WELCOME TO GNBTCI!
We would like to welcome you to Good News Bible Training Center International. This is the time for taking the plunge into the living waters of God. We are fully convinced that this is your time to dive into the deep truths of God’s Word and Spirit. He has a wonderful plan for you. We are privileged to be part of the growth and advancement of God’s kingdom in your heart. This is an investment that can have no comparison. This education is life changing and will be a blessing in every area of your life. Making the decision to attend GNBTCI takes great commitment, faithfulness, and sacrifice. These 3 things will cause you to grow in many ways. So we thank you for walking with us in this journey.
CODE OF CONDUCT
All students are expected to maintain exemplary conduct at all times. Jesus Christ is our example of good conduct. Each student should maintain these standards of Christian lifestyle:
1.Maintain a good strong relationship with Jesus Christ.
2.Be a student of the Word of God.
3.Be a person of prayer.
4.Abstain from anything that could possibly hinder your relationship with God.
5.There should be evidence of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.
6.Labor to please God in every area of your life.
7.Attend church on a regular basis. One Sunday and/or Wednesday service each week.
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS
The Dean/Director and Pastors of Good News Family Worship Center will handle any severe discipline problems that may arise. Any student acting in a manner that will bring discredit to the Kingdom of God, Good News FWC, and/or GNBTCI will be disciplined up to and including expulsion from school.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Students should take organized notes during class instruction. These notes will be extremely useful for future reference and examination reviews. Instructors are in complete charge of the classroom and the conduct of their classes. When an instructor steps in front of the classroom, this automatically means you give your full attention.
There will be no interruptions, challenges, or questions asked during the conduct of the class. At times, the instructor will allow a question and answer period at the end of their instruction. Instructors will generally announce how they intend to conduct class. Students are expected to show proper courtesy and respect to the speaker by not talking, sleeping, texting, or conducting themselves in any manner that might be a distraction to the instructor or fellow students. Cell phone usage of any kind is prohibited during class.
ONLINE STUDENTS
All online students are required to meet the same criteria and standards as those physically attending GNBTCI in the classroom. All information must be submitted electronically via e-mail by the assigned date(s), in order to receive credit for the assignments and tests. Online students will receive a secured web address, user name, and password by e-mail. Any secured information given to a student, must not be shared with any other person. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
GNBTCI INFORMATION CENTER
GNBTCI Student Information regarding classes, assignments, grades, special events, and archived video classes can be viewed by logging on to the GNBTCI webpage. Some student information will also be handed out in class. Students are responsible for all information either given in class or posted on the webpage.
http://www.gnfwc.com/#/bible-training-center
REFUND POLICY
Students withdrawing from GNBTCI will be refunded according to the following:
Refunds will be issued on an individual basis. Partial refunds will be available to those who have paid tuition for the entire year. If a student has paid for a full quarter’s tuition, a partial refund will be available up to 30 days following the start of that term. No refunds will be given to students paying tuition on a monthly basis.
WITHDRAWAL
GNBTCI takes the matter of student withdrawals very seriously. A student should take this into consideration before withdrawal. All registered students who wish to withdraw from GNBTCI must strictly adhere to the following procedures:
1.Written request of intent to withdraw must be submitted.
2.The student is required to have a personal interview with the Dean/Director and Pastors
3.Any remaining tuition balance for the quarter must be paid in full.
CONSULTATION
At GNBTCI, staff members are available to discuss any and all student needs. We would like to maintain an “open door” policy. In order to effectively accommodate students, please e-mail the Dean/Director or call the church office to make an appointment. Please feel free to make a request if you need an appointment. No need is too small.
Contact Information
Church Office: (856) 672-9555
Dean/Director: timshannon@comcast.net
TUITION
All checks make payable to GNBTCI and mail to:
GNBTCI
501 Commerce Dr.
Barrington, NJ 08007
1st year Students paying in full: The total cost for year one may be paid any time before 1 month prior to 1st class date. You may pay with cash or check for a total of $1100. If paying online, total tuition per year will be $1150 (to be made online via paypal link). This may be paid 1 month prior to 1st class date on our website at http://www.gnfwc.com/#/bible-training-center/payments
1st year Students paying with payment plan:
Application Fee - is $25 and due when your application for Registration is submitted to the Administration Office. The application fee is non-refundable. In some cases the application fee will be waived, but this is up to the Administration and Dean of GNBTCI.
Book Money – The cost of books for year one is $400. This book money is due at Registration or no later than 1 month prior to the start of the 1st Term.
The Balance of Tuition:
Option 1 – cash/check payment for the Quarter - $276 per quarter
Option 2 – cash/check payment by the Month - $92 per month
Option 3 – online payment by the Quarter - $290 per month
Option 4 – online payment by the Month - $100 per month
All students on a monthly or quarterly payment plan must remit payment no later than the 15th of each month or new quarter. If payments are not received by the 15th of the month, the student will not be able to attend class until payment is rendered. At that time, the policies regarding unexcused absences will go into effect. Failure to make payments on time will be evaluated on an individual basis and may constitute dismissal. View payment schedule on payment agreement form.
CLASS NOTES
Each GNBTCI student is required to take notes. In some cases, the instructor will hand out student outlines. In addition to the student outlines, students are encouraged to take additional notes. The notes taken in these sessions will become a resource of spiritual insight for many years. Many notable ministers refer to their school notes when preparing to teach or preach. Therefore you should take additional notes. Each student is responsible for taking his or her own notes. You may share class notes, but they may not be reproduced in their entirety and given or sold to another student who simply does not take their own notes.
The Bible says to study to show yourself approved. Violations of this rule display poor Christian character and conduct on the part of the student and would result in failing grades, which is grounds for immediate dismissal. If a student misses a class, he or she may watch the archived class online or pick up a copy of the class on CD, and should take notes from the sources listed and submit them to the instructor by the next scheduled class. In extreme circumstances, a student may give notes to another student upon approval from the Administration Office. While you are encouraged to help one another, you are not permitted to do someone else’s work.
GROUP STUDY
Group study is encouraged. Iron always sharpens iron. You will discover this as you go over classroom material with each other. You will also find it is an effective way to prepare for examinations. During group study, all students must observe the “Class Notes” rules regarding the reproduction and/or the buying and selling of those notes. Do not use group study as a means to make-up a missed class. Each student is still responsible to obtain an audio/video copy of the missed class and compile their own class notes which can then be used during group study.
GRADING CRITERIA
The grading criteria for GNBTCI is based on several areas: Exams, Homework, Required reading assignments, Special Events, Church Attendance, and Christian Service Hours per Term. Your overall grade will be determined by your performance in all areas.
EXAMINATIONS GRADING CRITERIA
The Bible School Courses will include homework, writing assignments, quizzes, final exams, required reading, and Christian Service hours. Any students who are absent from school on exam day will make up the missed examination on the day they return. Any exam that is not made up on the day the student returns to class, will be recorded as a “failure” on that specific exam. Documented proof of a medical emergency or a family crisis must be presented to the Administration Office for approval in order to postpone taking the exam. Appropriate study time will be determined in such cases.
GRADING SCALE
100% - 90%= A
89% - 80%= B
79% - 70%= C
69% - 60%= D
59% and below = Fail
DRESS CODE
GNBTCI students should always dress in a manner that represents good taste and exemplifies a strong Christian character.
Women - Are highly encouraged to wear appropriate attire such as dresses/skirts (at or below the knee), blouses, dress pants, suits, or nice jeans with proper undergarments to all classes and services. No shorts, strapless or low-necked tops or dresses, athletic clothing, or tight fitting and/or revealing clothing will be allowed in class or services. Heels, flats, sneakers, or sandals are acceptable footwear.
Men – Are highly encouraged to wear collared shirts, dress shirts, slacks, or nice jeans to all classes and services. Sport coats or suits are also acceptable. Dress shoes, casual dress shoes, sneakers, or sandals are acceptable footwear. No athletic clothing, sloppy t-shirts or shorts will be allowed in classes or services.
Exceptions will be announced in advance.
GUESTS
Authorized guests are permitted to attend GNBTCI class sessions after first obtaining permission from the Administration Office. Any student who invites a guest to sit in on a class, should obtain permission ahead of time. Guests will sit in the rear of the classroom and should not participate in the question and answer period of class. Guests are limited to two visits per trimester. Guests should be made aware of and adhere to all “Classroom Procedures” (pg.4).
CHRISTIAN SERVICE HOURS
A minimum of five (5) hours per month of Christian Service hours are needed to receive your degree in Biblical Studies. These hours are needed in order to graduate. Christian Service hours are required to help you put into practice all you have learned in the classroom. It allows you hands-on training in various ministries of the local church and helps you better understand your calling. The Christian service hours are to be submitted before the end of each Term. Christian Service hours at Good News Family Worship Center are composed of the following:
~ All Helps Ministries including Greeters, Ushers, Bookstore and Hospitality
~ Children’s Ministries including Nursery, Pre-School, and Elementary Classes
~ Youth Ministry
~ Media Ministry including Audio/Video & Overhead
~ Any Church Operations services such as but not limited to, Grounds keeping, Building Maintenance, Office or Clerical duties
If you are involved in another local church, you may volunteer in any comparable ministries. Any questions or concerns regarding Christian Service hours or approved acts of service, please contact the Dean/Director of GNBTCI.
FAILING AN EXAM AND RETESTING
If a student’s overall percentage for the term is less than 60%, then the following will be implemented:
If the student has between 50% and 59% as a final average percentage, they may retake specific course exams once to try and raise their final average percentage to 60% or greater.
If the student has less than 50% in their final average percentage, they need to retake the course online with a passing grade within four weeks.
APPEALING GRADES
Students enrolled at GNBTCI are subject to the following policies related to an appeal for a grade in any course of study.
Policies:
Students who disagree with any grade received on a final exam may appeal the grade up to one calendar week after receiving the grade. When one calendar week has passed, no appeal will be accepted. Appeals will adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Be certain that you are correct in questioning your grade.
2. Contact the Administration Office of GNBTCI to present your appeal.
3. The Dean/Director of GNBTCI will review the grading process.
4. The Dean/Director will contact the student to answer any questions. If a grading discrepancy is found, the appropriate adjustment will be made to the student’s grade.
5. All decisions regarding appeal are final and no further attempt may be made to change the grade.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required in all classes. We do not expect you to be absent! Attendance is taken for every class. No student should leave the classroom while class is in session except for an emergency or if the Dean/Director grants permission. Being on time for all class activities will be continually emphasized during the year. If you are absent or know you will be absent, you are required to write or e-mail the Director and Instructors in advance for an excused absence.
TARDINESS
Classes will start promptly at the scheduled time. If you are not seated in the classroom at the time class starts, you are considered tardy. Excessive tardiness (2 times in one term) will constitute one unexcused absence.
BREAKS
Break time in between classes is a time to relax and get better acquainted with your fellow students. Breaks normally do not last longer than 10 minutes in duration. Drinks and snacks are permitted during breaks, but please observe the following:
1.Respect the facility and keep the room clean.
2.Wipe up any spills.
3.Place all wrappers, cups, and bottles in the trash before returning to class.
4.Eating is NOT allowed during class.
5.Be punctual in returning to the classroom to avoid being tardy.
ABSENCES
The impact that unexcused absences will have on your grade during each trimester will be as follows:
1.Missing three (3) days of any class meeting, unexcused, will automatically lower your grade one level through the grading system.
2.Five (5) unexcused absences will terminate your enrollment. The only exceptions to be considered are extreme circumstances such as death in the family, a medical emergency, or extreme sickness.
3.Any request for exceptions must be made in writing to the Administration Office before class is dismissed on the day you return. Failure to do so will result in the absences being unexcused.
4.Make-Up Assignment
~For missed classes, missed special Impartation Services, or special meetings you may listen or watch online archives at http://www.gnfwc.com/#/bible-training-center
If you do not have internet access, you may purchase a copy of the particular event on CD/DVD by contacting our office at (856) 672-9555.
~You are required to take notes for each class or Special Service you miss. Your notes should include ALL scripture references used in the class or service.
~Notes must be submitted upon your return to class the following week. E-mail or hand in to the Instructor.
~All notes will be returned to you the following week to keep for your references.