THE COLLEGE OF BIBLE 

 

As a policy of United Pentecostal Church International, a prospective pastor has to undergo intensive training in the study of the whole Bible. The seal of United Pentecostal Church has the Motto: “The whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church.” This indicates, in brief, the church’s approach to the original doctrine. Forward to the prospectus for the college has the following introductory remark.

“Established in April, 1970, the Ghana College of Bible has since been making its own history. The beautiful new facilities for this college are located in Accra, capital of Ghana< West Africa. The school, located off Winneba Road, includes the headquarters church auditorium, district offices, classrooms, dormitory and dining facilities (yet to be provided). The campus is spacious and overlooks the city with its (seven hundred thousand) residents. Such a sight gives those who study there a daily glimpse into the vast task for which they are preparing, that of giving “The whole gospel to the whole world.”

SPECIFIC PURPOSES OF THE COLLEGE INCLUDE:

TO PROVIDE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR PPASTORS of U.P.C.I, and Christian workers that we may better evangelize the unevangelized areas around us

To preserve, defend and propagate those tenets of faith and standards of holiness that are generally accepted in the Ghana District of the United Pentecostal Church, so that if our Lord tarries, we may pass them on intact into future generations.

In furtherance of these purposes, a good deal of emphasis is placed on the work of Holy Spirit in the life of a believer because the Holy Spirit is a seal (Eph. 4:30, 1:13, 2 Cor. 1:22). Certainly no one should be in doubt as to whether he has the Holy Spirit or not. The initial sign of the Holy Ghost baptism as recorded in Acts 2:1-4, 19:6 is the ability of the believer baptized to speak in diverse tongues as the spirit gives utterances. The fruit of the Spirit will follow (Galatians 5:22). It is only to be expected that as a Pentecostal College of Bible, what “PENTECOST” stands for in the New Testament, especially as recorded in the Acts of Apostles, in fully embraced. This has been done unreservedly and reflects in one area of study that are relevant to the work of the pastor include, Church Administration, Practical Ministry, English, Leadership Principles, Religious Cults, Parliamentary Law, Teaching Techniques, Homiletics, Creative Christian Writing.*1

There are two categories of students in the college. Those who attend day classes, might be termed boarders, since they enjoy boarding facilities provided for full time students. It takes two years to complete the course in The “Theological Diploma” and three to complete the course leading to the  “Bachelor of Sacred Theology” degree.*2 In addition to the full time student, there are students who attend night classes only. After successful completing 55 units of credit for the Bachelor of Sacred Theology, the part time student is normally awarded the relevant Certificate by the Board of Directors he shall have fulfilled some other necessary requirements as determined by the Board of Directors. The average part time student takes about five years to do the degree course.

For one to qualify for admission to the college, one must have a definite call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and should be baptized I the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. In addition, he will have to satisfy the the entrance requirements. *3 By August 1979, the college had turned out thirty-seven graduates; thirty-six Ghanaians and a Nigerian. The enrollment in August 1979 thirty-seven: twenty-five day and twelve night students. Of the day students there were eight in the first year, seven, second year and ten in the third year. (Of the total enrollment of thirty-seven, there were thirty-two from Ghana, three from Nigeria one from Ivory Coast, one Benin). There were nine student pastors who went down to their assemblies at two week intervals to pastor in their assemblies.

There were eight instructors. Of this number, five Ghanaians, mostly past students of the college teach in the school. Two missionaries from America and Sister Lund a Canadian who has been an instructor in the school since its establishment a decade ago.

  At present, the two dormitories capable of accommodating 32 students are well housed because dormitories are well furnished, toilet facilities, lighting and water are all provided free of charge. The student is expected to buy his own books at a subsidized rate of 10%. There is a library well equipped with relevant books on the course. The SIMPKIN’S LIBRAY is named after Reverend E. L. (Roy) Simpkins, father of Mrs. Evangeline Rodenbush. Reverend Simpkins role of being the supplier of a large collection of books and funds for the library, has earned him this honor. The reference and borrowing sections of the library have been stocked with books donated from Canada through Sister Lund and those from U.S. sister Lund will forever remain a golden symbol of devoted and self-sacrificing services in effective teaching in those college. Her efforts and those of others over the past decade have given the college its present status.

The college has delivery of books mostly published by the Pentecostal Publishing House (8855 Dun road, Hazelwood, and M.O. 63042. U.S.A.) There are other books which are not published by them. The study of Greek, Office Practices, Management and English are studied from other sources.

Ghana College of Bible started by Reverend R.K. Rodenbush in 1969 had a humble beginning. Six students enrolled that year including Reverend M.R. Asamoah and Reverend M.K. Nartey. The students were temporarily housed in a structure at Osu in Accra.  This structure was provided by Reverend F.C. Holm-Fleisher. It remained in this premises for two years. The instructors were Reverend R.K. Rodenbush and Pastor E.L. Asamoah. *4 The doctrine of ONENESS thus started to take root in Ghana. It became clear that the Lord was working out his own purpose. Within two years, the site for the present headquarters complex by Dansoman Road was acquired; and quickly developed. This site was acquired through the help of Pastor Amui, a founding member of U.P.C in Ghana; Pastor Amui has since been the pastor at Headquarters Assembly. It is even more remarkable considering how the Lord Jesus is blessing this ministry: The college is now comparable to Bible organization by the United Pentecostal Church International anywhere or any Pentecostal movement elsewhere.*5

The Ghana College of Bible is but one out of many scatted all over U.S. and the mission field round the globe. As Tyron Edwards said “Early inactions in truth will best keep out error.” *6 The Bible serve this need adequately. The doctrine of oneness and baptism in Jesus name features prominently in the colleges: For the colleges are the best fertile grounds from where this truth to all souls that are perishing can be propagated.

INTERNATIONAL ALPHA BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE (I.A.B.C)

It was felt necessary to run a correspondence course for various categories of people who may desire to have a sound knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The United Pentecostal Church International therefore, embarked upon this International Alpha Bible Correspondence course (I.A.B.C). The International Alpha Bible Correspondence course in Ghana was the first to be established in the U.P.C. set up. It was started in Ghana in February, 1976. The course is being run in the U.S. now.

AIMS OF THE COURSE:

1. The course is aimed at spreading the gospel, emphasizing oneness of God and baptism in Jesus name.
2. It is meant to train those who cannot attend the Bible College but wish to have a sound knowledge of God.

As at 1979, a total of 2,514 students from Ghana, 61 from Nigeria, 23 from Ivory Coast and 10 from Cameroon had enrolled for the course.

HOW THE COURSE HELPED U.P.C.I EXPAND

So far, six students of I.A.B.C. have come to enroll at the College of Bible as prospective pastors. In addition, the Bible truth of oneness of God and baptism in Jesus name are taught to all manner of Christians who take the course. Christians from various denominations enroll for the course. And hopefully, the course which is virtually free except for postage and handling will benefit anyone who cares to study the Bible. The course covers the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation