Increased Accessibility Approved for Bethany Theological Seminary’s Connections Program

Richmond, Indiana—A new orientation structure approved for Connections, Bethany Theological Seminary’s distance education program for the Master of Divinity degree, will greatly reduce the initial on-campus time commitment for students pursuing their graduate studies from a distance. An intensive weekend retreat, followed by Bethany’s two-day orientation, will replace the two-week August class that previously served as entry into the program.

The new weekend retreat will serve as the first class session of the hybrid weekend intensive Exegeting the Call and Culture of Ministry. This year, the retreat will take place Friday through Sunday, August 22-24, 2008, followed by new student orientation on August 25-26; the second weekend session of the course is scheduled for December 5-6, 2008. An additional advantage of this change is that eliminating the previously-required two-week August intensive opens up an additional elective class option in the academic programs of those participating in Connections.

“This is an exciting opportunity for new students,” shared Enten Eller, Bethany’s Director of Distributed Education. “Not only does the shift from requiring two full weeks down to a retreat weekend and orientation make participation significantly easier, it sends the clear signal that Bethany is serious about reaching out to distance students. We are glad to creatively respond to the needs of those interested in preparing more deeply for various ministries, yet who are not able to leave behind other responsibilities to become a student on campus. Additionally, this step will help unite our student body, as now both distance and local students will share in the same orientation.”

The Connections program allows persons to complete a Master of Divinity degree without relocating to Bethany’s Richmond campus through a mix of online courses, hybrid on-line and weekend courses, or on-campus intensives that meet for either several weekends or a two-week block. Currently 25 students from eight states are enrolled in the Connections program.

Becky Rhodes of Roanoke, Virginia appreciates the opportunity to obtain a degree from Bethany while serving as pastor of the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren. “My seminary education, grounded in Church of the Brethren core beliefs and values, is preparing me to articulate our Brethren identity in ways that are relevant to ministry in the 21st century.” Other students added,“this new proposal seems to really meet the needs of people in our situation; it’s a great model.”

Eller will be leading an insight session at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday, July 14, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Titled Innovations in Communication: Technology for Theology, the session will explore some of the newer forms of communication, from podcasting and blogging to websites and wikis; then discuss how these tools are beginning to play a role in helping Bethany present its theological education and ministry preparation far beyond its own walls. Members of the Seminary admissions staff will be present at the insight session and at the entire conference to assist persons in exploring their call at Bethany.

The application deadline for Bethany’s fall 2008/2009 semester is July 31. All materials and a campus visit are to be completed by that date. For more information about Bethany and the Connections program, visit the Seminary’s website at www.bethanyseminary.edu.