Biblical Studies
Distance School of Biblical Studies
Our Distance School of Biblical Studies grants earned post-secondary level religious study certificates and diplomas that are suitable for the growth of Christians. These studies are in keeping with our ministry's religious beliefs and 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) which tells us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We believe such study is important for all Christians and especially Ministers of the Gospel.
The Holy Bible is our school's foremost textbook--other training resources can be used but may not replace the importance of Holy Scripture.
POP's religious study certificates and diplomas require formal self-study and a scored final exam. The coursework and exam have been prepared by an international biblical studies institute which has authorized POP to issue the religious study credential after the student passes the exam.
Religious studies awards may also be granted by completing a research paper or thesis (this is a traditional scholarly approach to church-based learning) that will be examined by persons credentialed in relevant fields. Research and writing skills are required for this option.
POP is devoted to religious studies. We are not an academic, vocational or professional school. We are not regionally or nationally accredited. We do not offer coursework for state-licensed occupations.
The awards of our school will clearly note their religious basis. Awards will be accompanied by a transcript that includes a list of the specific courses and hours studied and information on the religious and legal basis for the awarding of the certificate or diploma. We do not grant earned degrees of any kind.
Our ministry and school operate under the authority of federal and state laws including the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Ministers ordained by us and ministries/churches that we charter recognize our certificates and diplomas and other ministries/churches have done so as well.
There is no tuition requirement but a small administrative fee applies (this may be adjusted or waived for financial hardship). Contact us for details.
The following religious study awards are available:
Certificate in Biblical Studies
The Certificate of Biblical Studies (Cert.B.St.) is granted in recognition of study in a specific Bible-related topic such as sermon preparation, church administration or Bible-based counseling. Study time is six months to one year depending on the topic and time commitment.
Diploma in Ministry, Theology, or Bible Studies
The Dip.Min., Dip.Th., and Dip.B.St. are granted for mastery of studies in Christian ministry, theology or Bible-related studies. Study time is generally two years. The advanced diploma designation (Adv.Dip.Th. for example) requires more study time and/or a research paper or related project.
The following honorary religious award is conferred:
Doctor of Divinity
The Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) is a meritorious religious award generally known in the U.S. to be an honorary title and degree and is granted based on historical church practice. It is given as a way to recognize a significant contribution to or achievement in Christian ministry or related areas including humanitarian work. It is also granted in recognition of an individual's suitability for appointment to or advancement in ecclesiastical office.
While secular schools have for many years used the D.D. as a way to reward celebrities, politicians, and those making large money donations, our ministry feels called to grant it in its proper historical church context.
We confer the D.D. based on the instruction of Romans 13:7 (render honor to whom honor is due).
All nominations for the D.D. shall be reviewed by the Honors Committee and must receive unanimous approval. There is never a cost to the recipient or nominating party. Nominations may be sent via our Contact page. No self-nominations are accepted and the award may not be purchased with a donation or offering.
Our Distance School of Biblical Studies grants earned post-secondary level religious study certificates and diplomas that are suitable for the growth of Christians. These studies are in keeping with our ministry's religious beliefs and 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) which tells us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We believe such study is important for all Christians and especially Ministers of the Gospel.
The Holy Bible is our school's foremost textbook--other training resources can be used but may not replace the importance of Holy Scripture.
POP's religious study certificates and diplomas require formal self-study and a scored final exam. The coursework and exam have been prepared by an international biblical studies institute which has authorized POP to issue the religious study credential after the student passes the exam.
Religious studies awards may also be granted by completing a research paper or thesis (this is a traditional scholarly approach to church-based learning) that will be examined by persons credentialed in relevant fields. Research and writing skills are required for this option.
POP is devoted to religious studies. We are not an academic, vocational or professional school. We are not regionally or nationally accredited. We do not offer coursework for state-licensed occupations.
The awards of our school will clearly note their religious basis. Awards will be accompanied by a transcript that includes a list of the specific courses and hours studied and information on the religious and legal basis for the awarding of the certificate or diploma. We do not grant earned degrees of any kind.
Our ministry and school operate under the authority of federal and state laws including the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Ministers ordained by us and ministries/churches that we charter recognize our certificates and diplomas and other ministries/churches have done so as well.
There is no tuition requirement but a small administrative fee applies (this may be adjusted or waived for financial hardship). Contact us for details.
The following religious study awards are available:
Certificate in Biblical Studies
The Certificate of Biblical Studies (Cert.B.St.) is granted in recognition of study in a specific Bible-related topic such as sermon preparation, church administration or Bible-based counseling. Study time is six months to one year depending on the topic and time commitment.
Diploma in Ministry, Theology, or Bible Studies
The Dip.Min., Dip.Th., and Dip.B.St. are granted for mastery of studies in Christian ministry, theology or Bible-related studies. Study time is generally two years. The advanced diploma designation (Adv.Dip.Th. for example) requires more study time and/or a research paper or related project.
The following honorary religious award is conferred:
Doctor of Divinity
The Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) is a meritorious religious award generally known in the U.S. to be an honorary title and degree and is granted based on historical church practice. It is given as a way to recognize a significant contribution to or achievement in Christian ministry or related areas including humanitarian work. It is also granted in recognition of an individual's suitability for appointment to or advancement in ecclesiastical office.
While secular schools have for many years used the D.D. as a way to reward celebrities, politicians, and those making large money donations, our ministry feels called to grant it in its proper historical church context.
We confer the D.D. based on the instruction of Romans 13:7 (render honor to whom honor is due).
All nominations for the D.D. shall be reviewed by the Honors Committee and must receive unanimous approval. There is never a cost to the recipient or nominating party. Nominations may be sent via our Contact page. No self-nominations are accepted and the award may not be purchased with a donation or offering.