Why start another online Bible School?
There are several reasons.The first reason there is a need for another on-line Bible institute is money plain and simple. Even the MOST economical schools charge at least $80 per semester hour per class that translates into $240 per course, in 1 years time that is $2400 per year plus books and fees .Now to many that would seem very reasonable.But would you believe it there are men and women in this country making $5.15 an hour who pay tax and social security on that money.So after Uncle Sam gets done with them they have about $725 dollars with to pay rent,buy groceries,do thier laundry,and pay for transportation back and forth to work.How much disposable income do you suppose there is?Now after they pay thier tithe and offerings how much disposable income do you suppose there is.There are others some making a bit more some a bit less who are called but just can't find money to go to school.
Now let's go to the next guy he is making $15 an hour or about $2400 a month.He is a married man with a wife and two children.Well they need at least a two bedroom apartment and that will cost at least $500 per month in a sleazy area.Plus utilities,plus food for 4,plus taxes and social security,plus medical,plus transportation,plus insurance,plus heat,plus tithes and offerings.How much money do you suppose he has left at the end of the month?Now let's add $200 per mo tuition plus books and fees,hold it there is'nt that much left and there are no corners to cut, you can only eat so much macaroni and cheese.He would move to go to school if he could get something lined up but has tried and it just did'nt work out.
The prospective student is overseas and has no real marketable skills in the US after all how many mining jobs or pearl diving jobs are available in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area anyhow?He or she does not come from a family with money so how is he to make a living and pay for Bible college.Or they could do it but they would have to leave thier wife and children at home and send what money they could.
I know there are all kinds of success stories about how it all worked out, but how many are left behind?Is there anybody who can help them get a quality education?
Some people are just unable to leave thier homes for a variety of reasons.Some people even if they were to recieve a full tuition scholarship could'nt even afford the books.
Some Well meaning but un-equipped churches start Bible institutes. They give the best education they can but the student leaves unprepared for the work God has called them to do.
Some schools are very good on the academics but poor on the practicle application part of the education, so again the student goes out unprepared and many times fails or burns out because they think they have to do it all.
Some students in a burning desire to serve the Lord end up in a marginal school with weak academics because that is what they can afford.
Yes some end up in degree mills or very marginal schools because there is some hope of training and it's the best they have been able to find that they have access to and can afford.They hope against hope this will train them enough to answer thier call.This is what makes degree mills and very marginal schools pay off.
Some of these schools are just doctrinally unsound period.
My Vision
Or what I would like to see happen is the following:
A tuition free school or at least very minimal tuition.
A school where most of the resources needed to study can be found for free online thereby cutting the cost of books.
A school that properly prepares pastors,teachers,missionaries,and evangelists to go out into the field fully trained and prepared to do the work God has called them to do.
A school that has good sound academics.
A school with a properly trained and credentialed training staff.
A school that teaches the pracical how to skills as well as they teach academics.
Professors who have very frequent contact with thier students and interact with them freely and openly.
A school where the students feel not only is thier professor thier teacher and instructor but also thier mentor.
A school where Bible college and seminary students can come in and get the missing parts of thier education.
A school that awards a certificate or diploma of proficiency and not a degree.
A school whose students bear so much fruit that we will be recognized by our fruit,namely the students.
That is what God has laid upon my heart.From the inter-action I have had here on two threads, this thread being one of them, with about nine other people who are willing to join this effort or help with it if we can get a few more of the right people we can start putting something together and make this work. God seems to be blessing it so far. I pray for the blessings to continue.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
POB
