Graduate Interview, Hanna Seymour
In this brief interview, Dr. Joel Wingo asked Hanna a series of questions about her experience at Redemption Seminary and how that experience is helping with her future plans.
They explored Hanna's motivations for pursuing the degree, her approach to completing it efficiently, and the impact it had on her personal and professional life. Finally, they touched on Hanna's future plans, including the possibility of starting a PhD program and her continued involvement with the Redemption community.
Congratulations to Hanna Seymour!
Hanna graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the 2025 graduating class from Redemption Seminary. Hanna is an author, podcast host, and busy mother who is a bright light and a leader in women’s ministries.
Student Details
Age Range: 30s, Location: Tennessee
Previous Education: Master’s Degree in Education
Career & Ministry Service: Hanna is an author, Bible teacher, podcast producer, and host passionate about helping women walk faithfully with Jesus in their everyday lives.
Check out her books!
Graduating Class: 2025
Use of Degree: Growth in her current ministries and teaching. “I want to do my part to learn as much as I can, to allow the Lord to grow me in the ways He desires, in the hopes that I can pour out what I’ve learned so that others may follow.”
Questions and Her Answers When She Started
Why did you choose Redemption Seminary?
For several reasons! 1) I am familiar with Logos and was excited about a seminary that was built specifically for online learning, not a brick-and-mortar trying to figure out online learning. 2) The price cannot be beat. 3) The program structure (self-paced, online, mentor-professors, etc.) is the best fit for my season of life. 4) The ability to learn from experts in their respective fields from all over the world (Logos Ed profs). 5) The unique high-touch aspect of Redemption’s program through weekly mentoring. I couldn’t be more excited about Redemption!
What excites you about earning your degree through Redemption Seminary?
I love that Redemption is interdenominational. I am looking forward to being challenged and encouraged in growing deeper in knowledge, understanding, and application of who God is-- how that will affect me personally as well as influence my ability to minister to and disciple others.
What Hanna has to say about her experience after she graduated
In this short interview, Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Hanna about her experience. Here are some of the questions that you will hear answers to.
How did you celebrate your achievement? (0:0)
We had a ceremony/celebration at my house with family and friends. We dressed up in our regalia. My dad said some words about the achievement and publicly presented the diploma.
Hanna mentioned that it was an unofficial ceremony, but it actually was “official.” The student handbook encourages graduates to plan their own commencement ceremony. They could be at home, at an event center, or as part of a church service. Way to go, Hanna.
What led you to start the program? (2:39)
I wanted seminary training to help with writing. I just never thought it was possible with young children.
James 3:1 Teachers are held to a higher standard, so we need to be careful in our teaching of others.
I wanted to understand the reasons behind different interpretations and traditions within the church.
Why were you interested in a multi-denominational seminary? (5:56)
I wanted to know why there are different interpretations and the reasons for their positions. As Christians, it is essential to engage with differences respectfully.
Did the program help you distinguish primary and secondary issues? (7:30)
Yes, and I learned where to go to dig more deeply into these issues.
What was your favorite course (the course that had the most benefit)? (8:32)
All of them were tremendous.
The course I refer to most in my writing was the first course on Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders, because it has such critical applications.
The discipleship course that helps identify your community’s needs helped launch my most recent book, “Everyday Spiritual Habits.”
What practice advice do you have for others for completing the program or working through courses? (10:30)
Figure out how and when you will do the work. I had a strict schedule for myself with a bit of time in the morning and a little time in the evening. I found that I was most comfortable working through four of the seven units of a course before meeting with my mentor. This also helped me review and refresh my understanding of what I studied, which improved retention.
I built in breaks for the holidays.
Once my schedule was set up, the process was as straightforward as paint-by-numbers.
What are your future plans? (14:40)
I am planning to pursue a PhD in biblical exposition
Options 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.
Graduate Interview, Adam Driggers
In this brief interview, Dr. Joel Wingo, Redemption’s Academic Dean, sits down with Adam—a lifelong church servant, elder, teacher, and ministry leader—to talk about his journey into theological education and how Redemption fit seamlessly into his life and calling.
Adam shares what first prompted him to consider seminary after decades of faithful ministry, how he wove Redemption’s coursework into the early-morning study routine he already loved, and why moving from self-directed learning to a structured program turned out to be far more enjoyable than he expected.
He reflects on the courses that stretched him the most, the capstone project that strengthened his preaching, and the steady pace that allowed him to finish the program in just over two years without disrupting his ministry or professional responsibilities. Adam also offers practical advice for anyone considering the program—especially those with established routines or busy schedules—and describes how Redemption helped deepen his reading, sharpen his thinking, and enrich his discipleship of others.
If you’re wondering what Redemption Seminary is really like for a committed church leader, Adam’s story is an encouraging and honest look at how a guided, mentor-based program can fuel growth, strengthen ministry, and fit into the rhythms of everyday life.
Congratulations to Adam Driggers!
Adam graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the 2025 graduating class from Redemption Seminary. Adam is a business owner and active in his church.
Student Details
Age Range: Over 50, Location: Florida
Career: Professional, Business Owner
Ministry Service: Speaking Pastor
Graduating Class: 2025
Use of Degree: Deepened personal understanding and Bible study skills, improved teaching and message preparation for service to his church (boldcitychurch.com)
See for yourself what Adam has to say about his experience
In this short interview, Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Adam about his experience. Here are some of the questions that you will hear answers to.
What were you thinking about when considering enrolling in a seminary program? (0:36)
I had grown up in church my whole life, but then got serious about studying the Bible. … Since I was already putting the time in, I decided to earn a degree with that effort.
What was it like working Redemption’s degree program into your busy professional life? (2:02)
I was already devoting hours each morning, so I simply plugged in the Redemption program to that devoted time.
What was it like changing from your self-directed study time to a prescribed program? (2:50)
I feared going into seminary that I would be bored since I couldn’t choose what to study as much as I could on my own. However, I didn’t really run into boredom because it was so enjoyable.
What were your favorite and least favorite courses? (4:07)
Church History was my least favorite, even though it is often listed as many students’ favorite.
The last course, the capstone writing course, was my favorite because I could present my work as mini messages, which improved my sermon presentation abilities.
What was the topic of your capstone?
How we live, saved. How to improve discipleship within a mobile church structure.
Encouraging the body of the importance of discipleship.
What was your method and pace for working through courses? (7:45)
Early on, I completed 50%-70% of the work before meeting with a mentor.
At the end, I was working on multiple courses at the same time.
How long did it take you to complete the program? (9:03)
Just over two years. I could have done it quicker, but I liked this pace.
Advice for others?
Figure out your schedule and commit to it. Redemption can accommodate any schedule. Push forward.
Take your current Bible study time and redirect it to the program.
Is there an area of growth in your life, even for a mature believer? (11:59)
The level of my reading is now at a deeper level and engaging better scholars.
“I really enjoyed it and am glad that I heard about it through the AWKNG School of Theology. ”
How Adam is Advancing the Kingdom
Adam has been rooted in the life of the church since childhood and has faithfully served the local body throughout his adult life. Since marrying in 1994, he has invested in the church through a wide range of ministries—ushering, greeting, teaching Sunday School, and leading numerous small-group classes. His most formative season of service was in youth ministry, where he and his wife discipled students, including the young man who would later become their current pastor.
After he completed college, returned home, and eventually planted a church, Adam and his wife joined the new congregation to support the work. Adam now serves as a board member and elder, teaches and preaches several times each year, and maintains regular communication with the pastoral staff to encourage, support, and assist them as needs arise. He and his wife remain active in small groups, and Adam also provides leadership by helping guide a weekly men’s Bible study. Through steady, relational, and humble service, Adam continues to advance the kingdom in meaningful and lasting ways.
Options 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.
Graduate Interview, Robert Frisone
Robert graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary (2022). Watch a short interview where Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Robert Frisone about his experience earning a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies at Redemption Seminary. He asks about Robert's fears and questions about how the program would fit into his full-time schedule. Robert explains how he completed the program in two years without compromising on important areas of his life. He asks about which courses impacted him the most and why. Robert explains how the program helped him apply theology to his life and ministry. Robert also provides tips for potential students.
Congratulations to Robert Frisone!
Robert graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary (2022). He received a Vanguard Award for his initiative to build a bigger online discussion platform for all Redemption students.
See for yourself what Robert has to say about his experience
In this short interview, Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Robert about his experience. He asks about Robert's fears and questions about how the program would fit into his full-time schedule. Robert explains how he completed the program in two years without compromising on important areas of his life. He asks about which courses impacted him the most and why. Robert explains how the program helped him apply theology to his life and ministry. Robert also provides tips for potential students.
“It has been quite life-changing for me. I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree while I was still working full-time. Redemption offered me the opportunity to earn my degree while continuing in ministry and enhancing the ministry that I’m doing. So I’m really grateful for that. ”
Options 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.
Graduate Interview, Patricia Iorillo
Patricia graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary.
Patricia enrolled in the program already having earned a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and is highly qualified to speak about the educational quality and innovative structure of Redemption Seminary. Listen to what she says as she discusses her experience with Redemption’s Academic Dean, Dr. Joel Wingo.
Congratulations to Patricia Iorillo!
Patricia graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary (2022) and received a Vanguard Award for her patience and helpful feedback to Redemption Seminary as she worked through the program.
Description of the Redemption Experience
Patricia enrolled in the program already having earned a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and is highly qualified to speak about the educational quality and innovative structure of Redemption Seminary. Listen to what she says as she discusses her experience with Redemption’s Academic Dean, Dr. Joel Wingo.
Notes from her reflections on her experience
The onboarding course provided her confidence with Logos and other digital applications which she didn’t have experience with before the program.
Church History was her favorite course because as she says, “You really don’t know history until you know church history. This program helped her really know Church history.”
The structured coursework and live mentoring were her favorite parts of Redemption’s innovative model.
She produced a workbook for her Bible Study Fellowship group for her final project and will be using that as the foundation for the doctoral work that she is now pursuing.
The Final Project
The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program finishes with two six-credit courses that allow students time to build content for their current ministry efforts and guides them through building a strategic plan for getting the most out of it and helping it work smoothly in their ministry setting. The idea is that this coursework isn’t merely preparatory. It has immediate and enduring benefits. Take a listen to how Patricia describes her experience with the final project.
Experience with the Redemption Model
Redemption’s workbook approach and mentoring provides learning through a new model. Take a listen to how Patricia explains how this approach worked for her and the challenges that she overcame.
1-Minute Review
Take a listen to this review of the Redemption Seminary from a graduate who knows the Redemption model firsthand.
Options 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.
