Self-Educating through "Seminary"

Home school for seminary? Is it possible? Many people need to for various reasons and many more have done so whether they needed to or not. In this video, I will provide some tips for those who find themselves unable to attend traditional theological education.
Super-Basic Starter Kit: • Super-Basic Library: A...
Horton Reading Plan: grant-horner-bi...

[@kellysdad2326]

If you're not able to enter in a seminary, why not buy books like - 1. ESV or MacArthur study bible; 2. Systematic Theology of Berkhof or Wayne Grudem; 3. Treasury of Scripture knowledge; 4. IVP Dictionary of theology; 5. Strong or Young's concordance; 6. Books on hermeneutics or expository preachings like haddon robinson's book. Just immerse yourselves with those books and voila you have got a Bachelor's degree on theology!!!

[@EtinosaOsayi]

Thank you

[@johfu4705]

It is a bit more complicated than that

[@youngrevival9715]

@@johfu4705because we make it complicated, not because it has to be

[@youngrevival9715]

I would ad having a few commentaries on most of the bible and build from there but yea i basically do this along with actual working with people who are new Christians and those struggling in the faith.

[@stephengilbreath840]

The Master's Seminary posts a lot of their lectures on KZbin. Steve Lawson taught a whole course on expository preaching and they posted all those lectures. He taught on expository preaching of the Psalms as well, and all those can be found on KZbin. Huge help and blessing

[@cjfrazier8]

Stephen, thank you for mentioning those lectures. I can likewise attest to them. I have an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, yet Dr. Lawson’s lectures were far more helpful to me than anything I received in seminary.

[@laiquende9971]

One thing I would also recommend is finding the program of an M.Div. or one you’re interested in from a well respected seminary and see which courses are required and if you can get a hold of each syllabus. That way you can see the required readings and projects that would be expected. One of the best things about seminary is that you don’t make the schedule and that forces you to study wider than you normally would. We all tend to study more in the areas we’re more interested in so following along a program is great for making sure you’re well versed in all the necessary areas.

[@CornerTalker]

I've tried to get hold of syllabi. Most are not available online. Tyndale tyndale.edu/academics/syllabi/ and Conrad Conde below mentioned www.biblicaltraining.org/classes

[@eriktolson8624]

I did the self study for Seminary it was difficult however totally worth it.

[@melloweasel]

I’ve been taking classes at Christian Leaders Institute since 2017, their material is excellent. I also recently discovered a great resource, The Portable Seminary by David Horton. It’s a wonderful guide for someone doing self-study.

[@Snowdu]

Thank you for your videos. Everytime I'm feeling discouraged or lack motivation to study I'm encouraged to keep going by one of your videos. Blessings

[@navinewolf]

Wow you spoke to my heart at a moment when I truly needed this. Thank you, God bless

[@macthemessenger]

Me too

[@megalyon]

Agree I’m in Ministry school (ISOM) and starting with the deep Bible study you mentioned. I agree Bible knowledge is the basic foundation of all Christian knowledge. Love the idea of a mentor, I can get mentorship from my church elders. 🙏🏾 All great advice, thank you.

[@DizzySaxophone]

Dr. Zugg of MINTS was my missions professor at RTS and I was completely in awe of what he was speaking about MINTS.

[@JohnVianneyPatron]

Is MINTS accredited?

[@cole141000]

Cultivating true heartfelt convictions that translate to ministry is one thing that for me the in-home seminary has had in its favor. I’ve blown through tons of literature - the one thing that winds up missing is articulation and communication, but that’s where the opportunities to serve in the local church become incredibly vital. I will be going to CBTS soon but I really think we’ve overglorified the academy. Everyone has access to the best of Christian pens and minds. And our progression in the media world has opened a door into the classrooms in academies. Literally the only thing missing are assignments and someone to examine you. But if you have a decent elder or two at your church, that’s easily accounted for.

[@SaneNoMore]

Requiring a secular degree to attend theological training is a questionable practice in my opinion. I prefer the process of attending a Bible college as I’ve found little value in a piece of paper from an institution that mocks and openly hates God and His children.

[@tjblanchard]

I’m 27 and I have no college credits at all. I am putting myself through a bachelors degree from a local state university (SUNY) school. Very low cost and minimal wokeness for a public university. I’ll get to seminary for my MDiv sometime in my early 30s. That’s my plan. No reason to rush! The Lord will direct my paths and make a way for me if I am faithful in my pursuits and submit to his will!

[@stanleyperret8454]

First let me say thank you Pastor. I thank you for your service to our savior and for answering the calling that was placed in your life as it was in mine (which I ran from for 49 years). I answered His calling a few short years ago and am now attending Seminary. I fully believe that a saved soul should attend seminary regardless if it is done online or in person including reading the Bible as you stated multiple times per year. I would also say to look for a mentor (as you stated) in the ministry which I know for a fact works and helps (Mine recently became a pastor of his first church and I moved over with him.) Now, I am not positive that someone could self educate in the ministry in a way that would glorify His name or to do His works in a way that would produce positive faith based principles. I am a Baptist and believe in and defend the Classical Apologetics Systems. Personally I believe that apologetics should be a permanent course to take in seminary. As for a library, yes build a library that includes all sides of the Christian Faith. This will help your congregation or even students to learn and grow from. I agree that it could possibly be done and yes I believe a formal education would be a Blessed path to take and to avoid the self taught. God Bless!

[@jonathonjankovich2362]

My great frustration with seminary happened in 1995 when I left school to pastor a small church in western PA. The goal was to finish my last semester via commuting. But the four hour drive one way, across the PA Turnpike made that not realistic (especially if you remember the heavy snow storms during that time). Anyway, life happened, ministry happened, marriage happened, babies happened, and eleven years later, I contacted my seminary to finish on-campus. BUT...I was told my credits had expired, and if I wanted a degree from that seminary I would have to start over. Three of the professors who had taught me numerous classes still taught there, teaching the same classes I had already taken. But my pleas were to no avail. If I had contacted them at the ten year mark, I would have been able to complete my degree, But now, nothing counts. I don't understand. So I am looking for other avenues of education to get a theological degree, but I am not optimistic.

[@RhenishHelm]

The whole "no BA" thing is a stumbling block for me right now. I'm 35 and would like to go to seminary, but I'd need to first dedicate four years to getting a BA, which is incredibly expensive and time-consuming for an education that will only be a stepping-stone to what I actually want to pursue. Most universities are liberal to the point of inducing agony in a reasonable believer, and it seems like a massively worthless distraction from learning about theology, individual books of scripture, and the biblical languages.

[@MAPologeticsIPeter315]

Check out my alma mater, Columbia International University which offers a 5-year BA/MDiv degree. I'm sure a lot of it can be done online.

[@chrissavedbygrace9398]

Reformed Baptist Seminary 👍🏼

[@SaneNoMore]

I think this is part of the reason there are several Baptist Bible Colleges. Baptist more than many denominations seem to realize that a secular college education is often not a benefit to those pursuing a theological field.

[@63stratoman]

I got my undergrad degree from the University of Phoenix and they took over 60 credit hours from my military training and experience plus I got a few credits from CLEP and DANTES. You may want to take a look at some of these "Adult Continuation" programs and see what they will give you for "Life Experience" so you are not starting from square one. They can be expensive but perhaps you have a job that offers tuition assistance? I would say that a business degree (what I have) is an ideal undergrad degree for someone who is thinking of ministry. There are also "Bible Colleges" run by "Independent Baptists" and if you are part of this crowd, they rarely go beyond the baccalaureate level anyway (and it often shows). Some are actually accredited but you have to endure a good bit of nonsense!

[@chamomiletea9562]

In my opinion It is very important to get a comprehensive general education in the liberal arts and the sciences before a theology degree.

[@ReformedVosian121]

Super great, brother!

[@aneforeffort]

Great reading plan! It's so good and I feel like I can consume more scripture with his method, 20 even 30 chapters a day now seems within reach!

[@jeffm8619]

Small Correction. The intense Bible reading system that you mention was created by Professor Grant Horner. Keep up the good work, Pastor Matt.

[@annapeyton5605]

@MatthewEverhard, hopefully you’ll see this, but maybe this will help someone else too. I have found free reformed seminary educational resources, so if someone is not able for some reason (financial, time, location, etc) to go to traditional seminary, they could still get the education, with lectures!! RTS and CTS both have websites and apps (free) with free full courses (everything but Greek and Hebrew)! And it’s easy to look up the degree program for list of courses required for a graduate degree. No degree is awarded, but still a valuable resource! Also, the Log College & Seminary is free and offers a degree but the student must have a mentor. All these options require Internet.

[@buildtolove]

very valuable... but it may be hard to find a mentor

[@travisrichardson5825]

thanks bro ,I have 6 kids we do a bible study almost daily things have gone deep . this will help me as I am a "tent maker" . it may be helpful for some to know about librivox (free audio books ) serman audio and puritan paper backs . I'll pray for you whenever I think about you . again thank you very much for your useful content

[@jfm562]

This is a fascinating option.

[@69telecasterplayer]

Another excellent presentation. Full of wisdom. Solid advice.

[@eamonthebiblebeliever]

Awesome video! This is exactly what I’ve been seeking out.

[@Amilton5Solas]

Thank you so much! I can’t live in this country and not go to seminary. Yes the confessions are my safeguard

[@FullLifeFrank]

First, thank you very much Matthew for creating this video, it's under appreciated, under communicated, & encouraging. You referred to Tyler Jackson as a self educated individual you've seen fruit in, please link his content. Thanks!

[@christyrucker2479]

Or it’s just so pricey. Starting out ministry in debt would be 👎👎.

[@aleczamora6993]

Also a copy of the portable seminary is great book and get a book that expands more for each chapter on the portable seminary book I think its by David Horton

[@megalyon]

This is such a great video - by the way I would totally take classes if you want to teach us - I love your videos 😁 ISOM is another great affordable option for those of us outside of the US in the 3rd world

[@doomgod314]

I'm being called to ministry work but going back to college scares me. I work full time and have a family. I worry I'll struggle with focus and self-doubt.

[@megalyon]

I’m definitely going to check out MINTS.

[@Simrealism]

I want to go to bible college and seminary but as a 52 year old disabled that has recently been restored, I can find no road. It's money money money. I wish there were a path by other means, such as work. It doesn't matter how many verys you stack on top of "affordable", my wife and I can't even afford to eat decent food or do laundry, in fact, we mostly only have panamas to wear because new clothing is too expensive when you can't even afford to eat or do laundry. Still hoping Jesus will show me a way before I die of old age.

[@63stratoman]

Interesting! I am currently taking Seminary courses online but most of it is "Independent Study" and it seems I am still pretty much "Self-Taught!" I am currently going through five semester courses of Systematic Theology (Theology Proper, Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Etc.) which includes reading assignments in the Moody Handbook of Theology and then write 4 to 6 papers per course which is seems rather grueling the way I am approaching it. They are looking at 3 to 5 page papers but I go over and above with 8-12 pages or more! So far, I have been receiving straight A's from my coursework but feel somewhat dissatisfied because all I hear is "Well written, well presented" but nothing that really challenging or questioning my thinking or the conclusions I am coming to. Seems like what I really need is to engage with a few professors or other Seminary students and get in some really messy and bloody theological barfights? 😂 Perhaps I should include a few things in my next paper that are somewhat heretical just to see if my professor catches and confronts me about them? Hopefully I could tell him it was a test to see if you actually read my work and submit the "real" paper afterwards? I have joked with my pastor about doing just this. I may have to look into the "auditing" of other Seminary classes as you say. I am a little older though, approaching 60 so I don't really see myself going much beyond an MA degree.

[@tylerjohnson830]

I'm going too :D

[@JohnVianneyPatron]

Before I went to seminary my denomination required me to do some supplementary "self-study". It really didn't work well for me. Unless you have the pressure of tests, assignment deadlines, comprehensives etc. the ability to "immerse yourself" in study is very difficult.

[@click-fil-a7470]

I agree. We live in a world with access to endless books, videos, etc., often free. So, there are few genuine reasons for not finding learning materials. The problem for most people who self-study is a lack of structure and a progressive, deliberate path to learning. So, for the person with financial and/or time challenges, it is possible to gain knowledge on your own, but it's modular and very hit-and-miss.

[@Easternandoutward]

From somebody that’s not starting yet at all ! What’s some things I can do to help my self. start well ! I am a little older than most people I’m going in my mid-20s I have two rare disorders That I was born with but I have a long story. And God has worked miracles through me. Even though by a long shot I don’t have things worked out I’m still sick sometimes. Something I’ve dreamed about. And God has urged me for years I just was chasing other dreams amongst being sick is why he was trying to get my attention I believe. That God has called me to this field I am a Baptist. So we are a little bit different i know my inspiration is Charles Stanley. As a pastor role model

[@swishplays1054]

Hi Pastor, really love your videos. 🙌🏾 I’m interest in learning the biblical languages. Do you have any resources books, videos etc than can help me. God bless you

[@nickhanley5407]

Sometimes it seems like way to much credence is put on formal education. Who did Jesus choose? The Pharisees who went through years and years of training or the fisherman and tax collectors? It’s like in my industry, construction, the guys that have been doing it since high school and we’re trained in the “school of hard knocks” are able to work circles around the guys who went and got a formal education. In a lot of ways it seems that Christianity has become an intellectual pursuit rather than the simple following of the Lord.

[@nealgordon217]

Hi, you mentioned how Tyler Jackson had been going about self education, does he have a blog/ KZbin channel. Just interested to see how others are going about this. I've been to Bible college but still keen to keep on learning in ministry. Thanks

[@j.c.sministries1530]

So you asked the question, How would you self educate. My response to that would be a few things, 1st of all John 14:26, 1John 2:20, James 1:5-7, And I could go on but I must agree with you I must agree with you you must stay in the word constantly word constantly or continuously which I think is A necessity anyway. Your feedback on that would be appreciated thank you and have a Blessed day

[@victormashatt2521]

Some of us don’t qualify to even go to seminary. Can’t meet the prerequisites.

[@daviprudente]

Is that a potato on your desk?

[@MatthewEverhard]

Lol!!! It's a 🍐 (pear) ha ha

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Are pear cores better for lobbing at trees than apple cores? Asking for a friend. OK, thats a lie. 🤪😆😁

[@jkdaddyof2235]

Matt I would really like to go to the Masters Seminary From John MacArthur but they don’t seem to really have a virtual campus setting. Is there a seminary that you would recommend for the kind of teaching that is like what they offer?

[@neilmachado3820]

They have a KZbin Channel where they put out stuff from their Seminary classes-can get a lot of content from there. Chk it out , hope it helps: kzbin.info

[@blyle9371]

I’ve not yet found the “very, very affordable “ seminaries he speaks of. They must be out there but I’m having difficulty locating them. MINTS appears to be a possibility-checking on that one but it seems to be geared more towards international students...

[@ArmandoBN497]

Biblical training free Whitefield Theological Seminary $80 - $100 a month Reformed Baptist Seminary is also $90/credit

[@chaseadams8018]

So my church has a statement of faith as well as #5 core values listed on its website, as well as a document of by-laws. Is this considered our confession then?

[@Rev.DavidJTowns]

Not all seminaries are the same -- like all higher education some good some not so good. GOD Bless

[@MinisterStretch]

I attend a school called faith international university and seminary And I’m pursuing a bachelors Folks should look it up

[@chrissavedbygrace9398]

What is the name of the free seminary you said? I believe it was Imense? Can you provide a link

[@cheo2ng]

Is it Horner or Horton's reading plan? Thanks for the intro

[@koosvanzyl2605]

So many Doctorates and they all understand the Bible differently. Don't know if Seminary helps

[@Oscar.Carmona]

FREE Classes: Can someone help by listing all the reputable ones you know?

[@mirjanabosnjak8064]

How to find a good seminary in Europe? I'm not reformed but I would go to a reformed seminary. But it's hard to trust Europeans

[@vrm7mba147]

I have a random quest unrelated to this topic but don’t know where else to ask you the question. Where in the Bible would you suggest starting my studies in my new wide margin Cambridge Bible? I am not a new Christian but new with taking permanent notes/miscellanies etc. TY

[@Yesica1993]

He has a playlist of books & bibles. I know he's reviewed various bibles & also has tips on note taking. I hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/paHLpmekj7qfqLs

[@vrm7mba147]

@@Yesica1993 thank you for the suggestion. It looks like that video does have some very interesting tiny books to check out. However, I want to study my new Bible through and through while taking permanent notes (yes I know it will take years), but I don’t know where to start...Genesis, Mathew, John, James ??

[@twilagitschlag5662]

I would suggest Proverbs. Reading it over and over.

[@SaneNoMore]

I have a book called “The Portable Seminary” all I have to do is read that book right? I mean it’s a thick book. 😋

[@whitney2280]

I think the super basic starter kit link is wrong...

[@MatthewEverhard]

Okay should be good now!

[@bbenkert]

Christian Leaders Institute

[@swishplays1054]

You made a comment on reading philosophy, which books would you recommend

[@patrickdesisto966]

I think that necessitating a “degree” to become a pastor/ clergy is absurd and, ironically, antibiblical.

[@wizard1399]

Why study other creeds, when you can take your creed straight from scripture? For example"messiah was born of the flesh and any that claim he did not is of an antichrist spirit"

[@paulswilley3737]

You disappointed me. You’re saying I’ll have to stop buying Joel Osteen books. Oh no my world has ended