Unaccredited Seminary

Definition and Meaning

An unaccredited seminary is an institution that teaches theology and trains ministers without accreditation as a university or graduate school under the Higher Education Act. Many such institutions use names such as "theological institute," "theological research institute," or "Bible school." Graduates of these institutions do not receive a state-recognized theological degree.

Some people use the term "heretical seminary" as though it were synonymous. However, accreditation is an administrative matter, whereas the orthodoxy of an institution's teaching is a doctrinal matter, and the two must be assessed separately. Many unaccredited seminaries teach orthodox doctrine. Doctrinal questions are decided by each denomination's General Assembly through its procedures for declaring heresy.

Biblical and Historical Background

Scripture describes no system comparable to modern school accreditation. Instead, Titus 1:5–9 and 1 Timothy 3 list character and the ability to teach as qualifications for church leaders.

Interpreters of Scripture differ on whether formal schooling is essential.

• Those who hold that formal education is not essential cite Acts 4:13, which describes Peter and John as "unlearned and ignorant men."
• Those who emphasize systematic education and examination cite 2 Timothy 2:2, which instructs that teaching be committed "to faithful men."

Theological education in the early Korean church likewise began with informal courses established by missionaries. Over time, a number of seminaries obtained formal accreditation. Whenever denominations divided, as in the schisms of Korean Presbyterianism, new seminaries were founded, and many of them operated without accreditation.

Practice in the Korean Church

Major denominations generally require candidates to graduate from an accredited, denominationally operated graduate school of theology before sitting for the ordination examination. Examples include Chongshin University of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong) and Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap). Graduates of other schools are often required to complete a separate transfer or research program.

By contrast, among the numerous small denominations and in independent church circles, ministerial training is commonly carried out by their own theological institutes. Proponents justify unaccredited education on the following grounds:

• Theological freedom for the denomination
• Educational opportunities for those called to ministry later in life
• Lower tuition

Critics point to the following problems:

• Ordination is granted after only brief courses of study, weakening the examination of ministers' qualifications.
• The supply of ministers increases excessively.
• Some institutions use names that give a misleading impression of the degrees they confer.

Cult counseling organizations have warned against certain groups that recruit people by advertising a "free theological institute" or a "Bible theological institute." For this reason, denominations verify the school a minister attended during the pyeonmok process, through which ministers from other denominations are received.