Have Faith Ministries School of Theology & Seminary

Have Faith Ministries School of Theology & Seminary Overview

NOTE: New URL's www.HFMschool.edu.us 
          and www.HFMseminary.us 

Have Faith Ministries, Inc. was Founded by Pastor Terry Aaron in 1999 in answer to God's calling.  This School of Theology, Theological Seminary, Bible School, Religious College and University, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and became a division of Dr. Aaron's HFM in 2003. This School has virtual online classes using software such as Adobe Meeting, Skype and others for online classes from our Headquarters in Swansea, IL.

 We are not a degree / diploma mill.    At Have Faith Ministries School of Theology we are able to issue Degrees of a Religious nature. Our earned degree programs for both college level certificates and degrees are now available. As a Religious School all titles are non-secular yet carry the same rights as an academic title in the usage of honorifics.

Currently our School of Theology issues both degrees for life's experiences and for earned study courses. LE credits are not converted to a grade scale.

If you are an ordained minister through Have Faith Ministries, Inc. or an Alumni of our School of Theology/Seminary, you may receive a discount for the degree tuition befitting your talents, or abilities in the fields of your choosing. You may also, at your own discretion, register your name on our HFM-Alumni group. This group may also be viewed by anyone you give the URL to for verification. When you join the group please indicate "public" if you want your personal and HFM School of Theology's student records made available for verification of your degree(s) or certification(s). Visit or Join HFM-Alumni Group at http://groups.google.com/group/hfm-alumni

The purpose of Have Faith Ministries School of Theology (Seminary) is to help develop the skills needed by members of the clergy in sharing their faith in a concise manner. But, these same courses will help in coming closer to advancement within their faith also.

No School or University that offers courses and studies of religious philosophy can really claim to be more correct than any other School of religion since they are established by man, and not by God.

What does this mean to you? A Doctorate Degree bestowed by Harvard University to a person within a specific field allows that person to be addressed as Doctor. A Doctorate Degree issued by Have Faith Ministries School of Theology and Seminary also allows its recipient to be addressed as Doctor. They hold the same rights of acknowledgment.

The difference between an earned degree and an honorary degree is fairly clear. In order to receive an earned degree a person has entered into a degree program and a course of study. On the other hand an honorary degree is granted only for life?s experience within a specific field. It is our belief that just because a person has not learned to mime a professor's teachings does not mean that someone may not receive recognition for their life abilities. The Doctorate degree after all was a title of the church long before the academic world chose to claim it as the pinnacle of learning. (Our only honorary degree is the Doctor of Divinity degree. (D.D. or D.Div.)

Understanding that an earned degree does in many instances help the student achieve a better understanding within their field of study. But, an honorary degree simply accepts that through life?s experiences this student of life is deserving of the same acknowledgment.

Our Programs are designed for those seeking professional recognition, certification, ministerial practitioners and teachers. The purpose of the school is to help its students unlock their minds, to find the keys to success through the teaching of God's Word and to recognize the value of the human God First experience. Your earned degree from Have Faith Ministries School of Theology (Seminary or Bible School) will be awarded according to our academic requirements and issued by our Executive Board of Education.

Accreditation

Accreditation of any college, school or university is strictly voluntary. Have Faith Ministries School of Theology is presently accredited.  Bible Study, and Theology, like religion, is recognized and protected under the first amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees any citizen the right to practice and to teach it to others. This is the essence of our type of degree. Thus accreditation is of minor importance. The separation of Church and State or Government applies. More...

License-sure
(pertains to Counseling only)

Each State has requirements to be Licensed as a "Professional Counselor", etc. however Churches, Ministries and some Non-Profit organizations are EXEMPT* as long as the terminology and employer is correct. You can not hold yourself out to be a "Licensed Professional" unless you meet the requirements of your State. (Check with your home State).  In the State of Illinois if you work for one of the above entities, you are EXEMPT from license in the State of Illinois. 

*Reference being made from the State of Illinois revised statutes. More...

Enrollment Fee

1-800-505-8051 ext. 400.

We offer a degree for a combination of coursework and credit for prior learning.  Mature adults, through life experiences and informal study, have often accumulated a great deal of knowledge. Unfortunately this type of learning is not always recognized by our Worldview because it is not obtained in a formal classroom setting.

Examples of life experiences which we accept as legitimate learning activities are on-the-job learning, non-credit post secondary programs, significant volunteerism in social work, executive leadership, and other experiences that may equate to academic study programs, as well as general knowledge gained through life experiences.

We request that all of our Doctoral candidates send a brief one page resume along with their application so that we can review their past accomplishments, However LE credits are not available for this level..

We also require that all students complete a short course of study relative to some of the degrees for which they are applying if their LE portfolio has been approved.

Most of our students are able to complete all studies within a few months, although they are allowed up to one year to finish any course work.

A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation.  This may be a combination of Campus, Skype or Online classes.

Non traditional style transcripts are available, upon request, for an additional "donation". However if you do not complete the coursework to earn the required 120 credit hours or other credit hours that have not been stated here. In addition, if your program coursework has been waived then you may not have a traditional transcript, if any at all.

Materials Needed & Concept of Study

For most diploma, certificate and Associate Degree programs sought, a book or books will be required to read and/or a theses written. The following should be addressed in each paper:

• The title of the book.
• The author of the book.
• Write a ten to fifteen page paper. Summarize briefly what each chapter is about. This may require a minimum of one page per chapter plus a couple of paragraphs or more.
• Study enables us to gain new information and insights. Write out five to ten new truths you have learned.
• How might this book benefit you in your life or ministry?
• Do your best in reading and presentation. Do this work for you and for God. This is for you and the ministry God has called you to in His kingdom. Check for spelling, typos and use good grammar.
  
  Most classes use ONLY the Holy Bible, KJV 

MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT

Military service personal from any Allied National armed forces branch will receive a minimum of three credit hours for Honorable service. A copy of your DD-214 or an equivalent form if you are applying from a Country that is an active member of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO.

LIFE/WORK/MINISTRY CREDIT

Credit for life work and ministry will be evaluated. You may have years of part time or full time experience in Christian service that would have credit value. You will be asked to submit a short bibliography/resume for evaluation.  These credits may be applied to each degree through the master's level. Life experience credit is not available at the doctorate level. 

Note: A maximum percentile is computed and determined by our Board that will be applicable toward your required credits that can be obtained through Life/Work/Ministry Experience. (This percentile is between (0 - 75%). A  traditional transcript may not be issued for LE.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS

If you have accrued credits from any other College, Seminary or other institutions of higher learning then please mail, fax or email the certificate and transcript to us for evaluation/conversion. This process is reviewed by the Dean, Faculty and Board of Directors.  Please provide phone numbers for each to verify your credentials.  Depending upon the nature of prior classes, our review board will determine if they are applicable to transfer. 

DIPLOMA OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

The Diploma is a great program for the beginning student. This program is recommended for anyone who does not have any prior college or Bible school training. The program consists of three courses or 15 hours of study.

Once you have written the paper then submit it to your Instructor. Please include your name student number, the date and title of the textbook you are submitting on the cover sheet of the paper. Also include your address, phone number and email on the cover sheet. If you choose to mail the paper to us, please include a self addressed, stamped envelope, so we may return your grade and paper.

Cost of Course is a $ 75.00 donation. It does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get them from your local book store or on-line.

Here are the books for this course:

The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches by David W. Baker and Bill T. Arnold (Paperback - Oct 1, 2004)

The Twelve Prophets (Vol. 2): Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (Berit Olam series) by Marvin A. Sweeney, David W. Cotter, Jerome T. Walsh, and Chris Franke (Hardcover - Jan 2001

Wisdom Literature: A Theological History by Leo G. Perdue (Paperback - Jun 28, 2007)

Certificates are not degrees or diplomas. They are a "Certification" that a course in a specialized area of study has been completed by the bearer named on the Certificate.

 Pastoral Counselor Certificate Program 

Donation for this course is $149.00

This Certificate Program gives the newly ordained minister, newly appointed Pastor, or just someone trying to refresh on the biblical teachings of helping those in need.  (You MUST be Ordained by a legal entity. You must provided proof of your ordination which can be verified).  If you have NOT been Ordained we will consider your ordination. 

Generally the Pastoral Counselor takes a person to the Bible to allow the Bible to answer questions about problems they may be having. Therefore, the Pastoral Counselor is not considered, by many States of the U.S.A., by any title that is used by the State for License-sure as a clinical, professional or licensed counselor, nor can they hold themselves out as a professional; . (Separation of Church and State).

A professional counselor would have received their professional counseling degree in an academic institution that the State recognizes.  Even though "Pastoral" Counseling is part of many churches and ministries you need to understand that you should not accept an offering for that part of your work. Is is acceptable however for a legitimate Church or Ministry to accept a donation for your services. The Pastoral Counselor may be compensated by the Church or Ministry.

Accepting a payment for this service would make it appear that you are acting as professional (licensed) counselor and this may end you up in trouble with the a U.S. State or Federal authorities.  (Check your State Department of Professional Registration & Regulation regarding License requirements and Exemptions).

This program does not teach you to dispense advice but teaches you areas where the Bible shows people how to deal with their problems and it is not to be confused with Psychology or Psychiatry. We cannot emphasize enough that you should not tell a person what to do about their problems but rather lead them to the Bible and show them where the Bible addresses their issues.

The "Pastoral Counselor Certificate" is meant to keep you within the religious confines of this responsibility. It is therefore a prerequisite that you are currently an Ordained Minister or that you become ordained prior to graduation. 

 ASSOCIATE OF PASTORAL COUNSELING 

       Cost of Course is $ 199.00 which is a donation (secular term is tuition).  This does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book store or Amazon. The four books are listed below.

Basic principles for biblical counseling  by Larry Crab

The five love languages  by Gary Chapman

Ten secrets for a successful family by Adrian Rogers

Quick scripture reference for counseling by John Kruis

Please pay your donation for this course in our web store.  

BACHELOR OF PASTORAL COUNSELING

       Cost of Course $349.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book store.

Depression A stubborn darkness by Edward T. Welch

Biblical counseling by John MacArthur and Wayne Mack

Competent to counsel by Jay Adams

The search for significance by Robert McGee

Your victory in JESUS by D.L. Moody

Please pay your donation for this course in our web store.  

MASTERS OF PASTORAL COUNSELING

       Cost of Course $449.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book store.

 Counseling Text: Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide by Gary R. Collins

 Addictions A banquet in the grave by Edward Welch

 The Christian counselors manual by Jay Edwards

 Ministering to the mourning by Wiersbe

 Compass psycho-theology   by Dan Montgomery

DOCTORATE OF PASTORAL COUNSELING

Welcome to Pastoral Counseling Theories and Application, a Doctorate Level course in the curriculum for the Degree, Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. I'm pleased to offer you this course. This is an exciting course. This course covers the foundations, theories and practices of counseling. The presentation is well balanced and does not emphasize any particular orientation. Basic research is combined with practical applications.

Cost of Course $549.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book store. 

 Strategic pastoral counseling by David Benner

 Effective biblical counseling by Larry Crabb

 Theology of Christian counseling by Jay Adams

 Christian counseling ethics   by Randolph Sanders

 Counseling  how to counsel biblically  by John MacArthur

ASSOCIATE OF THEOLOGY

The Associates of Biblical Studies is a great extension of the Diploma of Biblical Studies for the student. This program is recommended for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Word of God and who may be considering full time ministry. The program consists of three courses or 15 hours of study. Order the textbooks from Amazon or your favorite book dealer. Read one text book at a time in any order. As you complete the reading of each textbook write a 10 to 15 page paper describing what you read and learned in the book. The suggested way of doing this is simply writing 1 to 3 pages on each chapter you read and at least 1 to 3 paragraphs about what you got out of the book and how it can help you in the ministry or as a Christian. We are simply asking you for a summary of the material. Once you have written the paper then submit it to your Instructor. Please include your name and title of the textbook you are submitting on the cover sheet of the paper. Please include your address, phone number and email on the cover sheet. You may mail the paper to us but please include a self addressed stamped envelope so we may return your grade and paper.

Cost of Course $149.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book dealer

Nelson's New Testament Survey: Discovering the Essence, Background and Meaning About Every New Testament Book by Mark Bailey and Tom Constable (Hardcover - Jul 17, 2003)

Paul and His Letters by John B. Polhill

New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel by I. Howard Marshall (Hardcover - Nov 2004)

30 Days to Understanding the Bible in 15 Minutes a Day by, Max Anders

The Bible From Scratch: The New Testament for Beginners, by Donald L. Griggs

The Bachelors of Biblical Studies prepares the student for full time ministry by giving them an in depth look at the Word of God. This program is recommended for anyone who is in or going into full time ministry or a teacher in the local church. 

Cost of Course $349.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book dealer

The Master of theology is a great program for Pastors or those wanting to become a Pastor.

Cost of Course $449.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book dealer

DOCTORATE OF THEOLOGY

The purpose of this degree is to acquaint the student with a broad perspective of Christian theology.  

Cost of Course $549.00 does not include the text books as they are sold separately and you can get from your local book dealer

DOCTOR OF DIVINITY (D.D. or D.Div.

(Honorary Degree)

Cost of course is $100.00

The Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree is as valid and valuable as any doctorate degree issued by any religious organization. The only book for instruction will be the KJV of the Holy Bible.

This item requires you be ordained.  *( NOTE: If you are NOT ordained or you do NOT provide evidence that you are ordained, we will thank you for your donation but you will not receive this degree).

*By continuing on knowing of this information you are agreeing to forfit the diploma and donation without a refund of any kind). HFM Board of Directors reserves the right to allow or deny, without reason, the approval of this item.(This donation may not include shipping and handling outside the continental United States).

Alumni of this School and Ordinates are granted a 50% discount. Click Here

Click here to register via this Enrollment Form