SEMINARY EXTENSION CLASSES OFFERED IN JANUARY

Harmony-Pittsburg Baptist Association is certified as a seminary extension center (Bible college level). Classes are offered on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 at the association office conference room.  Two courses are offered each semester.  Those who wish to obtain a diploma will be able to do so by taking two courses each semester for four years (see cycle of classes below).

Some courses are certified for two hours baccalaureate credit by ACE (American Council on Education), meaning that colleges, universities and seminaries may grant credit toward an undergraduate degree.  Each educational institution has the right to decide what transfer credits are granted.

The cost of each course is calculated by adding the per hour tuition ($31), local fees ($40) and cost of books.  The cost is $132 for New Testament Survey Part 2 and $193 for Dynamics of Teaching ($325 for both).  The total balance is due by the start of the second class.  Books will not be issued until the total amount is received.  Those who wish to audit the class rather than pursue credit pay the same price.  Inquiries about financial assistance may be made to the center director at 903-856-6696.

The course of study outlined below leads to a Diploma in Biblical Studies.  Students who wish to pursue a Diploma in Pastoral Ministries may substitute the biblical courses above with independent studies offered by correspondence.

Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be granted a diploma.  Certificates are awarded for each course completed regardless of high school certification.

FOUR-YEAR COURSE OF STUDY

Diploma in Biblical Studies

Students should register for the Fall 2010 semester by August 10 in order to prepare for the first night's classes on August 17 (late registration is possible through August 31) at the Harmony-Pittsburg Baptist Association office, 403 Daingerfield Street, Pittsburg. The office is open 8-12 and 1-5 Monday-Thursday; 8-12 Fridays. 

What is Seminary Extension?

A Seminary Extension center is a locally sponsored program of organized study designed to help Christians gain increased understandings and skills needed for competent Christian ministry.  Each year thousands of pastors, other church workers and members continue their education for ministry by studying in Seminary Extension centers because they have found that studying with a group provides both the encouragement of fellowship and the  discipline of a structured approach to learning.

The six seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention began the Seminary Extension program in 1951 to benefit those who “cannot or for any reason do not attend some regular institution of learning.”  The program is not affiliated with any one of the seminaries but is a combined effort of all six through a central office in Nashville.

Seminary Extension is often confused with the satellite programs of the various seminaries.  However, the courses offered are Bible-college level, not post-graduate level.  The courses are ideal for bi-vocational ministers, church leaders, Sunday School teachers or anyone else who takes his/her calling as a Christian seriously.

Seminary Extension is accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council.  All courses offered by the Harmony-Pittsburg Center have also been evaluated and recommended for college credit by the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service.  Further information can be obtained by calling 903-856-6696, by writing or visiting Harmony-Pittsburg Baptist Association, 403 Daingerfield Street in Pittsburg, or by e-mailing the director Randel Trull at rtrull@countrynet.net.