Governmental Accreditation?
This Biblical principle of the separation of State and Church is indicated by Christ when He said, “…Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s…” (Mark 12:17).
It refers to the fact that as religious educational institutions we are not to be “recognized” by secular accreditation associations, who in turn are recognized by governmental agencies, that exist to offer accreditation to secular schools offering secular degrees.
“We are to seek recognition by religious accrediting associations who are recognized by what we call the Church of Jesus Christ, which has no supreme central office on earth, but is comprised by the Body of Christ, meaning all believers. In Matthew 16: 18-19 and 28:18-20 we read that our authority is derived directly from Heaven” (Dr. Paul Richardson).
In 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) it clearly tells us, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness” therefore we believe that it is contrary to the Biblical principle of “Separation of Church and State” to seek secular accreditation or recognition. One thing is clear, that as time develops the governments of this world, in the name of political correctness, will look to monitor and heavily regulate (this is happening) all religious groups. Nongovernmental accreditation then, offers a non-slanted version, allowing for the purity of purpose and God’s direction.
As Christian teaching organizations our main source of reference is and always will be the Bible. Many are seeking to move away from the more traditional sources of accreditation. Here in Europe especially there is a need for accreditation in a new way and that’s where “International Apostolic Accreditation Council” comes in.
Dr Roberts Liardon says, it is undeniably true that the most successful students and ministers now come from schools that are birthed by Apostolic Ministries. In the times of the reformations, seminaries were the place where great ministers were formed, yet over the course of time, many have evolved to become places where God’s word and the present day workings of His Spirit are no longer welcome but discredited.
Today it would appear that God has diverted His place of training and launching ministers increasingly to and within the apostolic streams.
Credibility
Below are a few who represent thousands of churches and organisations:
1. Apostle Dr Alan Pateman/Italy-UK Connecting for Excellence Apostolic Network
2. Dr Robb Thompson/USA Robb Thompson Ministries
3. Dr Roberts Liardon/USA Roberts Liardon Ministries
4. Apostle Dr Benjamin A. Asare/Italy-Ghana Followers of Christ International Church
5. Rev Dr Henry O. Ogbebor/Italy-Nigeria Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission
6. Bishop Dr Solomon Gbakara/Nigeria God’s Will Mission Inc.
7. Rev Dr Manga N. William/Cameroon Full Gospel Mission Cameroon
8. Apostle Dr Aaron A. Boateng/Italy-Ghana Christ Apostolic Church International
9. and hundreds more representing thousands of ministries, churches and organisations
“In founding LifeStyle International Christian University Doctor Alan Pateman has married the moving of the Holy Spirit and the authority of God’s written word together. His many years and experience has caused him to be able to lead this university into the 21st century with a relevant edge.
I believe the students that participate in this university will have a healthy balance of the word and the Spirit and the maturity to fulfil their high calling. Remember preparation is never lost time.”
Roberts Liardon Ministries, USA
www.robertsliardon.org
