As of right now, I have my sights set on becoming a pastor, even though the process in lengthy. I’m currently looking at Ozark Christian College and Calvin College, but I want some feedback before I get too deep. Can someone tell me what what some good colleges are to consider for a degree in ministry?
It may depend on your religious affiliation/denomination. My H is a pastor, but he received a Master of Divinity at a seminary after he earned his bachelor’s degree. He started at one seminary before he decided which denomination he wanted to be, and did have to transfer to an affiliated school as part of the denomination’s requirements.
Which denomination? Do you have a preference with respect to region? What can you or your parents afford to pay?
^^Yes, what denomination are you connected with? Each denomination will have its own requirements. Our denomination requires either a Bachelors in Bible or successful completion of a lengthy self-study program. In either case, prospective pastors are then required to complete an ordination process that consists of a series of position papers and an oral examination. But each denomination is different.
My husband does wish that he had gotten more training in counseling when he was in Bible college. That has become a huge need in our community and he has had to get more training to help these folks. I’d recommend looking for a program with good internship opportunities. And try to keep your loans to a minimum, not easy with Bible schools because they tend to not have big endowments.
Ah, yes, denominations. I hadn’t thought of that. I’m looking into nondenominational Christian especially. Money really isn’t that much of a problem, but of course the cheaper the better.
I may be part of a minority opinion when it comes to Christians, but I prefer my pastors to have come from secular situations - colleges or the work force. I think it gives them a much better feel for the real world they are dealing with rather than a sheltered bubble of believers. Actual Bible education can be done outside of college with additional courses or can be done as a Master’s Degree. There are Christian groups on pretty much all campuses and if a student belongs to them on a secular campus it generally means their faith is quite strong. Seeing multiple denominations also helps the overall “life” education IMO.
I’m not against Christian colleges in general (oldest graduated from one - with a degree in business), but I think pastors ought to have more experience in the whole world, not just the Christian world.
Just my two cents.
^^Can’t argue with that, seeing that my husband didn’t go to Bible school until later in life, after he had already become established in a career 
. His “real life” experience has indeed been invaluable in his pastoring. Personally, I believe the ministry should be a “calling,” that one shouldn’t go there unless there has been a powerful personal conviction that this is what God wants you to do. Otherwise, it’s just too hard. But only you can know whether you’ve experienced that for yourself.
Blessings!