The Bible was written for the ordinary person. The dialect of Greek used for the New Testament is called Koiné, which means “ordinary.” Likewise, Redemption Seminary is designed for ordinary adult Christians to consider at a serious level how the Bible applies to their life. It welcomes students who have plenty of room to grow both in mind and spirit. Through the mentoring and competency-based approach the instruction adapts to the student. This allows adult Christians who have not been eligible for traditional programs to have access to high-level training in a way that accommodates their life.
Some of the most prestigious schools boast of an exclusive learning experience reserved for less than 5% of the prospective students who apply. They have rigorous and competitive admission requirements to ensure that only the elite will ever don their regalia, peruse their special collections, wander their corridors, and benefit from ultimately influential relationships acquired during their program. One can understand the inherent benefit of only accepting the elite. They don’t require much assistance and are more likely to become elites in other aspects of society after they graduate. Having graduates scattered through influential positions throughout society brings all sorts of direct and residual benefits back to the institution. Although this approach makes strategic sense, it isn’t shaped by the gospel.
At its core, the gospel cherishes the image of God inherent in every person. It functions upon principles that value the weak over the institution. It doesn’t expect to change society through the positioning of a few influential elites, but expects to change society through the growth and love of redeemed hearts in every facet of society. The time tested practice of personal mentorship allows for a customized learning experience that can meet the needs of those challenged by the traditional system and satisfy the soaring expectations of the elite.
The open enrollment model for Redemption Seminary is based upon Jesus' open call for all to follow him. However, there is an appropriate time for different types of teaching. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” (NIV 1 Cor 13:11) The graduate-level programs at Redemption seminary are designed for ordinary Christian adults, who now reason with experience gained from this stage of life. The straightforward admission process and initial steps in the curriculum are designed to ensure the program is a good fit for the student with minimal risk.
