26 Mar Generation LINK: Theological Education
I can remember when I was a senior at Clemson University, looking toward graduation, and trying to figure out what to do next. I was set to earn an engineering degree but I felt very strongly that God was calling me to give at least a few years to full time ministry. When I heard about Generation LINK I was immediately drawn to the program because of one key factor: theological training.
I already knew that I wanted to pursue a Master?s degree at a Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary from my prior experiences with them (conferences and such). However, I never knew the extent to which Crosspoint Church in Clemson partners with these institutions. Crosspoint is considered a Great Commission Equipping Center. This means that Southeastern Seminary is able to offer classes to be held at our church and taught by our pastors and leaders. When I found out that I could serve meaningfully in the church, get ministry training, AND begin my seminary education the deal was sealed.
Two weeks ago many of us met with other seminarians from around the South East at Anderson University for a marathon weekend with one of the resident Southeastern scholars. At various points in the semester some of us have gone in smaller groups to the main campus in Wake Forest, NC and another extension campus in Charlotte, NC. Needless to say, Generation LINK offers a very flexible environment that helps foster this kind of training. I am about to finish up my second year with Generation LINK and I have been blessed with the opportunity to complete half of the required credits towards my degree in Ministry Leadership at Southeastern. This semester we have staff taking classes in Old Testament, Hermeneutics, Bible Exposition, Church History, and Field Ministry (Field Ministry is administered right here at Crosspoint).
I can?t begin to tell you how valuable it is to be learning and simultaneously wrestling with these issues in real life ministry. My suggestion is simple: If you are pursuing theological training for future ministry, consider Generation LINK so you can begin both now.
Written by:Will Jackson | Crosspoint Church | Clemson, SC