Growing Trend of Church-Based Colleges “Covered” by Another College’s Accreditation

Jonathan Whatley · Jan 5, 2026

David Bumgardner at The Roys Report said:

Elevation Church has announced a new academic partnership that steers the megachurch further toward the charismatic and Pentecostal mainstream and away from its Baptist roots.

In an announcement framed as a “surprise” for its congregants, the Charlotte-based megachurch revealed plans to launch “Elevation College” in fall 2026.

The new academic venture is not an independent startup but a “strategic partnership” with Southeastern University, a private Christian university in Lakeland, Fla., affiliated with the Assemblies of God.

The move highlights a growing trend in theological education where local churches act as “teaching hospitals” while established universities provide the accreditation “covering.” […]

The partnership utilizes a model championed by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Association of Theological Schools, both of which have seen declines in traditional residential enrollment while hybrid and church-based partnerships surge.

Under this arrangement, Elevation College will effectively function as an extension site. Students will gain “hands-on experience” within the Elevation ecosystem — learning the church’s specific culture of leadership, worship and media — while earning accredited degrees granted by SEU.

According to MinistryWatch, SEU has aggressively pursued this model, boasting more than 200 partner sites nationwide. The university notes that while it is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, it is open to students of all denominations.

Critics of this model argue it can foster theological insularity. Unlike a traditional seminary where students might encounter professors from diverse traditions, church-based schools run the risk of becoming “echo chambers.” In these environments, the curriculum often reinforces the host church’s brand and leadership style rather than offering broad, critical engagement with theological texts and traditions.
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Elevation Church forms partnership with Pentecostal university (David Bumgardner, The Roys Report, January 5, 2026, reprinted from Baptist News Global)

Bruce · Jan 5, 2026

I’m curious if Southeastern ran this by SACS first?

I checked the SACS website, there’s no mention of this or of Elevation College on their Southeastern page, not even mention of a satellite campus.

https://sacscoc.org/institutions/?institution_name=Southeastern+University&results_per_page=25&curpage=1&institution=0011N00001h9EEJQA2

SteveFoerster · Jan 5, 2026

If they didn't, I expect that they took into account what SACS's specific definition of a branch campus is so they could make sure this partnership isn't quite that.

Jonathan Whatley · Jan 5, 2026

SACS lists 64 currently open “off-campus instructional sites (additional locations)” of SEU. Maybe Elevation will be listed by the time it’s open.

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Growing Trend of Church-Based Colleges “Covered” by Another College’s Accreditation

Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

Bruce Moderator

SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

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Growing Trend of Church-Based Colleges “Covered” by Another College’s Accreditation

Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

Bruce Moderator

SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

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