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Here are the 8 things that you should watch for when searching for the best organization with which you would open a Bible college in your church or ministry. 1. Be cautious of those who do not use proper grammar, English or capitalization. This may seem elementary or even amusing that a so-called educator makes these kinds of mistakes, but it does happen. One such group spelled "Bible," as in Bible college, over and over with a lowercase b. The same ones made numerous mistakes such as run-on sentences, dangling participles and other basic grammatical mistakes. Anyone can have an occasional typo, but when it is repeated, it says something about the author. As an example, there is one self-processed educator that self-published a book designed to be used as a textbook. FBCS considered using the book until our staff began to see error after error in the manuscript. Needless to say, they were returned to the author. 2. Be cautious of those that talk about establishing a Bible college, but seldom, if ever, mention the Bible, God or anything to do with godly things. You won't talk very long to anyone at FBCS before you hear something about the Lord or His things. We have even had a number of potential students saved over the phone after speaking with some of our staff. 3. Be cautious of those who preface their web pages "How to Start your Own Bible College..." These are commonly those who are offering a "kit" of solutions that will cure all your problems when it comes to organizing the best institution. They usually will want to charge enormous fees for application fees, training fees, IRS fees, travel fees, accreditation fees, incorporation fees, processing fees, Etc. This usually means they are finding every way to get another dollar from you that they can get you to release. Some of these "scams" add fees until you have reached $5,000 or more just to get started. And this amount comes out of your pocket! At FBCS we don't offer an easy "kit" for you to use to create the world's best Bible college. We do offer everything you need to get you on the right track that is above-board and honest. Other than a small application fee, all you pay is the Branch Fee of $800 plus a training fee of $800. It is clear-cut with no hidden or inflated fees. All that comes from your own finances is a total of $1,600 instead of thousands. This is possible because FBCS is a non-profit 501(c)3 ministry dedicated to promoting the Lord to a lost and hurting world. The only fees you will ever pay is what you spend when you come to Rogers for training. We do not waste your money on fancy hotels, rental vehicles, drivers, 4-star restaurants and the like. We realize that most pastors and ministry overseers are on a rather tight budget and we respect that. 4. Be cautious of those who do not want to put their names on the diplomas or transcripts. After giving you your "kit" these groups cut you loose. You are on your own. You are even expected to design and develop your own diplomas, curriculum and teaching materials. It may be that their name is not a respected part of the religious education community. At FBCS we are proud to put our name on the diplomas that your students work so hard for. The name Freedom Bible College and Seminary is highly recognized as a respected institution of higher learning around the world. FBCS diplomas are displayed in Governor's offices, world-renowned pastor's offices and in prestigious offices everywhere. We do, however, include the name of your branch and you sign the diploma along with President Church. We realize that people who work hard for their degrees want it to stand for a worthwhile institution. 5. Be cautious of those who claim to cover legal issues themselves. Often, these are the ones that "fly by the seat of their pants." They figure it out as they go, often at your expense. They may claim to know the answers to all your issues, but usually they don't. I sometimes refer to this type of person as a "Google" person - Whatever you plug in; you get an answer - right or wrong. Unless you are paying for an attorney, be leery of those who boast, "Get real legal training." At FBCS we don't have all the answers nor do we claim to, but we do have attorneys on staff that are knowledgeable in the field of education, not contract lawyers. We have opened so many resident branch colleges in so many different states that we have a good handle on what these states require from you. 6. Be cautious of those who claim that once you get their "kit" you will be Department of Education (D.O.E.) Approved. The sad news is that you are not going to be D.O.E. approved without going through an enormous amount of governmental process. You will have to have a resident library, all your instructors will have to be certified by the Board of Education, you will have to include math, science, and other secular courses instead of only the Bible as you do at FBCS. You will probably invest years, not hours. 7. Be cautious of those who make outrageous claims as to their experience. This is not a hard barrier to overcome. Just ask for documented proof of their claims. Ask to see their college transcripts, employer evaluations, and certificates of completion or other documentation of their experience. Ask if they mind your contacting their past place of employment. Don't be satisfied to see a few letters of recommendation. Ask for solid proof. This is your right. 8. Be cautious of those who want to freely spend your money on travel, rentals, hotel rooms, meals, entertainment and generally have a good time at your expense in the name of coming to you for training. At FBCS we do not come to your residence or branch. We open the doors at our international offices to you. We are glad to have you visit our facilities because we want to get to know you and we want you to know us. We do not have immaculate offices, hot and cold running staff or whatever. But, we do have a nice clean office building with ample training facilities. You will take part in a 2-day training session conducted by Dr. Church himself along with other staff persons. You will receive down-to-earth instruction that you can take home with you. You will be given a quantity of forms and materials that you can adapt to fit your own branch. You will also receive a password protected online site that houses a wealth of information that you can use in day-to-day operation of your branch. At FBCS we are not miracle workers nor do we claim to be. We cannot wave the magic wand and suddenly make you the president of a successful and vibrant college, but we will give you the tools you need to succeed. We are just hard working people who love the Lord and want to see others succeed in accomplishing the Freedom motto, "Educating the World to Save the World." Remember, at FBCS, we do not cut you loose to sink or swim. We are always as close as your phone or email. |