Africa Bible College

What about TEE? Does it still exist?


Remember, too, that SA is far and away the most prosperous sub-Saharan country, and $1000/R9000 is not "cheap" there. In some African countries, R9000 or so is an astronomical sum.

 

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I suppose to these the $50 per unit this school charges also is expensive .

 

Yes, Bill, I think it is.
I agree that they likely have no business offering beyond a diplomate or bachelors--possibly, just possibly an MRE or something.

Question for Haggai12: Is this associated with the AG? The Springfield location made me wonder. If so, might it eventually coordinate somehow with Global?

 

Yes, I suppose it is. Someone mentioned Nations University. It is free. I would recommend them to someone who couldn't afford a higher education but still had the desire to improve themselves and to better minister.

 

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It would be tragic for anyone desiring to devote him/herself to study to be denied that because , through no fault of his/her own, there was no $ for it. Yes, I think, some teachers of the NT Church were salaried. And yes I know that teachers too must eat. But there must be qualified retired profs or profs just who could donate a little time to supervise the learning of their fellow Christians who have no means to pay. Perhaps there will be a judgment of those of us who could help others who want to learn - but did not,

"..For I was hungry, and you gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink.." (Matthew 25).

 

Hello again (I've been out of town)...

To Uncle Janko...... There is no AG connection I am aware of. This is a private venture, as it were. To date, Jeremiah has several volitional faculty involved, though I cannot comment on their qualifications.

To Bill, I hear and understand all you argue. The quandry in Africa, is that many people only earn $50/month!! What is to us, a weekend outing at the ball-game is several months income for many in the Two-Thirds World.

The question is, of course, how do we offer quality Christian education that is affordable to people who only earn $50/month??

SATS, Uzulu, Unisa, et al, are very affordable to Americans (read Westerners), but still (as Uncle Janko alluded) very expensive to Africans.

I have heard some argue (not here) that no educational venue should be offered if it is not properly accredited. What training are these folks to have then??

I and many others welcome your input into such problems, because in a very real sense, the future of the faith depends upon it..... especially in light of such works as Philip Jenkins (2002) The Next Christendom.

Blessings to all!

 

To Bill, I hear and understand all you argue. The quandry in Africa, is that many people only earn $50/month!! What is to us, a weekend outing at the ball-game is several months income for many in the Two-Thirds World.

The question is, of course, how do we offer quality Christian education that is affordable to people who only earn $50/month??

SATS, Uzulu, Unisa, et al, are very affordable to Americans (read Westerners), but still (as Uncle Janko alluded) very expensive to Africans.

I have heard some argue (not here) that no educational venue should be offered if it is not properly accredited. What training are these folks to have then??


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I'm not good at economics.

But it is my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong, that this school charges $50 per unit. So, one class might cost $150. But if that is right, then how is this affordable either?

Even the materiel is costly. Erickson's book plus the other for one Theology course listed at that school's site probably have a combined cost of another $50. So, how can these students afford that either?

Then, do those impoverished students have computer access? That too costs money. But if they do not, how do they complete a program of distance learning?

But I think that if there were computer internet access, then courses could be taught in Bible/Theology without the purchase of hard materiel. There's much on the web in Engish at any rate. And I think also there could be found volunteers qualified academically and by experience to direct such instruction especially if English could be used.

I understand this might have to be done at a slower pace--I taught in secondary school coursework at a slow pace for 35 years!

Of course teaching should occur whether accredited or not. But IMO, quality must still be sought after!

But you have not responded to one of my points. Why must this school give advanced degrees? Why are doc degrees necessary for ministers? Why cannot the school just give certificates or perhaps undergrad degrees?

But if a doc is to be given, then, IMO, it should only be given when the program is the equivalent of an accredited program.

To do otherwise sacrifices truth on the altar of convenience , and this does not to me seem to be Christian.

 

Sorry to but in.... but since I graduated at SATS, I have the duty for giving feedback....
1. I think for an African, SA is still nearer to US esp for mailing purposes (books, readers, assignments, exams)... in this way SATS or other affordable SA institutes have a distinct advantage for Africans.
2. In one Missiology course (World Religions) the African view of religion was treated. This is usually not in the curriculum of western thoughts. For an African, this is crucial.... its an inculturated syllabus which would be more helpful.

PS I'm not African, but I got to appreciate the African culture from my DL study there. (and yes, I've never set foot in Africa although I am supposed to get the diploma there this November's graduation ceremony, but will not be able to due to distance... Oh,if only I had the money!)

 

Hello Bill Grover and all,


Sorry I missed your other point.... I agree with you. There is no need as such.

The logistical problems in the Two-Thirds World are huge.

Thankfully, there are people who are offering education via the internet for no charge.... however, most in West Africa (and many, many other parts of the world) do not have a computer and must rent time on a PC at a local computer cafe.

Power failures are common, there are no printers, no way to copy, or send files, and on it goes.

South Africa seems "primitive" to many Americans, but is years ahead of other parts of Africa (Asia and So. America).

Technology exists in the Two-Thirds World, but the gap in real terms is so much greater than most Westerners can appreciate.

I never realized how blessed (and spoiled) we are in the West until I went to West Africa.

Anyway, hope that answers your question.