Earned an Associates of Ministry Degree

I have been taking Bible college classes and now I have earned an Associates Degree in Ministry through Vision International University.

I also received a Diploma of Biblical Studies. 

I wanted to give a rundown how all this came about.  I have read and studied the Bible since I became a Christian in 1980.  I want to keep growing in my knowledge of the Bible.  I also have my evangelism ministry, and would like to see it grow and reach more people.  I decided it would be beneficial to take structured courses to learn more about the Bible and how to operate in ministry.

I did something similar to this in October of 2005, when I took online courses to become an Ordained Minister.    

I didn't have the time (or money) it would take to go to an actual onsite Bible college.  I have looked for online Bible colleges every now and then.  Some of them appeared to be legitimate, reputable colleges, and others weren't.  I debated taking online college courses, but there are so many colleges providing online degrees today, that I decided it would be fine to do this, as long as I chose a reputable one.  

I had been receiving emails from a person that helps Christians grow their ministry.  After getting several emails, I decided to look into this online Bible school.  

It is the International School of Ministry (ISOM).  This is the world's largest multi-denominational, video-based Bible school, providing undergraduate and graduate-level biblical education in ministry.  They have 20,000 schools reaching into 150 nations and in 85 languages.   

ISOM has partnered with several Bible University and Seminaries that recognize ISOM online credit.  After a person takes the online courses and passes the minimum grade requirements, they can choose which Bible University or Seminary degree that best suits their needs.  I chose Vision International University to receive my degree.  Vision.edu

The International School of Ministry coursework that I had to complete consisted of the following: 

• 5 ISOM Core Modules - Trimesters
• 160 Lessons - to include exams
• 72+ Video Hours
• Coursework is self-paced, but cannot be completed before 12 months.

It took me approx. 13 months to complete the 5 trimesters.  I studied using the video-based lessons, as well as purchasing the 5 trimester workbooks.  I started it on April 23, 2019 and completed it on May 12, 2020. 

Regarding the program, it states: The ministry associate degree program offers a strong doctrinal foundation to grow in faith and maturity. Earning an associate degree allows you to explore biblical coursework to prepare you for the work in ministry. 

It consisted of the following.  Each trimester had a set number of courses, and each course had multiple lessons, with exams.  

Trimester 1

Foundations of the Faith

Supernatural Living

New Testament Survey

Praise & Worship

Fear of the Lord

Trimester 2

Power of Prayer

Ministry of Helps

Old Testament Survey

Essence of the Gospel

Jesus Our Healer Today

Living By Faith

Trimester 3

Church Based Training

Cell Groups

Power Evangelism

Leader's Integrity

Leadership Vision

Church Planting

Being Led by the Spirit

Promise Keeper

Altar Call

Trimester 4

Wilderness Mentalities

Developing Leaders

Cell Group Leaders

Reconciliation

Personal Evangelism

Spiritual Warfare

Authority & Forgiveness

Spiritual Breakthrough

Trimester 5

Christ Connection

Living to Give

Biblical Eldership

Reaching a New Generation

Managing for Tomorrow

Ministering to Youth

I may go back at some point and work on getting a Bachelor's Degree, but for now I have enough to do with working with my evangelism ministry to both go out into public areas to share the gospel and training other Christians how to be a witness for Christ and share the gospel.  

In Christ, 

Brad St. Clair