*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 .

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

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.

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.
• Gentle accountability – If you have a tendency to procrastinate (like me) or are simply busy and scattered, it helps to keep studying the Word of God a priority. (And no one wants to disappoint our Ms. Judy by not having our homework done!
• Advanced level classes – With flexibility as to the investment of your time and money. Audit the class (scripture reading, attending class & a completion of a workbook) or take it for credit toward a certificate (add a few research papers, more texts to read, exams, etc.)
• Professors – Classes are taught by experienced teachers who are also bible scholars, missionaries, preachers, bible archeologists, historians, etc. The additional knowledge they bring to the video lectures, such as history and geography (i.e. Richard Rogers) or bible archeology (i.e. Ted Stewart) helps me to understand the culture and context of the scriptures we study.
• Location, location, location – Within a 30 minute drive from work/home for me. (You mean, I don’t have to move out of state for this…!)
• Fringe benefits – Great fellowship in small groups that even an introvert like me can relax and enjoy.

We at the Erie church of Christ are blessed with a number of wonderful, devoted and educated bible teachers. But the usual bible class environment does not allow for as much time or depth or breadth of study, along with the above benefits, as does EBI.

I had "attended church" since I was a child; but have never learned so much about the scriptures as I have the last few years in EBI. And thanks to God, I have become part of the Lord’s church. It’s not just a matter of semantics. I have an eternal family now.
 

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,

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