Bible Colleges in
England
Have you ever considered studying for
ministry at a school abroad? There
has never been a better time in
history to attend a Bible college in
a different culture than right now.
And there are many great reasons for
choosing a Bible College in England,
including the relative compatibility
of that culture to our own in the
United States. Besides sharing a
common language, the two cultures
also share a fair amount of similar
protocol that makes living in England
less awkward than in a country that
possesses a strikingly more diverse
culture.
Living and studying in England offers
a tremendous opportunity to explore
the rich history that exists there,
and that reinforces are common
heritage. Many students returning to
the United States after studying
there are enamored with the plethora
of historic buildings that are often
hundreds of years old.
And with travel options being more
plentiful between the United States
and England, you can often expect
ticket prices to be more reasonably
priced than to other world
destinations. Travel costs are
important considerations, especially
since some schools may not have
housing options over holiday breaks
or summers, creating a need to return
to the United States during the
various breaks.
Choosing a School
There are many great schools that
welcome students from the United
States into their ministry programs.
The most difficult part may be
choosing which one you want to
attend.
Perhaps the initial consideration
will be choosing a Bible College in
England that is both consistent with
your doctrinal comfort level, and a
school that offers the course of
study you desire.
While some schools will emphasize
training that is more doctrinal and
theological, others fashion their
program in respect to providing
overall training and equipping in
ministry. Some will have great
programs in youth ministry, and
others in evangelism or missions
ministry.
You may choose a school that is
affiliated with your church or
doctrinal background, or you might
consider a non-denominational school
that may provide exposure to a more
diverse learning experience. While
being exposed to other traditions and
viewpoints can be rewarding and
helpful, it is important to use
caution not to choose a school that
may antagonistic toward conservative
Bible doctrine.
It is advisable to be diligent in
researching all the various schools
that interest you, and create a short
list of schools that fall within the
parameters of your interest. Don’t be
shy about contacting them with any
questions you may have.
Other Considerations
There are a number of other factors
that may help you in making the best
decision in choosing a Bible College
in England. Some of those will
include the costs of the school and
staying in a foreign country, the
location or city of the school, the
weather (England is notoriously
cloudy and damp), and any other costs
associated with traveling, living,
and studying abroad.
You may want to begin thinking about
obtaining a passport or visa, proper
clothing, and other items necessary
to your educational journey. Check
with the airlines to find out how
much baggage you can take. The school
you choose may also have a list of
things to do or acquire.
Consider Other
Alternatives
While the big draw of attending Bible
College in a foreign country is the
exposure to new and interesting
cultures, there are some good
alternatives to that which don’t
require foreign travel and all the
costs and requirements of living
abroad.
Places like Hawaii or other
territories of the United States may
offer all of the advantages of living
cross-culturally, without the high
costs or requirements of traveling to
a foreign country. Searching these
areas on the web will produce a
number of fine options for attending
a Bible College in a new and exciting
culture.
May the Lord bless and guide you as
you embark on this new journey of
being trained in ministry in the
context of cross-cultural diversity!