Apostolic Bible Colleges and Accreditation: A Comprehensive Overview

Accreditation, in the context of educational institutions, is the process of certifying that a school maintains acceptable standards. It signifies that an official review board has granted approval after the institution has met specific requirements. This article delves into the nuances of accreditation, particularly within the realm of apostolic Bible colleges, examining its significance, alternatives, and the perspectives surrounding it.

Understanding Accreditation

Accreditation serves as a form of peer review, ensuring that an educational program offers quality education. It involves evaluating a school's course offerings and procedures to confirm that it meets its stated objectives and provides students with the education it promises. Secular accreditation associations are typically recognized by governmental agencies, while religious accrediting associations are recognized by the Church, reflecting the separation of church and state.

Accreditation is generally considered a voluntary process, not a mandatory one. Many public schools are "recognized" as legitimate by their state's department of education to facilitate credit transfers. However, accreditation doesn't guarantee credit transfer to another school. Some states may require accreditation for secular schools to operate.

Alternatives to Traditional Accreditation

Traditional accreditation may not always be necessary or suitable for religious vocations. Some institutions seek alternative forms of accreditation that align better with their mission and values.

Apostolic Council for Educational Accountability (ACEA)

Dr. C. Peter Wagner, head of the Wagner Institute for Practical Ministry, established the Apostolic Council for Educational Accountability (ACEA) as an alternative to traditional accreditation for emerging new apostolic churches. Christian Leadership University (CLU) was certified by ACEA for its entire 11-year existence (1998-2009).

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

Christian Accreditation International

Christian Leadership University also recognizes Christian Accreditation International as one of its peers in Spirit-filled Christian education.

The Role of Government-Recognized Accreditation

Government-recognized accreditation may not be necessary for individuals pursuing religious vocations such as:

Bible studies
Business as Ministry
Christian Counseling
Christian Leadership
Divine Healing
Divinity
Ministry
Missions and Evangelism
Prophetic Ministry
Theology
Worship Ministry
Youth Ministry.

However, it is typically required for those seeking employment in government-licensed positions, such as public school teachers, state-licensed psychologists or psychiatrists, and non-church-related counselors.

Potential Limitations of Government Accreditation

One major concern with government accreditation is its potential to restrict who can serve as a professor. Government accreditation often requires instructors to have an accredited degree from a government-recognized institution. This can exclude spiritually gifted and anointed ministers of the Gospel who may not possess such degrees.

Quality of Education and Accreditation

There is no conclusive evidence that government-accredited schools produce better Christian workers than non-government-accredited schools. Some pastors from non-accredited Schools of Ministry offered by local churches have demonstrated superior performance. Similarly, non-certified homeschooling parents have trained children who outperform students of certified teachers in public schools.

Perspectives on Accreditation

Apostolic Faith International University

All courses implemented by Apostolic Faith International University are accredited by the National Bible College Association, which is authorized to grant certificates and award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The National Bible College Association is an evangelical, faith-based accrediting agency that operates worldwide and honors the separation of church and state.

Apostolic Theological Seminary (ATS)

Apostolic Theological Seminary is incorporated in the State of Louisiana to grant Masters and Doctorate degrees. ATS's professors have degrees from accredited schools. The president and founder of ATS envisions educating future professors through their degree programs to teach for the seminary.

ATS believes that the only benefit of obtaining a government-accredited degree is if one intends to teach in an accredited state school or a government-accredited seminary. The church, in general, does not prioritize government-accredited degrees.

Apostolic Bible College (ABC)

Apostolic Bible College has not sought secular/regional accreditation, as it is not required. In the United States, jurisdiction over religious and church-related institutions rests with individual state governments. ABC complies with state regulations to operate as a legitimate school.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission recognizes that ABC's offering of certain avocational programs is exempt from post-secondary authorization. ABC is a non-degree-granting study system designed for religious/personal educational enrichment.

Read also: History of Atlanta Bible College

ABC is currently developing a program to assist students in understanding nontraditional education.

Bible Institutes of America

Bible Institutes of America is internationally accredited by the Southeastern Global Accrediting Commission and licensed by the State of North Carolina to operate as an educational facility. Its degree programs are exempt from licensure requirements under North Carolina General Statutes for religious education.

The Significance of Divine Power

As individuals become effective in releasing divine power through their lives, they will naturally gain recognition and influence. Jesus, despite lacking accredited degrees, attracted multitudes through the power that flowed through Him.

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