Hello ladies,
This may be a long one......here we go.....

I was attending a large church that continues to grow larger by the day. While I am glad for that and I learned oceans while attending that church, I had to give myself permission to stop going there due to some disagreements into how certain things are handled. I won't go into specifics.
Through my process of letting go of this church, dh often brought up conversations about the possibility that the two of us could begin a church and what we'd like to focus on, how it would be run, etc. It made me uncomfortable and finally told him that unless he's feeling a call to this, he doesn't need to be worrying about it.
I've continued my ministry out in the community which is a bible based, 12 step journey for codepedent women. It's been small but it's ok as I know the Holy Spirit is the leader and not one time have I had group that I have felt strongly that God choreographed who came each night. No one leaves there with nothing. It's awesome!
Due to this ministry, doors are more easily opened for me to speak to other women about it and I have heard many say they've left their faith because of being hurt by the church or people in it. If they have to be that way to be Christian, they don't want it. That's not ok with me.
Recently I had a dream that made me feel it was from God. I feel that I'm being led to earn a bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. I am not sure if ordination is what God has planned but I feel strongly about this. When I told dh he jumped on the wagon with me and decided we'd both do it but upon further prayer he felt God was leading him to support me through it rather than be so involved.
So, seeing that money is an issue, I was wondering if any of you might have some ideas as to how I can earn this degree. I found a free online bible college where you can earn credits for $20 a class or audit the classes for free. From what I can see I do agree with their doctrine but I'm unsure if their accredidation would be a real bachelors degree to count for what I would need to continue with Gods plan or not.
How do I find this out? I currently have no church home due to my work schedule. I have no pastor to ask.
So...whatcha think?

Barbchan,

I would recommend talking to a counselor at the online program you are looking at, if one is available.

I don't know about divinity colleges and such, but I do know that for seminary study, most of the time you need recommendations from pastors and ministers you have worked with as to qualifications for ministry and such. It may have changed, but I had a friend who wanted to go to seminary a few years back and could not because he could not get the needed recommendations for the assurance of his calling.

I will be praying for direction, guidance, favor and blessing to make all God has in store for you to come to pass. You are a blessing. If God's will is for you to study this way - even if it is only to be a better minister to those you currently serve - then I pray His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Likewise, I also pray that He make it clear why you need to become more educated. He equips those whom He calls with our without a degree.

Blessings.

Thank you Michelle. As I am praying for Gods will, I've started a study on hearing Gods voice. My goal for this study is to draw closer to Him in understanding how He speaks to His people. I learned today that being in relationship with Him will help me to have ears to hear be it through whispers or through His Word or however it is He chooses to speak to me. In hearing Him, I will be better able to know His will for me.
I so much appreciate your prayers in this. I trust God and I know He will make the way if this is what He intends. I decided a few nights ago that there will be no harm whatsoever in studying His Word more diligently. Matter of fact, it will only serve to help me know Him better and so I will go ahead with the online program for now until He brings something better along...if that's what He plans.

Okay... So now, what is this website you are using. You can email me the link if you don't want to post it here. If there are free classes that would help me grow in my role as a minister of God's Word... I'm all about that.

Just remember, God keeps in perfect peace those whose eyes are fixed on Him. (Isaiah 53, I think!) Anyway, I better scat, my girls just called me to pick them up.

Blessings.

I just sent you an e-mail with the link. So far I'm enjoying the demo course on hearing Gods voice.