I once held the belief that selecting a Christian Liberal Arts College would prevent me from being a witness to the unsaved, and jeopardize my education. Several churches that I attended and friends I respected supported a Non-Christian education for two basic reasons: Academic standards could be lower at a private college and there would be little or no opportunity to win others to Christ.

I have learned through my first few weeks here at California Baptist College in the Fall of 1986 that this theory about no witnessing opportunities is absolutely untrue. First of all, there are more rules to be broken on this campus, so the men of the world who want to be radical are going to try everything they can to break them without getting caught.

That’s where I come in. These guys may be cool with the majority of the guys on my dorm wing, but when they come around me they know I stand up for my Christian beliefs. I may have a priestly nickname by the end of the year, who knows? When guys come down the hall cussing up a storm at one o’clock in the morning there needs to be some kind of mediator. Those sources and associates that had me believing everyone in a Christian College was saved must have been on L.S.D.-”A Low on Common Sense Diet.”

The second belief that concerned me the most was low academic standards. Many students are paying almost seven grand a year to attend college, why on earth would a Christian teacher fail a student? This would lower enrollment, make the school look bad to the public, and give teachers a bad name. Academic standards must be lower in a private college, right?

Wrong! Professors who teacher here at California Baptist College have degrees from Baylor University, Pepperdine, University of Southern California, and University of Illinois, to name just a few. I enjoy listening and learning from those who have had hard core “upper class” educations and include this into their Christian faith. Also, with low academic standards it would have been very difficult to receive the accreditation that this college has obtained.

Miraculous changes can take place on a Christian campus. Continuous Bible reading and teaching leads to greater knowledge. After all, Solomon in the Book of Proverbs does state: “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The students, professors, and faculty that I’ve met in my first few weeks here on campus have been people whose sole purpose is to serve God with all their heart.

That’s big for me, because I believe that without the positive influence of Christian friends I do not believe that I can reach my full potential in college or in my life’s goals and dreams for that matter.

Though once led astray, I now believe that the Christian Liberal Arts Education is superior to universities that are based solely on academic standards. My decision on this issue may sound very one-sided. I have to agree with you. However, my thesis is summed up most eloquently in the book of proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.”

Online business owner Don Alexander, http://www.leading-online-business.com writer and published poet has two online missions: Sharing his writing and “Helping ALL to Succeed” in online business. Don feels that online business is the financial answer for ALL Americans today.

http://www.leading-online-business.com
“Helping ALL to Succeed”

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Lay counselors and pastors are popular people to go to when there is a need for faith-based counseling. However, few are actually formally trained to be an expert in this area. Although these individuals may be “qualified” to render aid, there is an ever-increasing need of specialized care for people in dire need of emotional and mental breakthrough.

A degree in Christian counseling will help individuals earn licensure, certification, and a higher level of professional education that will lead to the creation of a reputable Christian Counseling practice.

Earning a Christian Counselor Degree

Earning a degree in Christian Counseling will enable you to utilize your gifts to help other people. Individuals who find joy in helping others overcome challenges and analyze the roots of their problems are qualified for this career. There are lot of fulfilling challenges to address in the areas of mental health, childhood, family relations, and work. There is also that exciting possibility of being self-employed or collaborate with other people to form a private practice.

Skills and qualities that will make an impact in the pursuit of a degree in Christian counseling are communication, empathy, listening, compassion, mentoring and leadership.

There are a big variety of Christian Colleges to choose from in the country that offer a Degree in Christian Counseling. Most accredited learning institutions have the common desire to give future counselors an education that is faithful to both textbooks and the Bible. There is also a strong emphasis in the importance of leading a life of kindness and integrity.

C.J. Harrison is an educational writer and editor for a number of top educational directories, including the Degree in Christian Counseling directory where students can compare accredited universities offering Christian Counselor Degrees and Programs.

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Christian colleges and universities offer traditional academic programs, some with almost all degree levels (associate, bachelor, master’s and doctoral). They also offer something more – many of them also have courses and degree programs that are faith driven or ministry focused. While some Christian universities put more emphasis on this than others, due to their faith-based foundation, they encourage students to earn their degree based on the basic moral principles found in Christianity.

For those who are not Christian, Christian colleges and universities should not deter them simply based on faith. Most students find that while the faith and on-campus activities like ministry or even church services are not requirements. Students find that they can attend a Christian college or university as they would a state college without the need to feel any pressure to convert or participate in Christian activities. In fact, many Christian colleges and universities encourage students of other faiths and backgrounds to enroll in their classes, even if they are basic liberal arts or business degree programs.

Christian students will also find that there are plenty of activities for them to participate in, including ministry groups that travel around the country and the world, evangelical groups, and involvement in the college church through the choir or other musical group. Students who wish to actively participate in the school’s faith-based activities will also find they will be able to take their degree further, entering the working world with more to offer based on the basic values of the Christian faith.

Christian colleges and universities offer the most for both students of the Christian faith and those who aren’t practicing Christians. These schools offer an education with substance, hoping students will walk away with more than just a degree upon graduation.

C.J. Harrison is an educational writer and editor for a number of top educational directories, including the Christian Colleges and Universities directory where students can compare accredited Christian universities offering online degrees.

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Graduating from high school is the moment of life. You need to decide on the path that you will take the place of after your high school life. There are some who prefer to get a job right away instead of pursuing their respective college dreams while others will join the military as their service to the American people. However, the most essential thing you need to remember is to do follow the path where God is leading you.

College is a choice that requires some careful planning and is something that should be thought about as early as in high school. The earlier you prepare and narrow down your choices, the greater the chance you’ll find a good College. There are several steps that you can take before choose a Christian college. These are as follows:

1) Some Christian colleges have course programs that are very similar to secular colleges, while others have concentrated options in Bible studies. Many can give you flexibility or a range of options between both. While it definitely common to not know what you want to do as far as your career when you’re in your teens, knowing what you want to study will narrow down your list of choices.

2) Of course, the tuition cost of a Christian college is probably going to be a factor. What would be good to look into is that many of the colleges offer grants and scholarships to offset the costs of tuition. There may be a college that will give your teen a full scholarship or grant, depending on his grades and need

3) Have you done some background research on the Christian College to make sure it’s got a good track record? A simple Google search will help in this process.

4) There’s no circumstance going to a Christian college that specializes in worship leading if you feel called to community work.

5) Do you have peace about the Christian College you are looking at attending? Phil 4:6-7 talks about a peace that comes upon you that goes past your understanding. The peace that you feel on the inside. If you can learn to live according to this God given inner peace, then you will know that it’s a God thing!

Attending a Christian college will not lead to a religious appointment as a priest or a soldier of God, getting yourself enrolled in college where the administrators, staff, faculty, and students are devoted Christians is indeed an excellent choice. Christian collages care not only for your education, but also to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In addition, Researches made indicate that students who attend Christian colleges are most likely to affirm their Christian faith and strong belief in God.

Bible College Guide has the most complete listing of USA and Canada Christian Colleges and training facilities in the world.
http://www.biblecollegeguide.com/

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The journey to become a Christian counselor is a lot like earning the standard counseling credits. However, there are a few added elements that are part of the mix.

If you feel you are called to become a Christian counselor, the proper training is critical in order to make this happen. There are several excellent Christian colleges that offer courses in psychology and counseling. Degrees on all levels – bachelor’s, master’s and a doctorate – are available for this type of career goal.

Other learning institutions even offer Christian counseling classes on evenings and weekends. This is a great option for people who want to become a Christian counselor but have current work commitments. There are also part-time study options available for people who can only devote a specific amount of time to study in a given week.

There are individuals who have to juggle responsibilities at home and in the workplace. There are current roles to fulfill such as being an employee, a spouse and a parent all at the same time. If you can relate to this scenario, you can be a Christian counselor by opting to take classes online. This presents an ideal situation for your current lifestyle. It allows you to participate in classes in your free time and minimizes time spent commuting to and from campus.

You must also be open to joining to professional associations if you would like to become a Christian counselor. Efforts in connecting with other people in the same field may open doors for you. Networking by attending special seminars and conferences will help you out. You new contacts may be your go-to people for advice, mentoring, and training. You will also receive a lot of assistance in terms of getting licensed and certified. Finding out about hot job openings are also a great bonus!

The most important foundation in order to become a Christian counselor is to have a firm faith in the foundations of Christianity. There must be a thorough and solid understanding in the core beliefs. You will need this knowledge to impart as you help someone go through a deep healing process.

C.J. Harrison is an educational writer and editor for a number of top educational directories, including How to Become a Christian Counselor, where students can learn more about pursuing a degree in Christian Counseling.

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Earning a Degree from a Christian University

Online Christian Colleges allow students the ability to earn their degree from the comfort of their home, office, or at their favorite local hangout, as long as they have a working computer with a decent internet connection. The student is also expected to know how to use an online chat or bulletin board feature, send and receive e-mail, and have basic internet knowledge.

Christian Universities may also offer accelerated programs. Many schools know how busy working adults are, and that committing to four years of online learning can be a difficult and arduous task for most. Now, many colleges offer associates degrees in less than 2 years, and bachelor degrees in less than 4 years. And since Online Christian Colleges have the same level of accreditation as those found in a traditional campus degree program, graduates have the same benefits as those who enrolled in an on-campus program.

Types of Degrees Offered

Christian Universities offer degrees in a variety of fields and at all degree levels. While some schools focus primarily on faith-based degrees such as Christian Counseling, Ministry, Theology, and Biblical Studies, most universities also offer degrees in education, business, the liberal arts, and more.

Online Christian Colleges are certainly worth considering, simply based on the spiritual value it presents to the student, not to mention the convenience, flexibility, and timeframe of certain degree programs.

C.J. Harrison is an educational writer and editor for a number of top educational directories, including the Online Christian Colleges directory where students can compare accredited Christian Colleges offering online degrees.

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Internet is supporting better Christian education. While online, you’ll always learn about Christian faith and doctrines without much ado. Usually, studying online is known to be flexible contrary to traditional learning that is saddled with many up sides like using a lot of transport on the road, cycling and even walking.

You can type away few keywords where you’ll get results of accredited Christian colleges. From the pool, settle for the colleges that are ranked highly.

Northwest Christian College, Florida Christian College, Somerset Christian College, and Southwestern Christian College are a few examples. The curriculums at these colleges educate students about issues of the church while building strong biblical foundation. With a broad range of options in terms of reviews, financial aid, and states, you can search what fits your style. You must not be computer savvy to gather information as the sites are easy to use.

If you want to balance faith and ordinary life, lots of information about accredited Christian colleges can be found online. They are blared on most web portals that with few mouse flicks, you’ll absolutely access meaningful colleges. You can connect to the internet to download, learning materials, to view video demonstration and even to interact with lecturers and other students through chats and messages. From the comfort of your home, you are able to learn Christian doctrines.

While traditional Christian masters would take many years, two, four or three, you can receive the same qualifications much faster. However, a lot of commitment is required if you want to expand your Christian horizons. Finance has been a stumbling block to many individuals. Use important resources like scholarships and college grants to unlock your potential.

Thus accredited online bible colleges are more than credible in providing religious studies in right and appropriate direction to one in following divine path leading to the ultimate.

Author-Pankaj Gupta

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Christian scholarships basically come in two varieties. The first kind are individual financial awards given by individuals who have set up a bequest for prospective students. These endowments are sometimes awarded by boards of trustees who judge the merits based on whatever Christian values the scholarship requires. While these financial amounts vary widely – from the hundreds to the tens of thousands of dollars – they are all worth pursuing. Your chances of getting a small, individual scholarship are actually pretty good if you apply carefully, long before the deadline approaches and with precise attention to the essay and application requirements. A little-known secret is that a great deal of these scholarships are never applied for, and the money goes unclaimed year after year. In some cases, if you apply, you will be the recipient – and even amounts as low as $250 can help pay for books and other necessities.

The second kind of scholarship comes from Christian universities and institutions themselves. While these are often larger in value (either monetary or in some other form, such as housing) they are also much better advertised and eagerly sought after by hundreds of Christian candidates. You can still earn one of these scholarships by establishing a very thorough record of service and work with Christian organizations and charities. Combined with several glowing letters of recommendation from various church leaders, this kind of profile may be exactly what the institutions are looking for.

Both types of scholarships are worth pursuing, and through good works your faith can help fund you on your path to your dreams.

Final Tip: By researching and comparing you will find the best Free Online Scholarships Money offers, however you are welcome to take advantage of the resources already listed in our website, we have done all the hard work for you.

H. Milla runs the Free Scholarships And Grants website – where you can get different kind of scholarships for free. Also, you can get all information you need to get free government grant money, money by the way that you will never have to pay back. Visit for further information.

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A 2003 Christian college graduate in business administration, Joel has already guided NetworkStreaming to 33 employees and a customer base of over 1,300 in 50 states and 32 countries around the globe. NetworkStreaming’s customer list includes such names as AIG, Nissan, UBS and Farm Bureau Insurance to name a few.

So what impact did attending a Christian college have on Joel Bomgaars, and what led to his tremendous success? NetworkStreaming states: “Our vision is to provide technical solutions while honoring God and developing our people.” This one sentence provides great insight into the priorities of Joel and his company.

A CEO’s perspective on hiring Christian college graduates

While it’s significant to talk about how greatly Joel values his Christian college education, it’s a different matter to see it demonstrated in a tangible way. Perhaps the most compelling example of Joel’s high regard for his education is revealed by considering those he has employed. Currently, over half of NetworkStreaming’s employees are individuals, who at one time or another, attended that same Christian college he attended. From the perspective of a CEO, Joel believes that recruiting Christian college grads is simply a wise business decision, as they often bring a solid work ethic, integrity, strong interpersonal skills and a well balanced view of life to the workplace. These characteristics can provide the building blocks for a strong foundation leading to success in their profession. Joel believes that Christian colleges provide a great starting point in business for these reasons.

Why did someone like Joel Bomgaars attend a Christian college?

Joel knew early in the process of choosing a college that a small Christian college was the right choice for him. His decision took him only a short drive of 10 or 15 minutes from his home. This arrangement allowed him to have a job near his home while attending college. His motivation for attending a Christian college was rooted in his desire to be in an environment that would encourage “wisdom and values” in addition to knowledge. Joel felt those values would not be promoted at a secular school, and it was important to him that his education come from a “Christian world and life view”. Joel believes the nature of a Christian college leads to academic strength because of the importance the Christian faith places on striving for excellence in all areas of life.

The professors Joel encountered had an approach to teaching that was based in Christian service. This service-oriented outlook translated to relationships that extended beyond classroom walls. Joel noticed professors who were actively engaged in the lives of their students.

How the Christian college experience impacts Joel’s decisions today

Joel believes one of the reasons for his success is the high value that Christian colleges place on relationships. This emphasis impacts his daily decisions at NetworkStreaming as he recognizes the importance of each person as an individual who has been created in the image of God. Even when Joel encounters a difficult employee situation, respect for the individual is essential. This perspective appears to contradict today’s business culture where decisions often seem to be based exclusively on financial considerations. The success of NetworkStreaming suggests that Joel’s approach has served him well.

Evaluating “Success”

One of the threads that is woven throughout my discussion with Joel is the importance that he places on people. Joel makes it clear that his staff are one of the most vital components to his success. And as important as it is to have good people around him, Joel’s quick to say that “blessings from God” are probably the primary reason for his achievements. On the wall inside Joel’s office you would see, “the horses prepare for the day of the battle but victory rests with the Lord.” In talking with Joel, there is a genuine humility that causes him to realize that while a company can have a great product or staff, ultimately “success” is a gift from God.

Getting real… and a little advice

When asked about how his college experience influences his personal life, Joel speaks of such concepts as balance and a Christian worldview. His Christian college background helps Joel harmonize his family, friends and work. Joel would “highly recommend attending a Christian college” because of the significant impact it can have on one’s personal and professional life. When asked if he had to do it over again, would he attend a Christian college, Joel responds, “absolutely”. Joel believes that his education was “worth every penny.” For Joel Bomgaars, attending a Christian college was a key step on the road to his success.

———-

Thom Seagren is president of The Christian Connector a Christian college information resource. The Christian Connector lets you select from over 100 Christian colleges that will send you free information, and awards a $2,500 Christian college scholarship each year.

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The intention of this article is to offer what I hope will provide a fresh perspective regarding the choice between a Christian college and a secular college.

I’m confident that important characteristics such as academic excellence, internships, school size, location, career opportunities, quality of faculty, variety of programs, extra-curricular activities, etc. can be found at both secular and Christian schools across the country. With that being said, why then should one consider enrolling at a Christian college?

According to the US Department of Education, one group of Christian colleges, CCCU schools, grew over 70% from 1990 to 2004. During that same period of time, all independent four year schools grew 28%, while public four year institutions grew only about 13%. These statistics reveal that there must be something “different” about Christian colleges. I believe this difference can be primarily attributed to the environment, and it is this difference that provides the most compelling reason to enroll at a Christian college.

If you’ve been following higher education in the media over the past couple of years, you’ve likely heard some alarming news from both state and private secular institutions. I believe most people would agree that institutions of higher education in the US have promoted themselves as places of respect, tolerance and diversity. The irony is that there seems to be an ever growing intolerance for diversity in regards to issues of faith, values and even politics in higher education.

Consider the following statement:

At secular schools across the country, people of faith are often not respected and even ridiculed for their beliefs. You may be surprised to learn that I generally don’t believe this statement to be true, nor do I believe this attitude would be allowed at secular schools in this country. However, adding a single word to this statement dramatically changes both the meaning and the accuracy of the statement:

At secular schools across the country, people of Christian faith are often not respected and even ridiculed for their beliefs. If you disagree with this statement, I challenge you to ask a few committed Christians attending secular schools how their professors and classmates view their faith.

While there likely are exceptions to this rule, if you’re considering the difference between a secular and Christian school, the intolerance toward Christian values on secular campuses is an essential issue to consider.

Most fair minded people would agree that the environment where one lives has an affect on that individual. In 1994 a study was conducted that showed that approximately 52% of students who attended public institutions either no longer called themselves “born again” or had not attended a religious service of any kind in over a year. This study was done over ten years ago. One wonders what this figure would look like today.

A traditional college age student begins their collegiate career at about 18 years old. For a student from a Christian home, there are two sets of beliefs that the student likely takes with them that are particularly pertinent:

The student’s Christian faith/values Respect for those in authority While it may be argued that secular schools challenge these beliefs overtly, the greater challenge for the Christian student may be the unexpected collision of these two principles.

For 18 years, most students in this group have a basic and appropriate trust of those in authority over them. Their experience has demonstrated that the vast majority of people in authority positions have their best interest at heart – parents, pastors and even teachers. So what happens when authority figures suddenly have a very different set of values than the students, or even a completely different agenda? While the student has learned the importance of respecting those in authority, that authority figure may be the very person ridiculing the student’s faith, values and worldview. Perhaps this represents one reason why the above study discovered such a large number of students “walking away” from their faith.

Does this mean that if you’re a Christian who attends a secular college, you will turn your back on your faith? Of course not. However, the issue is more personal than statistics and generalities. The real issue is whether or not a Christian college is the best choice for you. While it’s important to consider Christian colleges for what they offer, it’s also crucial to make an honest comparison to the alternative – a secular campus environment.

Some may think that Christian colleges merely offer a “safe haven”, a place that is separated from the “challenges” in the world. I believe this view is unrealistic and flawed. It is disingenuous to think that there are not challenges to overcome at a Christian college in terms of faith, lifestyle, and ethical choices. However, generally speaking, the faculty, staff and students within a Christian college environment are concerned with seeing the student develop in all areas of life.

A Christian college offers more than just the “addition” of Christian beliefs to the educational experience. Christian faith is not merely an “extra” at Christian colleges, it is a critical element woven into the fabric of the college experience. The Christian dynamic is evident not just in chapel or a Sunday service, but also during pizza in the dorm at midnight, during an honest debate over moral and theological principles in the dining hall, and during a discussion of ethics in regards to career and family. The Christian component is noticeable in the classroom, but it is not limited by those walls. I believe this is the real difference of a Christian college environment, as well as a key reason why there has been such tremendous growth at Christian colleges. It is Christian colleges that must encourage true tolerance, respect and diversity, as these are essential principles within Christianity.

Christian colleges offer much more than a “safe haven”, they offer life preparation. Christian campuses should not be viewed as an opportunity to avoid the world, but rather as an opportunity to influence the world. The years spent within a Christian college environment can aid the student’s ability to serve, thrive, and become a modern day follower of Jesus Christ – regardless of their profession. Christian colleges are in a unique position to honestly address the spiritual and moral issues that people of every age face every day. People can spend years in training for their chosen profession, sport, and hobbies. Christian colleges can offer all of those opportunities, but within a Christian context where the student becomes more prepared to impact and live within our world.

Attending a Christian college means you don’t have to settle for only part of the educational experience.

Thom Seagren is president of The Christian Connector a Christian college information resource. The Christian Connector lets you select from over 100 Christian colleges that will send you free information, and awards a $2,500 Christian college scholarship each year.

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