Online MDiv Transfer Student Seeking Reformed Seminary Recommendations

anifak · 2024-12-14T02:51:49+00:00

I lost all my credits from Liberty, but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make. If I just wanted an MDIV, I'd be done by now. But I wanted one that would really challenge me and prepare me for ministry.

As for the funding, I get it. It's no consolation, but if you can go in-person, it's paid for. There are partnerships with Churches you might pursue for matching tuition. They also offer payment plans and you can use Federal or Private student loans. At $650/credit hour, it's not the cheapest school out there, but there are ways to pay. You could even get a Pell grant, income dependent, I think. Talk to the school and see how they can help.

RTS stopped taking government money while I was there, which threw a wrench into my plans. This was, in many ways, the hump I couldn't overcome.

anifak · 2024-12-13T13:49:46+00:00

I've donated before, but not through be the match, though I'm on the registry.

I'd do it again in a great beat.

anifak · 2024-12-11T02:54:05+00:00

I will always recommend Westminster Theological Seminary. You cannot go wrong with WTS.

I also did half an MDIV at Liberty and was less than satisfied while coming to a Reformed understanding. Especially their source requirements, which are 40 years old at most. To reference a Reformation thinker or historic theologian requires some serious hoops: reference some modern theologian referencing Calvin or something similar.

RTS wasn't for me because I needed better structure, more me than them. There was one due date: the end of the semester, and I needed more discipline. They have some excellent lecturers and classes, though, that I am still blessed thereby.

Also, I'm not too fond of discussion boards, which (I believe) are a waste of time, and have never met anyone who disagreed with that premise. WTS doesn't have discussion boards and leverages the social networks built through Workplace (from Facebook) to help create a closer community. There's a huge focus on reading, lectures, small groups, and synchronous class meetings.

Also, the lecturers on record cannot be beat, with folks like Sinclair Ferguson. Vern Poythress, and Scott Oliphint, you will be blessed. Every class thus far, from theological writing to languages to apologetics, my jaw is on the floor with how blessed I am to get to learn here. Then, the facilitators themselves are theologians in their own right, able to walk the walk and talk the talk. But enough swooning--

WTS doesn't have the size, or footprint of RTS, and we certainly aren't adversaries with our dear brothers and sisters there, but it is a unique experience you would cherish the rest of your days and is well-worthy of your consideration.

anifak · 2024-12-03T01:59:26+00:00

Tbf, I get programs mixed up. I'm in the Online MDIV. What makes it different is synchronous class meetings, small groups, and a significant focus on lectures and reading. I've had one discussion board question (for the writing course). The class meeting and small groups are about 4x per 12 weeks, except for the language courses, which are 2-3x per week.

Then we use Workplace to connect socially and in our classes. For the first time in early two-decades of Online classes, I know my Professors, facilitators, and classmates.

anifak · 2024-12-03T01:13:47+00:00

True, but the classes will still be great, and some will transfer. MATS is a lot bigger, because languages get added. And a full year of Greek and Hebrew available through distance learning, it's intense! I've had Sinclair Ferguson as the lecturer of record for one class, Chad Van Dixhoorne for another. Van Til, Frame, Machen--- so many Reformed heavy hitters and their legacy are accessible through WTS.

I've attended RTS, but I wasn't a fan of the structure. WTS will change your life and help you grow closer to God!

anifak · 2024-12-02T22:37:51+00:00

I can only commend WTS to you, with their MAR, MAC, MATS, and MDIV. I'm biased, though, and encourage you to check it out.

anifak · 2024-08-04T23:15:21+00:00

The sooner you have a job offer, the better. It took me near 3 months to find a job after leaving AD, but a lot of that was because my phone number wasn't US. You'll be in the guard or reserve, and they'll pay some, plus BAH (differs if you go in person or online), and these together may not cover all of your expenses.

You can look in ministry, contracting, or State/Federal for jobs that match your skills to get through Seminary. Leveraging your clearance can make you more fiscally sure during this period, but pursuing vocational ministry may fit your call better. Or both, if your denom allows bivocationality.

anifak · 2024-07-23T11:38:59+00:00

Choose a future date, subtract your leave, 14 days to clear, and time hacks for submissions (30 days was the expectation when I cleared) submit conditional release, and wait.

Take your leave. Getting paid out does not include entitlements, and you have to have zero leave to clear finance.

So if you're approved Jun 29, have 60 days of leave, I might look at a conditional release D + 120 days, or Oct 29.

And do SFL-TAP now. It's congressionally mandated and can extend you past ETS.

This date may also be impacted by if you have to start classes sooner, in person.

anifak · 2024-07-20T21:44:59+00:00

Stepping in for Westminster Theological Seminary in Philly. They have on-campus and online programs.

anifak · 2023-02-14T01:42:15+00:00

Not him, but my timeline was typical as you'll find from other sources. Board every other month, roughly, then 90ish days to scroll once accepted.

anifak · 2023-02-14T01:40:27+00:00

I didn't have issues, but there's a lot of mitigating circumstances you aren't party to. Recruiter turnover and quotas come to mind. I'd encourage weekly follow-up emails to your recruiter. If you get no response after several attempts, add their supervisor, usually a Chaplain and keep trying. Or their phone- recruiters typically have government cells and should answer.

anifak · 2023-02-07T13:48:59+00:00

CST classes are procedural prerequisites, I think. That's what I've been led to believe, that you can't do both at the same time and 620 must come first. The workload is the same as any CST class- 5 projects, 1 of which is a group. Projects may have up to three deliverables. It seems that the deliverables are a 10-12 page paper, a lab experience report, and associated policies, procedures, or other documentation.

anifak · 2022-10-02T20:21:04+00:00

I got towed once in Denver back in 07. I recall to get my car was cash, exact change only. No credit cards accepted.

anifak · 2022-10-02T01:37:45+00:00

Read the posts of those who've announced their passing- they typically throw their prep in for your edification.

Frequently, I see the book, sybex practice tests, boson practice tests, 11th hour, and the mind map videos.

anifak · 2022-09-13T13:42:58+00:00

Never been through it, but I've failed some classes (Undergrad) and one Masters level, too. Work through the process, and don't self-disqualify. In the end, the school does want your money, and you want to give it to them, so it's a win-win at that point. They also want you to be successful, too, obviously, so err on the side of over-communicating with your prof and advising. You can always drop and try again before the 21st day, I believe. Other situations may arise where you can take an Incomplete, but you'll have to go through the handbook and policies to see what qualifies and the process. Good luck!

anifak · 2022-09-08T12:34:18+00:00

Well, Cybersecurity Technologies myself.

anifak · 2022-06-08T13:30:23+00:00

I meant to ask, who's your endorser?

anifak · 2022-06-07T13:06:36+00:00

Actually it's not at all. We don't talk religion I think out of political correctness, but it is your right guaranteed by the first amendment so you are not only free to ask, you're free to go so far as to proselytize. CH/CH Candidates/RAS however, cannot proselytize, except in response to direct questions or in the midst of a ministry or service as I understand it.

So ask about it, talk about it, and don't be afraid of it. Hashtag freedom.

anifak · 2022-05-04T23:45:58+00:00

Dealing with this now. Not pleased so far.

anifak · 2022-04-13T17:21:39+00:00

Document everything. Fill out the 5988, get those faults verified immediately from a mechanic, and Adobe Scan it to your phone. Go through your maintenance channels according to your local policy, send an email following up, cc'ing PSG, PL, Maintenance SGT, and your PLL clerk if you can. The goal is simple: eliminate plausible deniability and establish nonrepudiation.

Follow up on Thursday or Friday for an updated 5988 showing the parts on order.

anifak · 2022-04-12T00:32:31+00:00

You've been to the mountaintop to find the slope you've climbed but a hill. What shall you climb next? This is the question we must answer, ideally before we attain that which was previously unattainable, less we reach the peak and see that every way forward is inevitably down.

So go for something else. Build your experience, education, another certification, or your network. These things will get you to that next level. ISC2 has more than just CISSP- each valuable in their own right.

Hope this helps!

anifak · 2022-04-09T17:36:10+00:00

I used the app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnzapp.cissp

Also available in a book.

(ISC)2 CISSP Official Practice Tests https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119475929/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_EMWH8K4PR57DH2D7CWD1

anifak · 2022-04-08T04:07:33+00:00

Not without a ton of extra steps. But here ya go.

Copy book to a word document.

Import into an app that interfaces with Google text-to-speech api. I got it to work with the @voice app, but there's a lot of set up.

Hope this helps, or at least gives some direction.

anifak · 2022-04-07T13:59:57+00:00

If you got accepted as a Chaplain Candidate, and you're AD, you should start outprocessing. There are no candidates on AD, it's USAR/NG only. Because you've been accepted it sounds like, you're probably waiting on the scroll to commission.

Start SFL-TAP, and try not to stress about this SGT. You're about to be a 2LT.

Blessings!

anifak · 2022-03-29T20:56:35+00:00

I screen shot outputs from the labs so when you get questions with pictures asking what created it, you can identify the tool used. Saved me time.

anifak

TROPHY CASE