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Want to earn a ministry diploma?


Contact Paul for more information or to enroll.

Message from Paul Heier (bio):
Director of Mision Hispana Mission Society and
The Center for Discipleship Studies

We started The Center for Discipleship Studies to help study discipleship and to be an online center that would serve as a resource for discipling people in English and Spanish from around the world. After considering the potential of offering diplomas that would help people prepare for missions and ministry, we decided to make The Center for Discipleship Studies into a full-fledged ministry training center.

Why Ministry Education?
Ministry education is extremely important. It is different than any other kind of academic education because it’s not just academic—it’s spiritual, emotional, and intellectual. Many seminaries are emphasizing the intellectual, but have left out the holistic elements necessary for good ministerial and missionary preparation.

Why The Center for Discipleship Studies?
The Center for Discipleship Studies isn’t accredited! If you want an accredited degree, you’ll have to look elsewhere and pay a lot more. Our goal is to train missionaries, ministers, and future Christian leaders in the Word of God and in basic ministry skills. We help people develop as individuals—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We’re not concerned about profits, buildings, enrollment numbers, and pleasing a bunch of secular supervisors. We’re interested in building up future Christian leaders who will live for God and minister His Word to a lost and dying world.

Why Not?
There are many reasons not to enroll at The Center for Discipleship Studies. Maybe you want to study with professors who don’t believe the Bible is the Word of God. Maybe you want to go into huge debt so you can earn an accredited degree. Maybe your church or denomination requires you to go to a certain school. Perhaps you only want to study the intellectual side of the ministry. If so, we’re not the school for you. However, if you want to humbly study the Word and experience a holistic, biblical education you should consider The Center for Discipleship Studies!

Advantages of The Center for Discipleship Studies:
1. Available staff- Our staff is small and you will receive individualized attention.
2. Latest technology- We don’t have a campus—we have an internet campus!
3. Authentically biblical and evangelical- We’re not ashamed of our faith nor in our belief in the inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God.
4. Concerned about ministry—not accreditation, buildings, and profits!


Missionary Chris Rozycki with some of our Nicaraguan students.

Q & A

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How much does it cost?
There are no official fees or tuition charges. Instead of paying tuition, a student must purchase their textbooks, course guide book, and an exam/thesis booklet.  Each course requires textbooks and an exam booklet.  No refunds are given on course materials.  Also, after completing all coursework and a thesis, students must purchase a graduation application for approximately $150.  It's very affordable!!!

Is it accredited?
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We’re not accredited and we have no plans to seek accreditation. We’re from the old school of thinking concerning accreditation. We offer a quality education for only the price of books and materials.

Do I ever have to visit Mision Hispana or the mission field?
We really want to encourage you to plan a short-term missions trip or to come for a brief internship if at all possible. If not, we’ll help you complete your program without this requirement although you may need to travel to Florida to defend your project or dissertation.

What if I’m having difficulties?
We’re here to help! Send us an email or call us and we’ll gladly help you get back on track. It may take us as many as three or four days to get back with you especially if we’re ministering in Nicaragua where phones and internet aren’t always readily available.

How much time will it take?
It will take you about the same amount of time as a regular college or seminary program. We have stringent requirements because we’re not a diploma mill. We think that future Christian leaders should be well prepared! Normally, a bachelor’s level diploma takes about four years, a master’s level diploma takes a year and a half, and a doctorate level diploma takes two to three years. It will also depend on your background, your abilities, and the amount of time you can set aside to study.

Is it easy?
No! Our program requires a lot of reading, writing, and interaction. It’s not easy, but it will help prepare you for the difficulties of ministry.

When can I start and what do I have to do to enroll?
You can start almost immediately. Email me and we can start the process immediately.
                                                                                                                                                                      Contact Paul for more information or to enroll.

What Programs of Study do you offer?
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Bachelor of Ministry Level Diploma (120 credits)

Prerequisite is a high school diploma or special permission of director.
Courses:

Christian Perspective - 3 credits
Biblical Interpretation: James - 3
Discipleship - 3
Evangelism - 3
Proclamation of the Word - 3
Ministry Leadership - 3
Practical Ministry - 3
Learning Organizations and Systems - 3
Ministry Business and Finance - 3
Theology I, Theology II, Theology III - 9
Relational Theology - 2
Advanced Discipleship - 3
Biblical Tools for Research, Preaching, and Teaching - 3
Ministry Project - 3
Ministry Project Defense - 1
Ministry Thesis - 3
Ministry Thesis Defense - 1
Old Testament Survey and Study - 39
New Testament Survey and Study - 27
Signs of the Times - 2

 

 
Master of Ministry Level Diploma (37 credits)

Prerequisites: A recognized bachelor’s degree.
Courses:

Christian Perspective - 3 credits
Biblical Interpretation - 3
Discipleship - 3
Evangelism - 3
Proclamation of the Word - 3
Ministry Leadership - 3
Practical Ministry - 3
Learning Organizations and Systems - 3
Ministry Business and Finance - 3
Relational Theology - 3
Advanced Discipleship - 3
Master's Ministry Project - 3
Master's Ministry Project Defense - 1

 


Master of Theological Studies Level Diploma (30 credits)

Prerequisite: Master of Ministry Degree
This degree prepares the student for the doctor of ministry level diploma.

Exegesis of the Gospel of John - 3 credits
Exegesis of Romans - 3
Old Testament Theology - 5
Self-Examination - 3
Ministry Examination - 3
Biblical Tools for Research, Preaching, and Teaching - 3
Advanced Christian Counseling - 3
Elective - 3
Research and Writing - 3
Research and Writing Defense - 1

 

 
Doctor of Ministry Level Diploma (36 credits)

Prerequisite: Master of Theological Studies or Master of Divinity Degree
Courses:

Church History - 6 credits
Jewish Foundations - 3
Advanced Discipleship - 3
Advanced Evangelism - 3
Theology of Conflict - 3
Healthy Church and Ministry - 3
Missions - 3
Personal Development - 3
Worship - 3
Dissertation - 6

*Students with significant educational background and ministry experience may apply for a dissertation-only doctor of ministry program.  The program and requirements are quite rigorous and should not be thought of as an easier alternative than the normal doctor of ministry program.

 

 
Doctor of Theology Level Diploma (36 credits)

Prerequisite: Doctor of Ministry degree or Master of Theology (Th.M.)

Research and Writing: Theology of Spiritual Foundations - 3 credits
Research and Writing: Theology of Emotional Foundations - 3
Research and Writing: Theology of Physical Foundations - 3
Research and Writing: Theological Foundations of Theology - 3
Research and Writing: Theological Foundations of Practical Ministry - 3
Research and Writing: Personal Evaluation (Theology of Self) - 3
Dissertation: Selected by Student with approval of advisor - 18

 

Contact Paul for more information or to enroll.

Do you have a campus?
No, we don’t. You can visit us in Florida or as we’re ministering in Central America, but we do not have a campus.

What is your educational philosophy?
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We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and the future Christian leaders must know the Scriptures, be able to interact with their culture, and be able to share intelligent and viable biblical solutions with those around them. We use many different textbooks, but our main emphasis is upon learning the Bible!

What is your mission statement?
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Our mission statement is “Training future Christian leaders who will love God, love their neighbors, be faithful to Christ, and minister holistically to the world.”

What is your doctrinal position?
We are conservatively, biblically evangelical. See our doctrinal statement.

Do you believe in academic excellence?
Yes, and we tailor each program to help you grown spiritually, emotionally, and professionally as a Christian leader. We have high expectations of our students, but we also understand they will need loving help and encourage to attain God’s goals for them.

Will I have an academic advisor?
Yes, English speaking students will have an English speaking advisor and Spanish speaking students will have a Spanish speaking advisor. The advisors act as coaches and encouragers as well.

Does The Center for Discipleship Studies do research?
Absolutely, that’s why we reserve the right to ask to use your writings and homework as articles on our website. We also invite you to research in areas that we view as important to the Kingdom of God.

What about grades & probation?
We use the normal A (4), B (3), C (2) scale. Any student receiving below a C will need to repeat the course. GPA will be determined after half of your course is complete. Any student have less than a 3.0 will be placed on probation. A student must have a 2.8 in order to graduate.

Where can I get my application for graduation?
Applications for graduation are available on the link provided on this webiste.

What about internships & mentoring?
Internships and mentoring are available. Please email us for more information.

What about Portfolio Credits and Credit Transfers?
Credit toward a bachelor’s can be transferred in or completed by portfolio assessment. Email Paul for more information.

What is a semester credit hour?
One semester hour is usually composed of fifteen class hours over a semester long period. A three credit course would consist of forty-five hours of instruction plus homework.

What about Student Conduct & Withdrawal?
Students who refuse to complete their work with a good attitude or who have a poor testimony will be dismissed.

Contact Paul for more information or to enroll.

What are the legal requirements for biblical, higher education in Florida?
We have included this section of the Florida Statutes so that you’ll have all the information necessary to make an informed decision!

1005.04  Fair consumer practices.--
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(1)  Every institution that is under the jurisdiction of the commission or is exempt from the jurisdiction or purview of the commission pursuant to s. 1005.06(1)(c) or (f) and that either directly or indirectly solicits for enrollment any student shall:

(a)  Disclose to each prospective student a statement of the purpose of such institution, its educational programs and curricula, a description of its physical facilities, its status regarding licensure, its fee schedule and policies regarding retaining student fees if a student withdraws, and a statement regarding the transferability of credits to and from other institutions. The institution shall make the required disclosures in writing at least 1 week prior to enrollment or collection of any tuition from the prospective student. The required disclosures may be made in the institution's current catalog;

OUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: WE OFFER ONLY RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT AID IN PREPARING STUDENTS FOR RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS AS MINISTERS, MISSIONARIES, PROFESSIONALS, OR LAYPERSONS IN THE CATEGORIES OF MINISTRY, COUNSELING, THEOLOGY, EDUCATION, ADMINISTRATION, MUSIC, FINE ARTS, MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS, AND/OR SOCIAL WORK.

OUR PROGRAMS: MOST OF OUR PROGRAMS ARE INTERNET AND INDEPENDENT STUDY-BASED USING TEXTBOOKS, ELECTRONIC MAIL, INTERACTIONS WITH A PROFESSOR, WRITING, EXAMS, AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION.

DESCRIPTION OF PHYSICAL FACILITIES: WE DO NOT HAVE ANY PHYSICAL FACILITIES.

STATUS REGARDING LICENSURE: WE ARE EXEMPT FROM LICENSURE AS A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. WE ARE NOT ACCREDITED AND HAVE NO DESIRE TO BE AT THE PRESENT TIME.

FEES & WITHDRAWALS: THERE ARE NO FEES OR TUITION. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PURCHASE TEXTBOOKS AND TO PURCHASE SOME CLASS MATERIALS THAT ARE RATHER EXPENSIVE IN LIEU OF PAYING TUITION OR FEES. A STUDENT CAN WITHDRAW AT ANY TIME OR MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN SINCE STUDENTS ARE NOT PAYING TUITION OR FEES.

TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS: STUDENTS SHOULD ASSUME THAT THEIR CREDITS WILL NOT TRANSFER. SINCE WE ARE NOT ACCREDITED, OUR COURSES ARE RELIGIOUS IN NATURE, AND THE TRANSFERENCE OF CREDITS IS ALWAYS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RECEIVING INSTITUTION, WE CAN MAKE NO PROMISES OR GUARANTEES THAT OUR CREDITS WILL TRANSFER. WE WILL REVIEW ANY STUDENT’S REQUEST TO HAVE CREDITS TRANSFERRED INTO THEIR PROGRAM WITH US. AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM THE STUDENT REQUESTING AN EXAMINATION BY THE DIRECTOR ALONG WITH ANY RELEVANT TRANSCRIPTS AND PORTFOLIO MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE LETTER.

(b)  Use a reliable method to assess, before accepting a student into a program, the student's ability to complete successfully the course of study for which he or she has applied;

ALL STUDENTS MUST BE WILLING TO PROVIDE PROOF OF THEIR PREVIOUS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND BE WILLING TO TAKE AN ENTRANCE EXAM. CANDIDACY INTO ANY PROGRAM IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR.

(c)  Inform each student accurately about financial assistance and obligations for repayment of loans; describe any employment placement services provided and the limitations thereof; and refrain from promising or implying guaranteed placement, market availability, or salary amounts;

WE DO NOT OFFER LOANS OR ANY FINANCIAL AID. WE RECOMMEND THAT ALL STUDENTS TRY TO BE GOOD STEWARDS AND AVOID ALL FORMS OF DEBT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. WE OFFER NO EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SERVICES OR GUARANTEE OF JOBS, MINISTRY, OR DIPLOMA/DEGREE ACCEPTANCE.

(d)  Provide to prospective and enrolled students accurate information regarding the relationship of its programs to state licensure requirements for practicing related occupations and professions in Florida;

OUR PROGRAMS WILL NOT PREPARE ANYONE FOR PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE BASED ON CRITERIA FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA. FOR EXAMPLE, COUNSELING COURSES WILL NOT PREPARE YOU FOR STATE LICENSURE. WE ARE ONLY CONCERNED WITH PREPARING STUDENTS FOR MINISTRY IN A CHURCH, MISSION, OR PARA-CHURCH CONTEXT. EACH STUDENT SHOULD INFORM HIMSELF/HERSELF ABOUT HIS/HER CHURCH’S (OR PARA-CHURCH ORGANIZATION’S) REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREES/DIPLOMAS.

(e)  Ensure that all advertisements are accurate and not misleading;

(f)  Publish and follow an equitable prorated refund policy for all students, and follow both the federal refund guidelines for students receiving federal financial assistance and the minimum refund guidelines set by commission rule;

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS SINCE THERE ARE NO TUITION OR FEES. STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE BOOKS AND MATERIALS FOR WHICH THERE IS NO REFUND. SOME OF THE MATERIALS ARE PRICED QUITE HIGH IN ORDER TO HELP OUR STAFF MAINTAIN AND INCOME.

(g)  Follow the requirements of state and federal laws that require annual reporting with respect to crime statistics and physical plant safety and make those reports available to the public; and

SINCE WE DO NOT MAINTAIN A CAMPUS, WE HAVE NO CRIME STATISTICS TO REPORT.

(h)  Publish and follow procedures for handling student complaints, disciplinary actions, and appeals.

ALL STUDENTS COMPLAINTS, DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, AND APPEALS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR BY CERTIFIED LETTER OR FEDERAL EXPRESS. HE WILL REVIEW THEM AND WILL ANSWER WITHIN 30 DAYS.

(2) In addition, institutions that are required to be licensed by the commission shall disclose to prospective students that additional information regarding the institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, Department of Education, Tallahassee.

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US FROM THE COMMISSION FOR INDEPENDENT EDUCATION OR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

History.--s. 247, ch. 2002-387; s. 45, ch. 2004-41.

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Contact Paul for more information or to enroll.

 


Dr. Paul Heier, Copyright © 2007, The Center for Discipleship Studies.
For problems or questions regarding this web site contact [C.Rozycki@yahoo.com].
Last updated: October 10, 2007.