THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH INSTITUTE

HONORARY DOCTORIAL DEGREE PROGRAM

Dear Elder, Deacon, Deaconess, S.S. Superintendent, or Department Head,

Do you love your pastor? 

• Have they greeted you with love and extended the right hand of fellowship to you?
• Have they faithfully sought the Lord, and fed the flock of God? 
• Have they answered your questions, counseled with you, and prayed for you and your family?
  

Well, if you genuinely appreciate them for their labor of love and work of faith, this letter represents an opportunity for you to be an instrument, in securing an Honorary Doctorial Degree for them.

The Bible teaches us to give credit and honor where it is due: “Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of DOUBLE honor, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine.” I Tim. 5: 17.

If your pastor meets the qualifications of The Spirit of Truth Institute, you may request and sponsor an Honorary Doctorial Degree for them for only $200.00.

This simple act can be your way of expressing your esteem and support for them. It would be a great blessing and encouragement to them---Like a real loud “Amen!” It is also an honor to the whole Church to be served by a pastor, who is educationally certified and acclaimed by an outside agency. Every visitor, who enters his office, will see it framed on his wall.

Of course, you could plan this project any time, but it might fit in well with some special occasion such as:

1.  The pastor’s birthday.
2. The pastor’s wedding anniversary.
3. The Church anniversary.
4. The dedication of a new building or wing, etc.
5. Paying off the Church mortgage.
6. His departure or returning from an overseas mission trip.
7. Some other milestone or turning point in his ministerial career.

You should plan this one or two months in advance, consulting with your pastor as to the preferred date.

Of course, no reputable school sells degrees over the counter, but a cash donation is expected. Most honorary degrees involve about the same expense as an “earned” degree. Therefore, we request a minimum of a $275 tax-deductible offering, which is used to offset the expenses of printing new Bible courses, helping send courses to prisoners, the handicapped and providing scholarships for needy overseas students, etc.

A second Honorary Doctorial Degree, for the pastor’s spouse, if also qualified, is only half price ($137.50) if requested at the same time. Pastor’s wives have a very difficult role, and usually receive little thanks for it.

It is recommended that the fee be raised on the side, in addition to regular tithes and offerings, if possible. Perhaps the ladies could sponsor a yard sale, or the youth group could sponsor a car wash, to help raise funds.

Enclosed herewith is an application for the minister’s Honorary Doctorial Degree. He needs to fill it out and mail it to The Spirit of Truth Institute. If approved, there are four ways of awarding the degree:

1.   Local ministers who live close enough may attend a service of Christ Worship Center, here in Richmond, VA and have it publicly presented by Dr. Paul Richardson, Chancellor of the School.

2.   Dr. Paul Richardson might be able to schedule a Sunday night to come personally confer the degree if the Church is no more than about an hour or two driving distance. But this usually needs to be arranged a couple of months in advance. (Expenses involved)

3.   If it is further away, the Vice President of The Spirit of Truth Institute could come to the Church to publicly award the degree. They would be treated as a guest speaker, the Church being responsible for their honorarium, travel, lodging, and food.

4.   Or if you prefer, we can simply mail the degree to you, and a local pastor friend, associate minister, or even a committee of Church officers could all take part in presenting the degree to the pastor.

To arrange and schedule an appointment or if you have any questions,

comments, or suggestions, please call


Dr. Paul Richardson at 804-276-4709.

Mail to:

The Spirit of Truth Institute
2800 Blendwell Road
Richmond, VA 23224

SUGGESTED ORDER OF COMBINATION GRADUATING
EXERCISES AND CHURCH SERVICE

PART I

1. Prelude music
2. Processional in robes
3. Master of Ceremonies: greeting, invocation, and explanatory introduction
4. Scripture reading; Jn. 12:26; I Tim. 5:17; Ps. 75:6,7; Rev. 22:4; Prov. 21:21; Rom. 2:10; Prov. 29:23
5. Special music/solo
6. Reading the pastor’s one-page resume
7. Reading the degree itself
8. Presentation, congratulations, and responding applause
9. Remarks by the pastor or recipient
10. Recessional


PART II

1. Congregational songs and worship
2. Offertory/solo
3. Guest speakers sermon
4. Altar call / personal body ministry
5. Benediction
6. Reception/refreshments

ACADEMIC DRESS

• You may use your own robe, if you have one.

• You can rent a compliment cap, gown and hood from Oak Hall Cap & Gown Co., 840 Union Street, Salem, VA 24153 Phone: 800-456-7623 for about $20. Or you may buy an economy souvenir cap, gown, and hood for about $35 if you place your order 6 weeks in advance.

• The Spirit of Truth Institute has extra cap, gown, and hood to lend to local pastors, for the mere cleaning bill ($10.00). If you wish to use ours, be sure to state your height, and cap size.
  

Graduating or receiving an honorary degree from The Spirit of Truth Institute is a memorial occasion, which will remain with you for life. To further maximize it:

• If you have a phone or mailing list, use it to invite everyone you know to attend.

• Public service announcements should be mailed to all local newspapers, radio, and T.V. stations, at least three weeks in advance, to notify the public.

• Designate someone to use a flash camera, tape recorder, and/or a video camcorder.

The Spirit of Truth Institute would appreciate a good picture of you receiving your degree for our files, and/or possible use in future additions of our official school catalog.

All graduates and recipients of honorary degrees are automatically considered a member of The Spirit of Truth Institute Alumni Association.