There are many excellent reasons to choose to complete your ministry degree online. Online programs such as the ones offered at Colorado Theological Seminary allow for a greater amount of freedom than traditional on-campus programs do. The ability to complete your academic work at a time that’s convenient for your work and family schedule is one of the best advantages of online college programs. Online seminary programs are also advantageous because they allow you to complete your education from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. But there is one area of your life that you will have to work at on your own: weekly fellowship.
As Iron Sharpens Iron…
The Bible tells us that fellowship with other believers is extremely beneficial to our spiritual health. Proverbs 27:17 is often the verse of choice when addressing this topic. It reads: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (NIV). The idea behind this is that by engaging with other believers, we can strengthen one another. We can encourage and support one another, and when we face roadblocks or obstacles in our faith, we can band together to overcome. Jesus also tells us that “where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20 NLV). Coming together as followers provides us with camaraderie, but it also provides us with an opportunity to experience another dimension of God’s presence.
Come Together
It is true that your relationship with God is highly personal. But the Bible tells us that we should come together in fellowship because it’s good for us and because it allows us to experience another aspect of God. Attending online seminary college can be incredibly convenient, but it is a bit lacking in the fellowship area. It’s important to find other means of engaging with your fellow believers. Talk to your mentor today to learn about opportunities and ideas for meeting up with Christians who can walk with you on your faith journey!