FAQ

What makes FIRE School of Ministry unique?

The Lord has given FIRE School of Ministry a specific mandate and calling: to train and equip totally committed disciples of Jesus who have a burning desire to love and serve God and are dedicated to transform their world. Our gifted faculty and leadership team, some of whom have been training and equipping God’s people for more than twenty-five years, are committed to fulfilling this divine mandate and to see an entire generation impacted by the gospel of Jesus in power.

Our faculty come from many different backgrounds and have a wide range of ministry gifting, emphases, and educational backgrounds. FIRE School of Ministry also has a diverse program which offers many ministry opportunities. This enables FIRE to help each student discover his or her individual gifts and callings and then to train them in several areas of ministry specialization.

What are the requirements for admission?

All applicants must meet the following requirements to receive consideration for admission:

• Applicants must live in accordance with godly principles, as stated in the FIRE Student Commitment to Excellence.
• Applicants must have completed high school via diploma or GED.
• Applicants who wish to enroll in the Fall 2011 semester must be at least 18 years of age by October 31, 2011.
• Applicants must complete the application packet, or complete the online application process.

 

How do I apply?

Prospective students may apply to FIRE School of Ministry using one of the following three methods:

• Complete the online application available at the FIRE School of Ministry website.
• Download the application from the FIRE School of Ministry website.
• Request a physical application in the mail by contacting our office at info@fire-school.org.

When does school begin?

FIRE School of Ministry is currently accepting applications for the Fall semester, which begins August 23, 2011.

Can I transfer credits to FIRE School of Ministry?

FIRE will consider requests to transfer credits on an individual basis. Students should submit transfer of credit requests to the Registrar.

Is FIRE accredited?

Due to the call God has given FIRE School of Ministry to make mentoring and hands-on ministry training and experience such an integral part of our program, FIRE School of Ministry is not accredited at this time. Nevertheless, FIRE School of Ministry does place a high value on academic excellence and seeks to instill a sound biblical worldview and an advanced level of biblical understanding into all of our students. So, while all of our faculty members have years of ministry experience, a number of them hold terminal degrees in their fields and remain active in biblical scholarship and academic research and writing.

Furthermore, FIRE School of Ministry is actively pursuing relationships with accredited schools to give students who feel called to have an accredited degree the option to transfer FIRE School of Ministry credits into other institutions upon graduation from FIRE. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

FIRE School of Ministry is authorized by the state of North Carolina to grant an Associate in Practical Ministry degree, and a Bachelor in Practical Ministry degree. Please see the Student Handbook for more information.

How long do I have to attend to graduate?

Students can earn an Associate in Practical Ministry degree after two years, and a Bachelor in Practical Ministry degree after three years.

Can I take classes on a part-time basis?

Students have the option to attend school part-time. Due to the deliberate progression of our program, students who are interested in completing the entire program should plan to attend full-time. Those interested in simply enriching their education are welcome to take classes part-time.

Can I audit classes?

Students may choose to audit individual classes instead of taking them for credit. Students will be allowed to attend the audited class, but will not be tested on the material or receive an official grade for that class. Classes that are audited will not be applied toward program completion.

What are the housing arrangements?

FIRE assists accepted single students in finding roommates. Upon request, accepted students may receive a Roommate Request form. Students will then be sent a list with contact information for incoming and current students who are also in need of housing. Students may then contact those on that list to work out housing arrangements.

Can I work while I am in school?

FIRE School of Ministry has structured its class schedule to make it as easy as possible for students to work while attending school. FIRE School’s core class schedule is Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., as well as Tuesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. This allows students to be free to work on Fridays, Mondays, weekends, as well as Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

How much does it cost to attend?

The approximate cost of tuition, books, and fees for a full-time (sixteen credit hours) semester at FIRE School of Ministry is around $1,900. In addition to the basic course load, students may also take electives, which cost an additional $80 per credit hour for full-time students, plus books and course materials.

Is financial aid available?

Although we do not offer federally funded aid programs, FIRE does offer scholarships, based on available funds, to students who qualify. Financial aid awards apply toward the cost of tuition only. All students are guaranteed fair and equal treatment in the awarding of financial aid. Accepted applicants may request a Financial Aid packet. Completed Financial Aid packets must be postmarked by June 30th in order to be considered for the Fall semester, or by October 1st to be considered for the Spring semester.