ABBABIBLEACADEMY
Dr. T.H. Moberly
P.O. Box 1411, Oklahoma City, OK73101
405-209-6826
BIBLE-BELIEVING CHRIST-CENTERED SPIRIT-FILLED
Dear Pastor, Evangelist, or Christian Leader,
I pray that only Divinely selected Pastors and Evangelists deserving of this offer will respond to this material --- those who truly qualify for an Honorary Doctorial Degree from The Spirit of Truth Institute.
As you know, the learned Apostle Paul, directed that the Church give proper recognition to worthy servants of God:
“Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of DOUBLE honor, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine.” 1 Tim.5: 17
Through the establishment of The Spirit of Truth Institute, many years ago under the Council of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of the State of Virginia, and the subsequent accreditation status by the American Accreditation Association of Theological Institutions of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, our school is able to make available a few honorary doctorial degrees each year to ministers, who rightly deserve it because of their exemplary service to the Body of Christ.
Practically all theological schools and seminaries confer honorary doctorial degrees upon outstanding ministers who have spent many years making significant contributions to the cause of Christ.
A number of preachers have educated themselves in the Bible, worked very hard, and served the Lord for many years, yet have little to show for it.
They should not be denied the commendation they are entitled to. Typically, honorary doctorial degrees are conferred upon those who have a history of tirelessly sharing the Gospel and unselfishly ministering to others ---- as a token of admiration of their commitment to Christ and service to the Church and community.
The status of “Doctor” is recognized the world over as a title of the highest rank from Biblical times until today. Could a doctor’s degree enhance your office, authority, and dignity?
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ABBABIBLEACADEMY ARE:
- Must be at least 30 years old, but you’re never too old to get a doctorial degree.
- Show written evidence that you are a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel. (Enclose a
photocopy of your credentials).
- Verify that you have a minimum of 10 years full-time, or- part-time experience in the ministry.
- Prepare a typed minimum one-page summary or resume of your work, giving names of what, place, and year date.
- Secure the endorsement of two other licensed and ordained ministers or other prominent Church leaders.
- The fee is $
Most institutions award an “EARNED” doctorial degree based upon ones taking a number of courses for years, a 2500 word thesis on some Biblical theme, and the payment of anywhere from $5,000 up to $25,000.
But a person can accumulate a great amount of knowledge in ten or more years of actual working for God, preaching perhaps over a thousand sermons, etc.; Therefore no further work is required for an honorary degree from The Spirit of Truth Institute. It is the policy of The ABBABIBLEACADEMY to confer upon eligible candidates of exceptional achievements and accomplishments the following honorary doctorial degrees:
NOTE: Pastor, it’s more appropriate to let others make the formal request to The ABBABIBLEACADEMY for an Honorary Doctorial Degree for you, so we have provided the following letter, which should get into the hands of an important officer of your Church:
(You may want to select and print out the following letter as well as the
APPLICATION FORM at the end)
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ABBABIBLEACADEMY
HONORARY DOCTORIAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Dear Elder, Deacon, Deaconess, S.S. Superintendent, or Department Head,
Do you love your pastor?
- Have they greeted you with love and extended the right hand of fellowship to you?
- Have they faithfully sought the Lord, and fed the flock of God?
- Have they answered your questions, counseled with you, and prayed for you and your family?
Well, if you genuinely appreciate them for their labor of love and work of faith, this letter represents an opportunity for you to be an instrument, in securing an Honorary Doctorial Degree for them.
The Bible teaches us to give credit and honor where it is due: “Let the Elders that rule well be counted I worthy of DOUBLE honor, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine.” I Tim. 5: 17.
If your pastor meets the qualifications of The ABBABIBLEACADEMY you may request and sponsor an Honorary Doctorial Degree for them for only $
This simple act can be your way of expressing your esteem and support for them. It would be a great blessing and encouragement to them---Like a real loud “Amen!” It is also an honor to the whole Church to be served by a pastor, who is educationally certified and acclaimed by an outside agency. Every visitor, who enters his office, will see it framed on his wall.
Of course, you could plan this project any time, but it might fit in well with some special occasion such as:
1.The pastor’s birthday.
- The pastor’s wedding anniversary.
- The Church anniversary.
- The dedication of a new building or wing, etc.
- Paying off the Church mortgage.
6.His departure or returning from an overseas mission trip.
7.Some other milestone or turning point in his ministerial career
You should plan this one or two months in advance, consulting with your pastor as to the preferred date.
Of course, no reputable school sells degrees over the counter, but a cash donation is expected. Most honorary degrees involve about the same expense as an “earned” degree. Therefore, we request a minimum of a $ tax-deductible offering, which is used to offset the expenses of printing new Bible courses, helping send courses to prisoners, the handicapped, and providing scholarships for needy overseas students, etc.
A second Honorary Doctorial Degree, for the pastor’s spouse, if also qualified, is only half price if requested at the same time. Pastor’s wives have a very difficult role, and usually receive little thanks for it.
It is recommended that the fee be raised on the side, in addition to regular tithes and offerings, if possible. Perhaps the ladies could sponsor a yard sale, or the youth group could sponsor a car wash, to help raise funds.
Enclosed herewith is an application for the minister’s Honorary Doctorial Degree. He needs to fill it out and mail it to The ABBABIBLEACADEMY. If approved, there are four ways of awarding the degree:
- Local ministers who live close enough may attend a service of SOULS OF THE LIGHT, here in OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. and have it publicly presented by Dr. T.H. MOBERLY, Chancellor of the School.
- Dr. T. H. MOBERLY might be able to schedule a Sunday night to come personally confer the degree if the Church is no more than about an hour or two driving distance. But this usually needs to be arranged a couple of months in advance. (Expenses involved)
- If it is further away, the Vice President of The ABBABIBLEACADEMY, could come to the Church to publicly award the degree. They would be treated as a guest Speaker, the Church being responsible for their honorarium, travel, lodging, and food.
- Or if you prefer, we can simply mail the degree to you, and a local pastor friend, associate minister, or even a committee of Church officers could all take part in presenting the degree to the pastor.
To arrange and schedule an appointment or
if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please call
Dr. T.H. MOBERLY 405-209-6826
Mail to:
THE ABBABIBLEACADEMY
P.O. BOX 1411, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73101
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SUGGESTED ORDER OF COMBINATION GRADUATING
EXERCISES AND CHURCH SERVICE
PART I
- Prelude music
- Processional in robes
- Master of Ceremonies: greeting, invocation, and explanatory introduction
- Scripture reading; Jn. 12:26; I Tim. 5:17; Ps. 75:6,7; rov. 22: 4; Prov. 21:21; Rom. 2:10; Prov. 29:23
- Special music/solo
- Reading the pastor’s one-page resume
- Reading the degree itself
- Presentation, congratulations, and responding applause
- Remarks by the pastor or recipient.
- Recessional
PART II
- Congregational songs and worship
- Offertory/solo
- Guest speakers sermon
- Altar call / personal body ministry
- Benediction
- Reception/refreshments
ACADEMIC DRESS
- You may use your own robe, if you have one.
- APPOINT SOMEONE TO USE FLASH CAMERA FOR THE SERVICE.
ABBA BIBLE ACADEMY would appreciate a good picture of you receiving your degree for our files, and/or possible use in future additions of our official school catalog.
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION
JamesMonroeBuilding
101 North Fourteenth Street
Richmond, VA. 23219
Gordon K. Davies, Director
(804) 225-2137 FAX (804) 225-2604, -TDD (804) 361-8017
Dr. T.H. Moberly
P.O. Box 1411, Oklahoma City, OK73101
Dear Dr. Richardson & Dr. T.H. Moberly:
I am pleased to inform you that the Council of Higher Education took the following action at it’s meeting today:
RESOLVED: The council of Higher Education recognizes the exemption of Spirit of Truth Institute from the provisions of Chapter 21 of the Code of Virginia to the extent specified in subsection A of section 23-266.
The exemption of Spirit of Truth Institute from the requirement of State approval will continue as long as the institution’s primary purpose remains to provide religious training or theological education and the institution complies fully with the provisions of section 2.2 of the Council’s approval regulations.
I appreciate your having submitted an application in accordance with the Council’s approval regulations. If the Council staff can be of assistance at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Gordon K. Davies
GKD/jam
Planning Virginia’s Progress in Higher Education
Following is a copy of our Accreditation Certificate
This is to certify that
SPIRIT OF TRUTH INSTITUTE
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(Print out and mail the following Application form to the S. of T. I.)
THE ABBABIBLEACADEMY FOR AN
HONORARY DOCTORIAL DEGREE
Please type or print plainly name of recipient exactly as it is to appear upon the degree:
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Name:
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address:
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
City State Zip
Phone:……………………………………………………………………………………
Pastor of what church, or leader of what ministry:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name:
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Address
……………………………………………………………………………………………
City State Zip
Phone:…………………………………………………………………………………..
Please attach at least a one-paged typed ministerial experience resume naming work, place, and year dates.
This is to be publicly read at the time of awarding your degree.
First Ministerial Endorsement
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address
……………………………………………………………………………………………
City State Zip
Second Ministerial Endorsement
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Address
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
City State Zip
CHECK THE DESIRED DEGREE:
( ) Doctor of Divinity----- Appropriate for one who teaches about the one and only true Deity. Having to do with the supreme, infinite, and eternal qualities of the Creator, The Divine Godhead or Holy Trinity. A person inspired by the Spirit of God with hope, vision, and leadership--- Most suitable nomenclature for one who has been in the Gospel ministry for many years.
( ) Doctor of Humanities----About the same as Doctor of humane Letters. Awarded to distinguished individuals, who have exhibited the finest qualities of kindness and compassion. One devoted to rendering service to his Church, community and country .One who benevolently contributes to reducing pain and poverty. One who seeks to reduce human suffering and to lift up the oppressed and promote the public welfare. Not necessarily a pulpit preacher, however; this nomenclature has nothing to do with the vain philosophy of humanism--- (the attitude or intellectual movement that sees man alone, free, and self directed, excluding God, from their world view.
( ) Doctor of Sacred Literature ------About the Same as Doctor of Letters. A scholar of both the O.T. and N.T. books of the Holy Scriptures, including the many translations thereof. Also, reflecting extensive reading of both Biblical and Extra Biblical literature such as the Apocrypha, pseude-pigrapha (so called lost books of the Bible), writing of the Ante-Nicene fallers, Dead Sea Scrolls, etc. One also familiar with other classical religious literature of more modern times and perhaps ancient languages, names, symbols, etc.
( ) Doctor of Evangelism -----For those who have given their live to it.
( ) Doctor of Christian Missions ----For those who have been over seas.
( ) Doctor of Sacred Music -----Those who have blessed others with music.
NOTE: The Spirit of Truth Institute does not award the Doctor of Philosophy or the Doctor of Laws, because these nomenclatures are not usually considered religious in nature.
INDICATE WHERE AND HOW YOU PREFER TO RECEIVE YOUR DEGREE:
( ) ChristWorshipCenter Service Sun 10 A.M., 6:30 P.M., or Wed 7 P.M.
( ) Have Dr. Paul Richardson come to your Church on a Sunday evening (local only)
( ) Invite a representative of The Spirit of Truth Institute to come to your Church to confer the degree and also be treated as a guest speaker (for more remote distances)
( ) Simply mail it.
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR PREFERENCE FOR
ACADEMIC DRESS ARRANGEMENTS:
- Use my own robe
- Rent or buy one from Oak Hall
- Borrow one from The Spirit of Truth Institute for $10 cleaning bill. Indicate Color of Robe, Height, and Cap size (large, medium, small)
ENCLOSED IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE OFFERING TO
ABBABIBLEACADEMY
One degree………………………………………………………………………….….. $
Second degree for spouse ……………………………………………………….……..$
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED:………………………………………..…….….… $______
Application and proper fee must be mailed together.
I certify that everything on and with this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Signature
Date
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