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Apologetics-Focused Education for the Pulpit

Training for Pastoral Ministry

Does Your Congregation Have an Intelligent Faith that Can Withstand the Challenges of Today?

Research shows only 41% of Senior Pastors have a biblical worldview

Apologetics is no longer an optional focus for pastors. The church universal is desperate for pastors, chaplains, and other Christian leaders trained in apologetics and critical thinking for pastoral ministry who are able to disciple those under their care. In today’s culture apologetics is a necessary component for those wanting to deepen their own faith, equip their families, or share their faith with others in pastoral ministry.

Through integrated apologetics-focused Christian education, undergirded with sound philosophy and theology, Southern Evangelical Seminary will equip you to form a complete and systematic Christian worldview. This vital training provides the necessary tools you need for effective evangelism and discipleship.These tools can be practically incorporated into your own ministry as you equip your flock to remain steadfast in the truth.

*”Biblical Worldview” is defined here as making sure our understanding/choices are consistent with God’s principles and commands.

Beyond Online Education

Pastors looking at online programs in theology, philosophy, apologetics, or biblical studies for pastoral ministry are impressed when they discover how our digital campus experience pushes far beyond the outdated models of asynchronous education most schools still use. Everything we have developed at SES will equip you to engage a culture that is hostile to the Gospel, and you can get this training without leaving your current ministry context.

Why Should You Seriously Consider Studying at SES?

You almost certainly have at least some basic — and perhaps even advanced — knowledge of Christian apologetics. Many new students at SES have studied books like Tactics by Gregory Koukl, Lewis' Mere Christianity, or I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by SES alum Frank Turek and SES co-founder Norman Geisler. These are all very helpful resources, but perhaps you have reached that point in your self-guided research where you hit a wall or find yourself out of your depth.

Apologetics, theology, and even Bible study will never reach their potential without being grounded in sound philosophy. It's not a matter of whether you're doing philosophy. It's a matter of whether you're doing it well or poorly. You can be a good philosopher without being a good apologist or theologian, but it does not work the other way around! Giving you the philosophical foundation you need for both theology and apologetics is just one of the ways that a degree or certificate from SES will serve you well. Watch the short video below to learn more.

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See the Vital Need for Apologetics-Focused Education

Engaging real-world issues for the sake of the Gospel

  • The Denial of Objectivity
  • The Adoption of ‘Wokeness’ Ideology
  • The Weakening of Biblical Inerrancy

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By Training as a Pastor at SES, You Will:

  • Form strong connections between core biblical doctrines and contemporary cultural and apologetic issues
  • Cultivate effective rhetorical strategies for cultural engagement that are grounded in apologetics, philosophy, and theology
  • Explore both the historical and philosophical development of critical ideas and how they are present in current theologies, philosophies, and ethical issues
  • Grow in your own likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and evidence of the fruit of the Spirit
  • Learn to communicate the truth of God effectively in a wide variety of contexts
  • Interact with professors during many live-streamed classes, and conduct research in one of the most expansive digital theological libraries available

"What will a degree in apologetics do for you as a pastor? As a busy pastor in a church of 2,600 in the D.C. environment, I can answer that practical question with five observations. One, you will be trained to use classical apologetics to build a bridge to a culture which rejects the Bible outright. Two, you will learn how to use [classical] thinking to devise sound philosophical arguments to reach a world that embraces logically inferior and untenable worldviews. Three, you will learn how to maintain a balance between apologetics and evangelism … Four, you will be equipped to identify and lovingly deconstruct false philosophical systems … Five, your thinking will be challenged and deepened, and your walk with Christ will be taken to a whole new level. SES delivers on all of these points and so much more."

Dr. Marty Baker

PASTOR, SES ALUM

A Valuable Degree with Exceptionally Affordable Tuition

Prospective students are almost always surprised to learn how affordable we keep our degree programs at Southern Evangelical Seminary. You will also not be bogged down with numerous fees.

You need effective training for ministry — not a crippling load of student loan debt. The value of a degree here pays off through your entire career and truly has an eternal value as well. 

As a result, we're delighted to tell you that you'll have a very difficult time finding a better tuition rate than what we offer at SES: $475 per credit hour (Graduate Level).

$475

per credit hour

Read more about our current tuition rates, flexible payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.

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Ready to Apply Now?

Start the admission process today. You can begin in just a few minutes by filling out our initial application and it will open the door for us to have an exploratory conversation about your educational priorities and hopes for ministry. We have an entire team at SES who is ready to help you in the process of discerning your gifts and calling to ministry so you can engage our culture in the conversations that matter the most.

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Example Degrees for Pastors

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Apologetics

84 HOURS

For a more traditional seminary degree with an apologetics focus, this M.Div. may the right path for your future ministry

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Apologetics-Focus Graduate

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Biblical Studies

84 HOURS

Add a deep knowledge of the original languages to your more traditional seminary degree with this M.Div. option

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Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Apologetics

36 HOURS

This extremely practical and hands-on degree will prepare to for apologetics ministry in a variety of ministry contexts

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All Degrees & Certificates