A Clear Path: The Key for Steady Spiritual Growth

Follow a Clear Path

Remove your roadblocks with step-by-step guidance and personal mentoring.

Growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent, intentional effort over time. Whether it’s physical fitness, spiritual maturity, or theological understanding, steady progress is key. But staying motivated for long-term growth can be challenging. That’s where having a clear path makes all the difference.

Consider how much easier it is to maintain a fitness routine when you have a trainer. You show up, and they already have the plan ready for you. There’s no need to decide what to do each day or wrestle with skipping the hard exercises—you just follow the plan. Even short sessions, when guided and consistent, can yield incredible results over time.

The same principle applies to your spiritual growth and theological education. At Redemption Seminary, every course is structured with a clear, step-by-step path to keep you focused and moving forward. Even if you only have 15 minutes a day, you can make meaningful progress.

When you log into your Redemption course, your next steps are waiting for you. Typically, these steps include watching a 5–10 minute video, reading for 5–10 minutes, and answering application questions in your digital workbook. Whether you complete just one session or decide to keep going, the process is straightforward and effective.

As you advance, you’ll reach a point where you’re ready to register for mentor review sessions. These one-on-one conversations with a dedicated mentor help solidify your understanding, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance. This seamless combination of structured coursework and mentoring ensures steady, measurable growth.

One Redemption student used his lunch breaks to work through the master’s program, proving that even small, consistent investments of time can lead to significant achievements. The clear path laid out in Redemption’s courses made it possible for him to turn brief moments into long-term success.

At Redemption Seminary, we’ve made your path straight so you can focus on showing up and growing. Whether you’re aiming for spiritual maturity, ministry preparation, or theological expertise, our structured approach keeps you on track without the overwhelm of planning your next steps.

You don’t need to conquer everything at once—just take the next step. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Inquire now to learn more about how Redemption can support your journey.

The Best Way to Learn at Your Own Pace

Learning at your own pace doesn’t have to be lonely

Take as long as you want with coursework and then get weekly personal live meetings with a mentor.

Innovative Learning at Redemption Seminary: Flexibility Meets Personal Mentorship

Learning at your own pace doesn’t have to mean learning alone. Redemption Seminary has reimagined online theological education with a unique, innovative model that combines self-paced coursework with live, weekly mentoring sessions. This approach offers flexibility while maintaining a strong emphasis on personal connection and relational learning.

Traditional self-paced programs often feel like impersonal correspondence courses, with little to no interaction between students and professors. Redemption Seminary is different. We prioritize mentorship and meaningful engagement by pairing students with dedicated mentors who meet with them weekly. These mentors are not only experts in their field but also take the time to understand your unique context, making the learning experience personal, relevant, and impactful.

The core of this model is our workbook-based approach. Each course equips you with everything you need to complete the work independently, at your own pace. Once you’ve made progress, your mentor reviews your work with you in a conversational, one-on-one setting. This allows you to deepen your understanding, ask questions, and gain insights that are directly applicable to your life and ministry.

The flexibility of Redemption’s model extends to how you structure your learning. You can choose to complete all the coursework before beginning your mentoring sessions or start mentoring right away, progressing through the material alongside your mentor. This adaptability ensures that the program fits seamlessly into your life, regardless of your schedule or responsibilities.

Unlike some online programs that compress learning into short, high-pressure eight-week terms, Redemption’s courses allow you to take the time you need to master the material. Mentoring sessions are organized into eight-week terms, giving you a clear framework while still accommodating your unique pace and situation. Whether you’re juggling family, work, or ministry, this model provides the support you need without adding unnecessary stress.

Adding to the richness of the experience is our vibrant student community. Redemption students often connect to share advice, encouragement, and guidance, creating a supportive network of peers who are walking similar paths.

At Redemption Seminary, you don’t have to choose between flexibility and connection. Our innovative model empowers you to learn at your own pace while providing personal mentorship and community support. This is theological education designed to meet you where you are and help you grow into the ministry God has called you to.

Inquire now to learn more about how Redemption can support your journey.

All Books Included

Graduate with a Library not a Loan

All books, recorded lectures, and required readings are included with each course.

When you pursue a Master of Arts degree at Redemption Seminary, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re building a lifelong ministry toolkit. One of the program’s most significant benefits is that every course includes access to a custom digital library, designed to equip you for ministry far beyond your studies.

This isn’t just any library. It’s a customized Logos digital library packed with theological resources, commentaries, and tools carefully curated for each course. If you were to purchase these resources individually, their value would exceed $23,000. At Redemption Seminary, however, these materials come included with your tuition, eliminating the need for additional book purchases. The best part is that after completing all of the courses in the MABS program, the library is transferred to your personal library as a graduation gift.

Why does this matter?

• It allows you to budget with confidence. There are no hidden book fees or unexpected costs—what you see is what you pay. This simplicity is a refreshing change from traditional models where students are often left scrambling to purchase expensive textbooks each semester.

• The value extends beyond financial savings. By the time you graduate, this digital library becomes your personal ministry resource, filled with the tools and texts you’ve already studied and applied throughout your program. Whether you’re preparing sermons, leading Bible studies, or conducting theological research, this library becomes a trusted companion in your ministry.

• Traditional seminary programs often leave graduates with limited access to the resources they used during their studies. Redemption Seminary flips this model, ensuring that what you learn remains accessible for years to come. This approach not only saves money but also empowers graduates to continue growing and serving effectively in their calling.

In essence, Redemption Seminary’s approach reflects its mission: to prepare you for ministry by providing practical, long-term tools for success. Including this $23,000 library ensures that you leave the program with a degree and the resources to make a meaningful impact in your ministry.

When considering the next step in your theological education, think beyond tuition. Consider the tools and resources you’ll carry with you. At Redemption Seminary, it’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about equipping you for a lifetime of ministry.

Inquire now to learn more about how Redemption can support your journey.

Personalized Mentorship at Redemption: Tailoring Education to Your Life and Ministry

Your Pick the Voices that Speak into Your Life

Choose the mentors you want for each course

At Redemption Seminary, we believe that education should be deeply personal. We’ve chosen to go beyond the typical classroom approach by embracing one of the oldest and most effective methods of learning: mentorship. Instead of just sitting through lectures and taking exams, we want you to engage in a learning experience that’s tailored to who you are, where you are, and what God is calling you to do.

Mentorship: A Tradition That Puts You First

For millennia, mentorship has been one of the most powerful ways to learn. From ancient philosophers to church leaders, having someone guide you through life and learning has always been invaluable. At Redemption, we bring that tradition to life by offering you the chance to work one-on-one with a mentor throughout your course.

The best part? You get to choose your mentor for each course. This gives you the freedom to select someone who understands your unique journey and can help you apply the theology you’re studying to your life and ministry.

A Learning Experience That Focuses on You

When you meet with your mentor, it’s not just about going over assignments. It’s about applying what you’re learning to your life. Your mentor takes time to understand your personal walk with Jesus and your ministry context, so the guidance you receive is always relevant and meaningful. These meetings are a space for you to talk openly about your challenges, ask questions, and get personalized feedback on how to grow in both your faith and your ministry.

Choose a Mentor Who Fits You

We understand that everyone’s journey is different, which is why you have the freedom to select your mentor for each course. This gives you the opportunity to find someone whose style, expertise, and approach resonate with you. Whether you’re looking for someone who challenges you, encourages you, or has experience in a specific area of ministry, you have the flexibility to choose someone who can support your unique needs and goals.

Qualified Mentors Who Care About You

Every mentor at Redemption is not only highly qualified but also deeply passionate about helping students grow. All of our mentors hold doctoral degrees, which means they have the knowledge and experience to guide you in your theological studies. But it’s not just about credentials—they genuinely care about your growth and want to see you succeed.

This personal connection is what makes Redemption different. You’re not just a number or a name in a classroom; you’re an individual with a unique story and calling, and our mentors are here to help you walk that path.

A Learning Experience That Puts You First

At Redemption, everything we do is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow at your own pace. We believe that education should feel like a partnership between you and your mentor, not a cookie-cutter experience. Our goal is to help you learn theology in a way that makes sense for you and your life.

If you’re ready for an education that’s personal, flexible, and focused on your growth, we invite you to explore what Redemption Seminary can offer. Let’s work together to deepen your understanding of God’s Word, strengthen your faith, and equip you for the ministry you’re called to.

Inquire now to learn more about how Redemption can support your journey.

Learn Theology Together: How Redemption Seminary Supports Group Study

Learn with Your Friends

Watch lectures and discuss readings at your own pace

Theological education doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. At Redemption Seminary, we believe learning is richer and more impactful when it’s done in your community. Whether you’re studying with friends, your small group, or your church, our programs and materials are designed to make group learning engaging and effective.

Learn and Grow with Your Friends

One of the best ways to deepen your understanding of theology is by discussing it with others. Redemption encourages you to watch our short, recorded lecture segments with friends and use the accompanying workbook questions to guide your conversations. These discussions allow everyone to share unique perspectives and apply theology to their own lives, creating an environment of mutual growth and encouragement.

Since the focus is on learning together, there’s no pressure for everyone to have the same answers. In fact, the diversity of insights makes the process even more meaningful. Your friends might notice something you missed, or you may help them see a passage in a new light. It’s a true team effort that benefits everyone involved.

Perfect for Small Groups and Church Communities

Redemption’s materials are ideal for small group Bible studies or discipleship meetings. The short lecture segments—typically just 15-20 minutes—fit easily into a group setting. A common format is to watch a few segments together and then spend 20-30 minutes discussing the content. The workbook questions provide excellent prompts to keep the conversation focused and engaging.

By incorporating Redemption’s lectures into your small group, you’re inviting recorded scholars to join your discussions. This brings a level of depth and structure that can transform your regular meetings into dynamic learning experiences. Even if only one person in the group is taking a course through Redemption this experience can encourage everyone. Whether your group is studying theology for personal growth or as part of a ministry initiative, Redemption’s resources can take your discussions to the next level.

Work at Your Own Pace—Together

One of the unique aspects of Redemption Seminary is its flexibility. You and your group can move through the materials at your own pace, spending extra time on topics that spark deeper interest or discussion. Some lecture segments may lead to longer conversations, while others may be quicker to absorb. The program is structured, but the timing is entirely up to you.

This flexibility is perfect for groups with varying schedules. Whether you meet weekly, bi-weekly, or even less frequently, you can tailor your study plan to fit everyone’s availability. And since the materials are always accessible, group members can revisit lectures and questions on their own time to deepen their understanding further.

A Low-Stress, Supportive Environment

At Redemption, learning is low-stress and supportive. Even grading is done in a conversational setting, where you receive personalized feedback and have the chance to refine your work. This same welcoming philosophy extends to group learning. You’re encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from one another without fear of “getting it wrong.”

Start Learning Together Today

Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, build community, or pursue a degree in theology, Redemption Seminary makes it easy to learn with others. Our programs are designed to fit into your life and enhance your group’s study experience.

Ready to bring your friends and church community into your learning journey? Inquire now to discover how Redemption can support your group’s growth in faith and knowledge.

Get Lasting Gains from Your Bible Study

How to Earn a Degree with Your Bible Study Time

Learn about a degree program that is structured to match your schedule to produce lasting results.

Do you set aside time for regular Bible study? Your current Bible study routine is already a great achievement. With just a little more focus and structure, those efforts can produce lasting and even more impactful results: training that leads to deeper understanding, spiritual transformation, and even a master’s degree in theology.

Your Efforts Deserve Recognition

Daily Bible study is no small feat. It requires discipline and dedication, especially in the busyness of life. But just like there’s a difference between exercise and training in sports, there’s a difference between casual Bible study and intentional spiritual training.

Exercise keeps you in shape, while training sets a goal, follows a plan, and helps you grow toward that goal. The same principle applies to your spiritual life. With structure and clear steps, your daily study can become part of a larger, intentional plan that strengthens your faith and equips you for ministry, teaching, or simply a deeper walk with Christ.

Turn Your Daily Habits into a Degree

Redemption Seminary specializes in helping students transform their existing Bible study habits into an accredited theological education. Imagine turning your consistent time in Scripture into progress toward a degree. Our Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) program is designed to fit seamlessly into your routine, even if you only have 15 minutes a day.

Here’s how we help:

• Focus and Structure: Redemption provides clear guidance and step-by-step plans for studying Scripture. We show you how to dive deeper and make the most of your time.

• Degree-Worthy Efforts: Your daily studies are already valuable, but we help you add intentionality and academic rigor to make those efforts count toward a degree.

• Flexibility for Any Schedule: Our courses are self-paced and designed to fit into busy lives. Whether you’re working full-time, serving in ministry, or balancing family responsibilities, you can make steady progress.

Affordable and Accessible

We know affordability matters. That’s why Redemption keeps costs low without compromising on quality. Our programs include world-class resources, such as integration with Logos Bible Software, giving you access to a wealth of theological tools right at your fingertips.

As you study, you’ll grow not just academically but also spiritually, gaining insights and skills that enrich every area of your life.

Your Next Step Starts Here

Your current Bible study efforts are already good—they’re a sign of your faithfulness and commitment to God’s Word. With a little guidance, you can make those efforts degree-worthy and achieve goals you never thought possible.

Are you ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey?

Inquire now to learn how Redemption can help you grow deeper in your faith while earning your degree.

Your daily efforts are worth celebrating—and they’re worth building on. Let’s take them to the next level together.

Earn Your Degree While Shepherding Your Flock

As a pastor, your congregation relies on you for spiritual guidance, biblical teaching, and leadership. Yet, if you don’t have a theological education, you might feel the need for deeper knowledge and tools to enhance or refresh your ministry. Redemption Seminary allows you to earn your degree while continuing to pastor, integrating your studies seamlessly into your daily ministry.

Learn While You Lead

With Redemption Seminary, you don’t have to step away from your church or ministry to pursue theological training. Instead, your coursework becomes an extension of your pastoral work. From your first course, you’ll apply what you’re learning directly to your sermons, counseling, and discipleship efforts.

Imagine the joy of seeing your congregation benefit from your growth as you deepen your understanding of Scripture and theology. Each assignment becomes a resource for your ministry, nourishing both your mind and spirit as you lead.

Flexible, Ministry-Focused Learning

Balancing pastoral work and education doesn’t have to feel like taking on a second job. Redemption Seminary is designed for busy pastors and full-time ministry leaders. You set the pace of your studies, ensuring that your education fits into your schedule and aligns with your ministry goals.

The tools and skills you’ll gain—like efficient study methods, better sermon preparation techniques, and deeper theological insights—will have an immediate and lasting impact on your ministry.

Equip Yourself for Long-Term Impact

Pastoral ministry requires more than just passion; it demands resources and knowledge to meet the challenges of shepherding in today’s world. Redemption Seminary provides everything you need to succeed, including a custom Logos Library package filled with theological resources tailored to your program.

This library, valued at more than the cost of tuition, is yours to keep upon graduation. More importantly, you’ll graduate equipped to use these tools effectively, enabling you to labor in the Word with confidence and precision throughout your ministry.

Why Redemption Seminary?

Redemption Seminary is more than an educational program—it’s a partner in your ministry. Our approach allows you to grow in theological depth while remaining fully engaged with your congregation. By earning your degree while pastoring, you’ll experience the immediate benefits of applying your studies to your ministry, refreshing your spirit and enriching the lives of those you serve.

If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge, grow as a pastor, and bless your congregation with a more vibrant ministry, Redemption Seminary is here to walk with you every step of the way.

Bring Insight to Your Discipleship Groups

Meet the Needs of Your Group

People often come to you with deep questions about life, relationships, and faith. How many times has your Bible study or discipleship group stumbled across a passage you weren’t sure how to interpret? You may have your own unanswered questions and feel hesitant about offering opinions or insights.

Redemption Seminary is here to help. Our programs are designed specifically for Christian adults who want to grow in their faith, knowledge, and ability to guide others. We help you find theological anchors so that you can confidently serve as a steady, informed presence in the lives of those you disciple.

Discipleship for Every Christian

You don’t need to be a pastor or pursue full-time ministry to benefit from seminary. Every Christian is called to disciple others in unique ways, whether that’s in small groups, mentoring relationships, or casual conversations. Redemption Seminary provides world-class theological education tailored to your schedule, helping you learn at your own pace and choose mentors who guide you effectively.

Grow in Knowledge and Confidence

If you already love studying the Bible, why not take it further? At Redemption Seminary, you’ll deepen your understanding of Scripture and learn how to interpret and apply it responsibly. This training ensures that when questions arise in your group or community, you’ll be equipped to respond with confidence, wisdom, and biblical clarity.

Imagine how encouraging it will be to offer answers rooted in solid theology to those seeking guidance about the Bible, relationships, habits, and spiritual growth. With Redemption Seminary, you’ll gain the tools and training to bring biblical truths into everyday conversations and discipleship moments.

Support Tailored to You

Redemption Seminary’s programs are structured around relational learning. For every course, you’ll have a mentor who understands how you learn and helps you grow even further. This personalized support ensures that your education isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical, relevant, and impactful for your unique context.

Our affordable programs include all the books and resources you need to succeed, as well as access to a theological library that you’ll keep and continue to use after graduation.

Why Seminary Matters for You

Seminary isn’t just for career ministers—it’s for anyone who wants to grow in their ability to study, understand, and teach God’s Word. With Redemption Seminary, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to lead your discipleship group more effectively, helping others discover biblical truths and grow in their faith.

Let Redemption Seminary equip you to be the anchor your group needs. It’s time to deepen your knowledge and bring greater insight into the lives of those you disciple.

You can take the next step today by connecting with Redemption to learn more about how Redemption can support your journey.

Best Online Seminary Schools

Finding the best online seminary schools isn’t just about popularity—it’s about programs offering flexibility, value, and real-world ministry preparation. This guide will help you evaluate accredited online seminaries by asking 10 critical questions.

10 Key Questions to Compare the Best Online Seminary Schools

Quality of Teaching and Instruction

#1 Question to Ask:

• Are lectures designed for online learning with short, focused segments?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Professionally produced video lectures tailored for online learners.

• Short segments (5–10 minutes) designed for flexibility and engagement.

• Students can pause, rewind, and learn at their own pace.

Prominence of Teaching Faculty

#2 Question to Ask:

• Are lectures delivered by well-known scholars with national or global recognition?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Features Logos Mobile Ed content taught by globally recognized scholars.

• Professors include experts like Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Michael Heiser, who bring deep knowledge and real-world experience to the coursework.

Self-Paced Learning

#3 Question to Ask:

• Are courses self-paced?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Courses are self-paced, allowing students to progress on their own timeline.

• Includes one-on-one mentoring sessions for personalized feedback and support.

Low-stress, Conversational Grading

#4 Question to Ask:

• Is grading conducted in a low-stress, conversational setting?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Eliminates traditional exams in favor of conversational grading.

• Students meet with mentors one-on-one to discuss progress and receive personalized feedback.

• Encourages deeper understanding in a supportive environment.

Relevance to Ministry

#5 Question to Ask:

• Does the program involve and improve your current ministry efforts?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Assignments integrate theology with real-life ministry applications.

• Capstone projects focus on specific ministry areas, providing actionable outcomes.

• Coursework delivers immediate value to congregations and communities.

Personal Investment from Professors

#6 Question to Ask:

• Do courses include regular live interaction with a professor or mentor who grades your work?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Every course includes seven live mentorship meetings for one-on-one guidance.

• Professors are deeply invested in student progress and provide personalized feedback.

Transparency in Costs

#7 Question to Ask:

• Are all course costs (tuition, materials, fees) easily seen and listed on the website?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Transparent tuition and fees with no hidden costs.

• All costs are clearly listed on the website for prospective students.

Affordability

#8 Question to Ask:

• Is the cost less than $350/month at a part-time pace and still accredited?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Tuition costs less than $350/month for part-time students.

• Includes all necessary materials without compromising accreditation or quality.

Financial Flexibility

#9 Question to Ask:

• Can you pause or disenroll without incurring debt or lingering financial obligations?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Students can pause or disenroll at any time without penalties.

• Flexible policies ensure education fits around life’s challenges.

Equipping Graduates for Lifelong Ministry

#10 Question to Ask:

• Do graduates retain access to program resources after completing the program?

How Redemption Seminary Excels:

• Graduates receive a custom Logos Bible Software library tailored to their studies.

• Ongoing access to world-class resources equips graduates for lifelong ministry.

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Take The NExt Step With ReDemption Seminary

Redemption Seminary stands out as one of the best online seminary schools with its unique focus on student success and flexibility. Here’s why:

• Accredited online learning tailored for digital engagement and flexibility.

• Courses taught by renowned scholars with national and global recognition.

• Personalized mentorship in a low-stress learning environment.

• Affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or penalties.

• Lifelong access to resources, like a custom Logos Bible Software library, to continue your ministry with confidence.

Redemption Seminary’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 91, significantly exceeding the higher education sector average of 51. This reflects our commitment to student satisfaction and success.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your ministry journey, start your journey with Redemption Seminary today.

The Domino Effect in Church Leadership

Tipping a single domino can quickly multiply to wondrous proportions with thousands of dominos falling over in a beautiful cascade. We can see this same effect within our churches when we help our pastors and volunteer. However, the reality is that only a few people within each church have theological training and can really perform much of the spiritual shepherding work needed so much within the church.

Church members often wait in line for spiritual shepherding and attention from the pastor, which is frustrating for parishioners and overwhelming for pastors. When Moses faced this same issue, Jethro advised him to divide the work among qualified people already in his caravan. Each church already has people that can multiply the church’s shepherding and ministry work with proper training. However, pastors don’t have time to provide consistent and structured training for leaders, So this problem persists as a besetting problem that stunts the growth of churches or ministries.

Redemption Seminary uniquely works with pastors and churches to solve this persistent problem to unleash a domino effect of potential ministry and growth. Imagine the benefits of strengthening, expanding, and sustaining additional levels of leadership in your church, and seeing an alternative source of pastors coming from people looking for a significant next life-step after their first career.

Unlike traditional seminaries, Redemption Seminary uniquely focuses on non-traditional students who already have a career, are raising a family, or are retired. Our innovative educational model was designed specifically for this group.

• Low-stress Workbook Approach (No Exams)

• Live and Relational 1:1 Mentoring

• Affordable with All Resources Included

• 100% Online

Redemption respects different denominational traditions by having mentors from various denominations, and churches can select or supply mentors they recommend for their members to use.

Investing in this effort will help churches meet the shepherding needs of their congregations, and we will see the domino effect quickly increase the kingdom as we better minister to one another. Redemption Seminary keeps costs low for students by having each student’s tuition focus on covering the operational costs for their own program. It doesn't saddle students with the fixed costs for advancing the work of the school, such as creating new programs, satisfying new regulatory requirements, and marketing to let churches know about their opportunities.

Redemption needs your help to reach new heights that we have identified by levels of advancement. Each of these levels unleashes new ways Redemption Seminary can help the kingdom grow quickly, effectively, and exponentially.

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Opportunities for You

You can experience this learning for yourself, even if you just want to try one course. Here is the link to get the quick application started.

Learn about ways to join the team who is helping Redemption Seminary offer services in more states to more churches.

Is Seminary Worth the Risk?

Working through graduate-level coursework takes time and commitment. Even though Redemption Seminary takes most of the financial risk out of attending seminary, is it worth the time and effort? or are there other risks to consider? Dr. John Schwandt explores answers to some of the most common and important questions people have when thinking about Redemption Seminary.

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Comments Invited

Please write additional questions in the comment area so we can answer them in future videos. Also, feel free to write your experiences or answers to these questions reflecting your experience at Redemption or other schools.

Where Students Can Find Help

Places to Look for Instructions

The Student Handbook is a treasure trove for information about how students, mentors, and the administration all work together.

The Foundations course (RS450) is the first course students take and must be completed before they may register for any other course. It remains open for all students to review. It provides instructions for using Logos and Zotero.

Help with Logos

If you are looking for help with Logos software, Logos has great videos for students in partner institutions like Redemption Seminary. www.logos.com/student-training

Help with Google Docs

Google has a great search function 😁. Often you can type a question in the Google search bar at Google.com and the first result will answer your question. Google also has a support forum. There are also Google Doc video tutorials on YouTube.

Help with Zotero

We recommend and provide some training for students to use Zotero (no cost for students) for their reference manager. At the master’s level, it is important to use some type of manager to keep track of citation sources, quotes, and personal commentary on resources. Zotero can be an excellent tool for that. There are many tutorials for performing various tasks in Zotero on YouTube. Zotero also has a support forum for users. It also has a thorough online manual organized by topics with a quick start guide, a knowledge base, and a place with frequently asked questions.

If you find yourself having difficulties with Zotero, please don't let it slow you down. You are welcome to use any other system to manage sources and references. Zotero works best with the Firefox browser.

Contacting Others for Help

We encourage you to interact with the Redemption community on the Redemption Seminary forum in Redemption's Official Discord server (group) where students and faculty stay in communication and assist each other. For Discord, you will need to create an account first if you don't have one and then click on this invite link to join the Redemption server: https://discord.gg/Qw4J6zBST7.

Other students are amazing resources to provide advice and answer the whole range of questions. Feel free to post questions to other students and the whole Redemption community at https://faithlife.com/redemption-seminary/activity

If you have questions about Logos Bible Software, there is a great forum with very helpful users who have the experience and generosity to answer most questions about using Logos: https://community.logos.com/forums/

You also can email or call Logos customer support for help at customerservice@faithlife.com or (800) 875-6467. This is where to go if you have questions specific to your account about accessing Logos resources.

Email registrar@RedemptionSeminary.org with questions about registering with a mentor, your tuition plan, or your student file. Please direct questions about the course or curriculum content to mentors. Part of building your Course Portfolio for each course is noting questions you have about the course content. Your mentor can provide guidance with respect to your work within a course when you eventually meet in a home stretch term. Between each home stretch term there is at least one week of break. This is when we can review how things are going in each course and make corrections and improvements to curriculum. If you have a list of items that could help improve the course you took please submit them to your mentor by the end of your home stretch term.

Student-Centered Education

As Christians, we are so much the focus and center of Jesus’ love that he sacrificed himself for us. His love for us isn’t based on our achievements or talents. He takes us as we are and transforms us into something wonderful, into people with hearts and minds like his. His acceptance isn’t an indulgence or a validation of what may be right in our own eyes. He is the standard and walks with us, helping us grow in grace and truth. What a joy is it to be the focus of a loving Lord!

Likewise, theological education should reflect Christ’s love and focus. One of the proverbial puzzles in education is how to keep the student at the center, while also maintaining high standards that push students beyond where they would naturally push themselves. We quickly find ditches on either side of the path of theological education. The pit on one side is lowering the academic bar by allowing students to define it. The pit on the other side is placing the school at the center.

An example of lowering the bar is the practice of having students direct what happens in the classroom. Examples of school-centered education include many common practices in the traditional approach. The opposite of student-directed learning is the standardized learning process that discounts individual student gifting and needs. This occurs in models that mandate that students attend the same lectures, in the same location, for the same amount of time, select the same answers on multiple-choice tests, etc. For the sake of efficiency and equity, our courses become ill-fitting, one-size-fits-all experiences.

The digital age is allowing us to explore practices that don’t gravitate to either of these extremes. We can explore the benefits of learning in the field (one’s ministry context) versus simulations within a classroom. Students need guidance to learn how to connect course material to their personal experiences and apply them to their current contexts. This is the pattern of discipleship and is best carried out with one to one mentoring. Such learning requires different time frames for different students. Theological education should allow for this flexibility, but also provide helpful and motivational guardrails to keep students progressing.

Redemption Seminary navigates this path by separating all courses into two parts. The first part is self-paced (not self-directed) where students take as much time as they need to watch the course lectures, work through the curriculum, and build their course-portfolio by answering workbook questions. The second part is a structured sequence of seven weekly personalized meetings with a qualified mentor who guides their study and assesses their progress. Some students may only take a week for the first part staying one week ahead of what is required for each mentor session. These students will finish a course in eight weeks. Others may take their time, perhaps months, with the first part and complete their entire course portfolio before having their mentor sessions, which then function as a review experience and validation that they understood and properly applied the course content. Students choose what mentor they want for each course and if the mentor is local, they may have the option to meet in person.

Redemption Summary applies this Christlike concept of student-centered education in other areas as well. We recommend as you prepare and consider attending seminary that you ask what a school’s practices say about the role of the student at the institution. What do selective admission practices convey? Redemption Seminary practices open enrollment where students can learn and grow without an undergraduate degree. What does the tuition rate communicate? Redemption Seminary sets reasonable tuition rates that correlate to other costs of living. What is the effect of high-stakes exams and paper on student lives? Redemption Seminary structures all coursework to easily blend within a student’s other life responsibilities. What does a school provide upon graduation? Redemption Seminary gives every graduate the custom theological library they used in their master’s program as a graduation gift. This equips students to continue to grow and apply what they learned in their program.

When considering online education, take a close look at how the school honors the student and provides personalized guidance. In this age of new educational options, Redemption Seminary is a different breed of school that can help you grow in the knowledge, truth, and wisdom of the Lord. The Lord has given you wisdom and Redemption Seminary is committed to helping you grow from strength to strength (Ps. 84).

For the Common Christian– Not Merely the Elite

The Bible was written for the ordinary person. The dialect of Greek used for the New Testament is called Koiné, which means “ordinary.” Likewise, Redemption Seminary is designed for ordinary adult Christians to consider at a serious level how the Bible applies to their life. It welcomes students who have plenty of room to grow both in mind and spirit. Through the mentoring and competency-based approach the instruction adapts to the student. This allows adult Christians who have not been eligible for traditional programs to have access to high-level training in a way that accommodates their life.

Some of the most prestigious schools boast of an exclusive learning experience reserved for less than 5% of the prospective students who apply. They have rigorous and competitive admission requirements to ensure that only the elite will ever don their regalia, peruse their special collections, wander their corridors, and benefit from ultimately influential relationships acquired during their program. One can understand the inherent benefit of only accepting the elite. They don’t require much assistance and are more likely to become elites in other aspects of society after they graduate. Having graduates scattered through influential positions throughout society brings all sorts of direct and residual benefits back to the institution. Although this approach makes strategic sense, it isn’t shaped by the gospel.

At its core, the gospel cherishes the image of God inherent in every person. It functions upon principles that value the weak over the institution. It doesn’t expect to change society through the positioning of a few influential elites, but expects to change society through the growth and love of redeemed hearts in every facet of society. The time tested practice of personal mentorship allows for a customized learning experience that can meet the needs of those challenged by the traditional system and satisfy the soaring expectations of the elite.

The open enrollment model for Redemption Seminary is based upon Jesus' open call for all to follow him. However, there is an appropriate time for different types of teaching. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” (NIV 1 Cor 13:11) The graduate-level programs at Redemption seminary are designed for ordinary Christian adults, who now reason with experience gained from this stage of life. The straightforward admission process and initial steps in the curriculum are designed to ensure the program is a good fit for the student with minimal risk.