(Mostly) Free Master of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership

[newdegree]

I recently enrolled in the self paced tuition free PhD in Biblical Studies program. So far, so good. It costs $25 to register, and there is a fee of $250 I think at the end of the program.

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

I recently enrolled in the self paced tuition free PhD in Biblical Studies program. So far, so good. It costs $25 to register, and there is a fee of $250 I think at the end of the program.

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

So from what I am reading here you really want the degree to put "letters after your name" ? Just curious why what is the goal here ? Trying to score a new job , promotion, or just to boost your credentials?

I’m actually enjoying the content, and if it leads to “letters after my name” then so be it,  Not sure what I’m going to do with the degree yet, probably teach if that’s an option.

---

I recently enrolled in the self paced tuition free PhD in Biblical Studies program. So far, so good. It costs $25 to register, and there is a fee of $250 I think at the end of the program.

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

The problem here isnt just the lack of accreditation, as no doubt there are unaccredited outfits that offer quality education. The issue is that these degrees are essentially diploma mill programs, with insufficient instruction, measurement, or duration. The "PhD" program in particular is a total joke.

Out of curiosity, are you also enrolled in this program?

I am not sure how well respected that degree will be in the academic field besides maybe teaching at a local church Sunday school. I wish you the best on your journey to seek "letters after your name." I respect your education decision, but I know that employers and academic institutions will look at an unaccredited degree negatively.

[Bingbong]

I recently enrolled in the self paced tuition free PhD in Biblical Studies program. So far, so good. It costs $25 to register, and there is a fee of $250 I think at the end of the program.

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

So from what I am reading here you really want the degree to put "letters after your name" ? Just curious why what is the goal here ? Trying to score a new job , promotion, or just to boost your credentials?

I’m actually enjoying the content, and if it leads to “letters after my name” then so be it,  Not sure what I’m going to do with the degree yet, probably teach if that’s an option.

---

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

The problem here isnt just the lack of accreditation, as no doubt there are unaccredited outfits that offer quality education. The issue is that these degrees are essentially diploma mill programs, with insufficient instruction, measurement, or duration. The "PhD" program in particular is a total joke.

Out of curiosity, are you also enrolled in this program?

I am not sure how well respected that degree will be in the academic field besides maybe teaching at a local church Sunday school. I wish you the best on your journey to seek "letters after your name." I respect your education decision, but I know that employers and academic institutions will look at a unaccredited degree negatively.

Thanks. This will sit nicely next to my current PhD and DBA. Have a great day!

[newdegree]

Just remember, it is unaccredited. So be careful about putting it on (or deciding to leave it off) a resume.

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

So from what I am reading here you really want the degree to put "letters after your name" ? Just curious why what is the goal here ? Trying to score a new job , promotion, or just to boost your credentials?

I’m actually enjoying the content, and if it leads to “letters after my name” then so be it,  Not sure what I’m going to do with the degree yet, probably teach if that’s an option.

---

Yes I’m aware, can’t go wrong with the price. I will definitely be adding to my resume and the letters after my name.

The problem here isnt just the lack of accreditation, as no doubt there are unaccredited outfits that offer quality education. The issue is that these degrees are essentially diploma mill programs, with insufficient instruction, measurement, or duration. The "PhD" program in particular is a total joke.

Out of curiosity, are you also enrolled in this program?

I am not sure how well respected that degree will be in the academic field besides maybe teaching at a local church Sunday school. I wish you the best on your journey to seek "letters after your name." I respect your education decision, but I know that employers and academic institutions will look at a unaccredited degree negatively.

Thanks. This will sit nicely next to my current PhD and DBA. Have a great day!

I am sure it will;  hopefully, they are accredited as well. Have a fantastic day, and best of luck with your next degree.

[Bingbong]

So from what I am reading here you really want the degree to put "letters after your name" ? Just curious why what is the goal here ? Trying to score a new job , promotion, or just to boost your credentials?

I’m actually enjoying the content, and if it leads to “letters after my name” then so be it,  Not sure what I’m going to do with the degree yet, probably teach if that’s an option.

---

The problem here isnt just the lack of accreditation, as no doubt there are unaccredited outfits that offer quality education. The issue is that these degrees are essentially diploma mill programs, with insufficient instruction, measurement, or duration. The "PhD" program in particular is a total joke.

Out of curiosity, are you also enrolled in this program?

I am not sure how well respected that degree will be in the academic field besides maybe teaching at a local church Sunday school. I wish you the best on your journey to seek "letters after your name." I respect your education decision, but I know that employers and academic institutions will look at a unaccredited degree negatively.

Thanks. This will sit nicely next to my current PhD and DBA. Have a great day!

I am sure it will;  hopefully, they are accredited as well. Have a fantastic day, and best of luck with your next degree.

Yes they are. Thanks!

[michaeladsmith2]

I want to clarify several important points regarding the post addressing "Ministry Degrees, Ordination, and Accreditation."

1. There has been a significant rise in the number of religiously-affiliated, unaccredited institutions that present themselves as legitimate by claiming to be "state authorized." Many of these organizations are run by individuals who often lack credible degrees and are selling fraudulent diplomas and ordinations, frequently under the pretense of being exempt from standard accreditation processes. The truth is that the so-called Doctorates and graduate-level courses offered by these institutions lack authenticity and carry no real value in the academic or professional world.

2. An examination of these programs reveals that nearly 99% of them are neither authorized nor recognized by mainstream religious organizations. Consequently, graduates of these programs are not welcomed into reputable congregations or institutions of higher education. None of these individuals can fulfill roles within established Adventist, Catholic, Jesuit, Baptist, Lutheran, Jewish, or Muslim organizations; most recognized faith groups require their clergy and educators to possess accredited degrees. Furthermore, ordination is not a decision made by a college or university; it is solely the responsibility of an ecclesiastical body comprised of operational ordained clergy. The ordination process includes a rigorous vetting procedure, time spent in ministry, an internship experience, and ultimately, a formal ceremony characterized by the laying on of hands, fervent prayer, and the issuance of credentials.

3. Let me share a pertinent example: I know of a clergyman who graduated high school nearly 35 years ago. Within his local independent faith group, he was "affirmed" by his church community as someone possessing the "gifts" to preach. While that affirmation was granted, the fact remains that for over 25 to 30 years, he did not pursue formal theological training. Instead, he attended various unaccredited religious schools, ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Ministry, and a PhD in an unspecified field.

- None of his degrees hold accreditation.
- He is ineligible to serve in any official capacity as a chaplain in healthcare, military, law enforcement, hospice, or on college campuses, as accredited training (a BA and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) with 72-96 credits) is a prerequisite, alongside completion of four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- He cannot teach at any accredited schools, seminaries, or universities.
- He is unable to hold any official state license.
-He is prohibited from publishing in Academic Journals [as they ALL require accredited advanced degrees in the field one is publishing in]

The harsh reality is that individuals like him perpetuate a facade. They engage in fraudulent practices that not only undermine the authenticity of ministry but also inflict significant harm on the church and on genuine clergy members who have dedicated their time and resources to earn accredited degrees and obtain authentic ordination.

It is intriguing to observe how many individuals associated with these unaccredited institutions often manage to evade thorough scrutiny regarding their credentials. This evasion allows them to perpetuate their claims without facing legitimate questioning or accountability. By operating within the confines of church walls, they can effectively maintain their façade, creating an environment where their lack of qualifications goes unnoticed.

These individuals often create a bubble of legitimacy that isolates them from outside criticism. In many cases, they might leverage their affiliation with a faith community to gain the trust of their congregants, who may not have the tools or knowledge to assess the validity of their educational backgrounds. This dynamic can lead to a troubling situation where congregations are left vulnerable to deception, as the lack of transparency shields these individuals from accountability.

Moreover, the protective nature of religious environments can cultivate an echo chamber. When questions about qualifications arise, dissenting voices may be silenced under the pretense of loyalty to the faith community. This can foster a culture of acceptance based on belief rather than evidence, allowing these individuals to thrive despite their lack of real credentials.

Furthermore, some may exploit the deep-seated respect for spiritual authority that many congregants hold, which can further solidify their status within the church. The interplay of faith and education can create an imbalance, where trust in spiritual leaders is prioritized over critical evaluation of their qualifications. When followers are conditioned to accept teachings uncritically, it becomes increasingly challenging to question the authenticity of someone’s credentials.

The consequences of this lack of scrutiny extend beyond the personal; they can damage the integrity of the entire church community. Genuine clergy members who have invested in their education and adhere to the rigorous standards of accredited institutions may find their efforts undermined. This scenario not only impacts the credibility of ministry but also raises broader concerns about the potential for misinformation within spiritual practices.

In essence, as long as these individuals can continue to operate within the protective boundaries of religious communities, the façade is likely to persist, disallowing the critical dialogue necessary to ensure the integrity and credibility of their ministry. It is imperative for congregations to foster an atmosphere of inquiry and accountability, where questions around qualifications are welcomed and addressed, ultimately preserving the authenticity of spiritual leadership.

[Stonybeach]

Religion "legitimacy," "credibility," and "integrity." Hmm, where do I start? How about the First Amendment?
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

If they feel their religious credentials are valid, who are we to argue? There is no "earthly" accreditation organization that has divine authority in the first place, although some may believe so, and that is their right.
People can worship moon rocks if they want, and if a valid accreditor accredits the moon rock religious school, is it "legitimate?" Conversely, if an unaccredited "Christian school" offers degrees, is it legitimate and credible? Perhaps they were divinely inspired!

[michaeladsmith2]

Religion "legitimacy," "credibility," and "integrity." Hmm, where do I start? How about the First Amendment?
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

If they feel their religious credentials are valid, who are we to argue?  There is no "earthly" accreditation organization that has divine authority in the first place, although some may believe so, and that is their right.
People can worship moon rocks if they want, and if a valid accreditor accredits the moon rock religious school, is it "legitimate?" Conversely, if an unaccredited "Christian school" offers degrees, is it legitimate and credible? Perhaps they were divinely inspired!

You raise compelling points that touch on the complex interplay between religious freedom and educational legitimacy. The First Amendment indeed establishes a critical foundation for the expression and practice of religion in the United States, ensuring that individuals have the right to follow their beliefs without governmental interference. This legal framework allows for a vast diversity of religious expressions, which can include any number of unconventional or personal beliefs, including, as you mention, the worship of moon rocks.

However, distinguishing between legitimacy and credibility in the realm of educational credentials becomes crucial, especially when those credentials intersect with spiritual authority and pastoral roles. While individuals have the right to pursue their beliefs and find value in their own interpretations of spirituality, the question of what constitutes a legitimate educational framework remains significant, especially within more established and recognized faith traditions.

The validity of an unaccredited "Christian school," or any religious institution, ultimately lies in the eyes of its adherents. If a community finds meaning, guidance, and spiritual fulfillment within the teachings provided by such institutions, they may view those offerings as legitimate. However, this perspective can sometimes coexist with a more critical evaluation of the qualifications of those teaching or leading within those communities.

When it comes to credentials that impact roles such as clergy or educators within larger, traditional religious organizations, the standards become more defined. Many established faith groups maintain specific requirements for education and ordination to uphold a certain level of accountability and integrity within their leadership. This ensures that teachings and guidance provided to congregants are based on a solid foundation of theological and ethical training.

Thus, the issue is not merely about the rights to practice a belief system but also about the implications of how these beliefs are transmitted and evaluated within society. It challenges us to consider what responsibility, if any, the broader community has to ensure that spiritual leaders are equipped to genuinely serve their congregations. Ultimately, fostering open dialogue and encouraging critical thinking within religious contexts can help harmonize the rights of individuals to believe as they wish with the need for credible, well-trained leadership that provides sound guidance to their communities.

Additionally, I would like to present a consideration from an objective standpoint. The ongoing debate surrounding education, faith, credentials, and legitimacy often seems limited to the church context. This sphere is rife with what is deemed acceptable, tolerated, and frequently contentious. What is especially noteworthy is the lack of a similarly multifaceted discussion when we consider various established professions outside of the religious domain, such as Medical Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, PharmD holders, Social Workers, Psychologists, and other mental health professionals.

In these fields, the parameters for evaluating legitimate qualifications are clearly defined. There is a unanimous understanding that anyone presenting themselves as a qualified practitioner must have undergone rigorous education, completed extensive clinical hours, secured proper licensing, achieved board certification, and complied with ongoing professional development requirements. These professional standards exist to safeguard public welfare, ensuring that patients and clients receive competent care from qualified individuals.

The juxtaposition of this robust framework with the relative leniency afforded to unaccredited religious institutions raises an important question: Why do we tolerate the existence of fraudulent Christian schools and unaccredited "Doctors of Theology," while we would never accept comparable practices in other professions? In fields like law, for instance, there are no "honorary" Juris Doctors or individuals claiming to be lawyers with dubious credentials; whenever such situations arise, every state Bar association maintains stringent policies designed to protect the public from misrepresentation. Becoming a licensed attorney requires not only a law degree from an accredited institution but also successful completion of the bar examination, along with adherence to strict ethical standards.

The disparity between these two realms—the religious and the secular—demands scrutiny. It raises critical questions about the principles of accountability and governance in spiritual education and practice. If society is unwilling to compromise on who is qualified to practice medicine, law, or psychology, why should the standards differ when it comes to religious leadership and credentials?

Allowing unaccredited institutions to operate unchecked under the guise of spiritual legitimacy ultimately undermines the credibility of genuine faith communities and leaders who have invested in quality theological education. More importantly, it poses a risk to congregants who may unwittingly place their trust in individuals lacking the necessary training and qualifications. As we foster discussions about legitimacy and accountability across all professions, it becomes essential to hold religious education to the same standards of scrutiny that protect the public in other fields. Doing so not only enhances the integrity of religious leadership but also upholds the values of honesty and transparency that are foundational to faith-based communities.

Finally, your argument that the First Amendment serves as a blanket protection for these practices is flawed and unethical. While the First Amendment does safeguard your right to practice your beliefs—even if that includes "worshiping a rock"—it does not grant you the ability to impose those beliefs on others without appropriate safeguards in place. Ensuring proper guidelines for education, credentialing, and licensing is essential to maintain public safety and trust in practitioners.

Consider this example: Joel Osteen is recognized as one of the most prominent pastors in the United States. Yet, he lacks formal education and does not hold any accredited credentials for professional ministry. While the First Amendment does protect Osteen and his followers in their beliefs, it does not equip him to teach at an accredited school or serve in professional chaplaincy roles. He cannot obtain any professional licenses, particularly those required for practicing in mental health fields, because he has not completed the necessary undergraduate or graduate theological training that would qualify him for such responsibilities.

Although many people may admire and follow his teachings, there are established campuses, military chaplaincy organizations, and state licensing boards that would never entrust someone like Osteen with the care of individuals in a professional context. This lack of accredited qualifications means he is considered unqualified to provide the level of support and guidance expected in those roles.

In summary, while the First Amendment protects individual beliefs and practices, it does not excuse the absence of accountability or professional standards necessary to ensure that those who claim to be leaders or practitioners in any field—spiritual or otherwise—are adequately prepared and qualified to serve their communities.

[Stonybeach]

"Finally, your argument that the First Amendment serves as a blanket protection for these practices is flawed and unethical. " That is not my argument and not what I said. I quoted precisely the First Amendment.

When it comes to accrediting secular professions, there is a need for accreditation standards to protect the public, but society cannot demand those same standards for religious organizations. We don't live in a theocracy, and history has proven how dangerous theocratic governments are! My point is that just because something is accredited does not make it legitimate, and just because it is not accredited does not make it illegitimate. It becomes a slippery slope, requiring religious organizations to seek what someone thinks is acceptable and accredited for the good or "protection" of the whole. With that said, if that is what you demand of your religious leaders as a parishioner, that is your choice and the choice of the community that religious organization serves! I seek a higher authority of those that serve my religious needs and no earthly accreditor fits that bill.

[sanantone]

Are these ChatGPT responses? Almost no academic journal requires an advanced degree, and they do not require you to have a degree in the field you're publishing in.

Ordination within a specific, mainstream denomination or religion does usually require an accredited degree. Some of them even require ATS accreditation. However, you can't always go to just any accredited school. You might be required to go to a seminary that is affiliated with the denomination or is affiliated with a denomination that your denomination is in communion with. In other cases, your denomination might require a specific set of classes within the MDiv program. At some Catholic universities, you can't even teach in the divinity school unless you have a degree from a Catholic university.

I don't think people who choose to go to unaccredited seminaries care to affiliate with a mainstream denomination. From what I've gathered, many of them are non-denominational or members of conservative evangelical denominations. Almost all Independent Baptist seminaries are unaccredited.

[newdegree]

I guess Michael falls into the same category because he is going after an unaccredited degree. "Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, an MBA & Masters of Business and Corporate Communications from Universidad Isabel I, Barcelona, Spain, and is currently pursuing an additional Master of Theology (ThM) & Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from the American International Theism University."

https://www.blackleadersworldwide.com/po...GrzpX4wYKg

Also on his website, it claims he has a PhD from an unaccredited school, Ph.D. in Management ©- Swiss School of Business Research Zurich, Switzerland
https://phoenix-risk-management-consulti...t-dr-smith

This is not a good look if you are trying to downplay unaccredited faith-based degrees