4 /5 Rev. Dr. David Cole: ACADEMIA
I received an extremely good academic education at Brite, a Disciples of Christ seminary and college of TCU. The scholarships are very generous and offered to candidates regardless of their denomination. Most of the teachers are open-minded and spiritual. The overall ethos of the school does lean heavily to the left, both theologically and politically, though blessedly there are still a few moderate professors who have survived the inquisition. The litmus of a good professor is clear: if one is capable of grading a paper objectively that is well-argued, but presents a thesis with which he or she totally disagrees. That, fellow Christians, is the sign of a great sage and mentor. Those professors can still be sought out here; though judicious course selection is strongly advised.
STUDENT STIPENDS
Ironically, the Disciples of Christ student pulpit placement stipends are some of the lowest. In contrast, the Methodists--who made up the majority of the student body at Brite--receive a minimum placement stipend subsidized by the Conference. However, a Methodist and Disciples seminarian still receive exactly the same academic scholarship. So sadly, it is much fiscally sounder to be a Methodist at a Disciples seminary than it is to be a Disciple.
CAREER PROSPECTS
It is important for someone discerning applying to consider that Disciples of Christ Ministers have the lowest average salaries amongst Mainsteam (Oldline) denominations. Also roughly 80 percent of graduates will no longer be in professional ministry after 5 years. There are relatively few courses on the realities of church management and the often ugly realities of church politics and conflict. Especially in a rapidly declining church body, the dysfunctional church institution is commonplace. Frankly, the coursework caters to a staff heavy in theology, history and Hebrew and too light on the Bible and management. Having said that, the Bible professors and courses taught by experienced ministers are excellent. Personally, I do not regret the tremendous liberal arts education, which can be gainfully applied to many community-oriented professions.
