To learn more about Bibles International, email inbox@biblesint.org or call 616-942-7712. Biblical higher education education that involves extensive and serious study of the text of Gods eternal Word, not in a posture of detachment and skepticism, but in a posture of discipleship and submission, seeking to understand the will of God so that we may conform to it, and the plan of God so that we may join Him in bringing about its fulfillment. The Church need not wait for approval from the secular world. Bible colleges allow students a chance to study Christianity deeply and compare their faith with others. AICCSwas chartered as a charitable corporation in the State of Missouri to help establish, support, maintain, and promote the development of non-traditional, modular, and private tutoring/mentoring methods on-campus, and audio/video-taped, on-line, and other distance learning methods off-campus. ASIC accreditation helps students and parents make a more informed choice and will also help a school, college, university, training provider or distance education provider, demonstrate to the international student body that they are a high-quality institution. We provide certification where members adhere to standardized operating requirements in keeping with, and acceptable to, other institutions of higher education. For example, Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) was founded in 1924 but was not accredited by SACS until 1969, long after the graduation of notables such as Dwight Pentecost, Charles Ryrie, and Chuck Swindoll. 1454 Polokong Sebokeng, Vanderbijlpark,Gauteng, South Africa, P.0. The vast majority of Bible Colleges and Seminaries choose not to be governed by the USDE and do not seek regional accreditation. As we find in 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Therefore a state agency is not able to determine if a spiritually directed learning institution is meeting the mandates of the Bible! 4. No college can guarantee the acceptance of credits or degrees since each student is evaluated and then accepted or denied based upon a number of individualistic factors. Grace Bible College & Seminary is accredited by theInternational Association of Christian Schools, which provides accreditation for churches, schools and ministries that are training, equipping, and mobilizing the followers of Christ for works of ministry globally. I was never great at schoolwork, but I found WCBCS' new learning management system to be beautifully organized and easy to understand. International Bible College was a Christian Bible College located on 5 acres (0.020 km 2) northwest of historic downtown San Antonio, Texas, . To sponsor a national conference offering seminars, clinics and workshops, and an awards ceremony where member schools will be recognized and honored for outstanding achievement. The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer service awards program, encouraging United States citizens and permanent residents, to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. Both are designed to maintain standards of academic integrity among institutions of higher learning. Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Corporate Partner with California Coast University (CCU), Santa Ana, California, USA. Our memberspromote mutual transferability of academic coursework among all IABCS schools. Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Learning Partner with Columbia Southern University (CSU), Orange Beach, Alabama, USA. IABCS is the oldest, longest-running accrediting body in the U.S.A. and has served to develop, create, innovate, and validate higher Christian Education all over the globe. Transference of credit cannot be guaranteed as all credit transfers are at the discretion of the accepting institution. To accredit is to give official authorization to or approval of; to provide with credentials; to recognize or vouch for as conforming with a standard; to recognize as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice; to consider or recognize as outstanding. We are committed to education that is legitimately post-secondaryand academically rigorous, challenging students to develop critical thinking skills and leading them in the formation of a biblicalgrounded Christian worldview. AICCSis a non-profit association of independent Christian colleges and seminaries committed to academic excellence, intellectual freedom, ethical conduct, and moral integrity. I have been able to further myself and get my foot in the door at places I couldn't have without this degree. The Federation established a quality educational standard in post-secondary education for evangelical colleges and seminaries that do not seek secular accreditation. We've been asked the question, "Does a degree from West Coast Bible College & Seminary have credibility?" Copyright 2023 Christian Bible Institute & Seminary. For a list of schools that have accepted CBIS students in the past, please call our offices. IABCS is a Non-Governmental Accreditation Institution (NGAI) setting standards for Bible Colleges and Seminaries that do not want to come under secular government control and at the same time maintain a genuine degree program for higher education. International Association of Christian Schools. IABCS 2016 All Rights Reserved - Site created by CLI Media Team, IABCS International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries. What does quality religious accreditation mean? The decision to reject government sanctioned accreditation would have an immediate and profound effect on all alumni holding degrees. 2014-2020 Trinity International Theological Seminary - All Rights Reserved. Secular schools seek secular education, and sacred schools receive sacred or ecclesiastic accreditationeach by their own peers. Another concern we have held regarding accreditation relates to government intervention. IABCS accredits its member institutions by applying accepted practices and standards much like other professional peer review organizations. We believe the contents are accreditation level worthy but we value the flexibility that our own equipping courses provide. Harvard began in 1636 and was founded for training in the Gospel ministry. [1] It was founded by Cecil Johnson, president of Christian Bible College, a distance education Bible college based in Rocky Mount North Carolina. In so doing we: apply what we are learning from Gods Word; appropriate and collaborate with the work of Gods Holy Spirit in the process of developing personal values and virtues worthy of His adopted children; and are formed through deep engagement with a community of fellow Christ-followers. Both Kairos and West Coast were very responsive and even helped when my time frame became stretched thin. All schools reserve the right to accept or decline credit or certificate transfer (whether accredited or unaccredited). Religious institutions need no secular accreditation because they offer no secular degrees. God bless all of you!" Since the late 1800s, Bible colleges have been educating college students in the Christian tradition in the United States. We are a non-profit, accredited Bible college that offers on-line and distant learning courses. My experience with WCBCS has opened doors that I never thought possible. USDE accreditation is not necessary for the theological degrees in which we offer. Institutional Member of AAHEAAmerican Association of Higher Education and Accreditation, Institutional Member of ACDEAssociation of Christian Distance Education, Accredited by NAPTINational Association of Private Theological Institutions, Accredited by ACBEApostolic Council on Biblical Education, Certified Member of NBCANational Bible College Association, Certified Member of ACEA Academic Council of Educational Accountability, Accredited by ACBHE Accrediting Commission for Biblical Higher Education, Certified Academic InstituteNational Christian Counselors Association, Certified Academic InstituteThe American Association of Christian Therapist, Certified Member of IFCC International Federation of Christian Chaplains, Certified Member of IACCP International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals, Associate Member of CCTChristian Counselors of Texas, Member of the NAMANational Anger Management Association, Certified Member of the BCABiblical Coaching Alliance, Certified Member of GCSN Global Christian Schools Network. 3. In assessing the credibility of any institution, we suggest that you review the experience and education members of the organization. For additional information on accreditation, you can click on the following link which will take you to the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation statement. For more information on accreditation, you may click on the following link to read the blog entitled What is the Big Deal about Accreditation? The following quote from the United States Department of Education makes the point. All of our members are required to accept the credits, diplomas and degrees issued by all other member schools. South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. DISCLAIMER: No school can guarantee credit or certificate transferability. Site Visits IABCS has implemented site visits where peer leaders actually evaluate member schools to gain a third party opinion on compliance to IABCS rigorous standards. The process was easy. We have seen where accreditation has pressured institutions to hire a required number of professors with particular degrees, rather than hiring them based on a philosophy of local church ministry with a commitment to doctrine and soul winning. West Coast Bible College & Seminary has obtained authorization from the Texas Workforce Commission to operate in the state of Texas. Namely, those specializing in affordable programs for practicing ministers, and laypersons. View the QISAN Letterand Qisan Certificate. The Association of Independent Christian Colleges & Seminaries is one of the largest, non-government accrediting groups in the world. However, when it comes to nondenominational Christian ministry education for mature ministers and laypersons, many adult learners base their school selection solely on accreditation. Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and its teachings. Such transformational highereducation is validated not by a life orientation toward self-actualization or self-fulfillment, but rather by a posture of submission and self-denial, living out Kingdom values and Gospel priorities before a watching world. If you are a Bible College, Bible Institute, Bible School or Seminary and you want to join our peer community, we invite you to apply for membership. However, we do not infringe upon your right to operate your school in the way and manner that the Lord leads you. Most Bible colleges are accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education; nearly . If you are pursuing education at CBIS with the intent of obtaining employment or for some other reason, you should check with that organization BEFORE applying for enrollment in CBIS. We maintain that an authentically biblical worldview compels all believers regardless of present or future occupation to understand their personal vocation within the context of historys destiny: the day when the kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. We are a membership-based association. Not only that, you'll receive biblical training that will aid you as you minister to students and colleagues. Such experiences help us to discover and develop our own distinctive God-given gifts, passions and sense of calling as well as to exercise and grow the life, ministry and leadership skills required for passionate and proficient service. Utilizing effective educational strategies, IABCS has become a catalyst for many institutions to grow their student body and add credibility to their curriculum. The US Department of Education itself accredits certain agencies, regional, national and professional. Accreditation in the U.S. is a voluntary, non-governmental process that is undertaken by private agencies. More than 50 institutions responded, in writing, stating that they had accepted, or were willing to accept, credits and degrees from International Seminary. In a 1978 study, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services documented acceptance of nontraditional or non-regionally accredited programs. Schools may be (but are not required to be) corporate structured or state licensed for Theological training. Phone (407)-886-3619 ACEA P.O. In past years, International Seminary has sent official transcripts to more than 107 colleges, at the request of students applying for transfer. Trinity International Theological Seminary's president, Dr. Ambrose E. Edebe, holds the professional Executive Director and Bible Specialist certifications of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), USA.The purpose of ACSI Certification is to strengthen Christian schools by credentialing educators who meet established professional and biblical requirements, which promotes continued professional learning and increased effectiveness. "West Coast Bible College & Seminary is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). We will continue offer training seminars in the future, but those seminars will only be conducted by President Harrison and Dr. Condly. . To represent the AICCS membership before government agencies and regulatory bodies. We fosterflexible, experimental, innovative, personalized learning alternatives, as well as traditional post-secondary and graduate-level educational modalities. Religious schools are not legally required to become accredited. California Coast University is a nationally accredited university, recognized by the United States Department of Education. There is no doubt in our minds that, were the government given oversight of our operations, their secularhumanistic paradigm would see our curriculum as unsatisfactory to the pluralistic philosophies of today. The U.S. Department of Education recommends that the database be used as one source of qualitative information and that additional sources of qualitative information be consulted. You are already serving in Christian ministry, and desire to up-grade or improve your ministry education or credentials; You are serving or desiring to serve through a church or ministry organization that does not require a certificate from a specific type of institution; You are serving in a para-church ministry; You are serving in a personal independent ministry; You are serving in a lay ministry capacity, and wish to be better educated; You desire to be better educated in a particular area of ministry. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has determined that the religious coursework offered by Trinity International Theological Seminary is exempt from MHEC approval in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B.01.01.03B(7) and (8), and MHEC Policies and Procedures. We believe that the federal government or any secular institutions are not qualified to dictate the qualifications for instructors or the programs for a spirit-filled ministerial degree. Trinity International Theological Seminary is listed by SmarterProctoring, Testing Management System (U.S.A.), as an approved Testing / Examination Center. All of our employees, students, and directors are born again believers in Jesus Christ and the Bible. An Organization of Credibility support Since CLM offers an exclusively online training platform, IABCS is suited as a real asset for credibility for CLM! In addition, there is the concern that accreditation could put the college in a position where a faculty degree would usurp a ministry-focused hiring process of evaluating a candidates personal ministry and ability to transfer truth as a facilitator of 2 Timothy 2:2. The legal right to grant degrees is independent from the issue of accreditation. Accreditation is a quality assurance process under which services and operations of Colleges, universities, and educational institutions or programs are evaluated and verified by an external body to determine whether applicable and recognized standards are met. Institutional Member of ACDE Association of Christian Distance Education Accredited by NAPTI National Association of Private Theological Institutions Accredited by ACBE Apostolic Council on Biblical Education Certified Member of NBCA National Bible College Association Certified Member of ACEA Academic Council of Educational Accountability Schools must show a clearly defined and workable organizational structure that facilitates the complete execution and completion of the goals and philosophy proposed by institute. Secular accreditation associations in turn are recognized by governmental agencies. "West Coast Bible College & Seminary is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). As a Certifying Organization, Trinity International Theological Seminary, can nominate potential recipients and distribute the award to those or meet or exceed the AWARD criteria. Learn more here. Freedom Bible College and Seminary, Siloam Springs, Arkansas; claims accreditation from the International Commission on Academic Accreditation, which it notes "is not recognized by the United States Department of Education. IBC was never accredited by a regional accrediting body but did obtain a certificate of authority from the State of Texas authorizing it to grant bachelor's degrees in 1976. Harvards motto was Christo et Ecclesiae (For Christ and Church), Vision Christian Bible College & Seminary, 2023 by Vision Christian Bible College and Seminary. Christian International Online Bible College. We seek to encourage and equip graduates to take part according to their unique gifts, passions and callings in the global cause of proclaiming through word and deed the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christalone. Fax (407)-886-7662 Box 1208, Plymouth, FL 32768-1208 We pray for every student, faculty member, and Trinity worker. They trace their authority back to the capitol of a country, like Washington, D.C. It is common for us to hear graduates of Trinity note that the training they receive from Trinity far exceeds the training they receive in more traditional Bible institutes and seminaries. Our primary aim is to assist our students worldwide in responding to and being equipped for the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. GBCS serves as the official training school for ministers licensed/ordained by the Ambassadors Ministerial Fellowship. Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Learning Partner with Waldorf University, Forest City, Iowa, USA. Often it is due to a misreading of the purpose of accreditation which is to serve as a type of standard assessment factor, and gatekeeper for government funding of education through student loans and grants. Growing churches and missionary endeavors throughout North America and around the world need godly, well-equipped lay and vocational workers. Grow in your personal faith and spiritual development. In the United States, accreditation is a voluntary process governed by independent accrediting agencies that are either recognized by the federal government or not. This is a list of the graduate schools of theology accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Every accredited institution was once unaccredited. There is strength in numbers, and we seek to honor God our Father in all we do. MHEC is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges, universities, and for-profit career schools. IABCS purpose is to furnish, recognize and verify certain standardized requirements in various fields in which the representative institutions operate in keeping with, and acceptable to, other accredited institutions of higher education. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808) to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's, and Doctoral levels. ACI is an independent non-profit corporation chartered as an accrediting agency for small Bible colleges and specialized Christian schools, institutes . All Rights Reserved. Christian Bible Institute & Seminary is a non-denominational Bible Institute & Seminary with the mission of providing affordable Biblical education and theological training for anyone interested in earning a Bible Degree to further enhance their Ministry. Seven Divisions of International Seminary. Click Here For the State of Maryland Certificate -pdf, Click Here for the State of Maryland Certificate - Microsoft Word Version, Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Once the decision is made to become accredited through a Department of Education recognized agency, reversing that choice is not a simple process. On the other hand, certain types of theological schools actually do not need accreditation. For instance, no college or seminary offering all three levels of instruction (bachelor, master, doctoral) through home study, has ever been regionally or professionally accredited. Grace Bible College & Seminary is accredited by the, All certificates and degrees issued by Grace Bible College & Seminary are designed solely for the purpose of providing training and education for those involved in or seeking to enter Christian ministry. There are six private corporations, referred to as agencies, that provide accreditation for universities within certain regions of the country. The Accrediting Commission for Biblical Higher Education encourages all who operate a private, Christian, Bible College or Theological Seminaries to become members of ACBHE. We are committed to honoring God's desires to equip them thoroughly for any ministry of Jesus Christ. We engage the student intentionally in. ASIC has been awarded Full Member status of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). Box 12328-10100, Nyeri, BN-YCP292, Kenya, 1, Omolayo Akinwunmi Street Alausa, Ogun State, Nigeria, I-Pangidi 534342, Andhra Pradesh, India, No. In addition to this, a survey of the top personnel officers at 81 large corporations indicated they felt that a nontraditional degree was just as useful as one from a traditional school with a strong reputation. As the report said, these findings run counter to some popular beliefs. Source: Sosdian, Carol P. and Laure M. Sharp, The External Degree as Credential: Graduates Experiences in Employment and Further Study, Washington D.C., U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1978. ", http://www2.ed.gov/print/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html. Each state has different guidelines concerning universities, seminaries, and Bible colleges. SmarterProctoring is a database of virtual proctoring solutions, testing centers, and individuals that are available to proctor exams for various educational institutions. The International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries, an non Governmental Religious accrediting agency through affiliation with Vision International University. (February 1, 2005). STUDENT TESTIMONIAL #2 (SAMANTHA R.): The BA program helped me with having an accredited degree to be able to get my Arkansas Non-Traditional Teaching License. Civil agencies should not be dictating standards of Christian education, any more than a police officer should be directing the worship of God. Since accreditation is purely voluntary, and since all accrediting agencies are private corporations, a number of agencies have formed to provide recognition in areas where regional or professional accreditation has left gaps. Ouraffiliated schools offer degrees which are absolutely legitimate, totally honorable, widely respected, and generally accepted within the Christian community. Through their partnership with Kairos University, I was able to earn an accredited Bachelor's Degree in Christian Thought & Education in under 4 years! All of our degrees are issued in online format and intended solely for the purpose of training and equipping others for Christian ministry and are not intended for any unrelated secular purposes. Although learning is one of the key components, it is intentional that our programs are not externally accredited as we desire to prioritize the discipleship process over just the academic process.