Frequently Asked Questions

Concerning Establishing and Running a Resident Branch of
Freedom Bible College and Seminary
1270 Hwy 412 W. Suite K
Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761
479-373-6420
Email: fbcs@freedom.edu

Why start a branch?
Because the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37).  The reason to start a branch is to win souls for the Kingdom, period.  Every Christian disciple is charged, by Jesus, with the Great Commission.  We have to reach the lost because our Lord is coming back soon.  The ministry of FBCS is to “Educate the World to Save the World.”  Our mission is salvation.  We seek to replicate the message of redemption by faith, and to encourage those who claim Christ to take personal responsibility to live the Word and to love all people.

What kind of degree do I have to have to start a branch?
To become a president you must have at least a biblical doctorate degree. To become a director you must have at least a biblical master’s degree.  FBCS will request a copy of official transcripts from all applicants.

Does it matter what denomination I am?
No. As long as you are a Christian and accept our simple statement of faith.

Can I make an income with a branch?
Your goal should be to reach people, teaching them of the wonderful things of God.  No business or ministry can survive without income.  But, we ask you to leave the income details to God.  Profit and/or prosperity should never be the focus of an FBCS resident branch.

Do I have to start my branch in a church?
No. In fact, there are advantages to both starting on your own or with a church. You will learn more about this as you progress.

Will my branch of Freedom Bible College and Seminary be accountable?
Yes. We are accountable to the National Accrediting Agency of Private Theological Institutions (NAAPTI).  Accreditation, even from a private source, shows our desire to be transparent and peer reviewed.  Accountability matters!

Can I offer correspondence courses?
No. Branches can offer only resident classes. Distance, correspondence and online classes are offered by the home offices in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Will FBCS design a web page for me?
Yes. We will design and maintain your web page free of charge. Your branch will be linked from the main home page of FBCS.

What kind of degrees will I be able to offer?
Depending on the type of branch you build, you may offer some or all degrees that are offered by FBCS. For a complete list click on the link for our ONLINE CATALOG at www.freedom.edu

Can I allow the members of my church to attend classes free?
No. There is a charge for anyone attending classes.

Do I hold my own graduation ceremonies or may we attend the ones at the main campus?
We recommend that you hold your own graduation ceremonies; however if you are unable to do so, your students may attend graduation ceremonies with one of our other resident branches.

What is the cost of starting a branch?
There is a branch fee of $1050 plus a training fee of $1050. There is also an application fee of $125 and a small fee for your background check.

Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes. We have a binding Branch Agreement that is signed by the proposed president/director and FBCS.  Faculty, staff, and branch volunteers will sign an individual agreement with FBCS.

How much training will I receive?
You will receive 6 hours of extensive training.  Additional training hours depend on the question and answer forum.

How do I know I am operating legally in my state?
It is of the upmost importance that you check with your state government on requirements and incorporation guidelines for starting a school.

How long does it take me to get started?
Our on-boarding policy requires new branches to be fully operational within six (6) months.  We place top priority on getting you established very quickly. In most cases you are ready to start as soon as you complete the training sessions.

Will I be awarded an honorary degree?
Upon application to FBCS for a resident branch, prospective branch presidents and directors should already have credentials of a master or doctorate level of biblical education.  We aren’t a diploma mill!  The only requirement we have to grant you a degree is that you “earn” it.

Will someone from Siloam Springs come to my graduation if I so request?
Yes. Depending upon the time available, Dr. Church or her representative will attend your graduation at your expense.

Do you have an approved curriculum that I will use in my branch.
Yes. In fact, you will only be permitted to teach from  our approved established curriculum, and all textbooks are required to be purchased directly from FBCS.