Tag Archives: Biblical Seminary

November 25, 2008 · 5:34 am

How to pick a seminary?


Of course the right answer is: “Biblical Seminary is the ONLY seminary where you’ll get the best masters in counseling education.”

But in case you’d like a little more depth and breadth in answer the question about whether seminary is right for you, Derek Cooper has a new book: So You’re Thinking About Going to Seminary (2008, Brazos). Derek came by this wisdom by attending several seminaries and so if you want a good feel for what seminary is like and how you can decide if it is for you, you ought to buy the book.

In it he orients readers to what seminary is and isn’t, the kind that is attached to universities and the free-standing kind. That would probably have helped my wife back when she showed up for summer Greek, about a year after becoming a Christian. When she first heard about seminary, she assumed it was a place only for priests.

Cooper also helps the reader to consider the value and benefits of non-denominational versus denominational seminaries, the kinds of degrees available as well as potential jobs with each degree. Even better, he helps the newbie think through the kinds of courses likely to be taken in  some of these degree courses. What I like is that he gives numerous school examples so that by the end of the book, the reader has truly been exposed to the best of theological education in the United States and Canada.

The middle section of the book helps the seminarian find ways to finance, survive, even flourish during grad studies. Yes, you don’t have to lose your faith or your marriage if you go to seminary. But don’t assume your studies alone will promote spiritual growth.

He has one chapter that covers matters of ordination and licensure. If you are considering becoming a licensed counselor AND you are thinking (rightly) that seminary is a great place to do that, be sure to read his admonition to check with your licensing body (State or Province) to see what THEY require and do not assume that the school automatically covers every required course.

My only negative is that he didn’t say on every page that BIBLICAL SEMINARY (www.biblical.edu) is by far the BEST school in the world. But then, if he did, that would make us look bad since he would be lying. But, if you do want to hear Derek in the flesh, join our counseling program and take his “Counseling and the Biblical Text” course since he adjuncts for us.

I’ve asked Derek a few questions and so tomorrow, I’ll post his answers. Really, this is a good book if you are considering a ministry career and wonder if Seminary is necessary and what it is all about. And if you are the “cut to the chase” kind of reader, he has really good summaries and charts to help you make your decision.

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September 29, 2008 · 10:41 am

Check out this Biblical event!


Want to meet a number of key missional leaders all in one place for a reasonable price? Wondered what missional was all about? Come to Biblical Seminary on October 10th (THIS FRIDAY) to hear Scot McKnight(Jesuscreed.org), Tim Keel, Darrell Guder, and the ever stimulating, even controversial Brian McLaren (along with some local greats as well) do plenary talks and break-outs on a number of related topics. It costs $75 for the day or $40 for the evening. The size will not be too large so you can expect to have actual conversations with some of the leaders. The event is capped by installing our very own theologian, Dr. John Frankeas the Lester and Kay Clemens Chair of Missional Theology.

Check out this link for more info: https://webmail.biblical.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.biblical.edu/pages/connect/franke%2520installation.htm

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Filed under Biblical Seminary, Christianity, Christianity: Leaders and Leadership, Doctrine/Theology, missional, Missional Church

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July 31, 2008 · 10:00 am

Don’t Miss: Destructive Relationships Seminar


Shameless promotion for a class at Biblical. You can come for Friday night or both Friday and Saturday. Check it out and get a free book with your registration!

Summer Counseling Seminar at Biblical Seminary

Who should attend:

Counselors

Lay Counselors

Church leaders

 

Popular author and speaker, Leslie Vernick, is offering a weekend seminar on her new book

 Abusive and Destructive Relationships

Seeing Them! Stopping Them! Surviving Them!

Friday August 8th 6-9pm &

Saturday August 9th 9am-5pm

Audit rate only $142

Or

Friday night only for the Topic Overview for $30

Overview includes: general definitions, how to say “no” and mean it, having the courage to make choices, how to invite someone into healthy change to break destructive patterns, how to speak thoughts and feelings in a constructive way.

Sign up by Wednesday August 6th and receive the book FREE          http://cart.leslievernick.com/images/book_emotional_catalog_home.jpg

 

 

Call Bonnie at 1-800-235-4021 x 117

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Filed under Abuse, biblical counseling, Biblical Seminary, christian counseling, christian psychology, counseling skills, marriage, Relationships, teaching counseling

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July 8, 2008 · 5:43 am

Do YOU know where you are going on YOUR journey?


This post is prompted by a sermon I heard last Sunday. Duane Davis, student at WTS preached a wonderful sermon on Hebrews 11:8-22 and Abraham’s journey to the promised land. During the sermon I thought of this application to my own Seminary’s quest to teach and train missional church leaders and counselors for the 21st century. A little background: not everyone has been happy with our move to reach the emerging leadership of the emerging church. The emerging church has been willing to criticize sharply the prior evangelical style of church. In their effort to try new things, some emerging leaders, writers, etc. have tried on theological positions that run counter or at least perpendicular to conservative Christian doctrine. Because we at the Seminary haven’t led with our criticisms of emerging church, that has led some to criticize and attack us. One criticism has been the challenge that the emerging church and Biblical Seminary don’t know where they are going. We’re on a journey that can only lead to heresy and rejection of the Gospel–or so it is thought by some. Enter Hebrews 11.

Notice that Abraham travels with much uncertainty. He surely knew that God called him (at least he knew this enough to leave all his family and homeland at an elderly age) and so he went expectantly. I wonder if he grew tired of saying, “Here, Lord? This looks like a good spot. No, you want me to keep going???”. I wonder if he second-guessed himself.  But Hebrews does tell us that Abraham did look expectantly to one thing: heaven (v. 11). In fact, the promise of heirs the number of sand and land was never fully realized in his lifetime. As Duane reminded us, he even had to buy some land to bury his cherished wife. Even at age 100, he had yet to receive the promise of Isaac. Then a few years later he is asked by God to sacrifice Isaac.

We who have the entire canon seem to forget that we too do not know where God is taking us. We have a clearer picture of heaven and clear calls to seek and serve God’s kingdom. And yet we do not know exactly to what God is calling us to. We, like Abraham, may try to bring about God’s promises (these usually lead to bad consequence). God is faithful none-the-less. Unless He returns, we too will not see the full promise delivered.

So, in answer to those who ask whether Biblical Seminary knows where it is going, I say no. We don’t. We do know that God is faithful, the land is foreign, we own nothing, but we trust in his goodness both now and in eternity. We seek to live faithfully in worshipful service to God and in loving our neighbors as ourselves. It would be more comforting to think we had it all figured out. It is tempting to do so since that would make our vision planning much easier. In fact, it is tempting just to say we have it all figured out. That would be more attractive to students and donors. But, we believe a more faithful response is to ask the Lord to send us into the harvest and use as as He can.

One last point. Our lack of knowing just where we are going is not to say we have NO idea nor to say all viewpoints are valid and everyone’s expression of faith is good. Those interested in knowing more what we do seek and believe are welcome to check out our President’s “Missional Journal” at http://www.biblical.edu/pages/resources/missional-journal.html

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Filed under Biblical Reflection, Biblical Seminary, Christianity, Doctrine/Theology, Evangelicals, missional, Missional Church

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June 26, 2008 · 5:09 am

Study the Bible at Biblical for the fun of it!


Now there’s a concept: Biblical Seminary offering bible classes for anyone in the surrounding area.

Actually, we’re resurrecting a very popular past-time here at the seminary. In the olden days, seminarians went to school during the day. So, some teachers here decided to offer lay bible classes for the public in the evening. When we switched to night courses for our grad students, these courses disappeared.

But now, you can take a course on either (or both!) the Old Testament or the New Testament. Have you wanted to study the bible a bit deeper but didn’t want to do the homework? Have you ever wanted grad level bible education but didn’t finish your undergraduate degree? Have you wanted a place to get the benefit of top-notch bible teachers but couldn’t commit to a whole semester? Well, now is your chance for a 6 week bible class on Thursday nights in both fall and Spring for the minuscule fee of $79.!! Follow this link for the PDF with details as to when and where.

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June 14, 2008 · 5:13 am

Take your first course at Biblical, get a free gas card!


Okay, so it might not be an even swap, but it will pay for your gas to get to Biblical this summer. If you’ve never taken a course at my fine institution, here’s a little incentive for you to do so. We’re offering 2 counseling courses (Leslie Vernick’s 1 weekend course on Destructive Relationships and another 2 weekend course on counseling people with addictions) and two other courses. One course is mostly on-line with just one campus visit (Group life in an eWorld). So, check out this PDF flyer for details or www.biblical.edu for more details such as class dates/times.

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May 28, 2008 · 9:53 pm

Overheard at Sandy Cove


In our discussion about race and implicit oppression:

If you manipulate history, you manipulate consciousness. If you manipulate consciousness, you manipulate possibilities. If you manipulate possibilities, you manipulate power.

Seems about right. When we tell a history in a particular way, we can change how we think about ourselves (we’re pretty good, right?) and change how what possibilities we consider and ultimately the power. We talked about this especially when white folk ignore or deny the Blackness of biblical figures.

Also overheard here at our faculty retreat: “That’s going to hurt. Us 40-50 somethings have played basketball both nights. We’re not a particularly in shape group and so we can feel the creaks and the pains a comin.

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March 7, 2008 · 11:44 am

On-line Models of Counseling Course


Biblical Seminary offers several completely on-line courses these days. Check out our homepage for short videos on each course: www.biblical.edu. Let me highlight one in particular. My colleague Bryan Maier is offering one this Spring entitled, Models of Counseling. Here’s his syllabus: http://www.biblical.edu/pages/equip/classes-course-syllabi-spring.htm

If you ever wanted to explore the key secular and Christian models of counseling from a Christian/biblical perspective, this course is for you. The good part is you don’t have to travel to Biblical to take it. Bryan is a great teacher with a good sense of humor. I think you would enjoy it.

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December 17, 2007 · 11:18 am

Year-end charitable donations


This morning on the way to work I heard a story about Andy Petitte (NY Yankee 2007 accused of taking HGH to speed his healing from an injury). Apparently, he is a believer and has given some apology for his using this now banned substance. Reporters talked to members of his bible study where they talked about praying for a blessing on the Petitte’s family. This particular radio personality scoffed at praying for Andy and said, “how about praying for the hungry?” Despite his sarcasm, the reporter had a point. Do we pray and give to those truly in need?

In light of this, 2007 is drawing to a close and if you are like many, you are considering where to give those last charitable givings for the this tax year. There are many good choices but consider giving your money, prayers, and time to these organizations (that I am acquainted with) trying to do something good for the “least of these.”

1. Student Scholarships for the The Urban LEAD program at Biblical Seminary. This is a cohort of individuals (launching in February) looking to advance their education WHILE they work and minister in urban contexts. It might not seem like the least of these, but this is training for the front lines of ministry where few are willing to go.  

2. The Ark Afterschool Program for kids in North Philly. Josh and Anne Macha have been spearheading afterschool activities (study, art, bible study). These children have almost no chance of doing well in school but these and other volunteers are making a difference. If you don’t have money to give but time, consider coming out one afternoon a week. The right side of the page (link above) has donation information.

3. The Place of Refuge. My good friend Elizabeth Hernandez directs this counseling ministry that targets the urban poor struggling with trauma. Many of the people who are served by Refuge do not have the capacity to pay for their services.

4. Whosoever Gospel Mission. This 100 year old mission and thrift store in Germantown was burnt to the ground in 2006 by one of its residents. The agency continues to make progress on rebuilding its buildings. One of the casualties in the fire was the delay of getting its women’s mission going strong. Dr. Robert Emberger, a grad of Biblical Seminary, has labored there as director for quite some time. Consider helping them with the costs to rebuild. They do not have a website but here’s the number: 215.438.3094.

I’m sure there are many many more wonderful charities that serve the least of these. I encourage you to pick your favorite and bless them with your time and money as you are led.

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October 31, 2007 · 9:55 am

CCEF’s Annual Conference Topic: Anxiety


Starting Friday, CCEF is running its annual conference in Valley Forge, PA. You can click this linkto register or view speakers and breakouts. Several look pretty good. The keynote is by Ed Welch who is releasing his new book on the topic (free to conference registrants). By the way, his picture is on the page link above. Do you think it looks likes he’s trying to scare little children with that attack position? I’ll be there manning the Biblical Seminary booth and possibly live-blogging if the Wi-Fi is free as it was last year. If you are going to be there, come by and say hello.

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