Foursquare Ministry Training Guidelines for Certified Bible Institutes and Schools of Ministry
Making Disciples
Serving the Foursquare church through support, consultation, networking, and training
Foursquare Ministry Training Institutes Rev. Glenn Burris, General Supervisor Dr. Daniel Hedges, National Institute Director
1910 W. Sunset Blvd. Suite 500, P.O. Box 26902 Los Angeles, CA 90026-0176 E-mail: [email protected] • Voice 888.635.4234, ext. 4500 • Fax 213.989.4554
Foreword
Peter Wagner called it “the new wineskin” in theological education. He was referring to the phenomenal emergence of Bible Institutes and Schools of Ministry throughout the body of Christ as a significant alternative to traditional theological education. His own career mirrors this remarkable trend. Leaving his prestigious chair at Fuller Seminary after decades of successful work as the church growth expert, he is now pioneering a nonacademic Schools of Ministry in Colorado Springs. Utilizing what he calls the “impartation model” he is making a new and somewhat controversial mark in theological training through empowering his students with a more practical and spiritually vital experience than traditional education affords.
Three years ago, I asked to write an article for Ministries Today Magazine about this new trend in theological education. For over two decades I had been working with various phases of developing Bible Institutes as professor and ministry consultant with Regent University, Oral Roberts University, and my own organization. I eventually became involved in the accreditation of institutes becoming full-fledged colleges.
The article caused a response from pastors and institute leaders that were overwhelming. It was apparent that churches throughout the body of Christ are doing serious work in developing new approaches to leadership training and are asking for help. As the growth and multiplication momentum builds in our denomination, we must fulfill the greatest mandate for quality leaders to serve God in the ever-expanding harvest.
The practical answer entails recognizing every healthy church as a potential training center and taking intentional steps to adequately empower those churches to succeed in the training mission.
Recently, our family leaders passed a pivotal resolution that states the graduates of ICFG certified institutes will be eligible for international licenses in the same way only Bible college graduates were able to do so in the past. This resolution raises the status of our institutes in recognizing their newly found place of preparing ministry leaders anointed to serve at the highest level.
The resolution was preceded by several strategic developments, many of which were initiated by Rick Wulfestieg and Johnell Loop. At the request of General Supervisor Glenn Buris, we have been commissioned to develop our institute endeavor into a major resource for leadership training within our denomination. Assisted at the national office by Rod Light with his strong background in educational leadership, we have begun to reach out and serve the over 100 institutes already identified.
We are seeking out many more who are yet to become involved in a program that is certain to provide many practical resources and solutions they are seeking. In our first several weeks of operation, various significant meetings are held, including the annual institute symposium, meetings with officials of ICFG and our Foursquare colleges, and the newly formed presidential commission on education. New wineskins are ready to be filled with the best of God’s resources to see Foursquare leadership development move forward. As the Foursquare movement looks toward the future with vision and goals for church planting, it is clear that a key factor of this expansion is the training of pastors for the harvest. Licensed Foursquare pastors will be training in a variety of venues, including Bible Colleges, Schools of Ministry, Bible Institutes, and mentoring and distance learning programs. The increased interest in Foursquare Bible Institutes, as a viable leadership development model, is the reason for the release of this manual.
Every Foursquare church uses the Handbook of Operation of Foursquare Churches for the ministries under its covering. In addition to the Handbook of Operation, churches that operate an Institute, School of Ministry, or a Christian day school must also consider educational standards set by the academic world. A new set of legal, educational, and financial concerns must be addressed. The Foursquare Ministry Training Manual will address these concerns and provide other links for more information.
Dr. Daniel Hedges, National Director, Foursquare Bible Institutes [email protected] Thoughts for the Senior Pastor
There is an inexpressible delight that stirs my spirit every time newly equipped leaders step into service. Foursquare Bible Institutes are readying leaders with a full-hearted commitment to God and His Word, as well as, with a fully ensconced dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Leaders emerging from our institutes exude a spiritual vitality and motivation, which is reflective of the brightly, burning fire within our Foursquare churches. May these fires blaze and refine empowered and called pastors for churches and new plants! I anticipate Foursquare Bible Institutes continuing on the keen edge of developing trained leaders.
Dr. Jack Hayford, President [email protected]
The guidelines you are about to review have been designed as a practical resource to assist you in the development of a Foursquare Bible Institute. Our vision is to release you to meaningful service. We trust this manual is the perfect tool for the job. Today’s church will benefit from well organized and clearly defined Bible institutes. These church-training centers, within the context of the local church, will result in healthy church leaders through practical modeling and instruction.
Rev. Glenn Burris, General Supervisor [email protected]
International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Foursquare Ministry Training Institutes
Table of Contents
Introduction Table of Contents for Introduction 1.1 Introduction and Contacts 1.2 Purpose of this Manual 1.3 Foursquare Ministry Training 1.4 Certified Formal/Non-Formal/School of Ministry Structure Chart 1.5 Why Do We Need Guidelines? 1.6 Standards Foursquare Bible Institutes 1.7 Standard (Chart) 1.8 Comparison of Formal and Non-formal Emphasis Structure Organization Table of Contents for Organization 2.1 Legal Concerns 2.1 State Regulations 2.1 Insurance 2.1 Bookkeeping 2.1 Non-Deductible Tuition 2.1 Sale of Products 2.2 Catalog/Brochures 2.2 Truth in Advertising 2.2 Accreditation 2.2 Licensing 2.3 Administration The District Supervisor/Divisional Superintendent The Church Council The Administrative Board The Director 2.4 Faculty 2.5 Mission Statement What is a Missions Statement? Developing a Mission Statement 2.6 Basic Course of Study for Foursquare Bible Institutes 2.7 Basic Course of Study Requirements 2.7 Basic Course of Study Recommendations 2.8 Transfer of Credit 2.9 Course Outlines 2.10 Budget 2.11 Tuition Operation Table of Contents for Operation 3.1 Application Process 3.2 Textbooks 3.2 Attendance 3.2 Student Evaluation (Testing) 3.3 Grading 3.3 Grading Scales 3.3 Grade Point Averages 3.4 Records 3.4 Student Records 3.5 Faculty Records 3.5 Documents/Records 3.6 Library 3.7 Facilities 3.8 Ways to Promote a Bible Institute 3.9 Student Life Guidelines
Appendix Appendix Table of Contents Appendix 1 Sample Time Line for Starting an Institute Sample Mission Statements Formal and Non-Formal Education Comparisons Appendix 2 Sample Recommended Employee Contract Appendix 3 Sample Non-formal Instruction Records Sample Mentor Program Appendix 4 Sample Curriculum for Formal Emphasis Foursquare Bible Institute Sample Curriculum from Life Pacific/LIFE East Sample Transfer of Credit Policy and Form Sample Articulation Agreement Self Study For Articulation Appendix 5 Sample Course Descriptions Sample Course Outlines Supervised ministry component Appendix 6 Budget Worksheet Sample Donation Letter Appendix 7 Sample Application Forms Sample Reference Forms Appendix 8 Sample Record Forms Sample Evaluation Forms Appendix 9 List of Recommended Books for Starting a Library Dewey Decimal System Breakdown of the 200’s for Library Cataloging Online Catalog Information Appendix 10 Credit Hour Conversion – Semester/Quarter System Appendix 11 Sample Student Handbook Sample Bible Proficiency Exam Appendix 12 Online and Distance Learning Appendix 13 Rules for Research Documentation (MLA) Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction and Contacts 1.1 Purpose of this Manual 1.3 Foursquare Ministry Training 1.4 Training Structure Chart 1.5 Why Do We Need Guidelines? 1.6 Standards for Foursquare Bible Institutes 1.7 Standard (Chart) 1.8 Comparison of Formal and Non-formal Emphasis Structure
Introduction
As the Foursquare movement looks toward the future with vision and goals for church planting, it is clear that a key factor of this expansion is the training of pastors for the harvest. Licensed Foursquare pastors will be trained in a variety of venues, including Bible Colleges, Schools of Ministry, Bible Institutes, and mentoring and distance learning programs. The increased interest in Foursquare Bible institutes, as a viable leadership development model, is the reason for the release of this manual.
Every Foursquare church uses the Handbook of Operation of Foursquare Churches for the ministries under its covering. In addition to the Handbook of Operation, churches that operate an Institute, School of Ministry, or a Christian day school must also consider educational standards set by the academic world. A new set of legal, educational, and financial concerns must be addressed. The Foursquare Ministry Training Manual will address these concerns, as they relate to higher education and preparation for ministry.
This manual creates a foundational structure upon which any institute can be built. The minimum standard, outlined below, allows each institute the freedom to take on the mission, schedule, and training philosophy that best fit the vision of the local pastor.
• All certified Bible Institutes must incorporate a minimum of 750 hours of training. This is equivalent to a two-year program in most colleges. • All certified Schools of Ministry must incorporate a minimum of 375 hours of training. This is equivalent to a one-year program in most colleges. • All certified Foursquare Bible Institutes/Schools of Ministry must teach basic doctrine, including Theology, Christology, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Pneumatology, Angelology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Divine Healing, and Eschatology.
Though Foursquare Bible institutes across the country will vary, they will all have the same foundational structure. This will make it easy for institute graduates to move from one location/district to another. For example, an east coast supervisor will know that a graduate of a certified Foursquare Bible Institute in another area, desiring to pastor in his district, has received at least 750 hours of balanced training which includes Foursquare doctrine.
Contact Information For general institute information, check our web site, http://institutes.foursquare.org. You will be able to view and print a summary of the Bible Institute Manual, including an application for new institutes on this site.
For additional information you may contact the following individuals: Legal concerns – El Clark, 213.989.4211 or [email protected] Foursquare polity courses – contact your district office Education and administrative issues – Daniel Hedges, 213.989.4500 or [email protected] Administrative support – Gina Nicodemus, 213.989.4500 or [email protected] Life Pacific College – Debbie Meyer, 909.599.5433 or [email protected]
1.1 Purpose of this Manual It is our hope that this manual will acquaint pastors and institute leaders with the necessary information, standards, and questions to properly investigate and organize themselves for effective ministry. The goal is to help leaders in the following ways:
1. To begin correctly – The forward, introduction, and organization sections will help pastors clarify the focus and mission of their institute.
2. To encourage high quality – The section on operation will help institutes function with the highest possible administrative standards.
3. To function legally – Pastors must be increasingly aware of legal and financial concerns. El Clark, ICFG corporate counsel, and the late Dick Schmidt, ICFG tax researcher, contributed to the legal and fiscal guidelines.
4. To use available resources – The sample forms and other information included in the appendices may be copies and/or adapted to meet the needs of new institutes.
5. To clarify transfer requirements – College transfer standards are set by accreditation associations and must be met in order for the college to retain accreditation. This manual outlines some of the basic standards for transfer to some colleges. This information will guide institute leaders as they investigate the potential of transferability of coursework from their institutes for students who desire degree completion in another college.
6. To provide networks and contacts for further information – Beyond the information contained in this manual, the staff of the Foursquare National Church Office and Foursquare Christian Education are available for consultation. It is our hope that this manual will raise questions that can be easily answered through the proper connection with the right people. Our staff is available to help direct you to those people.
Agreeing with you for the harvest!
Rev. Dennis Easter, Chairman, ICFG Education Commission Dr. Daniel Hedges, National Director, Foursquare Bible Institutes Rev. Rod Light, National Minister of Christian Education
Grateful appreciation is extended to the following leaders for their contribution to the development and updating of this manual: Dr. Jim Adams, Dr. Gil Albelo, Dr. John Amstutz, Rev. Mario Barahona, Rev. Roanna Bennie, Dr. Sterling Brackett, Rev. Wanda Brackett, Dr. John Brangenberg, Mrs. Marty Lindberg, Rev. Johnell Loop, Rev. Debbie Meyer, Mr. Dick Schmidt, Rev. Herb Schneidau, Rev. Naomi Shivers, Rev. John Wolfe, Rev. Rick Wulfestieg, Mrs. Patti Wulfestieg.
1.2 The guidelines from the National Department of Training Institutes apply only to institutes and schools of ministry in the blue circles below.
Mentoring
•Ministry training as a result of spending time with a person who has experience in ministry
•May be a result of the discipleship process or a clearly defined internship.
Colleges and Local Seminaries School of Ministry •Educational extension of the church •Degree programs for the purpose of training in ministry and leadership •Involves government requirements and •Classes tailored to meet the needs of accreditation criteria the local congregation (Example: beyond institute standards offering a sign language class on Foursquare three Sunday afternoons) Ministry Training
There are many different ways to prepare for ministry. Methods range from casual to seminary level training. Certified Certified Formal Institute School of Ministry •Meets standards for certification as a •Educational extension of the church for Foursquare Bible Institute with a mini- the purpose of training in ministry and mum of 750 hours of training leadership
•May, by meeting additional standards, •Meets standards for a certified school provide for the transferability of units of ministry with a minimum of 375 hours of training but less than 750 hours •Academic emphasis Certified required of institutes Non-formal Institute
•Meets standards for certification as a Foursquare Bible Institute with a minimum of 750 hours of training
•Does not provide for the transferability of units
•Practical emphasis
1.3 All certified Foursquare Bible institutes and Schools of Ministry will have the same foundational elements - Foursquare doctrine, and a balanced curriculum. Certified Bible Institutes will maintain a minimum of 750 hours of training. This is approxi- mately the same number of hours required in secular colleges for an AA degree. A certified school of ministry will maintain a minimum of 375 hours of training but less than 750 hours of training required of institutes.
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Certified School of Ministry Certified Non-Formal Institute Certified Formal Institute
• Minimum of 375 hours of training • Minimum of 750 hours of training • Minimum of 750 hours of training
• Non-degreed faculty acceptable • Minimum 375 hours of formal training • Minimum 500 hours of formal training
• Doctrinal foundation and balanced • Non-degreed faculty acceptable • Faculty must have at least a Bachelor’s curriculum degree in the field which they teach • Doctrinal foundation and balanced curriculum • Doctrinal foundation and balanced curriculum Why do we need guidelines? Why do we need to be careful? When a church operates a Bible institute or a Christian School, it no longer operates solely as a Foursquare Church under denominational guidelines. It enters the education world and must comply with the Department of Education guidelines or in the case of Bible insti- tutes may need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Education.
Denominations Education Bible Institutes Foursquare Churches Christian Schools Schools Handbook for the Operation of •Operate under both Federal/State Laws Foursquare Churches denominational and Department of Education Guidelines educational guidelines •Contractual expectations
The goal of the Bible institute/School of Ministry guidelines is to help churches operating these type of ministries in the following ways: 1. To begin correctly 2. To operate as a high quality ministry of the local church 3. To function legally 4. To use available resources 5. To clarify transfer requirements 6. To provide networking information
1.5 Standards for Foursquare Bible Institutes and Schools of Ministry
All Foursquare Bible Institutes should maintain a minimum standard of 750 hours of training. Institutes will be certified as having a non-formal emphasis or a formal emphasis based on their conformity to the standards listed on page 1.5. The standards for an institute with a formal emphasis provide for a greater focus on academics, for the possibility of transfer credit, and for a more traditional type education. The standards for an institute with a non- formal emphasis provide for a greater focus on practical training and allow for more non-traditional type training. The training institution pursuing between 375 and 750 hours of training will be designated as a School of Ministry.
The developmental process of an institute should include discussing and defining the methods which will be used for training students. This will help to determine whether the institute follows the guidelines for non-formal or formal emphasis.
Please study the chart on the following page and notice that there are two major areas of difference: q The difference in the number of hours of formal instruction (see pages 1.6 and 1.7 for definitions for formal and non-formal instruction) q The qualifications for faculty
The following questions may be used to identify God’s calling for your institute and guide discussion regarding this matter: Does the institute desire to provide formal classroom instruction only? Will the institute use a combination of formal instruction and non-formal instruction? If so, which will be most emphasized? Is the possibility of transfer of units a consideration? Will students desire further training at accredited institutions? Are there enough faculty members who have earned degrees from accredited institutions?
These guidelines provide a minimum foundation upon which an institute can build. However, each institute can still have the flexibility to develop its own identity.
1.6 Standards for Certified Bible Institutes
Certified Certified Certified School of Ministry Non-Formal Institute Formal Institute
Course of Study Must maintain a foundation Must maintain a foundation Must maintain a foundation of Foursquare doctrine and of Foursquare doctrine and of Foursquare doctrine and a balanced curriculum as a balanced curriculum as a balanced curriculum as defined on page 2.6 defined on page 2.6 defined on page 2.6
Minimum total 375 hours 750 hours 750 hours hours of training
Minimum total Optional 375 hours 500 hours hours of formal instruction
Maximum total Optional 375 hours 250 hours hours of non-formal instruction
Faculty Must show competence in Must show competence in Must have at least a Qualifications the area of instruction and the area of instruction and Bachelor’s degree from an have related ministry have related ministry accredited college in the experience experience field in which they are teaching and have related At least a Bachelor’s At least a Bachelor’s degree ministry experience degree is recommended is recommended
1.7 Definition of Formal and Non-formal Instruction
In this manual, the terms formal and non-formal will be used to refer to instruction processes. The following definitions apply to their usage in this manual:
Formal instruction refers to training which takes place in a classroom setting and includes homework and some type of evaluation of the learning process. It embraces concepts of traditional instruction.
Non-formal instruction refers to training which is not limited to but may take place in a classroom. It may or may not include homework and an evaluation of the learning process. Most non-formal instruction has a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.
Hours throughout this manual refers to a sixty-minute clock hour. For example, if a class meets from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm with a half hour break in the middle, this would equal three hours of formal instruction, referred to as “contact hours.”
Formal Instruction
An institute with a formal emphasis must offer a minimum of 500 hours of formal classroom training. An institute that desires a more non-formal emphasis must offer a minimum of 375 hours of formal classroom training. Hours of formal training refer to actual minutes in the classroom (“seat time” as defined above) with a qualified teacher.
It should be noted that the designated number of hours of formal training is the minimum. This allows each institute to add the classes and training (either formal or non-formal) to fulfill the 750 hours required to qualify as a Bible Institute rather than a School of Ministry.
In order to provide students the maximum transfer possibility to LIFE or another undergraduate school, an institute should provide at least 750 hours of formal training. On the other hand, if more mentoring and practical training are desired, an institute may choose to follow the minimum of 375 classroom hours.
The current standard for transferability to Life Pacific College (formerly LIFE Bible College) is 12.5 hours of formal instruction per unit, plus an additional 2 hours of homework per hour of class. These hours can be scheduled in a variety of ways. Example: If an institute offers a 2-unit class, which provides for the possibility of transfer, the class would need to include at least 25 hours of classroom training (12.5 hours per unit x 2 units = 25 hours) and 50 hours of homework (25 x 2 = 50 hours). This instruction could be offered as fifteen sessions of one-hour, forty-minutes or any other formula that would provide the correct amount of hours allocated to homework and classroom. Additional information regarding the transfer of units is on page 2.8.
1.8 Non-formal Instruction
Non-formal instruction refers to training, which is not limited to but may take place in a classroom. It may or may not include homework and an evaluation of the learning process. Most non-formal instruction has a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. These hours should be approved by the administration and recorded for permanent records. Samples of forms for non-formal record keeping may be found in Appendix 3.
Non-formal instruction does not include simply inspirational services such as a Sunday morning worship service. Non-formal training could include any of the following:
Seminars Workshops Conferences Structured Mentoring Internships Hands-on training (i.e. learning to operate Sound system)
All non-formal training should enhance the Bible Institute classroom training or should train students in areas not addressed by traditional classes. The focus should be ministry training and not simply times of casual conversation.
Example: Attending a Billy Graham crusade service would not be considered non-formal training. However, participation in the training program offered by the Billy Graham crusade and then serving at the crusade as an altar worker would be non-formal training.
See Appendix 1 for additional information on formal and non-formal education.
1.9 Table of Contents
Organization
Legal Concerns 2.1 State Regulations 2.1 Insurance 2.1 Bookkeeping 2.1 Non-Deductible Tuition 2.1 Sale of Products 2.2 Catalog/Brochures 2.2 Truth in Advertising 2.2 Accreditation 2.2 Licensing 2.3 Administration The District Supervisor/Divisional Superintendent The Church Council The Administrative Board The Director 2.4 Faculty 2.5 Mission Statement What is a Mission statement? Developing a Mission Statement 2.6 Basic Course of Study for Foursquare Bible Institutes 2.7 Basic Course of Study Requirements 2.7 Basic Course of Study Recommendations 2.8 Transfer of Credit 2.9 Course Outlines 2.10 Budget 2.11 Tuition Legal Concerns