Church Establishes Formal 
Ambassador Bible Center

Program to feature intensive scriptural and doctrinal instruction

Cincinnati (August 25, 1999)

Today, the United Church of God, an International Association announced its plans to establish a systematic and intensive program, beginning January, 2000, for students to study biblical doctrines and Scripture,  according to Leslie L. McCullough, UCG president.  ãAfter a great deal of discussion among the Council of Elders and with senior members of the ministry, it was evident that the Church could greatly benefit from a formal course of study for interested and committed people, particularly younger people,ä Mr. McCullough said.  Mr. McCullough pointed out that during his visits to the Churchâs summer programs and congregations, several people had asked how they could study the Bible more intensively.

ãWe have neither the inclination, the need, nor the resources to start a new college or university,ä Mr. McCullough said.  ãBut after reviewing our physical and financial resources here at the home office, we determined that we could offer a highly-focused curriculum where students could deeply immerse themselves in the Scriptures.  Our desire is to pass along to the next generation the understanding we have been given of Godâs Word and His plan.

Not a Ministerial Training Program

Mr. McCullough stressed that the program is not intended to serve as a ministerial training program.   ãThe Ambassador Bible Center will serve to ground students in Scriptural knowledge and doctrine,ä he explained.  ãOur desire is to earnestly safeguard the Îfaith once delivered,â especially for future generations (though men and women of all ages may apply for admission to this program).

Whether participants who complete this program would ultimately become Church employees or called to the ministry is not a focus of the program.  ãThe prime imperative is to pass along and make available our God-given understanding of Godâs Word÷delivered in a systematic manner÷to the next generation,ä he said.

The program is designed to provide students with intensive instruction for a period of nine months.  ãIt will be an exciting and challenging course, but it is not designed for individuals who are incapable of truly committing themselves,ä Mr. McCullough remarked.  Students will take part in course work Monday through Friday each week during normal business hours, for a period of nine months, completing assignments and tests during the day in addition to lecture presentations.  The remainder of the studentsâ time (evenings) will then be available for students to hold part-time employment to help pay for their enrollment fees, housing, food, and other personal living expenses.  Students will be expected to secure and fund their own housing and other costs, as the Church possesses no plans to build or maintain a campus.

Student Enrollment Fees

According to Tom Kirkpatrick, the Churchâs treasurer and financial operations manager, student enrollment fees for the nine-month course will be $1,500.  Instructor salaries and other costs of the program will be absorbed by the Church.  Plans are for the program to be conducted in facilities adjacent to the home office in Cincinnati.  ãThe degree of investment by the church is well worth the benefits for future generations,ä Mr. Kirkpatrick said.

Applicants for the program must be at least 20 years of age.  The 1999-2000 group will be limited to 50 participants, and it is recommended÷but not required÷that participants have completed at least two years of college or university.  Enrollment is open (membership in the United Church of God is not a requirement), but proselytizing is prohibited.

The first session of the Ambassador Bible Center program will begin in January, 2000, and conclude early enough in the summer of 2000 to permit individuals who may wish to resume their other University programs to do so for the fall semester of 2000. For future years, plans are for the course to begin shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles, and conclude in July the following year. The program is designed to provide students with intensive instruction for a period of about nine months.

Additional information will be available shortly on the Churchâs Web site. 

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