Charis Bible College offers one-year and two-year non-degreed programs. The first year program is the Bible Training Institute. The second year program is the School of Practical Ministry. There is also an optional third year Apprentice Program. All programs are divided into three, ten-week terms: fall, winter, and spring. Day school classes are in session from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday though Thursday, and night school classes from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., Monday and Thursday.
Program I–Bible Training Institute
Program I can be taken at either a full-time or part-time pace. The full-time course study is a nine month program with classes in session from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The part-time course of study takes two years to complete at nine months per year. Classes for part-time students are in session Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 pm.
The Bible Training Institute includes instruction in Old Testament Survey, Bible Covenants, Prosperity, Lifetime of Ministry, Christian Philosophy, Bible Study Methods, and many other classes that will give the student a solid biblical foundation. Emphasis will be on grace, faith, and walking with the Holy Ghost through the work of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Another aspect of the Bible Training Institute program is "practical ministry." Academics are important, but those who are going into the ministry must know how to do the work of the ministry. We strive for a balance between a knowl- edge of Scripture and practical ministry experience.
Through the training received at Charis Bible College, a student will not only be prepared with proper biblical understanding, but will receive training in practical application to meet the needs of God's people and to bring the lost into the kingdom of God. Each student will be required to volunteer 20 hours per semester in practical ministry in either a local church, Charis Bible College, or any CBC-approved ministry. There are many opportunities to serve depending on one's interests, talents, and available time.
Upon the satisfactory completion of this program, a student will receive their Certificate of Completion. Students must finish the program before entering the School of Practical Ministry.
Program II–School of Practical Ministry
Upon receiving a Certificate of Completion for the Bible Training Institute, students qualify to begin program II, the School of Practical Ministry.
The School of Practical Ministry offers hands-on ministry training, class instruction, inter-action groups–IAG's (small workshop/training groups), disciple- ship, team building projects including a mission trip. This practical training gains the student valuable experience regardless of his or her respective field of ministry or calling.
The following are some of the topics covered in the School of Practical Ministry: New Testament Survey, Discipleship/Evangelism, Ministry Development, Ministerial Ethics, Missions, and much more. The classes cover important yet often overlooked practical aspects of ministry.
Relationships are vital for effective ministry. Through team building and actual live working projects the student will be equipped to serve and minister to the body of Christ more effectively. A part of this is taking a CBC sponsored mission trip. We believe that mission trips are life-changing and a valuable part of a student's training. The students learn how to function as a team in a foreign culture and draw out the giftings that are on the inside as they minister. Even if a person never plans to go on the mission field, it will give them a world vision and an understanding of how to help those who are called into missions, as well as the value of learning to work and blend with a team. One mission trip is required for the student to graduate.
Upon the successful completion of the Program II, the student will graduate, receive a diploma and be eligible to be licensed. An optional program, the apprenticeship program is available to the qualifying graduate.