Be it known unto all that Dawn Hill having successfully completed all courses of study, and having satisfied all requirement of Impact Ministerial Institute is now, upon the recommendation of the faculty, honored by the presentation of the sacred degree bearing the title of Doctor of Theology with all the rights and privileges thereto given this 21st day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and thirteen.

I have in my possession several pieces of paper with my name printed on them and alleged conferred degrees from my time spent in a local “Bible college” years ago. Once a week for six years, I attended this institute within the walls of the church. I accumulated a certificate in ministry, Bachelor of ministry, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Theology. For my dissertation, I wrote a lengthy paper about Smith Wigglesworth and the legacy he left behind, ending the paper with an exhortation for us to take up his mantle of faith, zeal, and power.

I took classes on specific books of the Bible, such as Ephesians and Galatians. There were other things that seemed more orthodox, such as apologetics. But then there were classes about the seven flows of God, demonology, apostolic foundations, the language of the Spirit, the authority of the believer, the gifts of the Spirit, and prophetic worship. We covered several classes utilizing Kenneth Hagins’s teachings and books. One class covered God’s generals using Roberts Lairdon’s books as the textbooks. Looking back, I recognize how much we were being taught and engrained with the belief in modern-day apostles and prophets with governing authority.

I used to be so proud of that framed Doctor of Theology, and now it sits tucked away in a closet, hidden behind unfortunate items that make themselves into storage in closets and attics. Looking at it now and recollecting much of that teaching further solidifies what you may be thinking: that is not a real Doctor of Theology. If that is your thought, you would be correct. The entire stack of certificates and degrees from that six years I consider false credentials. My lengthy paper on Smith Wigglesworth utilizing biased books about him was not a dissertation.

When looking at the New Apostolic Reformation movement, there are alleged Bible colleges and universities affiliated with not only the teachings found in this movement, but the instructors are well-known in these circles. An example is Wagner University. Formerly known as Wagner Leadership Institute and founded by C. Peter Wagner, it is now overseen by Che Ahn. On their About page, they state that “WU reflects a new paradigm for unique training in practical ministry. Unlike traditional seminaries, we focus on equipping “in-service” leaders with a hybrid online and in-person style of teaching and learning, as well as impartation and activation. You’ll be equipped to bring the kingdom of God into the 7 Mountains of culture including the church, family, business, media, arts & entertainment, education, and government. Lastly, you’ll develop a network of relationships with like-minded leaders around the globe.”

WU’s list of instructors includes Che Ahn, Cindy Jacobs, Kris Vallotton, Bill Johnson, Lance Wallnau, Brian Simmons, Patricia King, and Harold Eberle. WU states that these leaders are “respected internationally as some of the top Christian leaders in the Church today. Wagner’s instructors minister powerfully as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.” Depending on the degree pursued, costs range from $2,000 per course to $34,800 for a Doctor of Theology. Courses consist of subjects such as the seven mountain mandate, victorious eschatology, inner healing/SOZO, spiritual warfare and deliverance, and the fivefold ministry. Classes are online, but students are required to have residential training in “3 required 4-day face-to-face sessions. Students will meet internationally well-known leaders, receive instruction and impartation for personal breakthrough and maximize their learning experience.”

Regarding Wagner University, it seems that they offer courses and training echoing the beliefs and practices of the New Apostolic Reformation. WU is not accredited, though they are under the accountability of ACEA (Academic Council for Educational Accountability). However, even ACEA references the education mountain on their site, and the President of ACEA, Dr. Tom Hamon, participates in the International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christian Leadership Alliance. Though WU has authorization through Colorado Commission of Higher Education and California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, there are still concerns about the type of education in this arena.

Unfortunately, this is not uncommon to find, and many times, it is even worse as individuals seek out diploma mills to acquire a doctorate degree in little to no time with little to no effort. Some alleged Bible colleges claim some level of accountability, even if they are not accredited. Others may claim accreditation, but the accreditation agency is not authentic. When individuals seek out these credentials and use a doctoral title, it has a two-fold effect upon people. It gives the appearance of credibility and authority while deceiving people with those credentials, earning their trust that the revelations shared, and the insights are authentically from God.

In the “Bible college” I once attended, some instructors referred to seminary as a cemetery. At the same time, degrees similar to ones conferred in seminaries are sought out in these types of environments. There is nothing wrong with pursuing education for better understanding in our profession, or in the pursuit of understanding God’s Word properly. Concerns arise when people are indoctrinated with aberrant teachings and practices, and those with alleged doctorates potentially use credentials for validation and financial gain in the name of ministry.

Listen to this episode discussing more in-depth details about concerns surrounding diploma mills and questionable Bible college credentials: The Lovesick Scribe Podcast: A Question of Bible College Credentials on Apple Podcasts