The Church of God Bible Institute

Text Box: By Pastor Linda Parton Sewee Church of God, Niota, Tennessee

Affordable, Quality Ministerial Training for Those on the Field

A Testimony

The Church of God Bible Institute has inspired and ignited my understanding of the Word of God. Serving as a bi-vocational pastor and licensed funeral director redefines the word "busy" for this wife, mother and grandmother. Learning of this two-year course of studies, designed to prepare those called to ministry and leadership in the church, gave me a first impression that it wasn’t for me at the age of 53, already pastoring for 12 years at Sewee Church of God in Niota, Tennessee. Thankfully, I was wrong!

Thirteen classes ($100 each) are offered completely online in six-week intervals with the flexibility that I need. I also experienced a reduction in stress instead of an increase because of yet another commitment. The time and effort I am investing in prayer and study to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and church of God doctrines has been humbling to this lifelong student of the Word. Weekly interaction with passionate professors, Rev. Dorothy Hall, Rev. Allan Hutchinson, Rev. Charles Heater and Dr. Richard Ballard, along with fellow students online, has enriched my life and ministry.

The Church of God Bible Institute is so much more than a learning institution. Students bond with one another and with professors in unity as members of the Body of Christ. We share prayer requests and spur one another on to deeper understanding without competition.

Jesus prayed, "And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17: 22-23 KJV)

Back in the 1960’s Pastor Bob Johnson in Lenoir City, Tennessee asked, "Would it be all right if we come Sunday to take your children to church?" My Daddy quickly said, "Sure! Take all six of em!" Before bus ministries, I came to the church of God because of a pastor’s concern. Other beloved pastors nurtured my hunger for the Word and love of God, for which I am forever grateful. Saved at an early age, I never imagined one day I would be blessed to pastor and now take other’s children to worship.

My call to ministry came in 1994 and I managed to miserably refuse until July of 1996. Literally and figuratively, the Lord cornered me in the Grand Canyon where I submitted to His call. Finally able to speak of the encounter in September of 1996, I announced my call and preached the next Sunday night. It was tough at the age of 36 fulfilling family, work and church leadership responsibilities, along with this call to ministry. Fortunately, the Tennessee Credentials Committee was wise and diligent to guide me in careful preparation through three years of licensing before ordination. Now the Church of God Bible Institute can provide an even better opportunity for practical instruction and preparation for credentials and fruitful ministry. Whether you are taking first steps in ministry or have served for many years, these classes are sure to challenge and inspire you. There’s no obligation to register for the entire course of studies. Just begin with one class and you’ll be blessed!

CHURCH OF GOD BIBLE

INSTITUTE

A Biblical Education for God’s People today

Flexible and Affordable . . .

A completely ONLINE, TWO-YEAR DIPLOMA Course of Studies

Especially for . . .

Ministerial Candidates . . . Leaders in the Church . . .

Sunday School Teachers . . . All who desire a solid Biblical Education and Spiritual Growth

Classes in . . .

Old and New Testament Survey—Theology—Church of God History—

The Role of Leadership—Teaching Children—Pastoral Counseling—and much more!

$1300* for Entire Two-Year Course (13 classes)