When you decide to go into a ministry based career, it is a big decision. You are making the choice to serve God with your entire life, everything you have. But you might also have the desire to serve your country, joining your fellow comrades in the defense of the citizens of the United States. In which case you might be considering joining the military, or perhaps you already have. This will lead you to seek out your chaplaincy training, to become an ordained minister within the military or reserves.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

Liberty University gives you access to your education 24/7 wherever you are in the world. It is affordable to your budget with tuition rates among the lowest in the country. It is deeply rooted to its Christian values taking careful consideration of the ethical standards many employers look for today.

Liberty University Programs:

• Asociado de Artes en Educación
• Asociado de Artes en Negocio
• Asociado de Artes en Religion
• Asociado de Artes en Sicología
• Associate of Arts in Religion
• Bachelor of Science in Religion
• Certificado Avanzado en Estudios Biblicos
• Doctor of Ministry
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Maestria de Artes En Consejeria Pastoral
• Maestria de Artes En Liderazgo Cristiano
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
• Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology
• Master of Arts in Evangelism and Church Planting
• Master of Arts in Global Studies
• Master of Arts in Human Services
• Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
• Master of Arts in Religion
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies
• Master of Arts in Worship – Ethnomusicology
• Master of Arts in Worship Studies
• Master of Divinity — Chaplaincy
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Theology (non-thesis)
• Undecided

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Chaplaincy Training

Where Can I Get Chaplaincy Training?

One school that has a celebrated chaplaincy training program is Liberty University. A private, non-profit Christian institution, they have been training chaplains and other ordained church leaders for more than four decades. Their program is a master’s of divinity course with an emphasis on chaplaincy.

What Career Options Will I Have?

When you receive your chaplaincy, you may or may not choose a military career. Your options include:

Military Chaplain
Christian Educator
Christian School Administrator
Church Education Administrator
Curriculum Director
Instructional Supervisor
Sunday School Administrator

How Much Is Tuition?

At Liberty University, you will take this class online. Which means it will be charged by the hour, with 72 in total to get your Master’s of Divinity and chaplaincy training. Per hour it costs $285, or you can enroll in a block with a rate of $2,200 for those in 9 – 15 credit hour semesters.

Conclusion

If you have dreamed of getting your chaplaincy training, now is as good a time as any. Liberty University has a flexible, affordable, accredited online course available for enrollment right now. It will make it that much easier to dedicate yourself to both God and your fellow man, preparing for a rewarding life of service.

Searching for Christian Colleges in California?

Many faith based high school students find the transition to college difficult. They are thrust into an environment that may be a far stretch from what they are used to in their local community and congregation. This has lead for many students to seek out Christian colleges. If you are on the west coast, there are many Christian colleges in California.

Christian Colleges in California

Listed below are just a few of the Christian colleges available in California. There are many more to choose from.

Azusa Pacific University (Azusa)
Biola University (LaMirada)
California Baptist University (Riverside)
Fresno Pacific University (Fresno)
Hope International University (Fullerton)
Life Pacific College (San Dimas)
Lutheran Bible Institute in California (Irvine)
Providence Christian College (Ontario)
Simpson University (Redding)
Summit Bible College (Bakersfield)
The Master’s College (Santa Clarita)
Vanguard University (Costa Mesa)
Westmont College (Santa Barbara)
William Jessup University (Rocklin)

Should I Choose a Christian College?

Only you can answer that question. There are some advantages to attending Christian colleges, however. While there are a few larger Christian universities like Azusa Pacific, there are also many smaller universities, like Life Pacific. Smaller student body numbers typically means smaller class sizes. This can ensure that students receive a lot of one on one attention and assistance from the professors.

What Degrees Can I Earn?

A common misconception is that you can only earn Bible and theology related degrees at Christian colleges. While this is true at a few of the colleges, most colleges offer many of the same programs as traditional state run and private universities. This can include psychology, business, accounting, and engineering, just to name a few.

Summary

Earning a degree from a Christian university not only gives you the academic knowledge needed for a successful career, it gives students the life lessons that will ensure their success.

Searching for Christian Colleges in Florida?

Finding the perfect school can be a difficult and challenging task. Many times we conjure up images of big parties and no studying. If you have a strong belief system, this may sound like a horrid prospect. There are many nationally ranked Christian colleges in Florida. One of these may be the perfect fit for you.

Christian Colleges in Florida

Clearwater Christian College (Clearwater)
Florida Christian College (Kissimmee)
Hobe Sound Bible College (Hobe Sound)
Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach)
Pensacola Christian College (Pensacola)
Saint Thomas Christian College (Jacksonville)
Southeastern University (Lakeland)

Why Attend a Christian College

Christian colleges are excellent for those with a Christian upbringing. These schools are often compatible with the student’s lifestyle, which allows the transition from high school to college less stressful for the student. In addition, many of the Christian colleges are smaller than a state run university. This means that they receive more attention from professors and are able to closely network with those with similar beliefs.

What if I Don’t Want to Major in a Religious Field?

There is a common misconception that you can only receive a religious based degree from a Christian university. This is not the case, however. Many Christian universities offer many of the same programs as traditional universities. This can include psychology, business, accounting, and education, among others.

Financial Aid

Another common misconception is that you will not be able to qualify for federal financial aid if you attend a Christian university. Again, this is not the case. As long as the university holds proper accreditation, you will be able to apply for all of the same financial aid packages that you would be able to a traditional university.

Summary

Many students find that attending a Christian university better suits their needs. Being surrounded by those with similar beliefs can make four years of college a very rewarding experience.

If you have a strong religious belief and desire to help others, you may want to enroll in a chaplaincy program. These programs can be found at both religious and traditional colleges and seminaries, as well as online.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

Liberty University gives you access to your education 24/7 wherever you are in the world. It is affordable to your budget with tuition rates among the lowest in the country. It is deeply rooted to its Christian values taking careful consideration of the ethical standards many employers look for today.

Liberty University programs:

• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• Master’s in Christian Leadership Studies
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism and Church Planting
• Master’s in Marketplace Chaplaincy
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• MDV – Chaplaincy 72 HRS
• Doctor of Ministry

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Chaplaincy Program

Accreditation

Unfortunately, many bible colleges operate without traditional accreditation. Depending on your career path, accreditation may be a necessity. Therefore, it is important to verify the accreditation of your particular school and program prior to enrolling.

What to Expect

Most chaplaincy programs are available at the graduate level. A master’s is the main requirement for jobs with the military and government. In addition, students must have a letter of recommendation or endorsement from their church.

A MDiv can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete. However, there are some accelerated online programs that will allow you to complete the program in just 12-18 months. Courses typically include crisis counseling, grief counseling, discipleship, theology, and bible exposition.

Depending on the level of degree you are pursing, you may also be required to complete a certain amount of hours of internship or fellowship. In addition, at the PhD level, you will be required to write a dissertation and defend your findings in front of a university board.

Chaplaincy Career

Gone are the days that you find chaplains in just churches. Chaplains are needed in all industries and environments. Chaplains can be found in hospitals, the military, prisons, and law enforcement.  In addition, many of the larger private businesses are hiring in house chaplains for their employees.

Summary

By enrolling in a chaplaincy program, you can help to deliver the message to those that need it, at a time when they need it the most. It can be a very rewarding and challenging career. With the number of online and campus based programs available, you are certain to find a program that suits your needs.

Searching for a Bible Study Fellowship?

Fellowship is an important part of the Christian faith. It is a privilege for those that conduct Bible studies, prayer meetings, and support groups. It is been said that fellowship is part of God’s supply chain, or a way to pass His word. Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is a Christian interdenominational group of lay people that offer structured bible study.

What is BSF?

As stated above, BSF is an interdenominational parachurch fellowship. Parachurch organizations are faith based organizations who work outside of the traditional denomination structure. They work to spread the word through evangelism and social welfare without regard to a specific church or denomination.

History of BSF

BSF was founded in 1959 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson.  She originally agreed to run a structured Bible study for her friends in California. In 1958, she accepted an invitation to conduct Bible classes for Billy Graham, and in 1959 the BSF as we know it today was born. They now have offices in six different countries and financial interests in 35 more countries.

Philosophy

Unlike a normal Bible study group, the BSF conducts their Bible study in a very organized and disciplined way. They use daily questions to evoke personal Bible study and discussion groups of 20 persons or less to share personal responses to those questions. They also have lectures that are led by a teaching leader. These lectures cover that week’s lesson and give questions for the following lesson.

Why BSF?

BSF works to help the students build a personal relationship with God and to know Christ in his fullness. Classes help students relate the Bible to everyday life and help individuals communicate the truth. They will support churches in the community and work to train church leadership. BSF’s structured Bible study helps give congregations and individuals an organized way to look at the Bible and its teachings.

Prior to being married in a specific church, many denominations will require that the would-be couple undergo some form of Christian premarital counseling.  The main goal of the counseling is to work on critical relationship skills prior to the wedding day. This can ensure a strong and lasting union.

Walden University

Walden University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.

At Walden, giving quality education is the top-most priority with academic programs designed to fit the needs of every student. We offer over 60 online degree programs with more than 300 specializations and concentrations.

Walden University offers the following courses in counseling:

• Master’s in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Forensic Counseling
• Master’s in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• Ph.D. in Human Services – Counseling (Course-Based)
• Ph.D. in Human Services – Counseling (Self-Directed)
• Ph.D. in Human Services – Disaster, Crisis and Intervention (Course-Based)
• Ph.D. in Human Services – Family Studies and Intervention Strategies (Course-Based)
• Ph.D. in Human Services – Family Studies and Intervention Strategies (Self-Directed)
• Ph.D. in Psychology – Clinical Psychology (Licensure)
• Ph.D. in Psychology – Counseling Psychology (Licensure)

Walden University offers accelerated classes: 8 week online classes.

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

Christian Premarital Counseling

Education

Many of those people performing premarital counseling are pastors, ministers, or lay persons in the church. However, some are actually hold a Christian counseling or psychology degree.  If you are having difficulty finding a premarital counselor and your church does not offer the service, they may be able to recommend one to you.

What can you expect?

Typically, there will be a series of counseling sessions over the course of weeks or months. During the counseling sessions, you will work to discuss marriage roles, expectations, and values. You will also work on ways of communication and avoidance of conflict. Many of the issues that new married couples face are discussed.

Internet Options

Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful and time filled things you can do. Unfortunately, many couples feel that they do not have the time during this whirlwind period to have counseling. If that is the case, there are some internet and phone options to choose from. These will be similar to the face to face counseling. There will be a series of phone calls or video chat sessions discussing the same topics as the tradition premarital counseling sessions. The main difference will simply be the way the counseling is delivered. The counselors may be certified Christian counselors, psychologists, or church leaders.

Summary

The author Dennis Rainey stated it the best. “People just don’t know how to be married.” Christian counseling helps give people those skills need for a successful marriage filled with compassion and compromise.

If you have a strong belief system and want to continue to spread the word of the Bible, you may want to take some free online bible studies. They can help you with your personal understanding of the great book, as well as provide thought provoking topics for your Bible study group.

Free Online Bible Studies

Can I earn a degree?

Unfortunately, most of the free online Bible studies are not accredited by one of the regional accreditation authorities. Therefore, you can likely not earn an accredited degree that can be used in a career. If you are wanting to pursue a career in the church, be sure to check with your church elders. They will be able to advise you what educational requirements are needed for the position you desire.

What can I learn from the Bible studies?

Online Bible studies programs allow you to learn more about a particular book of the Bible. Most of the lessons can be used individually or in a group Bible study setting. They can challenge the way you think about some of the books and give you a deeper understanding of some of the spiritual truths that abound.

What courses can I take?

Most of the programs are divided up by Bible versions first, and then by books of the Bible. If you feel that you need more assistance with a specific book, you can take that course. Most courses have study guides that accompany the reading and tests to see how you retained the information. Some also provide thought provoking essay questions.

Summary

Free online Bible studies can help you in your everyday life. You can typically work at your own pace and can put what you have learned into place in your everyday life. You can pass the word on to others and help them with their studies as well.

People have turned to their religious leaders for counseling and encouragement for centuries. This has lead to a trend in spiritual counseling. While spiritual counseling continues to be in existence, a need has arose for more specialized professional care. If this is a field that interests you, you may need to consider earning your pastoral counseling certification.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

If you think that with your busy schedule you wont have the time to get an education, think again. Liberty University offers degree programs that you can take right at the comfort of your home. Get quality and hassle-free education!

Take theology classes and you are well on your way to better understand the Bible and Christianity. This is a good starting point for students aspiring to be pastors and lay ministers and even for pastors and ministers who wanted to further their knowledge about the Bible.

Liberty University has the following religious programs:

• Associate’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• M.Ed. – School Counseling
• Master’s in Christian Leadership
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism & Church Planting
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• Master’s in Religion
• Master’s in Theological Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies: Church Planting
• Master’s in Worship-Ethnomusicology
• Master’s in Biblical Studies
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity – Missional Studies
• Master of Divinity – Pastoral Ministries
• Master of Divinity – Professional Ministries
• PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Pastoral Counseling Certification

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral counseling combines the support and encouragement of your church and psychological therapy.  It differs from regular psychology by weaving in a spiritual and religious dimension.  They provide assistance to those with mental disorders and substance abuse. They may also provide assistance to corporations and other outreach services.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to be certified in pastoral counseling are strict. In order to be certified and licensed by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree, a professional degree from a seminary, and a specialized master’s or doctorate degree in one of the mental health professions. Most of the education should be clinical in nature and include over 1,300 hours of supervised clinical experience. In addition, many programs will also require that the student become ordained and perform an internship beyond the clinical internship required. This may include assisting a pastoral counselor or assisting in a community or outreach center.

Licensing and Certification

Only six states actually license under the title of pastoral counselor. All other states may issue the license under marriage and family counselor or professional counselor. Certification on the other hand is issued by the AAPC and involves thorough testing and evaluation.

Summary

According to the AAPC, pastoral counseling accounts for over 3 million hours of treatment annually leading to the number of certified pastoral counselors being tripled over the last two decades. The field is definitely a growing one and is in high demand. If you are interested in this profession, it is a great time to become involved.

The church has been a staple in our social environment for years. Many people look to the church for guidance and counseling. If you are looking for a career in the church, you may look into one of the many theological degrees available both online and on campus.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

If you think that with your busy schedule you wont have the time to get an education, think again. Liberty University offers degree programs that you can take right at the comfort of your home. Get quality and hassle-free education!

Take theology classes and you are well on your way to better understand the Bible and Christianity. This is a good strating point for students aspiring to be pastors and lay ministers and even for pastors and ministers who wanted to further their knowledge about the Bible.

Liberty University has the following religious programs:

• Associate’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• M.Ed. – School Counseling
• Master’s in Christian Leadership
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism & Church Planting
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• Master’s in Religion
• Master’s in Theological Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies: Church Planting
• Master’s in Worship-Ethnomusicology
• Master’s in Biblical Studies
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity – Missional Studies
• Master of Divinity – Pastoral Ministries
• Master of Divinity – Professional Ministries
• PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Theological Degrees

What is Theology?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience. It is also sometimes defined as the study of God and God’s relation to the world. There is ascetical theology and biblical theology. Ascetical theology refers to the study of spiritual teachings found in scripture, and biblical theology is the study of the bible from the historical perspective.

Theology Careers

When thinking of a career path for theology graduates, most people think about positions in the clergy.  However, there are many other career paths as well. Other religious career paths can be open to those with theological degrees as well. These include theology teachers at the parochial school and collegiate levels, as well as religious writers and researchers.

Theological Degrees

The career path you choose to take will likely dictate the level of education you will need. If you are looking to be a lay leader or pastor, it is important to check with your church leaders to see what level of education is required. There are true theological degrees, as well as degrees in divinity, Christian counseling, religion, and the Bible. Most subjects come in all degree levels, from associates to doctorate.

Summary

There are many theological degrees to choose from. More and more programs are even being offered 100 percent online. This will allow you to continue your work with your current congregation while you obtain your degree. Be certain to check for proper accreditation, however. Many online Bible colleges and seminaries do not have the proper accreditation.

For those with a calling and strong belief system, a degree in theology may be a perfect fit. There are many different universities to choose from. Some even offer programs that are completely online, allowing you to continue to serve your congregation with minimal interruption. There are university theology degrees, as well as theology degrees from a seminary. Both programs are quite similar.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

If you think that with your busy schedule you wont have the time to get an education, think again. Liberty University offers degree programs that you can take right at the comfort of your home. Get quality and hassle-free education!

Take theology classes and you are well on your way to better understand the Bible and Christianity. This is a good starting point for students aspiring to be pastors and lay ministers and even for pastors and ministers who wanted to further their knowledge about the Bible.

Liberty University has the following religious programs:

• Associate’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Psychology – Christian Counseling
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• M.Ed. – School Counseling
• Master’s in Christian Leadership
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism & Church Planting
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• Master’s in Religion
• Master’s in Theological Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies
• Master’s in Worship Studies: Church Planting
• Master’s in Worship-Ethnomusicology
• Master’s in Biblical Studies
• Master of Religious Education
• Master of Sacred Theology
• Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity – Missional Studies
• Master of Divinity – Pastoral Ministries
• Master of Divinity – Professional Ministries
• PhD in Counseling-Pastoral Counseling

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

University Theology

At the doctorate level, there are a few different degrees you can pursue. Many students choose the doctor of theology (ThD) or the doctor of ministry (DMin) programs. However, there are also regular PhD programs in theology and practical theology.

Some schools have also started offering certificate programs in theology. Some of the more common disciplines include evangelism, music ministry, and spiritual formation. These are often shorter in length and take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the university.

There is a common misconception that you cannot get federal financial aid for a theology type degree. This is not the case, however. As with all programs, as long as the university is accredited, you will be able to apply for federal financial aid. You may also qualify for various scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.

A theology degree can help you grow academically and spiritually as well. You can take what you learn back to your congregation and help pass the wisdom of the Bible and communicate God’s word. There are many different programs to choose from. Some are even available online!