ALTERNATIVES

Although we encourage fresh work, it is permissible to submit:

• Previously written work, such as a published or unpublished book or booklet you have authored.
• If you have written a considerable number of sermons, articles, tracts, or poems, it may be acceptable.
• A story of some exploit of faith or a narrative of some miracle you were personally involved in.
• An account of a dream or a vision of Heaven or Hell you’ve had, or someone you interviewed has had.
• Your personal testimony of salvation or the conversion of someone you led to the Lord.
  

NEW GOOD WORKS

Since the Spirit of Truth Institute puts high value on bearing good fruit for the Master, we could accept a simple statement or explanation of some sizable worthy project that you plan and execute, but it must be something that you plan and then do now, not in the past.

• Providing food for the poor and/or clothes for the needy.
• Cover a neighborhood with tracts and/or invitations to your local church.
• Help build, paint, or clean a Church, free of charge.
• Make a big list of people and pray for them one by one all night long.
• Spend a couple of days conducting Telephone Evangelism---just calling people out of the phone book, introducing yourself, telling them Jesus loves them and offering to pray for them.
• Spend a couple of days visiting, counseling, and praying for people in a hospital, jail, prison, or rest home.
• Donate 20 hours or so to a Church helping with office work as a donation. (If you’re local, The Spirit of Truth Institute can often use help too).
• Or you could even recruit a couple of students for The Spirit of Truth Institute.

Most schools charge a fee for reading, evaluating, and grading a student’s Thesis or Dissertation, and it does take considerable time, attention, and concern. However, the Spirit of Truth does not require a fee for this service at this time.

Remember; do not send your original paper, but rather a photocopy of it. We will keep your paper on file as part of your permanent record. Of course, we would never copyright your work, but we do reserve the right to use it for the Lord, as we see fit.

PROGRESSIVE LEVELS OF DEGREES

A degree is an academic title conferred by an institution of higher learning showing that a person has satisfactorily completed a particular program of study. The certificate is the actual document itself.

Degrees are progressive. One level is built on the preceding one, each level representing a higher work effort, and the equivalent of another year of study. The Spirit of Truth Institute offers all five levels: Diploma, Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctor: 

• DIPLOMA--- (40 credits) this is the first level, and like a Christian Worker’s Certificate. Some schools have just a “Certificate” where we have a Diploma.

• ASSOCIATE--- (usually 60-64 credits, but we require 90) the Associate Bachelor degree represents the equivalency of two years of academic study. Typically, awarded by a junior or community college.

• BACHELOR--- (120-128 credits) conferred for the equivalency of four years of full-time study. But you can earn a Bachelor’s degree in two or three months from some schools. “Bachelor” means that you have accumulated a “batch” of knowledge. If you receive a Bachelor’s degree through credit for life work experience from The Spirit of Truth Institute, you are guaranteed admission into our Master’s degree program, and we also encourage you to go on to the Doctor’s degree program.

• MASTER--- (150 credits) this represents at least one year of study beyond the Bachelor, but lower than the Doctorate, indicating that you have “mastered a subject.”

• DOCTOR--- (210 credits) this academic title is awarded for the completion of advanced study and is the highest degree there is. It is the ultimate in the educational world, and has been a title of respect for learned persons since Biblical times, Luke 6:46. It is traditionally held that it takes a doctor to confer a Doctor’s degree upon someone else.
  

DEFINITIONS OF DEGREES

All of these degrees are religious in nature and not only overlap, but are sometimes thought of inter-exchangeable.

• BIBLICAL SUBJECTS---the study of major Scriptural themes and the main topics of the Sacred Scriptures. Courses dealing with various doctrines of the Word of God; that which is devoted to the fundamental beliefs of the Holy Bible.

• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION---general instructions in Christianity and the study of the doctrines of Christ. Training in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the development of Christian Character.

• DIVINITY---the study of the one and only Deity. Having to do with the supreme, infinite and eternal qualities of the Almighty; pertaining to the Divine Godhead or Holy Trinity. That which is inspired by God.

• MINISTRY---pertaining to the work of the Lord and service for God. Training in the performance of office of clergy. Rendering help to people and caring for the saints.

• THEOLOGY---the study of God and the expounding of Christology; Courses dealing with the relationship between God and the universe and man. The cultivation of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Since our courses are rather general, we don’t mind accommodating our students by granting their preference to receive their diploma, associate, bachelor, masters, or doctor’s degree in Biblical subjects, Christian Education, Divinity, Ministry, or Theology, etc. because as stated above, these terms blend and overlapped in most creeds, books, and schools.

EXPLANATION OF DEGREE PROGRAMS

In the secular field there is a lot of difference between a lawyer, a butcher, a banker, and a dentist.

But in the religious field what is the difference between Divinity, Theology, Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, etc.? Actually, they overlap, for the Bible is the main textbook for them all. We have:

• 4 Diplomas
• 4 Associates
• 12 Bachelors
• 14 Masters
• 15 Doctors
• 6 Honorary Dr. Degrees
  

We also have a total of 55 different certificates which is more than most schools larger than us. But we only have seven different courses at this time. (More on the way)

So when you take one of our courses, you may choose any degree on an appropriate level recommended for that course.

Some have asked, “What is the difference between a degree in Pastoral Counseling and one in Christian Counseling?” Well, one is for a Pastor and the other is someone who is not a Pastor.

Counseling is meeting together with a person and spending a season with them in detailed discussion to personally consult, advise, guide, and admonish them with the Word of God. We need to do a lot of listening, but not just listen.

A degree in counseling AND COMMUNICATION would include more teaching by way of pulpit, audiotapes, videotapes, radio, television, writing, etc.

DEGREES THAT WE OFFER (Nomenclatures)

DIPLOMA

B.B.S. =Bachelor of Bible Subjects
B.C.C. =Bachelor of Christian Counseling
B.B.C. =Bachelor of Biblical Counseling
B.C. =Bachelor or Christology
B.M.P. =Bachelor of Messianic Prophecy
B.Y. Min=Bachelor of Youth Ministries
B. Min. =Bachelor of Ministry
B.P.C. =Bachelor of Pastoral Counseling
B. Evan. =Bachelor of Evangelism
Th. B. =Bachelor of Theology
B.D. =Bachelor of Divinity

ASSOCIATE

A. Min. =Associate Bachelor of Ministry
A.P.T. =Associate of Practical Theology
A.F.G. =Associate Bachelor of the Full Gospel
A.F.G. =Associate Bachelor of Bible Subjects
A.B.S. =Associate of Bible Subjects.

BACHELOR

B.B.S. =Bachelor of Bible Subjects
B.M.T. =Bachelor of Marriage Therapy
B.C.C. =Bachelor of Christian Counseling
B. Min. =Bachelor of Ministry
B.B.C. =Bachelor of Biblical Counseling
B.P.C. =Bachelor of Pastoral Counseling
B.C. =Bachelor or Christology
B. Evan. =Bachelor of Evangelism
B.M.P. =Bachelor of Messianic Prophecy
Th. B. =Bachelor of Theology
B.Y. Min=Bachelor of Youth Ministries
B.D. =Bachelor of Divinity

MASTER

M.B.S. =Master of Biblical Studies
M. Th. =Master of Theology
M.C. =Master of Christology
M.S.T. =Master of Systematic Theology
M.M.P. =Master of Messianic Prophecies
M.M. =Master of Ministries
M.Y Min. =Master of Youth Ministries
M.C.A. =Master of Christian Apologetics
M.C.E. =Master of Christian Education
M.C.J. =Master of Christian Journalism
M.C.C. =Master of Christian Counseling
M.C.A. =Master of Church Administration
M.P.C. =Master of Pastoral Counseling
M. Div. =Master of Divinity

DOCTOR

D.B.S. =Doctor of Biblical Studies
D.P.C. =Doctor of Pastoral Counseling
D.C.E. =Doctor of Christian Education
D. Th. =Doctor of Theology
D.M.P. =Doctor of Messianic Prophecy
D.M. =Doctor of Ministry
D. Ch. =Doctor of Christology
D.C.A. =Doctor of Christian Apologetics
D.C. =Doctor of Christianity
D.M. =Doctor of Missionology
D.S.S. =Doctor of Sacred Scripture
D.C.J. =Doctor of Christian Journalism
D.C.C. =Doctor of Christian Counseling
D.C. Ad. =Doctor of Church Administration
D.C.Com. =Doctor of Counseling & Communication

HONORARY DOCTORIAL DEGREES

D.Evan. =Doctor of Evangelism
H.D. =Doctor of Humanity
C.M.D. =Doctor of Christian Missions
S.L.D. =Doctor of Sacred Literature
D.D. =Doctor of Divinity
S.M.D. =Doctor of Sacred Music

The Spirit of Truth Institute offers the widest variety of religious degrees of any school its size in the U.S.A. However, we do not offer any secular “Arts” (which represents a wide scope of studies including such subjects as education, human relations, literature, etc.), or PhD degrees. A Ph.D. doesn’t have to do with the study of philosophy. It is awarded for study in many fields such as Communications, Management, Education, Human Relations, etc. The Council of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Virginia does not consider it a religious degree, so THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH INSTITUE does not offer it.

HONORARY DOCTORIAL DEGREE PROGRAM

If you are a Pastor, Evangelist, or Leader of an active Christian ministry, The Spirit of Truth Institute may be able to grant you an Honorary Doctorial Degree on the basis of I Timothy 5:17, if you meet the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 30 years old.
• Produce evidence that you are a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel.
• Verify that you have at least 10 years of full-time or part-time ministerial experience.
• Prepare a TYPED one-page summary or resume of your work for the Lord.
• Secure the endorsements of two other licensed or ordained ministers or other prominent Church leaders.
• Make a $275 contribution to the furtherance of The Spirit of Truth Institute.
• There is a discount for two Honorary Doctorial Degrees for a Married Couple.
• You may request an application by Postal Mail or E-Mail attachment.
  
  

GRADUATION CEREMONIES

About every other month or so, The Spirit of Truth Institute conducts a formal Graduation Exercise to officially confer your Degrees upon you at Christ Worship Center, located at 3323 Walmsley Blvd. Southside Richmond, Virginia. (Half way between Jefferson Davis Hwy. and Broad Rock Blvd.) Directions and Map available.

These Special Programs are usually on a Sunday evening at 6:30 P.M. We notify you in advance to bring back the Certificates that we have mailed to you. We provide you with a FREE Cap and gown for the ceremony. You may bring family, friends, and a Camera or Video Camera. For more details you may call Dr. Paul Richardson 1 (804) 267-4709. But of course, we realize that this is impractical for those who live too far away.

ROBES IN THE BIBLE

God told Moses to make holy garments for Aaron and his sons for glory and beauty, to minister as priests before the Lord in the Tabernacle. Ex. 28:1-4. In verses 29-43, we see the colors of blue, purple, scarlet, and gold displayed.

Kings and princes also wore robes in Old Testament times. Jonathan gave David his robe. And

David danced before the Ark of the Covenant in a fine linen robe. Jesus told the story of the Prodigal son receiving the best robe, a ring, and shoes from his father. Lk. 15:22. King Herod and his men arrayed Jesus in a gorgeous robe to mock Him. Lk. 23:11. And Pilot's soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus and mocked him. Jn. 19:1-5. However, Matthew called it a scarlet robe. Matthew 27:28. Jesus warned about the scribes who loved to walk around in long robes in their pride, but were hypocrites. Lk. 20:46-47. But Isaiah exulted, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Is. 61:10.

Jesus Himself wore a robe on earth and now does in Heaven. White robes were given to the martyrs in Heaven. Rev. 6:11. In fact, all the saints in Heaven will have white robes. Revelation 7:9. White robes represent righteousness.
 

ACADEMIC DRESS TODAY

The tradition of the academic dress began around the 12th century in European Universities as clergy composed the majority of the educated class. The academic costume is an adaptation of the cape or mantle, worn by Church dignitaries in religious processions. Through time, many colors and designs of the cap, gown, and hood developed. In 1896, colleges and universities of the USA adopted a uniform code of academic dress. Most institutions today use the black gown, hood, and mortarboard worn by graduates. The colors represent the school colors. The doctor’s hood has five panels and is slightly longer. The mortarboard, also called the “oxford cap”, has a long tassel and the pendant is worn over the left front of the cap.

When you receive your degree from the Spirit of Truth Institute you may use your own robe, if you have one or you can rent or buy a cap, gown and hood from Oak Hall Cap & Gown Co., Union Street, Salem, VA 24153, Phone 1 (800) 456-7623 very cheaply if you place your order 6 weeks in advance. The Spirit of Truth Institute also has extra caps, gowns, and hoods to lend to remote pastors, for the mere cost of postage and cleaning -- $20.00.
 

USE OF YOUR TITLE

Only about 5% of ministers in major cities have Doctor Degrees---but it’s rapidly increasing.

If you receive a Doctorate from The Spirit of Truth Institute, you have a legitimate right to use the title in your public life either before or after your name, such as: Dr. Joe Smith, Joe Smith, DTh. or Rev. Dr. Joe Smith. You are honestly and ethically entitled to use your title on your business cards, letterhead, brochures, the phone book, road signs, and “Public Service Announcements” in the newspapers, if you so choose.

It’s only reasonable and proper for others to address and introduce you as “Doctor so and so...” Your degree will often win you instant respect from most dignified people, but will sometimes provoke jealousy from a few folks. They may mumble, "Ah that degree doesn't mean anything." But it does! It means you have spent hundreds of hours studying hundreds of Bible verses and answering hundreds of questions correctly!

So don't be too shocked if someone discredits you, The Spirit of Truth Institute, our Accrediting Association, and all Education in general. Just remember II Timothy 3:12. After all, respect or disrespect is just someone's opinion---whether it’s based on facts or not. Sometimes when folks judge others, they are really just judging themselves at the same time.

HEAD CHRISTIAN OR HEART CHRISTIAN?

Does having a religious degree make one more worthy in the sight of God? Certainly not! Theological education without personal devotion to Christ is null and void. In fact, you can have your head crammed full of Biblical facts, but if your heart is full of sin, you will go straight to Hell, John 9:41.

If a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorial degree is going to foster a sense of egotism and conceit in you, it can result in your downfall as Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We might feel satisfaction from a job well done, but we must never swell with pride for, “a proud look is an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 6:16,17. We don't want any student or recipient of a degree from The Spirit of Truth Institute to ever become heady, high minded, or haughty. Is. 5:21; I Cor. 8:2. Moses was the best-educated man in the O.T., Acts 7:22; but he was known for his modesty. Num 12:3. God says “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.” Jer. 9:23-24. But fools glory in either their ignorance or their learning.

Your degree must never hinder you from relating to uneducated folks for whom Christ died, as Rom. 12:16 says, “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate." Other translations say, “Associate with ordinary people." In other words, don’t be a snob! For you may teach what you know, but you impart what you are. Most people don't care how much you know, they just want to know how much you care. I Cor. 8: 1.

One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth, and He will if we will let Him, John 16:13. He can teach you more by Divine revelation in a few moments than you can learn by earthly education in a lifetime. Jn. 14:26. If your heart is filled with love, your mind will always contain spiritual light, by which you can walk with God and work for the Lord.

The philosophy of The Spirit of Truth Institute is education without dogmatism, indoctrination without denominationalism, and honor without vainglory. Our courses are intended to not only promote intellectual development, but to produce spiritual fruit. It's good to be enlightened, and seek academic excellence, but most of all we want you to experience Christian character. Studying the Word of God sharpens the mind, but it must be admitted deep down in your spirit to purify your soul. Jn. 15:3

Endeavors without understanding can be disastrous and illumination without application is a pity. James 1:22 says, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” In other words, if you don’t incorporate the Word into your own daily situations, you’re only fooling yourself. Learning and life must be integrated. True Christianity is a life, not an intellectual pursuit apart from heart experience. We will not be judged by our doctrines and creeds, but by our works and deeds. II Cor. 5:10. We should pray as much as we read, and worship as much as we study. Therefore, The Spirit of Truth Institute stresses spiritual compassion first and mental merit second. We place heart-Christianity over head-Christianity.

If you can you translate your learning into love, your schooling into service, and your academics into actions, you’re on target!

COMPARE THE COST

Any time you’re going to spend money, especially a large sum you should shop around and compare prices. The following are just some samples that we came across in 1991. I am sure they have gone up now.

Elision College of CA –
          charges $550 for a Bachelor’s degree.
Mellen University of NY –
          charges $995 for a Bachelor’s degree.
Evangel Christian University of America in LA –
          Bachelor’s=$950, Master’s=$1140
The American National University of AR –
          Bachelor’s=$1595, Master’s=$1695, Doctor’s=$1995
International Seminary of FL (my Alma Mater) –
          Diploma=$500, Bachelor’s=$1250,
American National University of AR –
          Bachelor’s=$1595, Master’s=$1695, Doctor’s=$1895
Christian International Communiqué (Dr. Bill Hammon) of FL -
          $2000 and up
The Theology University of America in LA –
          Bachelor's=$1500, Master's=$1800, Doctor's= $2100
Chadwick University of Alabama –
          charges $1990 for a Bachelor’s and $2150 for a Master's.
Pacific Western University of CA –
          Bachelor's=$2195, Master's =$2295, Doctor's=$2495.
American International University of CA –
          Degrees=$1600 to $2500.
St. Joseph University of NY –
          degrees run from $2000 to $3000.
Luther Rice Seminary of Georgia –
          $3500 for the Doctorate
Trinity International University and Theology School of Miss –
          Associate's= $1875

So a low average cost would be over $1,300 for a Bachelor, $1,600 for a Masters and $1,800 for a Doctorate.
 

OUR NOMINAL PRICES

Perhaps you already knew what a degree could cost, and that many schools simply price their degrees above what the average student can afford. Why should a school charge more than is necessary for its regular operation and reasonable growth projections? The cost of a degree or the amount of time involved does not necessarily increase the quality of education. So, why pay an exorbitant fee for the very same degree that you can get elsewhere for much less money?

The goal of The Spirit of Truth Institute is to provide students with the finest Biblical education, at the lowest possible cost. Thus, we have deliberately priced our degrees very low, because we think we can do more good for more people this way. Our educational philosophy and methods are not unique, but in the matter of finances we are unique. The Spirit of Truth Institute offers the best investment you'll ever find. Following are our exceptionally low fees.
 

COST OF COURSE BOOKS

          COURSE I            $21
          COURSE II           $21
          COURSE III          $40
          COURSE IV          $50
          COURSE V           $50
          COURSE VI          $22
          COURSE VII         $50

ADDITIONAL DEGREE FEES

EVALUATION OF RESUME            $20
DIPLOMA                                      $23
ASSOCIATES                                $34
BACHELOR                                   $92
MASTER                                       $148
DOCTOR                                       $200
HONORARY DR                             $275
 

PAY AS YOU GO

Please make all checks or money orders payable to The Spirit of Truth Institute. Sorry, no credit cards yet and no credit. Just pay as you go. Please allow at least a couple of weeks for a response.

The degree fee for the Master's degree may be divided up into two or three checks, post-dated a month apart and we will hold them till the due date. Likewise, the Doctorial fee may be divided up into three or so checks dated a month apart.

Since our overall fees are so low, there's no regular discount for combinations of degrees, except for a graduate who wishes a second doctorial degree, which would then be half price. We cannot send courses on credit or issue degrees before the appropriate fee is paid, because frankly, it's too hard to keep up with who owes what.

Now the price of your books may not be considered a tax-deductible gift, because you're getting your course book in return for it, but we do consider your degree fee as an Income Tax Deductible Offering to The Spirit of Truth Institute, which is a non-profit organization.

People wonder how we can afford to do all of this. Well, for one thing, no one receives a regular salary at this time. And there are a lot of things The Spirit of Truth Institute does NOT have, such as:

• Spacious grounds or a big campus to support {but we would accept some donated land}.
  Beautiful gardens to maintain.
• Huge buildings and dormitories to keep up.
• Expensive recreational facilities and equipment, or ball game uniforms to pay for.
• A vast library warehouse to preserve (although we do have a lot of good books, for local students to use).
• Class rings, coffee mugs, and other paraphernalia that you can do without. When you see lavish furnishings and extravagant decoration, guess who pays for it. You, the student!
• The Spirit of Truth Institute does not even have a toll-free number, at this time.

The major assets of The Spirit of Truth Institute are the priceless treasures of the Word of God, and student satisfaction. We operate out of relatively small offices, but we don't rent; we own. If you paid us an on-site visit, all you would see is rooms full of shelves that are full of Bible Courses and filing cabinets full of student records and some volunteer or part-time office help.

All of our income goes into utilities, office equipment, supplies, typesetting, printing, and postage.

Whenever you get something of high quality at a very low price, it’s a good deal. These great values are exciting, but some folks are amazed and wonder if it’s too good to be true. I assure you there are no hidden costs beyond what is stated herein.

At this time, The Spirit of Truth Institute has not applied for Veteran’s or G.I. benefits. But we feel almost anyone can afford the modest fees of The Spirit of Truth Institute as an investment in their own future. If God leads you to get your degrees from this School, He will supply the funds for it, according to your faith. For where He guides, He provides!
 

DISCOUNTS

To honor the sanctity of Holy Matrimony, a husband and wife may share the same COURSE BOOKS. Just make an extra photocopy of the Answer Sheets before you mark on them. The Spirit of Truth Institute is also willing to give a 50% discount on the degree fee to the spouse of our students. In other words, they study from a single set of text books and AFTER one of them takes the course, they go back through the book marking ALL the True or False and Multiple Choice questions, so no one can tell what their original answers were. Husbands and wives are on the honor system to do independent work. We assume your integrity.

NOTE: never attempt to make homemade answer sheets, unless they are exact photocopies of the originals, because we cannot grade them. We use a grading grid.

Also, the following persons may also receive a 50% discount on the degree fee. However, discounts do not apply to the cost of the Course Books.

• Inmates confined in jail or prison
• Full-time foreign missionaries
• Children of full-time missionaries
• Needy overseas students
• Seriously handicapped, such as in a wheelchair
• Bed ridden or house bound patients
• Honorably discharged military personnel
• The above discount students must submit a letter of verification of their circumstances from their pastor or overseer on official Church letterhead.
  
  

DEALS

By mutual agreement and prearrangement, The Spirit of Truth Institute is willing to trade dollar value of any donated equipment, supplies, printing, or ad space in Church bulletins, newsletters, or other Christian publications. Also, “spots” on radio or T.V. programs, or anything else we can use for the Lord’s work.

Also, local students, who have some spare time, may work in our offices in exchange for their tuition cost. By appointment they may come in once or twice a week for a couple of hours and help us grade Answer Sheets, type, file, and other chores to work off their fees.

REFUNDS

Since we have no binding contract for you to sign, like many schools, you may withdraw at any time for any reason, without obligation. You need not notify us. If we don’t hear from you, we just assume you quit. Also, due to our “pay-as-you-go” system, there’s never much refund due. But If you order a course, look it over, and decide you don’t want it, we will be glad to give you a full refund, minus our postage, providing it is not marked up or otherwise un-reusable, which we feel, is fair enough.

APPRECIATION FOR ASSISTANCE

The Spirit of Truth Institute does not hire full-time Field Representatives to recruit new students like some big universities; we just depend upon satisfied students for referrals. So if you would like a few BULLETINS to share with your friends, we will supply them free upon request.

TRANSFERING CREDITS

Most colleges and universities use what is known as a "semester hour/credit system". Generally a credit is a semester hour. In a traditional Bible college, a semester hour is around 30 to 48 clock hours of classroom attendance.

The Spirit of Truth Institute is willing to accept the credits you have earned from other legitimate Christian Schools whether they are accredited or not, as long as they teach the Bible

We have accepted transfer students from Rhema, Oral Roberts University, International Seminary, Logo Bible College, Richmond Virginia Seminary. Boston University School of Social Work, New Hampshire College, Roxbury Community College, State University of New York, Orange County Community College, etc. etc. etc.

Likewise, The Spirit of Truth Institute credits have been acceptable at many other good schools, but whether a PARTICULAR school or agency will accept our credits and/or degrees is quite unpredictable. We cannot be responsible for the decisions and policies of others. It's a very subjective issue depending upon many circumstances. But I believe you will find most similar schools will accept transfer from The Spirit of Truth Institute.

If you plan to apply for some state licensing or a faculty position at a particular educational institution, it would be best to make inquiry as to the requirements of that agency or school at which you wish your education to be recognized. At this time, a degree in counseling from The Spirit of Truth Institute will not allow you to set up a formal practice as a licensed professional counselor and charge fees for your services. To deal with stress, depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, and all kinds of sexual disorders for pay requires a State license.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, etc.

Students are entitled to their personal transcript from The Spirit of Truth Institute, upon request either by the student for a fee of $10. But you should wait until you have completed all studies with us first. Also, any lost or damaged degrees may be replaced for a $10 fee.

MINISTERIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE

• CREDENTIALS
  
  Any student of The Spirit of Truth Institute who desires to be licensed and/or ordained may request information and an application by E-Mail Attachment, FAX, or Postal Service. One must be saved, Spirit-filled according to Ac. 2:4, living a clean life, called to the ministry, and active in some way, and responsible. The fee is only $20, with a discount for Married Couples. Those who are qualified receive a 9 x 12 wall certificate of license and a laminated pocket card. After you are licensed, then we can ordain you free of charge, but ordination cannot be performed through the mail.

• TAX-EXEMPT STATUS AVAILABLE
  
  If you are ready to formally organize your Church, Evangelistic Ministry, or Bible School, we can provide all the blank forms for tax-exemption without you having to hire a lawyer, incorporating, or filing any papers with the I.R.S. And we can save you a great deal of time, money, and work.
  
  Christ is the foundation of the Church, and the basis of Evangelism is the Word of God, but in the business world the under girding of your work is the LEGAL PAPERWORK. This is 501(c) 3 status without joining a denomination and you don’t have to wait a year for it!
  
  Before you try to raise funds or rent/buy anything, your first step is to be able to prove to the public that you are a non-profit organization and eligible for tax-deductible contributions, etc. Anyone able to make a sizable donation to your ministry such as cash, land, buildings, merchandise, etc., are being eaten up by taxes, and they need all the relief they can get. By becoming a part of our UMBRELLA PLAN, which has been working perfectly for over 160 other ministers, you will be able to write legal Tax receipts, qualify for getting food from the FOOD BANK, and be exempt from sales tax for anything you buy for your ministry, and many other benefits. If you would like to order the information and application for this, we can send it to you by E-Mail or Postal Mail. 

• HOW TO START YOUR OWN ACCREDITED BIBLE SCHOOL
  
  Yes!  For those who feel called to start their own Bible School, we can help you get started and ACCREDITED. Or maybe you already operate a Bible Correspondence School and would like to start offering accredited academic degrees to your students.
  
  Simply write to us and request the Information Booklet about “The World Wide Accrediting Commission of Christian Educational Institutions” and an Application in care of WWAC, 2800 Blendwell Rd., Richmond, VA 23224. And we will mail it to you.
  
  

CONCLUSION

Over the years we have had many fine men and women, single and married, graduate from The Spirit of Truth Institute, who are now well informed, well equipped ambassadors for Christ to a lost and dying world. And we invite you to join The Spirit of Truth Institute family, and become a part of GOD’S ANSWER to the masses of the hurting and needy humanity.

But if you do not feel that you are ready for The Spirit of Truth Institute at this time, please do us a favor and pass this valuable catalog on to a friend, who might be interested, that it might benefit them.

CHANGES

The Board of Directors reserves the prerogative to alter any information in this catalog without prior notice. In fact, we anticipate modifications, for without change, there's no growth or progress. We may have to go up in the future to $236 for a Bachelor, $300 for a Master, and $400 for a Doctor.

We have endeavored to anticipate all your concerns, but if you have a question we have not addressed, you may write us at The Spirit of Truth Institute, 2800 Blendwell Rd., Richmond, Va. 23224, or E-Mail us at drpaulrich@juno.com, or phone us at 1 (804) 276-4709, and we will respond as promptly as possible.

CATALOG COPYRIGHTED

This catalog is copyrighted by The Spirit of Truth Institute (1992). And no part of it may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission. 

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