History
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is the recognized educational ministry of Hope Outreach Ministries Inc. Apostle Sylvester Brinson III founded
Hope Outreach Ministries Inc. December of 1983 in Chicago Illinois.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is an outgrowth of Hope School of Ministry formerly known as Hope Biblical Institute a program division of
Hope Outreach Ministry Inc.
Dr. Brinson as Founder and Dean began to teach bible classes, hold workshops and lead seminars related to Kingdom building and training those seeking ministerial certification, license and ordination in 1983.
In 2002 Hope School of Ministry became an Affiliate of Midwest Christian College & Seminary located in Munster and Schererville, Ind. Dr. Brinson served for two years as its Dean and on the Faculty. Unable to grant degrees in the state of Illinois this affiliation provided us with the opportunity to transfer our student’s remaining 16 hours of study into Midwest Christian College & Seminary share faculty, graduate and grant students degrees.
In 2004 Hope Bible Institute & Seminary under the Authority of Hope Outreach Ministries Inc., was duly authorized to grant its own degrees as a result of receiving a Certificate of Authority to operate as an Illinois Non-Profit Foreign Corporation exclusively for Religious, Educational and Social purposes in the state of Indiana.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary now serves as the Umbrella that consolidates the teaching ministries of The Hope School of Ministry and the training ministries of Hope Outreach Ministries Inc. and its’ consortium of related Bible Institutes, Schools of Ministries and Teaching Ministries in the HOMI Fellowship/Reformation Network.
God is continually blessing this educational ministry and those students currently enrolled in our classroom and distance learning programs.
Accreditation
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is accredited by American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions (A.A.A.T.I.) Rocky Mount, NC. and Accrediting Association of Bible Schools and Theological Institutions, Inc. (A.A.B.S.T.I.) Chicago, IL.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is not relegated but granted “Exemption” by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education as a Religious Institution.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary, Furthermore, does uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity to assure that all the degrees awarded are absolutely legitimate and totally honorable.
A degree awarded from Hope Bible Institute & Seminary covers the major taken with that degree. A student or potential student must understand that credits taken in one type program may or may not transfer to another type program. This is the sole determination of the receiving institution.
The job market is highly competitive. Training is specialized in most fields. A graduate in one field may have difficulty in being hired in a field that they are not certified for.
Persons whose professional career goals require a certification by a state or federal governmental agency should check in advance to determine whether a degree from Hope Bible Institute & Seminary would be acceptable. Individuals needing to earn a regionally accredited degree in one of our disciplines may wish to investigate comparable programs at more traditional
Institutions accredited by a regional association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is a non – secular Institution. It is our sole purpose to expand and prepare our students in the study of the Bible, Theology and for Christian related ministries.
Affiliation
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is a Ministry Division of Hope Outreach Ministries, Inc. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana with extended ministries in the States of Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Florida, - Internationally Accra, Ghana., Nigeria, South Africa and Johannesburg-South Africa.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is an Evangelical/Charismatic, Independent, Biblical Based, Apostolic and Educational Ministry to the Body Christ.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary provides for a net-working consortium of Independent Biblical based Schools of Ministries, Bible Colleges and Seminaries.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is not relegated but granted "Exemption" by the State of Indiana's Commission on Proprietary Education as a Religious Institution.
A degree awarded from Hope Bible Institute & Seminary covers the major taken with that degree. A student or potential student must understand that credits taken in one type program may or may not transfer to another type program. This is the sole determination of the receiving institution.
The job market is highly competitive. Training is specialized in most fields. A graduate in one field may have difficulty in being hired in a field that they are not certified for.
Persons whose professional career goals require a certification by a state or federal governmental agency should check in advance to determine whether a degree from Hope Bible Institute & Seminary would be acceptable. Individuals needing to earn a regionally accredited degree in one of our disciplines may wish to investigate comparable programs at more traditional Institutions accredited by a regional association by the U.S. Department of Education.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is a Non-Secular Institution. It is the sole purpose to expand and prepare our students in the study of the Bible, Theology and for Christian related Ministries.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary is accredited by The Accrediting Association of Bible Schools and Theological Institutions, Inc (A.A.B.S.T.I.), Chicago, IL.
Admission Policy
Enrollment shall be granted to each student applicant of at least 17 years
Of age, without regard to sex, race, color, physical disability, national and ethnic origin, creed, denomination or religious affiliation, expressing a desire to learn.
Applicants should have a spiritual covering and be related to a local Church or Ministry.
HBIS seeks to encourage vigorous discussion and research as an integral element in our common search for truth. We believe that the engagement of one another in discussion is a necessary precondition for genuine learning, faithfulness, and mutuality.
HBIS seeks to be and challenge our students to be a prophetic arm of the church on issues of pressing human concern by providing a forum in which these social questions can be addressed freely and critically in the context of biblical, theological perspectives and revelation.
HBIS seeks for applicants who exhibit and embody the transcendent unity that is ours in Jesus Christ.
Procedures
Complete application forms, reference forms and all application instructions.
Request official transcripts from all institutions of education, which you have attended or received credit for one or more courses to be sent to our office.
Ensure that all admissions materials are received by our office (preferably as one package) in advance of applicable deadlines for admissions consideration for a selected term or semester of study or degree program.
Application fees vary according to programs. Tuition deposits are payable within 30 days after notification of admission.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary provides for 4 study modules of course programs for the earning of degrees.
Online – Offers the convenience of home study to fit the students schedule needs.
Correspondence/Distance Learning – Offers the convenience of home study to fit the students schedule needs.
Classroom Instruction – Designed to give the student the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting with other students providing for discussion and support groups.
Classes held Day, Evening and Weekend Intensives.
Degree Programs
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary provides Accelerated Programs of Classroom Instruction and Distance Learning for the earning of an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degrees in Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, Music and The Sacred Arts, Finance and Church Administration, as evaluated and recommended by the Faculty.
Minimum requirements can be fulfilled by successfully taking and passing the ASAP (Advanced Student and Professional) Examination.
School transcripts and/or documentation pertaining to past Educational Training, Ministry and/or LLE (Accumulative Life Learning Experience) credits can be awarded with detailed summary and documentation
Pastor’s Accelerated Degree Program – This program is reserved as in – ministry degrees preparing pastors for continued leadership in the church and enhancing their competence as practical theologians. The goal of this degree program is to build on the experience of the student while making a commitment to meeting the needs of leadership in the church and the serious theological reflection foundational to this task.
Pastors enrolled in this program upon evaluation of their Portfolio are provided with individualized courses of study to meet their academic needs and HBIS requirements for a degree as recommended by the Assessment Committee.
Students may enroll in both the Classroom Instruction and Correspondence/Distance Learning study modules.
Student Portfolio
Student Portfolio (Curriculum Vitae)
All students enrolled in HBIS degree program are required to complete a Student Portfolio (Curriculum Vitae), which summarizes the learning, acquired from academic, personal, and professional experiences. All students must complete the Portfolio regardless of the
Number of transfer credits they have accumulated prior to enrolling at HBIS.
The preparation of the Portfolio has two main purposes: (1) It provides a means by which students may petition for Accumulative Life Learning Experience (LLE) credits applicable to their degree, and (2) It provides students the opportunity to summarize and evaluate experiences they bring with them to the program.
Student Portfolio (Curriculum Vitae) II
In addition to the student Portfolio submitted prior to enrolling at HBIS, a final Portfolio (Addendum) can be submitted upon completion of a degree program to the Graduation Assessment Committee for evaluation and additional LLE credit (4 credit hours). In cases where the Portfolio needs improvement, the student will be notified to what needs to be corrected. (Portfolio Guide available upon request)
Term Paper, Theses, and Dissertation Requirements
All written work must be typed (12 point), double - spaced, standard margins on standard white paper, one side of the page only, and submitted in a 3-ring binder. Students writing research papers, theses, and dissertations are expected to use the guidelines set forth by Kate L. Turabian
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations 7th Edition.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from theological seminaries, bible colleges, schools of ministries, will be given credit for classes taken as their credits approximates the curriculum of HBIS. Any course grades less than “C” will not be transferred. A copy of previous transcripts is to be sent to the office of HBIS for evaluation. Upon completion of each evaluation, HBIS will notify the student of the number of course credits accepted by the Seminary. All Transfer students must complete a minimum of 16 undergraduate hours or 18 graduate hours to be eligible for any degree.
Transferability of Credits
Credits earned at Hope Bible Institute & Seminary are transferable at the discretion of the receiving institution. Also, Credits transferred to HBIS are received at the discretion of the Admissions/Academic Committee.
Transcripts
All grades recorded become a permanent part of the student’s academic history. If a student receives a failing grade, that grade will remain on the record. If such a course is retaken the new registration and grade will also be recorded on the students record.
When a request is made for an official transcript the first transcript form HBIS for each student is provided without charge, but each subsequent official transcript is issued at a charge of $10.00.
Accumulative Life Experience Policies (LLE)
The American Council on Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation have acknowledged that “American society abounds in resources for learning at the postsecondary level, Associations, businesses, government, industry, and unions sponsor formal instruction. In addition, independent study and reading, work experiences, the mass media, and social interaction contribute to learning and competency.”
The Student Portfolio (Curriculum Vitae) required by Hope Bible Institute & Seminary assist the school in fulfilling this exhortation for post – secondary institutions to “assess extra – institutional learning as part of their credentialing function.” HBIS records Accumulative Life Learning Experience credits on a student’s transcript at all levels, but these LLE credits are not included as part of the minimum credit hour requirement for any doctoral degree
The maximum LLE credit hours allowed toward HBIS degrees:
Associates – 25; Bachelor’s – 25; Master’s - 25 Doctor’s – none
The Crown – Royalty. “…But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…” I Peter 2:9
The Shield – Faith “…Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph. 6:16
The Cross – Salvation “For God so loved the world that He gave…” John 3; 16
The Bible – The Word of God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” II Tim. 3:16
The Sword of The Spirit – Power “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” Heb. 4:12
Motto
“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”
School Colors
Yellow Gold – representing Celebration
Green – representing Prosperity and Growth
The color, scarlet, represents study in Theology.
Hope Bible Institute & Seminary graduation hoods combine the colors yellow gold, green and scarlet.