If I am called, where should I get my training?

This is a very good question to consider as you pursue God's plan and purpose for your life of ministry. Your options are many, thus it is very important to seek God in this matter and investigate those options that you lean toward.

There are many good Bible colleges across the country from which you can choose. And depending on your calling, you may want to consider a seminary for an advanced degree. Since I am a credentialed Assemblies of God minister, I will focus on what I know best, that is Assemblies of God schools and ministry preparation.

In our Fellowship, there are ninteen schools to choose from. Wow! That's a lot. It can make decision making somewhat confusing at times. So, consider which school offers a degree in a ministry related field of your interest or calling, such as pastoral, missions, youth ministries, theology, etc. You may want to consider whether the school is accredited or not. Still seems like a lot of choices? Then consider the distance away from home. If you live in the northeast, as I do, did you know that there are two A/G Bible colleges represented? They are Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, PA and Zion Bible College in Barrington, RI.

If you are a slightly older individual receiving a call and cannot attend a Bible college because of family or employment commitments, there is the option of distance education. There is the option of correspondence and web based learning available. Berean School of the Bible is an endorsed learning option available through Global University. This is a diploma level program that meets the minimum educational requirements in the A/G. Global University also offers a degree program through distance education. In fact, there are several of our A/G Bible colleges that are now offering distance education.

Another route to consider for ministerial preparation is Master's Commission. These are intense discipleship programs that mesh together study and ministry service to prepare students for ministry. We have two MC programs in Northern New England. They are Burlington Masters Commission and Seacoast Masters Commission.

Whatever route of ministry preparation you choose, God will be with you. If He has called you, He will also guide you down the right ministry training path.