By Rev Charles King, D.Min.
The Bible says “as he (a person) thinks in his heart, so is he (becomes)". Some modern writers have said if we are to change a person’s behavior and ambitions, we must first change his thinking. This is why education is so important it changes the thinking and therefore the behavior of a person.
The Bible says “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." So the study and the understanding of the Bible are critical in the life of a Christian and crucial for a person called by God into His ministry. Traditional Bible Colleges and Seminaries are expensive in both time and money.
In the past it was impossible for some even to dream of receiving formal training from a Bible College or Seminary. For many such an education was impossible in the past, but no more. The Internet has changed the way that many look at education in general, and Biblical education in specific.
Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
It is my constant prayer that all who are called will yield themselves to God’s call and become equipped. Elsewhere the Bible states, “Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I personally have had the opportunity to teach in some third world Bible schools and see the God given desire of the students, but also see this desire dampened by lack of financial support and library resources.
This problem is not limited to third world countries in the United States where I was associated with a major Christian seminary, I saw a number of very committed Christians drop out of seminary due to time and financial pressures.
This all is changing as distant learning is coming more available from established Bible Colleges Seminaries. This reduces some of the time pressure, but in many cases the traditional educational institutions are charging a premium for Internet courses. However, there is an alternative, that is a number of churches, dominations, and organizations are offering free courses over the Internet.
Being a person who has earned graduate degrees by both traditional (classroom) and none traditional (distant learning) as well as my experience working with both types of Bible education institutions, it is my belief that a person’s education (learning) is dependent upon the student more that the institution. Therefore, I am writing this article to raise the awareness level of alternate educational sources for those who feel called, but see it as an impossible calling due to the lack of a formal education, time, and/or money.
The Internet used properly can reduce the cost of education to a fraction of traditional cost while providing equal or better resources to the student. For example the Internet provides access to a worldwide library with free access to most of the greatest theological works. It also provides free communication at any time with your instructor(7 days * 24 hrs). Distant learning can provide each student the equivalent of a one-on-one instruction at the individual’s speed and at near zero cost.
This is not a pipedream but a reality. Just do a web search on “Free Bible Study Course" or “Free Bible study Material" and you will find thousands of sites providing these resources. These Internet Bible courses allow many the opportunity to pursue both and education and a ministry they once thought impossible. In many cases nothing is required, no tuition cost, no book cost, and no application. The only thing needed is a commitment to “Study and show thyself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." |
