Roots in a local ministry can run deep. John Fawcett (1739–1817), a prominent English Baptist preacher and hymn writer, knew this well. After receiving a call to relocate and pastor the influential Carter Lane’s Baptist Church in London, he initially agreed and, at the last minute, halted his wagons. His affection for his current congregation forced him to stay. Fawcett wrote the famous hymn “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds,” after this experience.
Many of today’s ministry leaders find themselves in Fawcett’s dilemma. Affection for local ministry contexts often takes priority over relocating for better theological training. But are these two desirable paths really at odds?
Jacob Carron, Associate Pastor in Camden, South Carolina, knows they aren’t. Carron enrolled in an Experiential Modular course this fall at Southern Seminary and agrees that this new format captures the best of in-person learning while encouraging those local ministry ties.
“The experiential modular enabled me to interact with professors and classmates on campus, which is a terrific opportunity for an online student,” Carron said. “Often, online studies provide all of the same concepts and course material, but they lack the real-time discussions that on-campus formats provide. This allowed me to take courses that were required for the online program that I am enrolled in, while also experiencing some of the discussions and interaction that I would normally miss.”
The value of theological education goes beyond the classroom. Courses in theology, biblical studies, ethics, and church history always have practical applications for everyday ministry. Carren recognized this need to sharpen his ministry mind and skills, but God was currently using him in Camden. For Carren, the Experiential Modular delivers the in-person seminary community he needs without leaving the church community he loves.
“The best part was the encouragement and engaging discussions that learning alongside my classmates provided,” Carren said. “It is easy to feel isolated working on an online degree. However, the days on campus with guys in similar ministry contexts are a refreshing reminder that there are many men pursuing the same degree as me in situations that do not differ much from my own. Furthermore, these interactions will not end on campus since I committed to keep in contact with a few guys in my class, and we have each committed to praying for one another.”
Another benefit for Carren was the time spent with the faculty. When choosing a seminary, you don’t just register for information. Professors embody what they teach and understand their role as guides for your intellectual and spiritual growth. Carren said he chose Southern Seminary for its faculty, and the Experiential Modular provided valuable time with the professors he came to study with.
“It was great to spend time with the professors,” Carren said. “I chose SBTS for the faculty, but I do not get much time with them while online. This format allows me to still engage with them personally, even if only for a few days. Each moment spent discussing class material, future plans, God’s calling on my life, ministry experience, and other subjects is incredibly valuable. It will motivate me to continue signing up for Experiential Modular courses.”
The good desire to remain rooted in a local ministry context should not be a barrier to the good desire to attain the best theological training. Experiential Modular courses are built for you and are one of the ways Southern Seminary continues to fulfill its founding mission—making theological education accessible.
You can find more information about the Experiential Modular and register here.