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).