One chapter in Kenneth Gangel's Church Education Handbook (Victor Books, 1985) is entitled "How to Keep Your Child Out of Christian Service" (pp. 276-281). In this chapter, the author lists four helpful suggestions which will turn a child's mind from ministry. These are:

We know that you are prayerfully concerned about your child's future. We expect that you want God's best for your child. But has the thinking of our secular culture permeated your views of education? We offer the following questions and answers for your consideration.

1.  Doesn't a school which issues degrees offer superior education?

A degree only provides proof that one has "satisfactorily completed the prescribed course of study." It does not prove one's abilities or effectiveness. It does not measure one's level of learning or one's godliness. We at Southland are not "anti-degree" or "pro-ignorance."

We simply want you to know that there are alternatives in education which do not emphasize the liberal arts courses necessary for a degree. We are a specialized institution, training men and women for ministry, and offering a solid, Biblical basis for life in general.

2. Doesn't an accredited school offer a superior education?

"Accredited" means that a school has met some man-made standards which may or may not affect the quality of education. Some have striven to meet standards of accreditation only to find that the original purpose and effectiveness of the school have been lost in a flurry of "acceptance."

Southland Bible Institute uses God and His Word as the standard. Here we find the measures of faithfulness, spiritual growth, and excellence sufficient to keep us striving to improve. Again, we are not "anti-accreditation" but we want you to know that there are alternatives. Some of the best schools in the country have remained "unaccredited" by design, as does Southland. 

3.  Doesn't an expensive school guarantee a superior education?

The cost of an education in our society has very little bearing on effectiveness. Often high costs are based on teacher's salaries and/or major debt. Because Southland Bible Institute is organized as an independent faith mission, we are able to keep student costs to a minimum.

Our academic standards are enhanced by this approach because of the necessary dedication of each teacher and the example of living by faith that the student sees daily. We offer a viable option for those who otherwise could not afford a Bible education, and for those yet seeking the Lord's leading in a field of study. What better way to find God's will than an intensive study of His Word?

4. Doesn't a large school offer a superior education?

Another cultural myth states that "bigger is better." Measured by numbers alone, even our Lord's ministry on earth might be classified a failure. Some schools need large numbers of students simply to meet budget and exist.

The uniqueness of Southland Bible Institute includes the smaller interactive classroom setting, the family atmosphere, and the individual attention and caring that is available for each student. Knowing the teachers' consistent lifestyle in and out of the classroom is an advantage for students who are studying God's Word and applying it to everyday life. At Southland, no one need get lost in the masses. Everyone has opportunity to be personally involved.

Now, what is REALLY more important for your child? A study of the musings of mere man or a study of the sureties of a great God? Whatever the goals and aspirations of your child, you should encourage him/her to get a solid Biblical base for life in general no matter what vocation or education is pursued. Time spent studying the Word can help provide that base. A year or more at Southland is not time wasted, but time invested. Perhaps you should consider guiding your child toward Southland Bible Institute.

P.S. Perhaps you should consider Bible training at Southland for yourself. Many of our students come later in life to prepare for service and/or to be more effective in their home, church, and job. It's never too late to study God's Word!

Southland Bible Institute operates as a faith ministry. We rely on the Lord to raise up interested Christian friends who are able to support us through prayer and finances. In this way, we can provide a quality Bible education at a minimum monetary cost.

For further information, please write or call:

Southland Bible Institute
 238 West Southland Drive
Ashland, Kentucky 41102
(606) 928-5127

Email: sbi1@netacs.net