Graduate Interview, Terry Zeigler
After three decades in law enforcement, Terry Zeigler stepped into seminary with little formal theology training and a desire to grow in his understanding of Scripture. His journey through Redemption Seminary shows how perseverance, disciplined study, and a willingness to learn can prepare students for meaningful ministry.
Can you start seminary without a theology background?
After 30 years in law enforcement, Terry Zeigler returned to school for personal spiritual growth. His first week nearly stopped him. Here’s what helped him continue—and where his studies led.
Terry Zeigler, M.A. in Biblical Studies graduate · 15-minute interview
“I had no background in ministry, none in theology.”
Terry’s hesitation may sound familiar if you’re considering seminary after a career in another field.
He had already earned a master’s degree in public administration and had promised himself he was finished with school. In retirement, however, a desire to read Scripture more deeply led him to Redemption Seminary’s Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. In his graduate interview, he speaks candidly about the learning curve, the work, and the ministry he and his wife began planning.
“It is well worth the money and time. I would highly recommend it to anybody. Even for your own personal growth. It’s invaluable.”
Is seminary only for people already in ministry?
For Terry, the first reason to enroll was personal: he wanted to reconnect with God and spend more time in Scripture. He had spent three decades in law enforcement, including five years as a police chief. He began studying on his own before considering another degree. The idea of entering a graduate program without theological training made him nervous, and he weighed the decision for months.
His story illustrates a path into seminary that begins with a desire to grow, even when the next ministry role is not yet clear. Redemption’s admissions FAQ also says an undergraduate degree need not be in theology or the humanities for its graduate programs.
What if the first online course feels overwhelming?
Terry describes his first week in Spiritual Formation as rough. Along with new ideas and terminology, he had to learn the technology and the flow of an online course. He thought about dropping out. Encouragement from his wife helped him stay, and finishing that first course renewed his interest in learning.
As he continued, he felt comfortable asking his professor for help with both coursework and technology. He credits that ongoing relationship with helping him find his footing. Redemption’s M.A. program page describes its weekly meetings with a mentor-professor and the emphasis on applying course material to life and ministry.
How do you make time for online seminary?
Terry found a weekly rhythm around his weekly morning meetings and returned to his studies over the weekend. Knowing what he needed to prepare for each mentor meeting helped him stay on track.
He set a goal of finishing in two years and says he met it, even after taking eight weeks off one summer. That was Terry’s own pace. The current program overview outlines flexible pacing options; students can consider a schedule that fits their circumstances.
What do you actually learn in biblical studies?
Terry points to church history, biblical themes, theological ideas, and research skills. He expects to draw on those subjects when speaking with and serving others. Learning to use Logos Bible Software for research was another benefit he had not anticipated.
He also addresses a common question about academic depth: he was wary of an online degree at first, but found the reading and studying substantial. His description is personal and direct: “the work was no joke.” Hear his comments at 13:21.
Can a seminary project serve a real ministry idea?
As Terry approached graduation, he and his wife were developing a ministry for older adults in care facilities. Her counseling training and his theological studies informed their plans, while they also pursued chaplaincy training. Terry says the research required for his final project helped them clarify the need, shape the program, and bring its pieces together.
They had formed a nonprofit, and Terry described feeling prepared and confident as they began the work. His experience is one example of the M.A. capstone’s focus: a project connected to a student’s calling and ministry efforts.
“To somebody like me who had no theology at all, I would say you can do it.”
What would Terry tell someone considering seminary?
He does not minimize how daunting it felt to begin. His practical advice is to decide to commit and find a steady rhythm for the coursework. Looking back, he says the study, spiritual formation, and research resources were worth the time and cost for him—even if personal growth had remained his main goal.
Congratulations to Terry Zeigler!
Congratulations to Terry Zeigler on completing his M.A. in Biblical Studies! His perseverance, dedication, and commitment to growing in his understanding of Scripture are an encouragement to the Redemption Seminary community. This milestone reflects his hard work and preparation for continued ministry and service.
Watch Terry’s full graduate interview. The sections below highlight key points from the interview.
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Terry says that after retiring from a 30-year law-enforcement career, he wanted to go deeper into Scripture, reconnect with God, and discern what might come next. His initial motivation was primarily personal and spiritual growth, not preparation for a conventional pastoral position.
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Terry discovered Redemption Seminary through Michael Heiser's material but hesitated for months because he had no background in ministry or theology. Starting a master's program in an unfamiliar subject felt “far out of reach” to him.
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Terry describes his first week as difficult: he was learning the technology, course structure, terminology, and subject matter at the same time. He seriously considered quitting. Once he worked through that initial learning curve, however, the experience improved substantially, and his first Spiritual Formation course increased his desire to keep learning.
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Terry says unfamiliar theological terminology initially made the program challenging, but working consistently with Professor Brueggemann helped. By his second course, he felt comfortable asking questions about both coursework and technology, and describes the professor as “super helpful.”
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Terry says Redemption's structure worked well for him because it gave him deadlines and encouraged a routine. He developed a weekly rhythm around his Thursday meetings and studying on weekends. He found that having a predictable schedule kept him on track.
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Terry set a personal goal of completing his program in two years and says he achieved it even though he took eight weeks off during one summer. The program can fit within a self-directed schedule.
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Terry contrasts simply reading Scripture with having the ability to discuss church history, theology, biblical motifs and themes, and research methods. He sees those skills as directly applicable to the teaching and ministry work he plans to do.
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Terry says the program gave him a “wellspring of information” from his courses. He specifically anticipates drawing on biblical themes and church history when giving talks, teaching, and potentially leading services.
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Terry's final project was directly connected to the ministry he and his wife were creating. He says the required research helped him determine what the program would look like, why it was needed, and how the pieces fit together.
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Terry says the final project “pulled everything together” for their new ministry and that he and his wife felt very prepared and confident as they began it.
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Terry directly addresses someone with no theological background: the program can initially seem daunting or overwhelming, but his advice is to commit and establish a consistent rhythm for completing the coursework.
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Terry says he was initially skeptical of an online degree, but found that “the work was no joke.” He emphasizes substantial reading and studying and says he learned a great deal through each course.
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Terry tells prospective students not to get hung up on the fact that the program is online or requires time out of their day. He describes the resulting spiritual formation and personal spiritual growth as invaluable.
Explore your next step
Whether you’re discerning a ministry direction or simply want to study Scripture more deeply, Redemption can help you understand the options available to you.
Considering your first course?
Explore the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and answers to common admissions questions. Terry’s story is one graduate’s experience; the program pages explain current requirements and options.
Graduate Interview, Ethan Lafont
What is it like to complete a degree at Redemption Seminary while preparing for pastoral ministry? In this graduate interview, Dr. Joel Wingo talks with 2026 graduate Ethan Lafont about balancing seminary with work and family, completing his remaining 18 credits in two semesters, and the courses and mentoring experiences that most shaped his preparation for ministry. Ethan also reflects on what he would do differently if starting again—including his advice to slow down, spend more time with the material, and take full advantage of Redemption’s conversational mentoring model.
Congratulations to Ethan Lafont!
Congratulations to Ethan Lafont, a member of Redemption Seminary’s 2026 graduating class. Ethan has completed his degree while continuing to invest in his family and prepare for pastoral ministry. May the Lord continue to guide Ethan and his family, strengthen them for faithful service, and use their gifts for the good of the church wherever He calls them in the years ahead.
Student Details
Age Range: 20s, Location: Alabama
Previous Education: B.A. in History, Some seminary, Theopolis Fellows Program
Career & Ministry Service: Classical Christian school environments
Graduating Class: 2026
Use of Degree: His desire is to enter the pastorate and teach in higher education. He is currently looking into doctoral programs in Old Testament Biblical Studies.
Questions and His Answers When He Started
What excites you about earning your degree through Redemption Seminary?
I am excited to be close to completing my degree after 5 years of working towards it. Redemption's staff have been wonderful and helpful when I inquired about the seminary. I am excited to receive my degree from Redemption. It was a blessing to learn under such gifted and godly mentors, and that has prepared me to shepherd the people of God.
What Ethan has to say about his experience after he graduated
In this short interview, Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Ethan about his experience. Here are some of the questions that you will hear answers to.
Explain your sense of stewardship regarding your gifts and calling at Redemption. (1:00)
The more I labored in the church, the more I saw the Lord bless them. That made me feel responsible to nurture these efforts.
How did you finish the program in two semesters? How did you work seminary into your work and family life? (3:08)
I only had 18 credits due to transfer.
Still, it was a full commitment to learning, and the Lord blessed my efforts..
Was there a course that really stood out to you? (6:26)
Church History was fascinating and continues to strengthen the sense of the bond the Lord has sustained within his church over the ages.
The most challenging course was the final project, but it was the most rewarding. I built an entire class curriculum with the project.
What advice would you give yourself about starting the program? (9:50)
Take the time to study (work on assignments) early and deeply. The longer I spend in the material, the longer I remember it.
The conversational setting offers a lot if you spend more time with the material.
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, 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.
Can Seminary Fit an Already Full Life?
Hanna Seymour wanted deeper biblical and theological training for her work as an author and Bible teacher. What she did not know was whether seminary could fit into a life that already included work, ministry, homeschooling, and three young children.
It did.
By developing a consistent study rhythm, working ahead before her mentoring terms, and using mentor meetings to revisit and reinforce what she had learned, Hanna completed her M.A. in Biblical Studies while continuing the work and family responsibilities already entrusted to her.
“I didn’t think I ever thought I’d be able to fit it in while I had three kids under three and a half years old, but here we are.”
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.
Hanna Seymour, M.A. in Biblical Studies graduate · 16-minute interview
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Hanna explains that teaching Scripture carries significant responsibility. She wanted formal training that would help her handle Scripture carefully and learn from scholars with deeper experience in biblical and theological study.
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Hanna explains that she began considering Redemption shortly after having her third child. Although theological education had long been part of her plans, she had not expected to pursue it while raising three very young children.
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Hanna wanted to understand why different Christian traditions interpret certain passages differently. She values being able to describe those positions fairly and converse respectfully about areas where orthodox Christians disagree.
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Hanna says the program gave her additional tools and resources for exploring theological questions and understanding the major interpretations of difficult biblical passages.
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Hanna highlights Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders because of its emphasis on personal reflection and application. She also describes how another course helped launch the work that eventually became her book Everyday Spiritual Habits.
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Hanna established consistent study periods in the morning and evening and developed personal deadlines for completing each course. She also deliberately planned breaks around holidays.
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Hanna preferred completing approximately four weeks of coursework before beginning regular meetings with her mentor-professor. That allowed her to revisit material she had studied earlier rather than encountering everything for the first time during the mentoring term.
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Hanna reviewed earlier coursework before meeting with her mentor. She found that returning to the material and discussing it again helped reinforce what she had learned and supported longer-term retention.
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Hanna discusses her plans for continued writing and ministry and the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. in biblical exposition.
Can seminary fit into an already busy season of life?
When Hanna began considering seminary, she was not looking for something else to fill her schedule.
She had recently had her third child. At the beginning of 2022, she identified three major goals she was considering and prayerfully held them before the Lord, unsure whether she would be able to pursue even one of them. Seminary was one of those possibilities.
Eventually she decided to apply to Redemption.
She already knew that theological education was part of her long-term plan. As an author and Bible teacher, she wanted greater training for the responsibility of teaching Scripture. What surprised her was that she could begin that training during such a demanding season of family life.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a seminary degree just for greater training to help me as I’m writing books and Bible studies and teaching the Bible.”
Why pursue formal biblical training when you are already teaching?
Hanna had already earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and was actively writing and teaching. Her motivation for seminary was not simply adding another credential.
She points to the responsibility Scripture places on teachers. If she was going to open God’s Word and teach others, she wanted to do her due diligence—to be trained by people who had spent years studying Scripture, theology, and biblical interpretation.
For Hanna, graduate theological education provided a structured way to deepen both her knowledge and her ability to know where to turn when difficult interpretive questions arise.
By the end of the program, she says she had many more tools for investigating biblical questions and explaining the major interpretations of challenging passages.
What is it like studying theology in an interdenominational seminary?
Hanna was already accustomed to serving among Christians from different denominational backgrounds. That made Redemption’s interdenominational setting particularly attractive to her.
Rather than simply learning that Christians disagree about a passage or doctrine, she wanted to understand why different Christian traditions reach their conclusions.
That approach also reflects the way she teaches.
Hanna explains that when she encounters a passage with several historic interpretations within orthodox Christianity, she wants to understand and represent those positions fairly—even when she ultimately holds a particular view herself.
For her, learning how Christians can respectfully discuss secondary theological differences was an important part of theological education.
Did seminary actually affect Hanna’s writing and ministry?
Yes—and sometimes in unexpected ways.
One of the courses Hanna continues to reference most frequently is Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders. She describes the personal reflection and application in that course as important groundwork for the rest of her studies.
Another course asked her to study the needs of a ministry community and consider an appropriate biblical response. That work directly contributed to the development of her book Everyday Spiritual Habits.
“That class really launched the next book that I wrote.”
For Hanna, coursework did not remain isolated from her existing ministry. What she was studying became material she could use in writing, teaching, discipleship, and her own spiritual formation.
Check out these books written by Hanna.
Watch the Fox News Interview
How did Hanna make time for seminary?
Hanna’s answer is practical: she established a schedule.
She set aside consistent study time in the morning and again in the evening, generally working on coursework about six days each week. With several jobs, children, homeschooling, writing, and ministry responsibilities competing for her time, she learned to determine in advance when the work would happen.
“Once I really figured out when I would do the work and what my personal deadlines would be for each course, it’s kind of just like a paint by numbers.”
She also planned breaks. Instead of expecting seminary work to continue uninterrupted through every season, she deliberately scheduled time away during Christmas and early January.
Her experience illustrates an important feature of Redemption’s model: flexibility does not have to mean working without structure. Students can develop a schedule that fits their responsibilities and then work consistently within it.
Should you complete coursework before meeting with your mentor?
Hanna found a rhythm that worked particularly well for her: working several weeks ahead before beginning regular meetings with her mentor-professor.
“I really like to do four—probably about four weeks—of a course in advance before I actually started meeting with my mentor professor.”
Redemption students have flexibility in how they coordinate self-paced preparation with their eight-week mentoring term. Hanna preferred completing a substantial portion of the course first and then using mentor meetings to revisit material she had already studied.
For her, that separation between preparation and mentoring had an additional benefit.
Can mentor meetings help you retain what you studied?
Hanna discovered that preparing ahead allowed her mentor meetings to function as more than a first exposure to the material.
Before each meeting, she would return to work she had completed several weeks earlier and review it. Then she would discuss that material with her mentor-professor.
That repeated engagement helped reinforce her learning.
“For me, it was a way to kind of reinforce what I had already learned.”
Hanna notes that she has a strong short-term memory, but long-term retention requires more effort. Revisiting material before a mentor conversation gave her another opportunity to retrieve, discuss, and reintegrate what she had studied.
That is one reason she appreciated working ahead: instead of studying a topic and immediately moving on, the mentoring process brought her back to it.
Does flexible online learning mean studying alone?
Hanna’s experience demonstrates the distinction between self-paced preparation and independent learning.
She could determine when to complete her coursework and could prepare several weeks ahead. But that preparation ultimately led into regular conversations with a mentor-professor.
The result was a rhythm of:
Study → review → conversation → reinforcement
Rather than replacing faculty interaction, self-paced preparation gave Hanna material to bring into those conversations.
When she first applied to Redemption, she identified this combination as one of the primary reasons the program appealed to her: the flexibility of self-paced online study combined with the “high-touch” experience of weekly mentoring.
What did completing the degree mean to Hanna and her family?
Hanna’s family and friends marked her graduation in a memorable way.
More than twenty people who had supported her during the program gathered at her home. Hanna wore her graduation regalia, her husband played “Pomp and Circumstance,” and her father—a former Bible college president—put on his own academic regalia and ceremonially presented her diploma.
What began partly as a lighthearted home graduation became an opportunity for Hanna to thank the people who had helped her complete the degree.
She described it simply as:
“Truly one of the best nights of my life.”
The celebration reflected something important about completing graduate education while carrying significant family, work, and ministry responsibilities: although Hanna completed the academic work, many people had encouraged and supported her along the way.
What comes after the M.A.?
Completing the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies was not the end of Hanna’s theological education.
At the time of her graduate interview, she was considering pursuing a Ph.D. in biblical exposition. She also planned to continue writing and teaching, carrying what she learned at Redemption into the ministries she was already pursuing.
Her experience demonstrates what theological education can look like when it is integrated into an existing calling rather than separated from it.
Congratulations to Hanna Seymour!
Congratulations to Hanna Seymour, a member of Redemption Seminary’s 2025 graduating class, on completing her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Hanna pursued theological education while raising a young family, writing, teaching, homeschooling, and serving in ministry. Her disciplined approach to preparation and her intentional use of mentor conversations provide a helpful example of how Redemption’s self-paced, mentor-based model can be incorporated into an already full life.
We look forward to seeing how Hanna continues to use her biblical and theological training through writing, teaching, discipleship, and further study.
Explore your next step
Whether you’re discerning a ministry direction or simply want to study Scripture more deeply, Redemption can help you understand the options available to you.
Considering your first course?
Explore the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and answers to common admissions questions. Hanna’s story is one graduate’s experience; the program pages explain current requirements and options.
Graduate Interview, Adam Driggers
Adam Driggers already spent hours studying Scripture and was not convinced seminary would add enough to make the commitment worthwhile. What he found surprised him: the program was more enjoyable than he expected, pushed him into deeper academic study, sharpened his thinking, and helped him communicate biblical ideas with greater clarity. In his graduate interview, Adam explains how that growth happened—and how he made seminary fit into an already full life.
From Independent Bible Study to Deeper Theological Training
Adam Driggers was already a serious student of Scripture before enrolling at Redemption Seminary.
He had grown up in the church, but beginning in 2017 his personal Bible study became increasingly intensive. Daily devotions grew into hours of reading and study. At the same time, Adam and his wife were running two businesses and serving actively in their church.
An executive pastor eventually pointed out something important: Adam was already investing substantial time in biblical study. Formal theological education could give that work greater structure, direction, and academic depth.
That suggestion eventually led Adam to Redemption Seminary.
“It was really just plugging in the coursework from Redemption in place of what I was studying on my own.”
Congratulations to Adam Driggers!
Adam graduated from Redemption Seminary with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the 2025 graduating class. In addition to owning a business, Adam serves as a board member of the AWKNG School of Theology (ASOT), a teaching pastor, an author, and the owner of a theology website (Beneath the Surface). See all of the details.
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Adam explains how years of increasingly serious Bible study led an executive pastor to encourage him toward formal theological education.
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Adam describes redirecting time he was already spending in Bible study toward structured coursework.
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Adam discusses one of his original concerns about seminary and how the experience compared with choosing his own study topics.
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Adam explains how his final writing course and mentor conversations improved his ability to organize and present what he had learned.
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Adam describes developing a discipleship project connected to the needs of his congregation.
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He explains why he initially completed 50–70% of his coursework before beginning mentor meetings and how his pace changed over time.
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Adam encourages students to take the commitment seriously and explains how existing Bible-study time can be redirected into formal study.
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Adam describes his increased ability to engage academic scholarship and a broader range of study resources.
Why pursue seminary when you are already studying the Bible?
Adam did not enroll because he needed someone to persuade him to read Scripture.
He was already spending significant time studying on his own. What seminary offered was a structured course of study, guidance from experienced faculty, and the opportunity to broaden the range and depth of material he was engaging with.
Adam admits that one of his concerns was whether prescribed coursework would be as interesting as choosing his own subjects. For most of the program, that concern proved unfounded.
Instead, formal study exposed him to subjects, scholars, and resources he might not have chosen on his own.
Can seminary fit into an already busy life?
Adam and his wife own two businesses and serve in their church, so adding graduate education required intentionality.
But Adam had already established a regular study habit.
Rather than adding an entirely separate academic life to his existing commitments, he redirected much of the time he had already been devoting to independent Bible study toward his Redemption coursework.
His advice to prospective students reflects that experience:
“You don’t have to add extra hours on top of your life if you already spend time studying or in devotions—just redirect that focus toward the program.”
For students who are already serious about learning Scripture, seminary can provide structure and accountability to time they are already investing.
How did Adam prepare for mentor meetings?
Early in the program, Adam preferred to complete a substantial portion of the course material before beginning his mentoring term.
“I didn’t schedule mentor meetings until I was 50% to 70% done, then worked through the last modules while mentoring.”
That rhythm allowed him to simply review his previous work before each mentor session while continuing to work through later course material throughout the mentoring term.
As Adam became more comfortable with the program, he adjusted his pace and eventually worked through multiple courses concurrently.
The flexibility allowed him to discover what worked with the rest of his life rather than following a single prescribed pace.
Did the mentoring conversations improve his ability to communicate?
One of Adam’s favorite courses turned out to be the final writing course.
Working with Dr. Raymond, Adam was able to take what he was learning and present it during mentor meetings almost like a short message.
“He allowed me to consume the information and present it in our mentoring sessions almost like a mini-message.”
That process helped Adam move beyond simply understanding information. He had to organize it, explain it clearly, and communicate it to another person.
Looking back, Adam says:
“That class really helped me hone that skill into presenting far better than I was prior to that class.”
This illustrates an important part of Redemption’s mentoring model: students prepare independently, but then they are asked to articulate, discuss, and apply what they have learned in conversation with a mentor-professor.
How did Adam apply his studies to his church?
Adam’s final project addressed a real ministry need.
His church had functioned as a mobile congregation for about ten years and had limited space for traditional Sunday school and discipleship programs.
Adam developed a project focused on creating a stronger discipleship ministry for the church.
His work centered on explaining why robust discipleship, faithfulness, and obedience matter and how a congregation could develop a more intentional approach.
Rather than completing an abstract academic exercise, Adam used his coursework to think through an actual ministry challenge in the church where he already served.
How quickly did he complete the program?
Adam completed the degree in just over two years, including a period when circumstances outside his control required him to step away temporarily.
Once he returned, he completed the remaining work in approximately eighteen months.
But speed was not his primary concern.
“That was a good pace to reflect on and process the material rather than just rushing through it.”
His experience illustrates one of the advantages of Redemption’s model: students can move at a pace that accommodates their responsibilities while still allowing time for reflection and meaningful engagement with the material.
Where did Adam experience the greatest academic growth?
Adam says one of the most significant changes was the level of material he became comfortable reading.
“I’m now engaging at a much deeper level with scholars and academic material.”
His studies introduced him to a wider range of academic resources and perspectives than he had previously encountered in independent study.
For Adam, the result was not simply more information. It was an expanded ability to engage serious biblical and theological scholarship for himself.
What advice does Adam give prospective students?
Adam doesn’t downplay the commitment required. Although students design their own study schedules, they still must prioritize study time to ensure they actually do it. Some do this by considering it part of their regular devotional time.
His advice is straightforward:
“Take it seriously, and push forward.”
Redemption’s flexible model still requires discipline and sustained effort.
But Adam’s experience demonstrates that students who are already committed to serious biblical study may be able to redirect that existing habit into a structured graduate program.
For him, the result was deeper engagement with scholarship, stronger communication skills, greater structure in his study, and practical application in the church where he serves.
Congratulations to Adam Driggers
Congratulations to Adam Driggers on completing the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Adam entered Redemption as an experienced Bible student already serving faithfully in his church. Through the program, he expanded the depth of his academic reading, developed his ability to communicate what he was learning, and applied his studies to practical discipleship needs in his congregation.
His experience is a helpful example of how structured theological education can build on an existing habit of serious Bible study and prepare students to serve more effectively where the Lord has already placed them.
Check Out Some of Adam’s Current and Recent Ministry Contributions
Biblical Teaching · Writing · Study
Teaching Pastor
“I really enjoyed it and am glad that I heard about it through the AWKNG School of Theology. ”
The Story Behind the Story
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.
Explore your next step
Whether you’re discerning a ministry direction or simply want to study Scripture more deeply, Redemption can help you understand the options available to you.
Considering your first course?
Explore the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and answers to common admissions questions. Hanna’s story is one graduate’s experience; the program pages explain current requirements and options.
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.