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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
I am a 1979 Order of
the Coif graduate of the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College
of William and Mary. Although I am no longer in the practice of law,
(I serve as the CEO of a Native America 8(a) company specializing in
logistics, marine construction and tactical gear), I remember the
challenge of the first semester to survive in law school. I have
found the classes at Masters to be challenging in a different way.
They have made a lasting impact on my ministry. In addition to my
secular employment, I serve as president of Mountain Moving
Ministries International, a 501(c)(3) corporation with outreaches in
several countries.
My wife began to
take classes at Masters majoring in Biblical Counseling and
completed her program for a Masters in Ministry in a couple of
years. She then decided to pursue her doctorate with them.
Masters was offering a spousal scholarship so I decided to apply.
Candidly, after the experience of William and Mary I was expecting
this experience to be somewhat undemanding. I have been very
pleasantly surprised. I have learned so much and the friendships
formed have been priceless. The ability to work at my own pace made
time constraints a non issue.
Barry Jenkins, B.A,
J.D.
Virginia Beach,
VA
Prior to
my enrollment at MISD, I had completed seven degrees including three
theological degrees (M.Div., Phillips Theological Seminary;
M.A.B.T.S., Luther Rice Seminary; D.Min., American Bible College and
Seminary).
I can honestly write that I have learned as much, if not more, in my
MISD courses as I have in my previous theological studies. More
importantly, I have learned more that is of *practical* value in my
work (as a full-time hospice chaplain and part-time pastor), at MISD
than at any of the other institutions which I have attended.
I firmly believe that MISD is a great gift of God to the church for
the preparation of future clergy and lay leadership. I hope that my
nine-year-old son will pursue studies at MISD someday. Thanks for
all you have done to make it possible for people like myself to
expand their minds, deepen their faith, and develop new skills
through the courses of study offered by MISD.
All of the staff and students are in my prayers daily,
Thomas D. Swartz
I can’t
say enough about my experience with Master’s. I truly appreciate the
opportunity that MISD allows full-time ministers to further their
education. The vision for ministry to ministers is a blessing sent
from God. My seminary studies have been a source of enlightenment
and delightful discovery.
I found
the courses to be straight-forward and practical. There is no
unnecessary work, nor is there any burdensome work. Every assignment
is concise enough to fit into the schedule of a busy pastor. It is
all relevant training that five-fold ministers can learn, apply, and
begin to re-teach to their churches.
The format
of internet-based education is well ahead of other outdated forums
of learning. Taking advantage of modern technology for the training
of ministers is ingenious, and I believe it will be that very aspect
that sets MISD apart from other seminaries. The cost of tuition is
also very reasonable. No other institute offers such quality
education for such a reasonable price.
My only
suggestion would be that MISD continue to strive for excellence in
the education of ministers. I would recommend that they stay on the
cutting edge of technology and continually update their internet
resources. Large portions of the information contained
in this degree program have ended up, or will end up, in my pastoral
teaching to my congregation. The benefits to me personally will,
without a doubt, bless those who sit under my ministry. My ability
to effectively equip the saints for the work of the ministry as
prescribed by Ephesians 4:12, has been enhanced. The result is a
more effectively prepared church, ready and willing to reach people
with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will continue to pursue wisdom
through the anointed courses at MISD.
My overall
experience in the Master of Ministry program is one that I will
never forget. I look forward to continuing my education in the
doctoral program with MISD.
Kyle
Hoover
"Truly we
serve an awesome God. While attending an Master's seminar, I
received a call informing me that my youngest son (17) had taken an
overdose of drugs and was found lying unconscious on the deck of his
house. He was rigid and motionless with the paramedics efforts
producing no response.
Thank God for Dr. Bill Hines (our instructor), who prayed with me
and helped me organize my shattered thoughts. I also praise God that
Dr. Matthew Crandall had not left to go home yet and drove me to the
airport. Before he would let me out of the car, he prayed with me,
gave me his phone numbers in case I needed anything and gave me a
box of tissues (since tears were flowing freely). I truly appreciate
the Master's staff and particularly these two Godly men of action. I
love them dearly.
Six hours later, my oldest son picked me up at the airport. As I
flew to Atlanta, I began to get a glimpse of the pain and emptiness
God must have felt when He allowed His son to die for me, enduring
wrath, anger, disappointment and sin meant for me. Thank God for His
grace and mercy! Along the way, I asked my son where we were going,
expecting the answer to be a local mortuary. He stated, “The
Hospital!” Our prayers had been answered and Robert spared. He was
in ICU in critical condition and still very rigid when I walked into
the room. The doctor told me that the next 48 hours were critical to
his recovery and to expect some brain damage. How much he could not
say. My oldest son and I laid hands on him and prayed. I still can’t
tell you what I did exactly or what I prayed since I was on
spiritual auto-pilot.
Three days later (appropriately enough?), Robert was pronounced
alive and well with NO brain damage. Our God is a miracle working
God! As a matter of fact, Robert is one of the top students in his
senior class. He is still seeing a Biblical Counselor in Atlanta and
doing very well. Glory and Praises to our incredible God!"
Barry
Barnes, Senior VP of Sales
Highland Capital Brokerage
Lay Biblical Counselor
"My wife
and I have really enjoyed being part of the Alumni of Master's. We
are full-time Pastors / Church Planters, and we do not really have
much time for a "traditional" classroom environment. We have found
that Master's International School of Divinity offers a wide variety
of programs suitable to any ministry. We took advantage of the
program that allows your spouse to study with you. The tuition plan
was very reasonable, and we were unexpectedly blessed with the
finances to cover it, shortly after our decision to enroll.
The material is well organized, and this self-paced program is
exactly what we need at this time.
Since
enrolling at Master's, we find our time is more structured and we
have a greater focus in our biblical studies. I firmly believe our
ministry has been "taken up a notch." We plan on pursuing this
program to the Doctoral level, as finances become available. We feel
that this school is very considerate and sensitive about "husband
and wife" teams who minister together. The staff at Master's is very
dedicated to helping their students with a "Christ-like" attitude.
Whenever
we have a question, they are always very helpful and efficient in
their response. We firmly recommend this school to all ministers and
laymen/women seeking to advance their education and deepen their
relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The diligent study of
the Word will yield eternal rewards. And we believe that whoever
chooses Master's International School of Divinity will be truly
blessed as they pursue "excellence" in education!"
Pastors
Paul & Deborah Montecinos
"Consider
it all joy,” James tells us when facing trails. Finishing my
education had become a trial in my life. A very close friend and the
person God chose to help bring salvation into my life talked to me.
He reminded me about perseverance and endurance in my life, if I
persevered I could finish my education.
Receiving
the Lord’s call to salvation a few years before, had given me a
greater desire to please Christ, my Lord and Savior. Over the years
I had not applied myself as I should have. I never had that desire
to persevere, when it came to finishing my education. I’m in the
senior years of my life, and I had often asked myself, what is the
need for a degree now? At the same time I felt a little inferior in
some ways, these were thoughts and doubts of my own.
Working
as an instructor, teacher, and biblical counselor, at Rod & Staff
Ministries brought the desire to complete my degree. Also, came the
questions of how do you do this and work full time. The time to go
to classes and the hours of study would be very demanding on a
person working full time. I had started college three times and had
to dropout for this very reason.
The
confident counselors and the very informative Class Bulletins helped
me to see the possibilities of completing my education. The
off-campus studies allowed me to work at my own pace, to study and
listen to the class lectures when it was convenient to my schedule.
To apply other credits from prior studies and credit for life
experiences was very helpful. This allowed me to complete my
Bachelors degree in Biblical Counseling and to go on to complete my
Masters of Practical Divinity in Biblical Counseling.
The
degree programs and the special certification courses are in place
to help men and women just like me called to Christian Ministry.
Master's International School of Divinity presents a quality,
Christ-centered program, with some of the most qualified instructors
in their field. I personally was very impressed with the instructors
and the materials at Master's International School of Divinity. I
would recommend MISD to anyone needing to finish their education or
needing off campus studies to fit within their schedule. James was
right it was a joy Jesus gave me, when I finish my education, and
received my degree."
Michael
C. Rider, M.Min.
"Master's International
School of Divinity has one of the most challenging and rewarding
programs of its caliber. The courses are appropriately intense and
entail among the highest standards I have encountered ranging from a
Bachelor of Science through a Specialist Degree in School
Administration.
When I
began my doctoral level studies, I didn't expect much more than a
little reading and writing. To my surprise, I found myself devoting
hours and hours to my studies. Quite simply, the more I worked, the
more I gained from my work. I worked hard, and was greatly rewarded
in the education that I received. For these reasons, I highly
recommend Master's International School of Divinity."
Dr.
Estes Taplin, Superintendent of Education
South Delta School District
Rolling Fork, MS
"I just
finished my Doctorate program and wanted to let you know how much I
enjoyed my experience with the Master's International School of
Divinity. The opportunity your program gave me to tailor a
doctoral program to complement my prior experience with my career
ambitions was extremely helpful, not to mention the ability within
the program to accelerate the learning process. The Master's
International School of Divinity has allowed me to quickly gain the
necessary knowledge I needed, at my own
pace, with a meaningful graduate degree. Thank you for helping
me to become a better prepared vessel to serve our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ."
In His Service and to His Glory
Dr. David J. Tanner, President & CEO
First Strategy Group
"There
seems to be two models of education today. One model
emphasizes "know-how," the other emphasizes "how-we-know." The
Master's Schools approach seems to fit the "how-we-know" model, in
that the students are led to reflect deeply on their course work, to
ask reflective questions, and to seek deeper answers. This
leads to personal growth, deeper commitment, and better mentoring of
the students ministries.
I would think that most who enroll at the Master's Schools are there
to become better equipped to minister in today's world. With
the Master's Schools approach of making their graduates into
life-long learners through the “Life-Long Learning Contract”, the
result is not just a better practitioner, the graduate becomes a
better person in the process. As far as I know The Master's
School is unique in offering to it's graduates the powerful
opportunity to continually deepen their biblical and spiritual
awareness at no further cost (except mailing and handling)."
Dr. Archie Miller, Pastor
Orcutt Christian Church
Santa Maria, CA
"My experience
as a student has been a tremendous blessing in my life.
Through the excellent lectures, which are very sound exegetically, I
am equipped to minister and witness to people at all spiritual
levels.
The
professors provide more accurate, valuable information on each audio
tape---approximately one hour in length---than I have received in
any three-hour classroom lecture that I've attended in undergraduate
through doctoral level accredited university programs. All of
the lectures contain important, illuminating and practical
information. The tapes allow the student to review the
teaching as desired, and afford the convenience of fitting the
program into one's busy schedule.
Completing
the assignments was very rewarding and enriching experience, as I am
subsequently empowered to tackle the challenging issues and tasks of
the ministry to which God has called me. I thank Him for
Master's International School of Divinity!"
Dr. Taylor
A. Baker, Jr.
District Coordinator, Adult and Community Education
Collier County Public School, FL
"Your school has given me the chance to earn a degree that I would
not have had otherwise. I have been receiving emails from people
asking about the school and if I would do this again. "Most
definitely" is my response to them. I have nothing but positive
things to say about y'all. You have helped me achieve my goals in
ministry and I am so grateful for that! I have just received my
Doctor of Biblical Studies degree, what an incredible thrill that
was!! I have all of my degrees framed and on the wall, they mean a
great deal to me.
Thank
you all and God Bless
Dr. Troy
Underwood
"I am
currently enrolled in the Bachelor program for Biblical Counseling.
I have had the privilege to minister to several married couples,
helping them to improve situations in their marriages. My husband,
Scott, is also enrolled in the Master's of Ministry degree program
at MISD. Scott and I are leading a Bible study small group in our
church. I feel that your courses at Master's are equipping us both
to do work in His name. Thank you for offering the relevant courses
and for making it possible for student's like myself to earn a
degree doing home study. My church has a counseling center and is
awaiting the completion of my degree to add me to their staff.
I am so blessed to be able to help people find their way closer to
our God and Savior!"
In Christ,
Kathy Parker
"I cannot
express how the Master's degree has opened doors for my ministry. I
have a growing jail and community outreach ministry, and am now
involved with Angel Tree ministries. We have installed a full time
Chaplain into the county Jail system, and have been able with Gods
help to fully support this ministry by community contributions. God
has opened the community to allow us to reach many of the
un-churched, and the back sliders for Christ. The Holy
Spirit is definitely active and working thru Master's School."

A servant of Jesus Christ our Savior,
Pastor Philip Schaffner
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