River University: Equipping Ministers and Leaders Through Scholarship Opportunities
River University, formerly known as River Bible Institute, has been dedicated to training ministers and leaders since 1997. With a mission to unite the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, the university aims to cultivate ministries and launch graduates into various fields of ministry and government. River University is committed to equipping individuals with quality, Spirit-filled biblical instruction, hands-on academic training, and practical education.
A Legacy of Training and Revival
Since its inception, River University has seen over 7,898 graduates, including 4,911 domestic and 2,987 international students. The university strives to raise a new generation of revivalists for the 21st century, fostering an environment where the power of God can work in and through its students.
Programs of Study: Equipping for Diverse Callings
River University offers several distinct programs of study, including:
- River Bible Institute (RBI) & River Bible Institute en Español (RBIE)
- River School of Worship (RSW)
- River School of Government (RSG)
- River School of Media (RSM)
- River Culinary Institute (RCI)
These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biblical principles, practical ministry skills, and specialized knowledge in their chosen field.
River Bible Institute (RBI) & River Bible Institute Español (RBIE)
Year One: Certificate of Completion
This program is designed for those who desire an in-depth study of the Bible and how to apply it to their daily lives. This includes but is not limited to the full-time minister, new converts, and individuals hungry for greater intimacy with God. RBI lays the exciting foundation toward further structured theological study.
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Example Study Courses: 12 Pillars of Faith, Old & New Testament Survey, Church History, Christian Lifestyle, Faith I, and many more!
Students enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive a One-Year Certificate of Completion.
Year Two: Associate’s Degree
This program is solid training ground for students called into the Five-Fold Ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Students train for ministry, pursue an intense study of the Bible, enhance their present skills and talents, and gain deeper understanding of how to flow in the anointing.
Students also learn how to relate and communicate with others through Biblical guidance, and obtain invaluable instruction on Faith, the Holy Spirit, ministry, and other theological areas.
Example Study Courses: The Book of Acts, Faith II, Eschatology, The Minister’s Family, Leadership, and many more
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Students enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive an associate degree.
Year Three: Bachelor of Ministry (Internship Program)
During the third year, R.U. students from their respective programs of study intern full-time with Revival Ministries International gaining hands-on experience of the revivalist’s role. Interns are placed under the tutelage of The River at Tampa Bay church pastoral team to obtain working knowledge of effective daily operations in a church and ministry setting.
Interns are rotated to different departments throughout the course of their training to expand their ministry knowledge, skills, and abilities. Each 3-month quarter, they are evaluated by their respective Department Managers on their work ethic, productivity, and all program requirements as outlined in The River University Intern Handbook.
Interns enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive a Bachelor of Ministry degree.
The River School of Worship (RSW)
Year One: Certificate of Completion
Worship is a lifestyle and R.S.W. is raising up a new breed of worship leaders, musicians, and worshippers to infiltrate our culture and the world with the Presence of God.
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It combines the foundational instruction of R.B.I.’s year one program with worship training, giving students a well-rounded, on fire, Holy Ghost experience.
Example Study Courses: Music Theory, Songwriting I & II, Recording & Production, Submission & Authority, Worship Leading, and many more!
Students enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive a One-Year Certificate of Completion.
Year Two: Associate’s Degree
This intensive music and ministry training program is for students who sense a call into full-time music/worship ministry. Excellence in musical gifting is developed alongside flowing in the anointing of God.
Students train for positions as worship leader/pastor, advancing their skills and acquiring others needed to minister effectively in those vocations.
Example Study Courses: Music Administration & Copyrights, The Worship Pastor, The Ministry of the Evangelist, Ministerial Excellence, and many more!
Revival always has a song and over the years, students have written, recorded, and produced songs out of the Word and the anointing! In addition, students have the opportunity to serve in various roles throughout the Worship Department during Sunday Main Events, River Kids, The Stand, annual R.M.I. conferences, R.U. Revival Week, weekly chapel services, and special events!
Students enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive an associate degree.
The River School of Government (RSG)
Year One & Year Two: Certificate of Completion and Associate’s Degree
R.S.G. was founded in 2012 as a result of the corruption we see in the current government system, and the need to raise up godly individuals with personal and public integrity to take up positions of leadership in our nation for the 21st century.
R.S.G. trains student to be full of the Holy Ghost, govern according to solid godly principles, and faithfully defend the individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by both the Constitution and God’s Word.
R.S.G. is non-partisan and our goal is not to produce career politicians, who will abuse their position for personal gain or for personal power, but to inspire tomorrow’s leaders to honor and stand up for the integrity of both the Constitution and God’s Word and bring America back to her founding principles.
R.S.G. is for those who feel called to run for office and/or those driven to see change positive change in the political realm.
Typical Courses: The Constitution, Killing of Uncle Sam by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne & Paul L. Williams, Religion & Foreign Policy, Political Leadership, and more!
Students enrolled in this program who successfully complete all required courses and lab work will receive a One-Year Certificate of Completion, and an associate degree.
River School of Media (RSM)
The RSM program exists to equip students with cutting-edge media skills, creative excellence, and a heart for revival.
River Culinary Institute (RCI)
The RCI program exists for the purpose of training men and women in Culinary to work in and with the Hospitality Industry and every realm it is connected to. This program is selective and will require approval from the Head Chef to train.
Hands-On Training: Beyond the Classroom
River University emphasizes practical application through various ministry opportunities:
- Ministry of Helps Practicum (M.O.H.): Students learn to serve the local church with faithfulness, humility, and a servant's heart. They rotate through different ministries to develop a spirit of excellence.
- Ministry Service Practicum (M.S.P.): Students serve behind the scenes in various ministry departments, gaining a well-rounded education in the daily operations of a successful ministry.
- Public Service Practicum (The River School of Government): Students actively participate in soul-winning activities, including weekly outreaches and community events.
- Call Center Lab: Students are trained to pray, transfer the anointing over the phone, and provide resources and support for incoming and outgoing calls.
Scholarship Opportunities: Making Education Accessible
River University values quality spiritual education and strives to make it accessible to all. The university is valued at $18,700.00 per year and every student receives a scholarship, eliminating the burden of debt and high tuition costs. Scholarships are available and are offered at the discretion of the President of RU. Students who receive a scholarship must follow scholarship requirements and will be evaluated each quarter on an individual basis.
River University has the standpoint that a quality spiritual education that trains an individual for service to the Lord Jesus Christ, should not leave that individual with oppressive financial debt. For those called to the ministry, it can be very difficult to obey God’s calling with this type of debt lingering over their finances.
River University also does not participate in government-sponsored grants, for our approach is to provide the most affordable, quality, spiritual education that we can, as a ministry to the Lord and His servants.
General Fees & Textbooks
Student General Fee: The Annual General Fee includes the use of management software for student classes, ID, class recordings, regalia, banquets, student events, etc.
Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in the cost of tuition. They are purchased separately and are the responsibility of the student.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to River University, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Complete an application and all required admissions documentation for the selected River University course of study.
- Have adequate means of paying his/her tuition (if applicable) and fees as the school does not accept federally-funded financial aid, grants or student loans.
- Attend the student orientation.
- Spouse Relocation Policy - A married student must relocate to the Tampa Bay Area with their spouse; otherwise, the student will not be permitted to attend classes.
River University reserves the right to admissions. Those wishing to apply to attend River University must first complete the online application for admissions and submit a non-refundable $50.00 application fee. After submitting their completed application, new students may be required to have a pre-admission interview with a school staff member. Applicants wishing to receive academic credit for previous schooling must have an official transcript sent to the Office of Admissions.
Once all necessary information has been submitted and the student has been accepted, the student may then attend orientation and register for classes. Applications are valid for 12 months. Applicants who have been accepted, but are prevented from attending the current school year, may postpone their enrollment for up to 12 months. After 12 months applicants must reapply.
A Launching Pad for Ministry
In the words of President Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, "Just like there is a launching pad on the East Coast of Florida at the Kennedy Space Center, we believe River University will be a launching pad for ministers to be sent out and help meet the needs of people around the world."
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