Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary
Mission to Africa
Programs
Grace Bible College and Seminary program provides prospective pastors and missionaries with the exegetical, theological, and practical skills necessary to be excellent students of Scripture, accurate expositors, capable biblical counselors, Christlike leaders, and competent administrators in caring for the flock.
Duration
Grace Bible College and Seminary program is a 2 year for missionary training and 3 years for Pastors : The program follows the Ghana school calendar .
Schedule
Each semester our students spend about 90 hours in the classroom. We present classes in 5-hour sessions, once per week. Classes meet after-hours, allowing students to work while studying. We also meet in the day for those who can do so.Each semester is 17 weeks long and students break for holidays according to the school calendar.
Modular Subjects
Our classes are presented in a modular format where one subject is taught until complete and then students progress to the next subject. Subjects vary from 5 hours of class time (1 session) to 30 hours of class time (6 sessions). Each semester students complete at least 4 subjects in addition to mentorship requirements.
Academic Load
The academic load of our program works on a 1:2 ratio. For every 1 hour of class time we expect our students to spend 2 additional hours preparing for classes, reading assigned books and articles, completing assignments, and preparing for tests and exams. This workload fairly represents the typical weekly workload of a pastor and is therefore an essential part of preparing our students for future pastoral ministry.
Core Program Description
Our program consists of core subjects. All subjects must be completed for a student to graduate. Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary reserves the right to replace or alter the courses in its program and may from time to time offer electives that would benefit our students. All such changes will be made in order to improve our program and provide our students with training that best prepares them for pastoral ministry.
Meet the Admissions Team
Our Admissions team will guide you through the application process, helping you focus on what's most important: finding the program right for your calling. Get in touch with Dorcas, Gideon or Samuel to help out.
Dorcas K. Cobbinah
Admissions Officer
Gideon Cobbinah
Dean Of Seminary
Samuel K. Johnson
Admission Representative
Policies
English Language
Our program is presented in English and students admitted into the program should be fluent in English and able to function academically at a level equivalent to a postgraduate degree. All applicants who qualify for admission but do not have adequate English language ability will be asked to pursue English language training and re-apply.(We do provide some classes in Ghanaian languages for some classes.)
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Orientation
At the start of every year we hold a two day orientation during which we introduce our students to the program and lecturers. During orientation we sharpen the English language and research skills of our students in the first two subjects of the seminary program: FY101 English Skills and FY102 Research Skills. Orientation is not counted as part of the regular 17 week semester and students should plan accordingly.
Cancellation of Subjects
The Seminary reserves the right to alter, cancel, or change the order of presentation of subjects during any given term.
Subject Requirements
Subject requirements are set by the lecturer in consultation with the Academic Head and provided at the commencement of that subject. We expect our students to complete all course requirements in order to pass.
Failure and Progression
Grace Bible College and Seminary program has been designed in such a way that subjects presented early in the program are prerequisite for subjects presented later. In addition, because we follow a modular system, students will not be able to proceed with the program if they do not pass a subject. If a student fails a subject, that student will work with the lecturer and Academic Head to determine whether they can progress in the program. The lecturer and/or Academic Head may request that the student meet additional requirements in order to pass, may have the student repeat the class with a new group, or may ask the student to withdraw from the program. In all instances the progression of a student in the program lies at the discretion of the Academic Head.
Attendance
We expect our students to attend all classes. We recognize that absence can in some instances not be prevented. We therefore recognize two types of absence: excused and unexcused. In all cases we require students to report their absence to the lecturer as soon as possible. Students are responsible to identify and complete all work and assignments missed due to their absence. Our lecturers are not under obligation to repeat lectures or review class material that a student has missed.
Acceptable excused absences include those resulting from personal illness, illness of immediate family, or death in the immediate family.
Unexcused absences will result in a reduction in the student’s course grade. Our lecturers will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
If a student is absent for an extended period of time and/or misses subjects that are prerequisite for later subjects, he may be asked to exit the program and join a later cohort. In such cases the final decision rests with the Academic Head.
Grading System
Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary utilizes the following grading system:
A and A-Exceptional achievement
B+, B and B-Above average achievement
Fair or average achievement
C-, D+, D, and D-Below average, minimally acceptable achievement
Unacceptable achievement, failure
Incomplete work
Withdrawal while passing
Withdrawal while failing
We use the following guidelines for converting percentage grades to letter grades:
Semester 1Semester 2
A96-100C80-83
A-94-95C-78-79
B+92-93D+76-77
B88-91D72-75
B-86-87D-70-71
C+84-85 F 69 and below
Students should note that this grading system is aligned with international standards and can not be directly correlated with the Ghana grading system.
Academic Probation
If a student fails to meet the academic standards of the program, its subjects, and mentorship program, that student may be placed on academic probation. If a student is placed on probation, the duration of the probation will be set by the Academic Head. In some cases the probation period will last the duration of one subject. In other cases the duration could be up to one year. Continuation in the Grace Bible College and Seminary program after a probation period lies at the discretion of the Academic Head. If a student has met all necessary requirements he will be removed from probation and may continue in the program. A student who has not improved in his academic performance may have the probation period extended, or be asked to leave the program. Re-entry and re-entry requirements will lie at the discretion of the Academic Head and the student will need to submit application to admissions department..
Technology
All our syllabi, class notes, and other materials are supplied to students in electronic format and printed material. we require our students find access to a personal computer with suitable word processing software and to have adequate access to the internet. Communication with students will be primarily via email. We also require our students to keep back-ups and records of all their correspondence, assignments, and other submissions.
Special Students
Special students are students who qualify for admission into Grace Bible College and Theological Reprogramming but do not intend on completing all courses. We limit the amount of special students admitted into the program and this type of application is considered on a case-by-case basis. A completed application must be submitted along with a written request to be admitted as a special student. This written request must indicate why the student wants to attend selected classes and must indicate which classes he would like to attend. Special students are required to pay regular tuition and fees; exact amounts will be calculated upon acceptance of the student.
Auditing of Classes
Auditing of classes is not encouraged by us , but in rare cases may be permitted. A completed application must be submitted along with a written request to be admitted as an auditor. Auditors are required to pay regular tuition and fees; exact amounts will be calculated upon acceptance of the student.
Withdrawal from a Program
If a student withdraws from the program during the semester he/she will receive a W-grade for the subject that is in process. If the student is failing that subject at the time of withdrawal, the grade will be marked WF. If he/she is passing the subject, the grade will be marked W. A student must inform us of his/her withdrawal in writing. Readmission into the program will be subject to the President and a student may need to reapply. For details on refunds and the financial implications of withdrawal, please refer to our Financial Aid on the admission page.
Admissions Policies
1.Purpose
This policy sets forth the principles to be applied with regards to admission of students into the program of Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary.
2.Scriptural Criteria
The purpose of College and Seminary ’ pastoral ministry program is to train pastors and elders to serve the church of Jesus Christ.The Mission courses are to train young people for mission. According to Scripture only men of suitable qualification may fulfill such leadership roles within the church (1 Tim 2:12; 3:1-13; 2 Tim 2:2; Titus 1:5-9). Therefore:
2.1 Only men may apply for admission to pastoral ministry program
2.2 Only men who meet the biblical criteria for leadership may be admitted into pastoral ministry programs
3:Male and Female may apply to study in the Bible college for mission service and training.
3.Admission Process
The following process must be followed for all applications:
3.1 A completed application must be submitted along with all supporting documentation. Unsigned or incomplete applications will not be processed.
3.2 The application and all material must be reviewed by the admissions committee.
3.3 Students who meet the biblical criteria in §2 above will be vetted according to the criteria laid out in §4 below. Students who do not meet the criteria in §2 above will be informed in writing that their application is unsuccessful.
3.4 Students who meet the admission criteria will be interviewed along with their wife (if married) and pastor or an elder from their church as part of the vetting process. The interview process must take into account the criteria listed in §4 below. Where a student is not able to meet in person with the admissions committee, the interview may take place via an online medium or over the phone.
3.5 Students who meet the criteria for admission will be admitted into the program and informed in writing. The admissions committee may admit a student with conditions that must be met by the student, which may include the successful completion of a bridging course. Students who do not meet the criteria after the vetting process will be informed in writing.
4.Vetting Criteria
The following criteria will be considered when determining the suitability of a candidate for admission:
4.1 The student must be a believer in Jesus Christ and be able to give a clear testimony of his faith.
4.2 The student should demonstrate that his /her character meets the biblical elder qualifications as listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:2 and related passages.
4.3 He/her should hold to evangelical doctrine that is aligned with the Shepherds’ doctrinal statement. Where there are differences, he should declare these.
4.4 He/her should provide evidence of his spiritual gifted-ness in the form of commendable effectiveness in his current ministry.
4.5 He / her should be fluent in English and demonstrate his ability to function academically at a level equivalent to a Master’s degree.
4.6 He/her should have a record of employment and demonstrate his faithfulness and discipline in this regard.
4.7 He/her should demonstrate humility, teachable, and a desire to submit himself to the authority of Scripture.
4.8 The student should be age-appropriate: he should not be a new convert and should at least be in his mid twenties. Students who show giftedness for ministry, but are deemed too young, will be asked to apply again at a latter date. Age-appropriateness will be determined by the admissions committee.
4.9 A non-resident of Ghana must obtain the necessary Ghana permit/visa that allows them to be in the country legally for the duration of their studies.
4.10 A non-resident of Ghana student must provide proof that he has found a suitable Ghanaian church where he will attend and serve, and whose leaders will mentor him.
5.Annual Review
Every student who is accepted into Grace Bible College and Theological Seminary programs will be subject to an annual review of his suitability for pastoral ministry and thus continuation in the programs.
5.1 A formal review will be conducted annually. However, should a lecturer, College and Seminary staff, or the student’s home church deem it necessary, a formal review can be conducted at any time.
5.2 The student will be reviewed according to the criteria in §4 and in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
5.3 The annual review will incorporate input from the student, lecturers, and home church leaders/mentors. His academic progress and grades will also be reviewed.
5.4 A student who fails to meet the criteria of §4 will be removed from the program. He and his church will be informed in writing.
5.5 Costs incurred by the student as a result of being removed from a Shepherds program remain the responsibility of the student. Any costs incurred by Shepherds as a result of removing a student from a Shepherds program will be charged to the student’s account. Re-reimbursement of tuition and fees will take place as per the Shepherds’ Financial Policy.
6.Waiving of Subjects
A student who has completed theological courses elsewhere may apply to us to waive classes in the College and Seminary program. We will process such applications on a case-by-case basis, but as a rule, prefers students to complete the entire program.
6.1 Waiving of classes will lie at the discretion of the Academic Head and lecturing staff.
6.2 When a student applies to waive classes he/she must provide a detailed description of all the work completed for that subject including class syllabi, copies of assignments, grades, and any other information requested by the Academic Head or lecturing staff.
6.3 If a partial waiver is granted a student may be required to attend classes or fulfill other requirements.
7.International Students
We require all international students to abide by Ghana Law and obtain the necessary legal status for study in Ghana.
7.1 We will assist international students by providing documentation required by GH Home Affairs in processing the visa application.
7.2 All requirements for admission as set out in the Admissions Policy Of Grace Bible College and Seminary must be met by international students.
7.3 Proof of legal status in Ghana must be submitted to us once obtained by the student. No student will be allowed to begin classes without proof of legal status.
7.4 Any international student who fails to meet his visa requirements will be asked to return to his home country until such time that his visa requirements are met. We reserves the right to remove an international student from any of its program for failure to maintain his legal status in Ghana.
7.5 International students who fail to meet the criteria of ongoing admission in Grace College and Seminary program as set out in the Admissions Policy will not be reimbursed for any financial loss on their part. All costs for return to his home country will be the responsibility of the student.
7.6 Where necessary, Grace College and Seminary will inform Ghana Home Affairs of the removal of an international student from its program.
8.Non-Discrimination Policy
This policy will be applied fairly to all students irrespective of their race, color, national, and ethnic background and all students will be given the full rights and privileges due to them in Shepherds program.