What Students are Saying
Because of Redemption’s mentorship model, it serves students from a broad range of theological backgrounds and ministry experiences without becoming overly broad in its teaching and application. Mentors have the time to focus on the specific situation and background of each student. Students are able to choose mentors who align with their history, gifting, and calling.
Take a look at how Redemption graduates and students describe their journey and why they chose to begin a program at Redemption Seminary.
Check out what people are saying
“I enjoyed the writing course most. I found it very, very helpful. I approached the course a little differently than most. My mentor allowed me to consume the information, and then, in our mentoring sessions, he allowed me to present it almost like a mini message. This last course helped me hone that skill, so I’m presenting far better now than I was prior to that class.”
Adam Driggers, MABS Graduate | Florida
“Redemption Seminary provided the perfect balance of academic rigor and flexibility that allowed me to work full-time, be an engaged Father and Husband, and serve my church while pursuing meaningful education.”
Riker Koempel, MABS Graduate | Washington
“For me, [meeting with my mentor] was a way to reinforce what I had already learned.”
Hanna Seymour, MABS Graduate | Tennessee
“It is well worth the money and the time. It is very well worth it.”
Terry Zeigler, MABS Graduate | Kansas
“I spent a certain amount of time every morning and then again in the evenings. I just kind of found my rhythm.”
Hanna Seymour, MABS Graduate | Tennessee
“For any ministry professional or student seeking an education rooted in biblical authority, technical excellence, and genuine community care, I wholeheartedly endorse Redemption Seminary.”
Eugene Smith, MABS Graduate | Pennsylvania
“Redemption Seminary has been one of the most formative educational experiences I've had, not simply because of the academic content, but because of the investment its faculty make in their students. Throughout the program, I felt known, supported, and genuinely invested in. That kind of personal mentorship is rare and is one of Redemption Seminary's greatest strengths.”
Adam Holzer, MABS Graduate, MDiv Student | Florida
“Once I really figured out when I would do the work and what my personal deadlines would be for each course, it was kind of like paint by numbers. I just had to show up when I said I was going to show up and do the work.”
Hanna Seymour, MABS Graduate | Tennessee
“Behind the academic framework is an administrative staff that operates with immense care and precision. The staff consistently goes above and beyond. Their backend support ensures that students can focus fully on their calling without institutional distraction.”
Eugene Smith, MABS Graduate | Pennsylvania
“The last project we did pulled everything together for us for the new ministry.”
Terry Zeigler, MABS Graduate | Kansas
“That class had so much personal reflection and application that kind of laid a groundwork for the rest of the program.”
Hanna Seymour, MABS Graduate | Tennessee
“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.”
Adam Driggers, MABS Graduate | Florida
Graduate Interviews
“I would highly recommend Redemption Seminary. I was blessed to be part of a wonderful school with great administrative leaders and caring mentors who genuinely wanted to see me grow in the knowledge of God and in the character of Christ. Redemption allowed me to work through the classes at my own pace, so I could keep working while I studied. I am so glad God led me to Redemption Seminary and would recommend this school to anyone interested in a good biblical foundation by instructors who do not tell you what to think, but how to think through the literary, cultural, and historical contexts of the Bible and learn about foundational topics in Christianity, like church history and discipleship. ”
Sharon Walker, MABS Graduate | Alabama
I love that Redemption is about my competency, understanding and ability to communicate what I am learning about scripture, as my measure for success. This coupled with the personal care for its impact on my heart and spiritual formation make the perfect seminary experience for my needs.
My hope is that, through acquiring a MABS through Redemption Seminary, I will be able to provide a higher level of training/teaching to the local church. Many people within the local church are unable to enroll in Bible college, seminary, or even a certificate program. Therefore, I’m eager to help equip the church in a way that most don’t have access to.
I would encourage students who are not familiar with Redemption Seminary to compare Redemption’s model to other seminary models to determine what is the best fit for them. I suspect there are a lot of people in the same position as me, working full-time jobs and unable to attend weekday classes that most seminaries offer.
Stories from Students
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.