About Oikonomia Bible Academy
Oikonomia Bible Academy exists for the purpose of training men and women for the work of the ministry. We believe the best way to do this is to teach the Bible as the inspired Word of God from a dispensational viewpoint
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The Christian Church is in constant need of trained leaders. If the church is to meet the goals of bringing the knowledge of Christ, salvation from sin, walking in the Spirit, overcoming temptation, evangelism, Christian doctrine, missions, and the Christian family etc., to individuals in homes, the community, State, country, and the world; it is necessary that we train leaders.​
Oikonomia Bible Academy is designed to equip leaders for full time ministry and also to train lay-people to become Christian educators teaching bible studies, Sunday school lessons, and youth programs thereby strengthening the local church. It offers a broad range of ministry subjects such as theology, bibliology, homiletics, biblical counseling, apologetic, hermeneutics, doctrine and spiritual life and many other subjects taught from a dispensational viewpoint.
We want to establish you in the faith through the sound teaching of God’s Word, thereby equipping and preparing you to serve the Lord in a greater way. With these tools you can be an effective minister of God’s Grace, be able to say with the Apostle Paul, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”Rom 1:16.
While the Lord patiently observes from heaven before coming to rapture the Body of Christ from the earth, He seeks to enable each of us to be a “workman that needeth not to be ashamed.”
If you have a sincere desire and feel God’s calling to devote your life to the ministry, or to broaden your faith and knowledge for serving the Lord, you are encouraged to give serious consideration to attending Oikonomia Bible Academy
May the Lord guide and direct you as you seek His will for your life.
Student Handbook.
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WELCOME and INTRODUCTION
We are glad to be able to put this Academy Handbook/Course Offering into your hands as a prospective student.
HISTORY
Oikonomia Bible Academy (OBA) came into being as a result of the ministry philosophy of Pastor Phillip du Plessis. His philosophy of ministry based on II Timothy 2:2, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others," could be put simply like this, “Each one reach one, each pastor trains a pastor, and each church plants a church.”
For some time, theological, biblical, and pastoral training has been taken out of the care of the local church and placed into the hands of colleges and universities. OBA is decentralizing theological education; bringing it to the people through a local church training center with the purpose of equipping faithful men and women with the knowledge of rightly dividing God’s Word to be effective ministers of the gospel of God's grace.
Those who are called to minister can now, through Okonomia Bible Academy, a local church ministry; participate in a program of theological education being trained as pastors by pastors and experienced Bible teachers.
Based on a ministry philosophy that is biblical, OBA is able to present and train those who want to enter full-time ministry. Okonomia Bible Academy will strengthen the local church in its mission to be ministers of the word of reconciliation by proclaiming the gospel of grace, and enlightening all to see the dispensation of the mystery.
After much planning by the OBA’s Board of Advisors, and the elders of Grace Bible Church Indy, and with the blessing of the congregation; Okonomia Bible Academy was officially established as the educational ministry of Grace Bible Church Indy in the State of Indiana.
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ACCREDITATION
To ensure that Okonomia Bible Academy maintains its high educational standards, OBA has sought accountability through St. Louis Theological Seminary's accreditation platform. The purpose of this association is to rightly present accredited student materials and degrees. St Louise Theological Seminary are in the process of changing its accreditation, seeking recognition from AICCS (Accreditation for Christian Colleges & Seminaries). Check out their website https://www.aiccs.org
Because of GBA's affiliation with St. Louis Theological Seminary, which is currently accredited by Accrediting Commission International, Inc. (ACI) of Bebe, Arkansas, a primarily religious school accrediting association; The accrediting process of OBA's textbooks, online study program, and student degrees are scrutinized by this monitoring agency to verify the ongoing quality of programs offered. ACI has no affiliation with the federal or state departments of education. ACI is renowned to be one of the largest non-governmental accrediting organizations in the world.
It is important to inform you that through OBA's association with St. Louis Theological Seminary, the degree issued will in fact, be issued by St. Louis Theological Seminary. Students pursuing a course of study at Oikonomia Bible Academy with the goal of being licensed, certified, or authorized in any profession must contact the appropriate licensing or regulatory agency to determine whether courses, certificates, or degrees from St. Louis Theological Seminary will meet their requirements. There are grace pastors here in the US that graduated from St Louis Theological Seminary and they are serving in Grace Gospel Fellowship Churches all over the country.
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In 2223 classes and lectures started using OBA's affiliation with the St. Louis Theological Seminary's accredited undergraduate courses. The courses for now are accredited by Accreditation Commission, Inc.
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DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
At Oikonomia Bible Academy (GBA) we believe that the following statements are essential as a basis of faith and
practice. The following doctrines are our belief platform and will guide and preserve the teaching at Grace Bible Academy.
Redemption:
God justifies ungodly sinners by His Grace, upon the grounds of the blood of Christ, through the means of faith. This complete salvation is bestowed as the free gift of God apart from man's work. (Romans 3:24-28; Romans 4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Christian Actions:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:1-6)
While we realize that there are many differences in doctrinal positions that do not affect either salvation or fellowship, the official doctrinal position of this Academy shall be as follows:
1. The Bible
The entire canon of scripture in its original writings is verbally inspired by God and of plenary authority. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21)
2. The Godhead
There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Ephesians 4:6)
3. The Person of Christ
Jesus Christ, who was in the form of God, was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He is the true God and true man. (Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:6-9; Romans 1:3-4)
4. Total Depravity
All men by nature are dead in trespasses and sin, and are therefore totally unable to do anything pleasing to God. (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 8:7-8)
5. Eternal Security
All the saved are eternally secure in Christ.
(Romans 8:38-39; Colossians 2:9, 3:1-3; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 4:30)
6. Personality and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. (John 16:8-14) By Him the believer is regenerated, baptized, sealed, indwelt, enlightened and empowered. (I Corinthians 4:1, 2:7, 12:13-27; Romans 2:16,
12:4-5, 16:25; Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:6, 4:4)
7. Gifts
The gifts in operation today for the Body of Christ are included in Ephesians 4:7-17 and Romans 12:6-8. All of the sign gifts of the Acts period such as tongues, healing and prophecy, being temporary in character, have ceased. (I Corinthians 12:31, 13:8-11; Colossians 1:25-26)
8. Walk
By reason of Christ's victory over sin and the indwelling Holy Spirit, all the saved may and should experience progressive deliverance from the power of sin by dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. We deny that man's nature of sin is ever eradicated during this life. (Romans 8:37; II Corinthians 2:14, 10:2-5; Galatians 5:15-25)
9. The Lord's Supper
The communion of the Lord's Supper as revealed through the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:23-26 is for members of the Body of Christ to observe "until He comes."
10. Baptism
All saved persons have been made members of the Body of Christ by one divine baptism. Every member of the Body of Christ is identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. In the light of Colossians 2:22, Ephesians 4:5, and I Corinthians 1:17, we affirm that the only baptism in God's spiritual program for today is that divine baptism of the Holy Spirit spoken of the I Corinthians 12:13 by which all believers are made members of the Body of Christ.
11. Resurrection
Jesus Christ was resurrected bodily from the dead. (Luke 24:39-43) therefore, all men will have a bodily resurrection, (I Corinthians 15:20-22) the saved to everlasting glory, and the unsaved to everlasting punishment. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-15)
12. Appearing of Christ
The appearing of Christ for the Church will be personal and pre-millennial. His appearing will be for the receiving of the Church unto Himself. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:21; Titus 2:13)
13. Second Coming of Christ
Christ's coming to establish His earthly millennial kingdom over which he will reign is in contrast to His appearing for the Church. (Revelation 19:11, 20:1-6)
14. State of the Dead
The scriptures never extend the hope of salvation to the unsaved dead but instead reveal that they will ever continue to exist in a state of conscious suffering. By contrast, all the saved dead will ever continue to exist in conscious fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord.
(Luke 16:23-28; John 3:36; Romans 1:21-32; Ephesians 5:5 II Thessalonians 1:9; II Corinthians 5:6-8, 12:3-4; Revelation 14:11, 20:14-15)
15. Mission/Commission
The mission and commission of the present Church Age is to proclaim the message of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:14-21) and to endeavor to make all men see the "dispensation of the mystery." (Ephesians 3:7-8) We are to strive to reach those in the regions beyond with the good news of salvation where Christ is not yet named. (Romans 15:20; II Corinthians 10:16) We are commanded to follow the pattern given by the risen Christ to the Apostle Paul through successive revelations which is distinct from that given to the twelve apostles for building the Kingdom. (Galatians 1:11-12) The Apostle Paul refers to this message as "the gospel of the grace of God" or "my gospel" and instructs us to follow him as he follows the Lord in discharging the debt of witnessing to the lost. (Romans 1:14; I Corinthians 4:14; Philippians 3:17; I Timothy 1:11-16; Romans 11:13, 15:16, 16:25; Acts 20-24; Philippians 4:9, I Corinthians 14:37)
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MISSION
The mission of Okonomia Bible Academy (GBA) is to provide religious education and to train men and women for ministry service. In carrying out this mission and expressing its dispensational theology, OBA’s primary focus is to equip Grace believers, train pastors, and others to serve in Grace churches and ministries.
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DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION
OBA is affiliated with Grace Bible Church Indy, as an extension of the Church. In addition, it is associated with Grace Gospel Fellowship of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and works closely with Grace Beyond Borders International and Grace Mission International. However, the right of each student to affiliate with other church organizations are respected.
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POLICY AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Oikonomia Bible Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or scholarship and loan programs.
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POLICY REGARDING HOMOSEXUALITY
Oikonomia Bible Academy does not admit students who practice homosexuality. This is a matter of religious belief. We believe that the statement of Gen. 2:20-25 establishes the normal relationship which God intended for mankind, one man and one woman uniting in marriage and establishing their own home as one flesh. This was never changed in the Word of God. Homosexuality is an aberration of this relationship and is uniformly condemned in the Scriptures as exemplified by the case of Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. 19:1-29. This position is consistent within the Bible: Rom. 1:21-27, Lev. 18:22; 20:13, II Pet. 2:4-6; I Ki. 14:21-24; I Ki. 15:11, 12; II Ki. 23:7, Luk. 17:28, and I Cor. 6:9.
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STUDENT SPIRITUALITY AND COMMITMENT
Students must have experienced personal salvation through Jesus Christ. (See Admission Policy) Students must be committed to studying God’s Word and to developing the skills necessary to communicate to others the knowledge of the Bible they have obtained. Students, have the right to affiliate with other church organizations. All students are expected to regularly attend a local church, of their choice, on a regular basis.
STUDENT SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITY
SOCIAL CONDUCT
Every student’s conduct is expected to conform to Christian values and standards. OBA presents God’s Word as the absolute authority in all matters in Christian life. Questions regarding social values and expected standards of conduct should be discussed with the Director of Studies.
Unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to:
Use of alcohol or recreational drugs in or out of the classroom at OBA or misuse of God’s gift of sexual intimacy during the period of enrollment at OBA, including any form of fornication, adultery, incest, pornography, homosexuality, lesbianism, or bisexuality.
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DRESS CODE
Students’ attire may be casual but must be neat, clean, and modest. Body hygiene is expected to be within normal standards.
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Any student proven to have committed academic dishonesty will receive an "F" grade for the subject. Forms of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:
Plagiarism (using as one’s own the writings or ideas of another,) including failure to use quotation marks or other conventional markings around material quoted from another source or paraphrasing a specific passage without indicating its source;
Falsifying information, including submitting another’s work as one’s own.
Dishonesty during examinations, including receiving written or oral information from a fellow student, as well as referring to written materials not authorized by the facilitator/teacher.
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STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Students are encouraged to seek guidance for questions or problems concerning their enrollment at OBA with members of the Administration.
Student contacts:
The Director of Studies regarding academic matters
The Administrator of Business Affairs regarding financial matters and student record matters.
After students have discussed matters of concern with the appropriate faculty, students may bring the matter to the Director of Studies. Issues that remain unresolved are referred to the Board of Advisors for final resolution. Decisions made by the Board are final.
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DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND STUDENT APPEALS
Unacceptable social or academic conduct during enrollment at OBA will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Board of Advisors. Such disciplinary action could include the Board's recommendation for a student’s expulsion. Only the Board can mandate expulsion. Students retain the right to request an appeal to the Board of any disciplinary action taken by the Board of Advisors. Any subsequent decisions made by the Board are final.
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APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS APPLIANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Submit a completed application form with the application fee and a copy of a government issued form of identification. (See Fee Schedule)
(2) A degree-seeking student must request official transcripts to be sent directly to the Registrar at OBA from each educational institution attended:
(a) to meet academic prerequisites
(b) for credits to be considered for transfer for the current program of related study
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ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES
Audit Courses
There are no academic prerequisites for applicants who wish to audit courses. A high school diploma or GED is recommended but is not required.
Certificate Program
A high school diploma or GED is recommended but is not required for the Certificate Program. Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED must be pre-approved for enrollment by the Director of Studies.
Undergraduate Program
Applicants entering the Undergraduate Program must have a high school diploma or GED. OBA gives credit for Ministerial Life Experience, and Practical Life Experience,
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR REVIEWING ALL APPLICATIONS
The applicant’s testimonial, goals, and academic information are reviewed Personal references are contacted and recommendations are reviewed.
Official transcripts for degree seeking students are reviewed
The applicant is notified in writing of his or her acceptance or declination
A registration form, book list and fee schedules are mailed to the student upon acceptance.
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ACADEMY ADMISSION POLICY
Prospective students must have experienced personal salvation through Jesus Christ.
Applications are processed by the Registrar, reviewed and approved by the Director of Studies. Applicants who meet all the requirements outlined in this handbook are granted admission. OBA reserves the right to deny admission to a prospective student based on the standards outlined in this handbook, including indications of a present lack of commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, unrealistic goals or inappropriate purpose for seeking enrollment, inadequate previous academic achievement, or evidence of unacceptable social conduct in the applicant’s current lifestyle.
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FEES
Application
Outgoing Transcript
Proficiency Exam
(in lieu of taking course)
Books & Materials
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TUITION
Degree Seeking Students Repeated Courses
$? per person for all applicants (including spouses and students auditing courses)
$ ? per address $? per credit hour
Billed at cost plus shipping.
$? per credit hour
$? per credit hour
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COURSE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT
COURSE REGISTRATION
Students may register for courses during Open Registration periods. Students submit a course registration form to the Registrar. Registration requests are reviewed by the Director of Studies for acceptance.
Once the student is accepted the Administrator of Business Affairs sends an invoice for tuition, along with a book list and Order Form, to confirm enrollment. Tuition invoices are due payable upon receipt. Syllabi and books are distributed after payment of tuition. The payment for books, plus shipping, must be paid separately from payment for tuition. Payment for books are due when the order form is returned to OBA.
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PAYMENT OF TUITION
Students must obtain written acknowledgment of any cash payment of tuition from the Administrator of Business Affairs at the time payment is made. Canceled checks serve as acknowledgments of payments made by check. It is the responsibility of students to provide these acknowledgments as proof of payment in matters of dispute.
Students are discouraged from accumulating unsecured debt. Students may submit a written request to the Director of Studies, for other financial arrangements for tuition.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION
Students who receive scholarships or financial assistance for tuition are encouraged to seek the advice of a tax professional. The following rulings may be applicable:
Scholarship funds used for tuition payments for degree programs may be tax free for the student. Scholarship funds used for tuition payments for non-degree programs may be taxable for the student as income.
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FEE SCHEDULE
APPLICATION FEE
The application fee must accompany all applications. Application fees apply to
all applying students, including applications of students auditing courses, and students receiving scholarships or other tuition assistance. Application fees are not refundable.
Auditing (without credit)
$? per credit hour
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CREDITS
Life Experience Credit
Practical Ministerial Experience Credit
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REFUND POLICY
$? per credit hour $? per credit hour
Application fees are not refundable.
Books fees are not refundable.
When students drop courses, switch to audit, or withdraw from OBA within the first half of a course of
study (seven weeks), half of the tuition is refunded.
Refunds for payments made by a sponsorship will be refunded to the sponsor.
Requests for an exception to the refund policy due to extraordinary hardship must be made to the Director of Studies in writing. The request will be forwarded to the Board of Advisors for a decision.
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DEGREE INFORMATION
Grace Bible Academy offers a one year Christian Workers Certificate program, an AA degree in Bible Studies, and a BA in Theology.
NON-DEGREED Program
Certificate Program Requires 20 credit hours.
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DEGREES OFFERED Undergraduate Programs
The Associate of Biblical Studies Program requires 60 credit hours. The Bachelor of Theology Requires 120 credit hours.
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PRACTICAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE CREDITS
OBA is committed to advancing students’ ministerial outreach by providing educational opportunities in the form of Practical Ministry Experience Credit (PME Credit) that incorporates lectures from the pulpit or any organized study. Examples of acceptable venues include Sunday morning or evening sermons, Sunday school lessons, and mid-week Bible studies.
A maximum of one-third of the required total number of credit hours required for a degree may be earned as PME Credits, upon an evaluation of the student’s competencies, (knowledge, skill and attributes) by the Director of Studies/Pastor.
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PRACTICAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE CREDIT (FOR EXPERIENCE DURING GBA ENROLLMENT)
OBA is committed to advancing students’ ministerial outreach by providing educational opportunity that incorporates lectures from the pulpit or any organized study.
A maximum of one-third of the required total number of credit hours required for a degree may be earned as Practical Ministry Experience Credits as follows:
Certificate Program Associate of Biblical Studies Bachelor of Theology
15 PME Credits 20 PME Credits 40 PME Credits
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Practical Ministry Experience Credit
The grade reported for Practical Ministry Experience Credits (PME Credits) will appear on the grade report and transcript with the title of the lecture series and will be calculated in the GPA.
PME lectures must be:
Topical or exegetical
Church—ministry or Bible-based studies
Attended by live participants who are required to sign affidavits, which are returned directly to the Pastor Recorded (video or audio)
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Once a week, per semester for a total of fifteen hours of lecture time
Students must:
Receive pre-approval from the Director of Studies
Regularly submit outlines or notes to the facilitator assigned for each lecture series
Submit recordings of the lectures
Write a half-page reflection paper that summarizes the experience
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MINISTERIAL LIFE EXPERIENCE CREDIT (FOR EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO OBA ENROLLMENT)
OBA recognizes that knowledge is gained through various forms of ministry and is valuable to a person’s service to the Lord Jesus. Therefore, skills, and knowledge acquired through full or part-time Christian service prior to enrollment in GBA will be evaluated and if competency is met, credit hours will be awarded in the GBA programs. Requests for Ministerial Life Experience Credit (MLE Credit) must include supporting documents and be made in writing to the Director of Studies who will make the determination of the number of credit hours awarded.
MLE Credits are based on points designated for different types of service. Thirty-three (33) points are equivalent to a one-credit hour.
A maximum of one-third the required total number of credit hours required for a degree may be awarded as MLE credits as follows:
Certificate Program: Associate of Biblical Studies: Bachelor of Theology:
15 MLE Credits 20 MLE Credits 40 MLE Credits
No grade is reported for Ministerial Life Experience Credits; "MLE" will appear on the transcript. Ministerial Life Experience Credits are not calculated in the GPA.
Associate Pastor:
Full-time
Part-time
Minister of Youth, Education, or Music: Full-time
3.0 points for each year served. l.5 points for each year served
3.0 points for each year served
Part-time
Other Church Position: Full-time
Part-time
Para-church Organizations: Full-time
Part-time
l.5 points for each year served
2.0 points for each year served l.0 point for each year served _
3.0 points for each year served l.5 points for each year served.
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ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Book Published by Independent Publisher: Book Published through Vanity Press: Articles Published:
50.0 points each 35.0 points each 20.0 points each
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PROFICIENCY EXAMS
OBA recognizes that knowledge is gained through dedicated Bible study; therefore, credit hours will be awarded to students who; in lieu of taking a OBA course, take a Proficiency Exam and receive passing grades. The Proficiency Exam is designed to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the material that is covered in a specific course that is offered in the GBA. The Proficiency Exam grade becomes the final grade for the course. The exam grade will be used in calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) for credits earned at OBA. The number of credit hours awarded can only be less than, or equal to that of the specific course credit offered at GBA. Requests for Proficiency Exams are made to the Director of Studies during course registration each semester.
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WRITTEN WORK - QUIZZES, STUDY QUESTIONS AND REFLECTION PAPERS
Undergraduate and Certificate program students must type all written work, single-spaced, with attention to correct spelling. A cover page (as illustrated below) followed by numbered pages in a report cover is required for all written work submitted.
COURSE: TOPIC: FACILITATOR: SUBMITTED BY:
PROGRAM:
DATE:
Acts Dispensationally Considered l
Reflection Paper on Acts: Dispensationally Considered I Name
John Doe
Associate of Biblical Studies
Oikonomia Bible Academy
OBA uses the Turabian style as the standard for writing as outlined in the Manual of Writing Style by Kate Turabian. Although not required of Certificate Program students, Undergraduate students are expected to begin to use this style in their written work.
Students are responsible for keeping copies of all written work they have submitted and the proof of submission until a final grade has been received for the course. Students must present their proof if there is any question about when or whether the work was submitted.
Facilitators will grade weekly quizzes and return the graded papers to the student after grades have been recorded on GBA's grading system.
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ACADEMIC YEAR AND GRADING PERIODS
For record-keeping purposes, OBA’s academic year consists of trimesters.
Each grading period is a fifteen-week period. This fifteen-week grading period begins on the first class date and ends on the last class date. Grades are recorded in the trimester corresponding to the start date.
Lectures
Courses offered are in a lecture and/or facilitation styles whether provided by in classroom facilitators or through online learning
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ADMINISTRATIVE CODING FOR AUDITED, INCOMPLETE, AND WITHDRAWN AND REPEATED COURSES
Audited Courses
Auditors do not participate in graded written assignments and exams. No credit is awarded for courses that are audited. An "O" will appear on the transcript as the grade for audited courses.
Incomplete Coursework
Students who are unable to complete the requirements for a course within an l5-week period will receive an incomplete "l" grade for the course. An extension of another 15 weeks is automatically granted. A pro-rated tuition amount for the first extension will be considered at the discretion of the Director of Studies. Arrangements for completing the course must be made with the facilitator of the course. Students are expected to complete the course requirements by the end of the first extension period.
A request for additional extensions must be made in writing by submitting a
Request for Extension form to the Registrar within thirty days after the date of the last grade report. A request for a third extension also requires a conference with the Director of Studies for approval. Tuition for a second or third extension is required.
The following coding will appear before the course name on grade reports to indicate the extension status of the course in that trimester:
* = Course continued in the first extension period ** = Course continued in the second extension period
*** = Course continued in the third extension period
Students who are unable to continue their studies in a course for credit may submit a request to change their status for that course to audit ("O".) Students must submit a Change to Audit form to the Registrar within thirty days after the date of the last grade report. The change in status will be reflected on the grade report in the next grading period.
lf neither an extension request nor a request for the change to audit is received, the "l" will automatically be changed to a failing "F" grade for the course, or courses not continued in the next grading period.
Withdrawal Policy
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from a program of study or enrollment at GBA must notify the Registrar and Director of Studies in writing. A "W" will appear on the transcript for any course not completed at the time of withdrawal. The "W”’ will not be calculated in the GPA.
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Repeating a Course
When students repeat courses, only the repeated course grades will appear on the transcripts. However, the original grades will be retained in the academic file. Only the repeated grades will be calculated in the GPAs. Regular tuition fees apply to repeated courses.
GRADING SYSTEM AND CHANGES TO GRADING
Grade Change
Students may request a grade review by submitting a written request along with copies of all work completed for that specific course to the Director of Studies with a copy of the cover letter to the Registrar. The matter will be brought before the Board of Advisors for a decision. Students may request a change of the final grade recorded for a course. Students are encouraged to discuss the matter first with the Facilitator who taught the course.
Grading System
The faculty may record a plus or minus after each passing grade where appropriate, this recording will be placed on the student’s permanent record, but it will not be considered part of the student’s GPA. The designation of grades and points appearing on transcripts is:
GRADE A 4
B 3 C 2 D l F 0 S
U MLE PLE O
I
W
Transcripts
GRADE POINT 90 — 100
80 — 89
70 — 79
60 — 69 below 60
SCORE MEANING Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Failure
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Ministerial Life Experience Practical Life Experience Audit
Incomplete Withdrawal
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TRANSCRIPTS
• Incoming Transcripts
Students must request official transcripts from schools previously attended as required to meet academic
prerequisites. Official transcripts from other schools must be sent directly to the Registrar.
• Outgoing Transcripts
Official transcripts from GBA are sent directly to other institutions at the student’s written request. Only a copy of the official transcript is provided to the student. Requests for transcripts are made to the Registrar and must be accompanied by the $5.00 fee per address.
• Transcripts from Other Institutions
Copies of student records of transcripts and/or diplomas must be included with applications for determination
of acceptance into our programs, but official transcripts sent directly from institutions to GBA will be required to fulfill graduation requirements prior to commencement.
• Release of Transcript
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Transcripts will not be released until tuition is paid in full. Students may participate in the commencement exercises but the diploma will be held until tuition is paid in full.
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COURSES OFFERERED AND CURRICULM PATH COURSE OFFERING BY SEMESTER
To Follow
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STRUCTURE OF YOUR REFLECTION PAPERS
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The paper is to be single spaced (no hand-written papers).
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Careful attention is to be paid to correct spelling.
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Pages are to be appropriately numbered.
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Direct quotes from any works are to be in quotation marks and footnoted.
Note: If possible, footnotes should follow the forms indicated in the
Kate Turabian, Manual of Writing Style. The purchase of this writing manual would be a good investment as it will eventually be used for all seminary courses. Footnotes in Turabian style are not required for this project, but some form offootnoting is required.
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All papers are to be submitted to your professor of record in an appropriate binder:
a.)Loose leaf papers without binder will not be accepted. b.) Loose leaf papers stapled together will not be accepted.
A cover page is to be included with your paper as follows:
(Centered on page)
ACT DISPENSATIONALLY CONSIDERED Vol. I by C. R. Stam
A REFLECTION PAPER
Course
Acts Dispensationally Considered I
Student’s Name Student’s Mailing Address Oikonomia Bible Academy
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SYLLABUS
NEW TESTAMENT Graduate Level
Course:
THE BOOK OF ACTS DISPENSATIONALLY CONSIDERED I
(THREE CREDIT HOURS)
RATIONALE:The book of Acts is an extremely important book if we are to explain the fall of Israel and the beginning of the Church, the Body of Christ. The major distinctions between the Gospels and the Pauline Epistles can only be explained with an understanding of this transitional book. This course is designed to introduce the student to the historical significance of Israel's rejection of the kingdom offered and the Dispensational transition. The main points to be addressed in this class are: (1) the significance of the day of Pentecost, (2) the offer of the Kingdom by Peter, (3) the significance of the stoning of Stephen, (4) the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and (5) Saul's ministry.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will gain familiarity with the activity of the Apostles and their relationship with the “kingdom.”
The student will gain an understanding of the significance of the Apostles’ question,
“Will you now restore the Kingdom to Israel?”
The student will be able to explain the significance of the Day of Pentecost and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
The student will research Old Testament prophecies concerning the offer of the kingdom to Israel.
The student will gain an appreciation of the important transitional details of Acts. The student will gain an understanding of the importance of the stoning of Stephen. The student will be able to explain the change of God’s program with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
The student will understand the significance of the phrase, “Lo, I turn to the Gentiles.”
The student will be provided an informed view and understanding of Acts.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
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Read: ACTS DISPENSATIONALLY CONSIDERED Volume I – by C. R. Stam. Write a 3-page, single-spaced Reflection Paper.
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Read: ACTS DISPENSATIONALLY CONSIDERED Volume. II – by C. R. Stam. Write a 3-page, single-spaced Reflection Paper.
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Read: ACTS DSPENSATIONALLY CONSIDERED Vol. III – by C. R. Stam. Write a 3-page, single-spaced Reflection Paper.
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Record any questions you might have concerning the reading assignments. These questions
will be discussed with the instructor at time designated by the instructor.
GRADING: (final grade upon course completion)
Grading will be based upon completion of each reading assignment, writing assignments accomplished and submitted, and meeting with your instructor. There will be no test involved in this course.
COURSE PROCEDURES AND SUBMISSION SCHEDULE:
1. All course work is to be completed and submitted within a 15-week time frame.
2. As each paper is completed, it is to be sent by E-mail to pastorphillip777@gmail.com
3. Students will contact their instructor once per month by telephone, e-mail or in person to discuss the student’s progress toward completion of the course. Students may contact the instructor whenever questions arise.
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