anyone, if for no other reason then because of their [i:c7d3bff1ca]strong[/i:c7d3bff1ca] emphasis on Dispensationalism.

Chris [/quote:c7d3bff1ca]

I am inclined to agree withyou, but it should be noted that it is going to a more progressive model of dispensationalism, which is more covenental and thus more Biblical. Furthermore, the PCA is sending many there for a basic theological education. [/quote:c7d3bff1ca]

Isn't DTS the home of Zane Hodges and company?uzzled:

__________________
Lance Johnson
Pastor / Iglesia Betania (Reformed Baptist)
Denton, Texas

"A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind." Proverbs 18:2

[quote:b626e17288][i:b626e17288]Originally posted by raderag[/i:b626e17288]
[quote:b626e17288][i:b626e17288]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:b626e17288]
Even beyond the fact that they are not Reformed, I would never recommend DTS to anyone, if for no other reason then because of their [i:b626e17288]strong[/i:b626e17288] emphasis on Dispensationalism.

Chris [/quote:b626e17288]

I am inclined to agree withyou, but it should be noted that it is going to a more progressive model of dispensationalism, which is more covenental and thus more Biblical. Furthermore, the PCA is sending many there for a basic theological education. [/quote:b626e17288]

If the PCA is sending anyone to DTS, this is the beginning of the end!!!

__________________
Scott Bushey
Husband to Tina, father to Nicole, Danielle and Zoe
Member First Presbyterian Church of Margate PCA

[quote:e1523f05b5][i:e1523f05b5]Originally posted by raderag[/i:e1523f05b5]
Furthermore, the PCA is sending many there for a basic theological education. [/quote:e1523f05b5]

This is an odd statement. "The PCA" doesn't send folks to seminary. Presbyteries generally approve educational plans based on the reputation and course content of the school. Some PCA families may choose to send their sons to DTS for an education, but I would hope that would be the exception and not the rule.

I know our presbytery would look skeptically at a candidate who was educated solely at DTS.

__________________
Tom Albrecht
Member, Covenant URCNA, New Holland, PA.

"I'm not a famous man. I'm just a simple country doctor with horse sense."

[quote:d78952e2a3][i:d78952e2a3]Originally posted by tcalbrecht[/i:d78952e2a3]
[quote:d78952e2a3][i:d78952e2a3]Originally posted by raderag[/i:d78952e2a3]
Furthermore, the PCA is sending many there for a basic theological education. [/quote:d78952e2a3]

This is an odd statement. "The PCA" doesn't send folks to seminary. Presbyteries generally approve educational plans based on the reputation and course content of the school. Some PCA families may choose to send their sons to DTS for an education, but I would hope that would be the exception and not the rule.

I know our presbytery would look skeptically at a candidate who was educated solely at DTS. [/quote:d78952e2a3]

So would the three Presbyteries I have been involved with.

[quote:d5a91f7c1d][i:d5a91f7c1d]Originally posted by tcalbrecht[/i:d5a91f7c1d]


This is an odd statement. "The PCA" doesn't send folks to seminary. Presbyteries generally approve educational plans based on the reputation and course content of the school. Some PCA families may choose to send their sons to DTS for an education, but I would hope that would be the exception and not the rule.

I know our presbytery would look skeptically at a candidate who was educated solely at DTS. [/quote:d5a91f7c1d]

That was an odd statement, but I believe there are individual churches that are helping some get their education there. I didn't mean to imply that the PCA is sending a bunch of people there, although it may have sounded that way. I know of one in particular that was going while in ministry at his Church. I think they were helping him financially, but I can't be sure. I don't necessarily approve of it, but I think that is happening. I know for a fact, there are several DTS grads in the PCA. While our church would probably never hire one, we have had 3 or 4 guest preachers that graduated from DTS. One said he knew Zane Hodges, and that he was a very Godly man, save his theology (errr heresy). Most that have gone to DTS are reformed after going there, but there are more than two that I know of that were reformed before going there, at least in name. I think DTS is a heretical school to some degree, but like I said this is a reality. Also, I believe Park City Presbyterian has an ongoing relationship with DTS and has had some influence on them going to a more covenental model. This is heresay, so don't quote me.

[Edited on 5-11-2004 by raderag]

[Edited on 5-11-2004 by raderag]

[quote:9e49c72b76][i:9e49c72b76]Originally posted by fredtgreco[/i:9e49c72b76]

So would the three Presbyteries I have been involved with. [/quote:9e49c72b76]

Rightly so.

Here is a PCA 10 minutes from my house with a DTS grad.

Without saying anything derogatory about this church, I'll say it is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum than the one I go to.


http://www.crosspointeaustin.org/thechurch/staff.html

JERRY RAHM...Senior Pastor

Jerry and Linda came to CrossPointe on Easter Sunday, 1994.They came to Austin from Dallas, Texas, which is also where they both grew up. They have been married for 17 years, and have no children. Jerry has a Bachelor of Science degree from Christian Heritage College, where he majored in Biblical Psychology. He also is a graduate of [b:9e49c72b76]Dallas Theological Seminary[/b:9e49c72b76], where he received his Masters of Theology (ThM - a four year professional degree). After graduation Jerry worked as Director of Operations at the Aerobics Activity Center in Dallas for a couple of years. He then joined the staff of Fellowship Bible Church, Park Cities, serving for 8 years in various staff positions, his last being that of Executive Pastor. The Lord called him and Linda to CrossPointe in 1994 to serve as Senior Pastor. Jerry's life purpose is to love his wife sacrificially and to serve the church of Jesus Christ faithfully. His third passion in life is golf--feel free to invite him out anytime!