Sunset Satellite Schools

As of January 1, 2010 the fees for each course taken toward a Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree* are as follows: Students studying toward a Bachelor of Biblical Studies will pay $90.00 per course; those studying toward a Certificate of Biblical Studies will pay $45.00 per course. Audit students who want to receive a certificate of completion from Sunset will pay $10.00 per course. Fees are due the first week of each course.
   *Credits toward degrees are not granted in states in which our degree program is not recognized or authorized. Satellite administrators are advised to check with their state higher education board.

Click here to download a copy of the latest Satellite School Handbook. Because of recent changes and additions to our Satellite School program, a new edition of the Satellite School Handbook has been published. We encourage all of our current administrators and other interested parties to download this latest version, or call us to request a printed copy. Additions and changes include details about the bachelors degree program,* updated costs and fees, a current list of textbooks and other materials required for each course, and our expanded course offerings.

*Credits toward degrees are not granted in states in which our degree program is not recognized or authorized. Satellite administrators are advised to check with their state higher education board.

This is a question I am asked very often. Actually, no, you cannot have too many satellite schools within a local area. Here are the reasons why. The satellite school  program and its curriculum are flexible enough to be  tailored to the specific needs and goals of each congregation. Suppose one congregation needs to train some to teach or to equip future teachers through a deeper  level of study of God’s word. So, they decide that to do this most effectively, a Wednesday evening class  should be conducted because this is the most convenient time  for those involved. Suppose another congregation wants to  use the program to teach and ground new Christians in the  faith. So, they have decided to streamline their studies for  that purpose and make it a part of their community evangelism. Still another congregation sees the need to reach those on the outer fringe. So, they use Sunday  mornings to re-introduce Christ to members who have lost  their way. The purposes for these satellite schools are  different and they may not all intend to bring other  congregations together. Instead, they are specialized and  structured for different needs. This way, two or three  congregations may be within twenty minutes of each other and each one be involved with a satellite school of their own. What specialized area of ministry needs special  attention in your congregation? The satellite school program can offer that special needed  energy, organization, materials, and opportunity to assist in achieving your goals.

Posted by Darrell Wallace, Field Representative, SIBI Satellite Schools. Contact Darrell at satelliteschoolsse@gmail.com or visit his website at www.satelliteschoolsse.org .

The 2010 Sunset International Bible Institute graduation exercises will take place on Saturday, May 22nd at 10:00 am in the Sunset Church of Christ auditorium, 3723 34th Street, Lubbock, Texas.

All Satellite School graduates who are planning to attend and receive their diplomas or certificates must immediately fill out the Graduation Form (click to download) and return to us along with a suitable photo for inclusion in the graduation program. See the Graduation Form for all details. We must receive your form and photo no later than Friday, May 8.
 

Schedule of Events

Ladies’ Salad Supper – Thursday, May 20 – 6:00 pm – Sunset Church of Christ Hall of Flags

Graduation Banquet – Friday, May 21 – 5:30 pm – Sunset Church of Christ Family Life Center

Graduation Exercises – Saturday, May 22 – 10:00 am – Sunset Church of Christ Auditorium

The Keller School of Biblical Studies is part of the work of the Keller Church of Christ in Keller, Texas. Begun in September 2008, Robert McGaughey is the administrator. By April 13, 2010 they had successfully completed all the requirements to be recognized by Sunset International Bible Institute as a Certified Satellite School. Keller is the 17th school to be certified by Sunset. The church’s website is at www.kellercofc.org.

Above is the Fall 2009 class of Fulton Bible Institute in Fulton, Mississippi. Administrator Russ Crosswhite reports they average 51 students per class coming from 15 different area congregations! They have just finished the Bible History II course.

by Jen, age 35 – now a part of the Erie Church of Christ in Erie, Pennsylvania

I had never heard of the churches of Christ. I was not a Christian when I came to Erie Bible Institute (EBI), but I was seeking God. I prayed for direction, not knowing where to go, and went to the Yellow Pages, (I had to start somewhere!) and found a lot of division and confusion. Have you ever read the headings there? I didn’t understand most of the classifications…Apostolic (?)…Baptist–the "just Baptist groups" , Independent, Southern (in Erie, PA?)…Evangelical (and no one else is?)…Full Gospel…Gospel (apparently the just "Gospel" group were missing something)…etc. I believe under "Non-denominational" I found an ad for Erie Bible Institute and the church of Christ.

I didn’t trust the doctrine of men, but I did want to study the Word of God. The first week I attended a worship service at the church of Christ, "just happened" to be the first week of the EBI semester. It was through study at EBI, and the love of the people I met there and the support of the church (not to mention the work of the Holy Spirit who made it possible) that I became a baptized believer and disciple of Jesus Christ. So, yeah, I guess you could say I think it’s beneficial.

What I love about EBI:
• Undemanding learning – Although we attend class in a building belonging to a church, as a non-believer I wasn’t worried that I’d be asked to place membership or take on a responsibility or role I didn’t want or for which I wasn’t ready. I was there solely to study the Word of God. The classroom is a known and comfortable environment for many people in the world—unlike participating in worship services with an unfamiliar religious group.
• Focused studying on the Word of God – We have an agenda and we stick with it. Read the rest of this entry »

Begun In 1994 the Satellite School Program started as video and audio tapes of the Preaching School instructors teaching the preacher students. As technology progressed, the tapes were replaced by CDs and DVDs. More than 100 churches have successful satellite schools, training hundreds of people to be more effective disciples and soul-winners.

Those of you with Satellite Schools, are “partnered” with something much bigger than you dreamed – world-wide! Subsequent posts will try to describe each of your partners with God – stay tuned!

If you don’t have access to a Satellite School near you, consult with your elders about this effective way to “feed their flock”. We will help you – even by coming to speak with your elders or address your congregations. Just ask us! We will come.

In Him,  Bill Powers

 In 1962, Cline Paden, a missionary to Italy and Denmark, returned to West Texas with his wife, Jo. He asked the Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock to support his efforts in starting the Latin American Bible School to train Spanish speaking preachers. (The first class of students is pictured here.) They did and it grew over the years to become the Sunset International Bible Institute.
     The Sunset congregation now numbers around 1,200 members, and is considered an evangelistic congregation by any standard. The Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) with its many diversified programs is all under the oversight of the Sunset Church of Christ elders.
     In addition to the original residental preacher training school, SIBI also includes the External Studies Division, the Adventures in Missions Program, the International Division, the Senior Adventures in Ministry Program, and the American Sign Language department. We can also speak of the SIBI trained missionaries supported by the Sunset congregation. Isn’t it amazing, so truly marvelous, how God has spread His word and story throughout the world with a handful of His people?  To God by the glory!!
     More to come, so visit this site often – and leave a comment if you desire.

– Bill Powers, Satellite School Coordinator

He wasn’t much for stirrin’ out,
It wasn’t his desire;
No matter what the others did,
He was sittin’ by the fire.

Same old habit, day by day,
He never seemed to tire;
While others helped to build God’s church,
He was sittin’ by the fire.

And when he died as we all will do,
They said he probably went higher;
But if he’s doing what he always did,
He’s still sittin’ by the Fire!
– Author Unknown –

We all have that choice, don’t we! Our Lord did, too. No sin to be tempted; it’s in the decision after all. We must teach, live and preach the Word!

– Bill Powers, Satellite Schools Coordinator