Church of God Division of Education
From the beginning of the Church of God, leaders saw the need for ministerial training and Christian higher education. In 1918, the Bible Training School (now Lee University) was formed in Cleveland, Tennessee. From that time, the Church of God has continued to expand Christian higher education and ministerial training. Today, there are 116 Bible colleges and institutions around the world, and hundreds of noninstitutional ministerial training venues.
Under the oversight of the director of the Division of Education (DOE) and the General Board of Education, the DOE has two primary responsibilities: (1) ecclesiastical oversight of postsecondary educational institutions, and (2) supervision of ministerial development and continuing education of ministers.
Under the oversight of the director of the Division of Education (DOE) and the General Board of Education, the DOE has two primary responsibilities: (1) ecclesiastical oversight of postsecondary educational institutions, and (2) supervision of ministerial development and continuing education of ministers.
Postsecondary Education
To increase the effectiveness of Church of God educational institutions, in 2002, the General Board of Education authorized a plan called Church of God Institutional Standards and Criteria for Denominational Certification. Through the certification, the DOE recognizes Church of God postsecondary educational institutions at one of four levels—Level I, Christian Service Schools; Level II, Bible Institutes; Level III, Degree-Granting Institutions; and Level IV, Graduate Degree-Granting Institutions.
Ministerial Development/School of Ministry (MDSOM)
MDSOM provides both ministerial and lay training through a variety of ministries:
- The School of Ministry offers a certificate upon completion of the Certificate In Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program, with courses in Bible, doctrine, and practical ministry.
- The Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) trains ministers for the rank of ordained ministers.
- The Calling And Ministry Studies (CAMS) program enables applicants to explore their calling—whether they are called to clergy ministry or a different ministry.
- Ministerial licensure provides resources and study materials and coordinates the background checks.
- The Lay Leadership Development (LLD) program prepares laity for ministry in the local church.
Ministerial Licensure
In ministerial licensure, resources and study materials are prepared. In addition, ministerial licensure coordinates the ministerial background checks.
Internet Degree Program
In an effort to especially provide a college education for ministers, the Division of Education through Lee University offers the Internet Degree Program. The bachelor of arts degree in Christian leadership has concentrations in ministry leadership, music and worship leadership, counseling leadership, and youth leadership.
USA Hispanic Education Ministries (USAHEM)
USAHEM promotes ministerial education for Hispanics in the Church of God, specifically using the CIMS, MIP, and CAMS programs, and coordinates the Hispanic Bible Institutes in the United States.
