STUDENT GUIDE

COURSE SCHEDULE
 
For a full-time student, the expectation is to complete the courses as follows:
 
  • Fall Term: 9 Credit Hours (3 courses)
  • General Assembly: 6 Credit Hours (2 courses)
  • Spring Term: 9 Credit Hours (3 courses)
  • Summer Term: 3 Credit Hours (1 course)
  • Summer Convention: 6 Credit hours (2 courses)
 
This schedule presents the opportunity for students to complete the Ministerial Certificate programs in two years and the Pastoral Certification program in four years.
 
RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE
The five required ministerial courses in a student’s certificate program will be taught in full semester terms and not during the conventions. Consequently, students should enroll in those courses in sequential order each semester to assure that he/she graduates on time.
 
MULTIPLE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
After a student has successfully completed their 60-hour requirements in one of the three CMS, CET or CTC programs, he/she may minor in a second and/or third certificate program. They must complete the five courses for each minor certificate area and fulfill all of the requirements of that program. It is important to note that a student seeking multiple certifications has two options: He/she may complete both the major and minor simultaneously before graduating and participating in the ordination process with a double degree. However, if a student has already been ordained but wishes to add instructions in a minor degree area, he/she will not be ordained/consecrated as a minister the second time. A second ordination will occur for those who complete the Pastoral Certificate Program.
 
NON-CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS
 
Special courses may be offered at CTI to assist enrollees who seek to enhance their body of knowledge in other ministry areas including but not limited to: Home Mission, Deaconship, Choir Leadership, Church Administration and Children’s Ministry. The instructors of these courses may be recruited from ministries outside of the EB but must maintain the same CTI policies and procedures. Enrollees must pay the same application and tuition fees as those enrolled in the certificate programs.
 
ATTENDANCE POLICY
 
All students must attend classes to successfully complete the curriculum. Coordination for absences should be discussed with the instructors ahead of time to ensure that students are on track with assignments and to obtain any additional requirements for missed instructions. Students who miss more than three classes per course, run the risk of being withdrawn with a failing grade. Students will be required to re-enroll and successfully complete all courses in order to be eligible to be considered for graduation and ordination/consecration.
 
MANDATORY CONVENTION ATTENDANCE
It is mandatory that every candidate register and attends all summer conventions as well as the General Sessions. Any person not attending must be approved by the Examining Board administrative staff at least two weeks before the start of the convention.
 
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to have access to a computer system and the internet because a great deal of course instruction will be delivered on-line. It is also recommended that students use a personal headset for the best instructional experience. Those who lack computer skills should seek assistance from someone able to provide support throughout the educational process. Again, students are expected to sign-on to on-line training sessions so access to a computer is mandatory.
 
FORMATTING OF COURSEWORK: 
 
All papers will be typed in Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri font at 12 pitch (standard spacing between characters) and referenced in APA style. It is recommended that candidates
 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students must complete 60-hours of coursework with an accumulated GPA of 2.0 before applying for a certificate of completion. The program requires 20 courses that are 3.0 credit hours each for a total of 60-hours. ACCREDITATION

The Church of God by Faith Theological Institute has filed for registeration under Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes and Rule 6E-5.001. of the Commission of Independent Christian Education by the State of Florida.

We are not affiliated with or accredited by any other regional or national accrediting agency and have successfully trained ministers and pastors internally for over 50 years. Our candidates have been consecrated and ordained in a variety of areas including Christian ministry, teaching, evangelism, and pastoral training. Our most important objective is to prepare men and women to advance the Word of God. INTENSE CONVENTION TRAINING

All students are expected to attend the summer conventions and winter general assemblies. This is crucial because of the intense study during those times. The expectation is to offer several courses during conventions as well as final exams for the Fall and Spring terms. Therefore, those who do not attend will be significantly behind and off of their program study cycle.
 

CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN ORDAINED IN OTHER CHURCHES

The COGBF addresses the credentials and qualifications of incoming or affiliated ministers and elders on an individual basis. Candidates should contact CTI officials for additional information
.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
 
There are three semesters of instruction per year: Summer, Fall and Spring. The expectation is for full-time students to complete 30-hours per year and graduate from the one of the three CMS, CET or CTC programs in approximately two years. The Pastoral Certificate Program will take approximately two additional years for a total of four years.
 
HOW ARE COURSES TAUGHT?
  • Live instructions at the district level Live instructions at the national conventions  
  • Live, on-line computer instructions
  • Recorded on-line instruction
  • Individual practicums

GRADING POLICY

Each course is worth 3-credit hours. The grading scale is “A – F” and only grades of a “C” or better will pass the course. Students who do not pass must repeat the course before advancing to other courses. Students who fail the same course twice must contact the academic advisor for counseling. Students who submit late assignments may suffer penalties from reduced grades to complete failure of the class. 
 
TUITION COSTS
The current cost of each course is $85.00 and may increase with notification. The due date for fees will be posted each semester and students who do not comply will pay late fees or potentially be dropped.
 
REQUIRED BOOKS
Several books are required for all students to complete their programs of study.
 
It is recommended that candidates use this website instead of purchasing a book. The book is very complicated and detailed. The website may be sufficient for basic examples for citations. All of the course books can be purchased on-line at www.cogbf.org bookstore or in-person at the conventions.

 

STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE EXAMINING BOARD TRAINING PROGRAM
 
Students who are currently enrolled in what was previously known as the Examining Board training program must see an academic advisor as soon as possible to establish individual academic plans. The majority of students will discover a much shorter completion date because the old program took four years for ministers and eight for elders to complete. CTI requires two years for ministers and four for elders. Students can expect the following: 
 
SERVICE HONORS PROGRAM
 
Students with at least a 3.5 GPA on 15 or more credit hours may enroll in this program. A specially designated Service Honors Cord will be worn during the Ordination Service. The other requirements are as follows:
  • Provide academic advisement for CTI students
  • Assist CTI students with technology requirements 
  • Submit Honors Application to registrar
 
ACADEMIC HONORS PROGRAM
 
Students who graduate from 36-60 credit hour programs may be selected to graduate with academic honors. Transfer students may also be considered if they present an official transcript with individual course grades. The other requirements are as follows:
  • All students with 4.0 GPAs are automatically included as long as they have a minimum of 36 credit hours at graduation. 
  • In semesters where no one has a 4,0, the top two graduates will receive academic honors. 
  • Students with high GPAs should contact the register during their last semester to determine if they are a candidates for the academic honors program.
 
PROGRAM GRADUATION PROCESS
 
Students who believe they have completed all of the graduation requirements must complete the Graduation Application. The application must be signed by the student’s local pastor and district superintendent to confirm his/her standing within their local church. The student’s transcript and application is presented to the EB for final approval. Each student will also sit for an oral interview with members of the EB to show their readiness to graduate.
  • GRADUATION CEREMONY
    • The Examining Board will submit a list of graduates to the Executive Council for ordination/consecration. The Examining Board will also make the following determinations:
    • Address how the ceremonies will take place.
    • Establish protocols for the ordained and/or consecrated.
  • Articulate graduation logistics including the time, dates, regalia and location of various completion ceremonies