Redemption Seminary’s roots trace back to Logos Bible Software, a revolutionary tool that transformed theological education. Logos decentralized theological libraries, making resources once locked away behind university doors accessible to anyone. The original Logos team, particularly Dale Pritchett, championed innovations like short, focused lecture recordings and hot citation links to enhance learning efficiency. These tools saved countless hours of research and allowed learners to focus on deep, meaningful study. Despite this, many seminaries were hesitant to adopt these advancements, preferring classroom models over the more affordable, learner-centric methods Logos was pioneering. This gap led to the vision for Redemption Seminary: a program built from the ground up to meet the needs of modern adult Christians, combining convenience, affordability, mentorship, flexibility, and technology.

Key Innovations

• Short-form recorded lecture material

• Hot citation links associated with lecture material

Redemption Seminary was officially incorporated as a non-profit (independent of Logos) in October 2018. This new seminary aimed to reimagine graduate theological education by developing a structure that allowed students to learn at their own pace but still have an 8-week term to meet individually with a mentor they choose. This was done while prioritizing affordability and high-quality teaching. Building on Logos’ innovations and careful structure to serve multiple denominations without threat to their traditional distinctions, Redemption produced a personalized model where students could grow academically and spiritually without uprooting their lives or ministries.

Key Innovations

• Multi-denominational Structure

• Courses that are both self-paced and have live personal mentoring

In 2019, Redemption became a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Generous donor support allowed the seminary to launch debt-free, enabling a focus on low tuition costs. The institution established its policies, created a roadmap to accreditation, and partnered with Logos to provide students with a robust digital library for their program and, after they graduate, for their ministry.

Key Innovations

• All materials are included in course costs

• Graduates keep resources

Redemption began enrolling students in 2020, with 50 individuals joining its inaugural class. While the pandemic forced many institutions to hastily convert their classroom model to an online format, Redemption’s intentional online design set it apart. Students appreciated the self-paced coursework, personalized mentoring, and structured curriculum that focused on competency-based learning. This year proved the strength of the seminary’s innovative model in uncertain times. Dr. Mike Heiser helped immensely as a founding board member (even while contracting pancreatic cancer) and initial course reviews by students exceeded expectations.

Key Innovations

• Grading in personal conversations vs. impersonal exams and paper grading which was common in converted online programs

• Contracted with an array of scholars to be mentors

In 2021, Redemption expanded its student base by enrolling 50 more students and added a number of new mentor options. The seminary refined its course offerings, mentoring structure, and administrative processes while formally seeking accreditation. Despite the declining health of Dr. Mike Heiser, he actively promoted the seminary which continued to fulfill its mission to provide personalized, flexible theological education.

Key Innovation

• Produced a course design process to ensure holistic learning and transparent intentionality with each assignment.

By 2022, Redemption celebrated its first graduates: six students with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) and four with a Certificate in Biblical Studies (CBS). The seminary submitted its Self-Evaluation Reports for accreditation and made necessary adjustments to comply with rigorous academic standards. Though enrollment growth slowed because of the accreditation process, the seminary remained committed to innovation and excellence. We were thrilled to move Dr. Joel Wingo and Mrs. Tracey Hopkins from contractors to full-time employees to round out a phenomenal core administrative staff.

Key Innovation

• Moved to an all-inclusive payment model per course so students can easily pace the budget for their program, count the cost, and take financial breaks.

Redemption began 2023 mourning the loss of Dr. Mike Heiser and Morris Proctor, two dear friends and instrumental figures in its story and development. Despite these challenges, the seminary exceeded its strategic goals, enrolling 65 new students and finishing the year with 125 active students. Redemption also secured funding to remain debt-free and celebrated 12 new MABS graduates, marking a year of resilience and growth.

In 2024, Redemption achieved its goal of accreditation, cementing its reputation for high-quality, innovative theological education. The student body grew to over 165, and 18 more graduates joined the community of Redemption alumni. Accreditation opened doors for further partnerships and expansions, ensuring Redemption could continue equipping students for ministry worldwide.

Key Innovation

• Launched payment plan options to match self-paced learning to lower monthly costs for students

• Launched Credit for Prior Learning opportunities