Introduction
History Global University has a distinguished heritage spanning
almost six decades. Its rich history is a blending of the
achievements of two distance-learning institutions. This dual
foundation of experience adds academic strength to the entity
created by the merger of ICI and Berean Universities.
Berean School of the Bible
The Assemblies of God Fellowship recognized that not everyone
who desired ministerial preparation could attend a residential
Bible training institution. Therefore, a distance-learning program
for ministerial candidates was begun in 1947. This program
developed into the Berean School of the Bible by 1958 and was
headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.
International Correspondence Institute (ICI)
In 1967, International Correspondence Institute (ICI) was founded
under the auspices of the Division of Foreign Missions. This second
distance-learning school was designed to provide evangelism,
discipleship, and workers’ training courses as well as bachelor’s
degrees to students all over the world. George M. Flattery, who first
envisioned the school, was its founding president. Its offices
moved from Missouri to Brussels, Belgium, in 1972 and remained
there until 1991.
Development
Both Berean School of the Bible and ICI grew rapidly, adding
courses and programs to meet the growing needs of their
students. Berean, which was utilizing courses developed by ICI for
its degree programs, became Berean College in 1985 and Berean
University in 1995. ICI moved from Brussels to Irving, Texas, in 1991
and became ICI University in 1993.
Global University
Both institutions remained faithful to their respective missions.
Similarly in educational approach, mission, and services made a
merger of the two institutions logical. Both universities were
making significant advances in electronic delivery via the
Internet and other technologies. Rather than duplicating costly
delivery systems, a united university would result in better
stewardship of technological and human resources. Thomas
Trask, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God at that
time, and L. John Bueno, executive director of World Missions at
that time, agreed to initiate the merger that was completed in
2000.
Four Schools
Global University now has four schools: (1) School for
Evangelism and Discipleship, (2) Berean School of the Bible, (3)
Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology, and (4) Graduate
School of Theology. All of these schools of Global University are
truly global in outreach. Students at home and abroad enroll in
all levels of study. Global University works closely with
Assemblies of God World Missions, US Missions, and other
divisions of the General Council.
Conclusion
Global University continues to write new chapters of history as it
impacts eternity by winning the lost and training the
found—everywhere! This means using various media
technologies through anointed courses, curricula, consultation,
and cooperation, equipping people to be Christ’s disciples with
the help of God to His glory and the expansion of His kingdom.
History and development
History and development
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Global University