Have you ever felt the call of God to train others for the work of the ministry? Does the thought of training laborers for the last days harvest appeal to you? Yes? Then, Establishing a “CBCS Extension Campus” may be for you!
Extension Campus – Johnson CityHere are a few FAQ about this opportunity. When you are through reading through these sixteen questions and answers, please give us a call and we can talk more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is starting a campus a good idea?
- It will enhance the profile of your church or ministry by offering your community a higher Christian Education that they may not otherwise have available to them.
- Extension Campus Deans and Professors continue to progress in their own personal education goals by earning credits as they instruct.
- You will have the opportunity to teach and train other leaders in the Body of Christ to help them fulfill the Great Commission.
- CBCS has established programs with supporting documentation such as syllabi, outlines, exams and answer keys. The texts have been selected. All you need to provide is an anointed teacher.
When should we start and how many courses should we offer in an academic year?
An Affiliate Campus may be started anytime. You will offer at least 9 courses plus Ministry Practicum in an academic year.
How do we get started?
Fill out an Affiliate Campus application and submit a $350.00 start-up fee, payable to Covenant Bible College & Seminary or CBCS. This will cover the cost of your ....
- Letter of Acceptance as an official Affiliate Campus of Covenant Bible College & Seminary
- Official Campus Wall Certificate
- Official CBCS Catalogs for formal presentations
- Extension Campus Procedures Handbook
- All of the courses, exams, keys, etc., you will need to get started.
What is included in the Extension Campus Handbook?
The Handbook includes detailed financial information, general administrative procedures and standard, locally producible forms, for making reports to the main Campus. Also included are reproducible handbooks for students and instructors.
How do we advertise?
You can start in your own church or ministry through bulletins, newsletters, etc. You can also advertise in the print media, radio and television. Feel free to use the College Logo in all of your advertisement.
How do we enroll students?
Each prospective student fills out an application, along with a non-refundable fee of $35.00 and proof of High School graduation or a GED. If they provide previous
college transcripts, no high school diploma is required.
If they have attended other colleges, universities or institutes of ministry, i.e. Rhema, etc, an original sealed transcript is required from each institution. Transcript Request Forms are supplied to the student for this purpose. Once the student has shown up to class, paid the course tuition, and the Main Campus has all the paperwork and fees, the student is then officially enrolled.
How often are classes conducted?
Most campuses offer one (1) evening per week classes.
Will CBCS fit into my schedule?
CBCS provides a Christian education that will fit into the schedule of working adults. Many people have lost their dreams of ever getting to attend Bible College because of marriage, careers, etc.
Many pastors have never been able to attend Bible College, or never got to finish. You can now become a dream fulfiller for them. Pastors• across the globe now have their degrees because of our unique college system. Having classes one night per week can fit anyone's schedule.
EXAMPLE:
- A new course is begun on the first Thursday of the month.
- One course is taught every month.
- Three 45 minute classes are held each evening with a ten-minute and five-minute break in between.
- Class begins at 7:00 pm and you finish by 9:30 pm.
Teaching only one course at a time serves two purposes: First, your very busy students, balancing careers and school, will only have to concentrate on one subject at a time. Second, new students can enroll anytime during your school year. This will allow you to constantly increase your enrollment.
What program of study do we offer first?
As you begin your school, it is important to start everyone on the same foundation. New students and students who have previous college will all go through the same basic foundation subjects the first year. This will get everybody on the same page as you begin this ministry in your community.
- Prayer & Fasting
- How to Study Your Bible
- Faith & Authority
- Experiencing Lifestyle Worship
- New Testament Survey
- Life of Christ
- Spirit Lead Living
- Biblical Economics 1
- Personal Evangelism
- Ministry Practicum*
*Ministry Practicum is not a classroom course.
What is Ministry Practicum?
Ministry Practicum is a volunteer ministry in any area of church work during the nine-month academic year. Students are required to give an average of two hours per week, or a minimum of 72 hours of volunteer service to their local church or ministry.
A Ministry Practicum Form will be submitted before graduation, signed by a supervisor, pastor, etc. This will count for 3 credit hours.
We have found that, because of Ministry Practicum, pastors in the community encourage their people to attend your college, knowing you are not trying to proselytize their members, but are providing more trained volunteers for their ministry.
In fact, pastors will feel more comfortable attending your school to finish or receive their degrees.
How often is achievement recognized?
Covenant Bible College & Seminary awards a diploma or degree at the completion of each thirty credit hours of course work. Students transferring college credit or (for ministers) life experience credit, will enter the program at the level commensurate with their cumulative totals.
A cap and gown ceremony is held every year for everyone achieving at least 30 credit hours.
How may I continue my education while directing a Extension Campus?
By directing and teaching courses, you and your staff will earn credits toward your own degree, all the way through a doctorate.
What administrative duties are required as a Campus Dean?
The Director is responsible for:
- Collecting applications and all associated paperwork
- Collecting tuition and fees
- Remitting funds, student documentation, grade and attendance reports, etc. to the Main Campus in a timely manner
- Recruiting instructors
Who would be a qualified instructor?
Instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree. However, in the case of Bible Institute graduates (for example Rhema Bible Training Center), you may teach for course credit.
The following example would apply:
1. Two years at Rhema 60 credits
(note: We will give full credit for a Bible Institute)
2. Three to five years of established ministry 30 credits
3. One year teaching at extension campus 30 credits
Total Requirements 120 credits
What’s the cost per student?
The yearly costs are: Audit (no degree) - $675 Undergraduate - $1,350
Graduate - $2,035
Doctorate - $2,525
All fees are paid by monthly (per course) payments.
What kind of financial blessing can this be to my ministry?
How do we handle a graduation ceremony?
The Main Campus will assist in the ordering of caps and gowns to the extension campus prior to graduation through the form provided. The caps and gowns will be shipped directly from the merchant (usually Jostens). The student will be responsible for the purchase of their own cap and gown. We will walk you through the process and even send someone from the Main campus, if need be, to help your graduation be a success.
