One of our Brigada readers is on the hunt for the best online Bible education resources—especially for staff who haven’t had formal theological training. They are particularly interested in programs that are free, online, and ideally one year or less. Low-cost certificate programs are also welcome.
If you know of any trusted, accessible programs that equip cross-cultural workers with biblical depth and practical understanding, please comment!
You can check out Therapon University which offers online courses [some are free] in the areas of Biblical Studies, Biblical Counseling, Pastoral Studies, and Restorative Justice. If you want credit for them to earn a degree, the cost is quite reasonable. https://www.theraponuniversity.org/index.html
YWAM has an online Bible Core Course – which will train participants to be a student of the Bible. You must complete the course within 9 months. It’s not free, but there are reductions for participants for certain nations.
This school will not teach theology, but will teach students how to study and interpret in light of the original audience. The student finds Biblical truth, and then finds ways to respond and apply what they are learning.
On this school you will study 15 books of the Bible in-depth, with at least one book from every genre. It will give you a good understanding of Biblical history, and a good Bible overview.
You will also be equipped to study all the other books of the Bible that you don’t study, as this school will help you to become a life-long student of the Bible.
There is a longer school if you want to continue and finish the rest of the Bible.
These courses will give you credit with the University of the Nations, even without a DTS
https://www.ywammontana.org/online-biblical-studies
https://www.biblicaltraining.org/
Solid, biblical professors teach all the classes and they are excellent for anyone wanting to learn.
+1 for https://www.biblicaltraining.org/
Thanks, hadn’t heard of that before but looks amazing!
https://www.dts.edu/free-online-courses/
Dallas Theological Seminary offers free online courses that allow believers worldwide to access biblical and theological training and experience the fruit that comes from knowing the Scriptures more deeply. These online courses offer the opportunity to learn more about individual books of the Bible, such as the Gospel of John, as well as other topics that provide a foundational understanding of the Scriptures.
One reader wrote, “I suggest the free distance learning program of South Houston Bible Institute. Its roots are in Churches of Christ but it is unity-minded and interdenominational and Christ-centered in its approach. It was founded in 1946. It offers about 40 ministry and personal growth courses via email, WhatsApp or postal mail. SHBI also offers streaming and recorded online courses in video each fall and spring semester. Distance Courses can be taken at student’s own pace and can be started at any time. Students are from many denominations and are worldwide. Courses are certificate level. The president and dean of the school both have long experience in Africa missions. See shbi.org or email sh**@**bi.org. Most courses use the Bible as textbook and extensive course materials are provided. A few courses also require other textbooks and students are responsible for obtaining the textbooks or reading them free on archive.org”
https://www.fidelis.online/
This can be your future! Fidelis International Seminary is a free 65 week M.A. in Missional Catalytic Leadership with five essentials: 1) Metanarrative (the overall story/narrative of the Bible) 2) Disciplemaking Movements (Doing! Not just learning: http://www.zume.training, 3) Spiritual Formation (special focus on Scripture Memory, 4) Public Policy (drawing strongly from classical Great Books, Hillsdale College, Applied Biblical World View on all subjects/areas of life and learning, 5) Personal Wellness. The degree is free (only pay $500+ for books); not a focus on writing papers but on cohort-driven and verbal defense of mastering material; nothing like it! Join Today!