Inexpensive or Free :) Seminary

[manito2000]

Hello everyone, I've been on the forum for some time.

I'm a bi-vocational pastor in the Santa Cruz, CA area. I pastor a pretty small congregation.

I've been trying to explore the possibility of pursuing formal theological training. The disadvantage is $. Our church is primarily Spanish-speaking and the church budget mainly goes to pay the church's monthly expenses. There are good months where the congregation is able to provide me a very modest stipend (~$300).

...nevertheless, I've been excited about what the Lord has been doing in their lives. They are so appreciative of the teaching and ministry.

I had heard about TNARS but just noticed they no longer do a BA in Theology. As far as higher education I have two AA from a local community college (soc and psych). Unfortunately, life circumstances did not permit me to finish a BA.

...any thoughts?

 

[Justified]

Are you specifically looking for a BA? Does it have to be accredited? I'm not sure of the rules at TNARS, but I'm sure you could still pursue one of their degree programs. Once again, if you are just looking to increase your knowledge their is always https://connect.ligonier.org/ for like $9 a month (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[Ask Mr. Religion]

If you could locate a qualified local Pastor willing to serve as a faculty mentor, TNARS would consider your application for the undergrad program.

 

[reaganmarsh]

Pastor Armenta,

Have you looked into grants for undergraduate studies? There were a lot of them available recently when my sister was in college. I received the Pell grant during college and it paid for most of my tuition. May be worth the time to fill out a FAFSA.

Grace to you.

 

[rpeters]

Talk to Miami International Seminary(MINTS) they have many of their spanish courses online. They are really cheap. MINTS - Preparing Christian Leaders for Ministry Through Affordable, Accessible Theological Education

 

[Sensus Divinitas]

It doesn't help for the degree, but Reformed Theological Seminary puts the lectures for their online courses on iTunes U for free. It's a good resource for expanding knowledge if pursuing a degree does not work.

 

[manito2000]

Thank you brothers for the great suggestions. I am checking out MINTS.

As far as TNARS...that's great info. I've recently found a great solid reformed church in Felton. My family and I have attended once every 4-5 weeks to feed my own soul. Maybe that would be a good mentorship opportunity. I believe the pastor is a Westminster grad.

Thanks again....!

 

[Toasty]

I did a Google search about this and here is what I found:

Both of these schools are in the San Francisco Bay Area. It might be too far for you, but you can check them out.

Grace School of Theology and Ministry

The Cornerstone Seminary

Westminster Theological Seminary has some lectures on iTunes. You cannot get academic credit just by listening to those lectures. However, they can be very helpful for gaining knowledge. Here is the link: https://itunes.apple.com/institution/westminster-theological-seminary/id430331214

Westminster Theological Seminary offers AP 101 - Introduction to Apologetics through distance learning. Here is the link: http://www.wts.edu/becoming/distance_education.html