Institute of Theology by Extension
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  1. How do I get INSTE started in my Church?
  2. If I fail a course, can I go on to the next one?
  3. Is INSTE accredited?
  4. What if our leader can no longer lead our group? Can one of the students continue the group by taking over the leadership?
  5. How long will it take to get my order?
  6. If I am a Pastor and want to lead a group, do I still have be certified as a group leader?
  7. May I be a group leader and a student at the same time?
  8. May I order a complete set of books?
  9. If classes have already started, can someone join the group?
  10. Can a group have two certified leaders?
  11. Can I purchase a set of books for my own personal study and reference?
  12. How do I promote INSTE in the local church?
  13. Do you take orders over the phone?
  14. If I have already certified as a leader in the past, do I need to take the training again?
  15. What are the requirements for admission to Level 2?
  16. How do I get a transcript?
  17. What denominations are using INSTE?
  18. Do you accept transfer credit from other institutions?
  19. What percentage of the weekly score and finals make up the total grade?
  20. What translation of the Bible does INSTE use?
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How do I get INSTE started in my Church?
INSTE partners with your church to make disciples and develop leaders. A person in your church will need to take the Distance Leader Training (DLT) program to become certified as a group leader. This is accomplished locally, on the leaders own schedule with seven simple steps

Contact us for more information or simply fill this form and send it to us.

If I fail a course, can I go on to the next one?
Yes, you may go on to the next course, but if you want a certificate or a diploma, you will need to retake the course in order to graduate.
Is INSTE accredited?
Yes!, we are accredited thru DETC. As of January 2008 INSTE has become part of the Distance Education and Training Council, The Global leader in Distance Learning Accreditation. Check with the INSTE office for a list of colleges that our accepting our credits.
What if our leader can no longer lead our group? Can one of the students continue the group by taking over the leadership?
Not unless the student has been trained and certified as an INSTE leader. However, if another person in the church has been certified as a leader, he/she may assume leadership of the group. Check with the INSTE Office about how to change leaders during the semester.
How long will it take to get my order?
It depends on where you live. It takes 3-5 business days for your order to arrive via U.S. mail. It takes 2-3 days to process the order and then additional 3 to 6 business days to ship it to you. However, if you fax the order to us-with a credit card number-we'll be able to get it to you sooner.
If I am a Pastor and want to lead a group, do I still have be certified as a group leader?
Yes, because we want to make sure that all group leaders understand the methodology and ministry philosophy of INSTE.
May I be a group leader and a student at the same time?
Yes, you may be a student and a leader at the same time. When you submit the Enrollment/Book Order Form , send your application , plus the application fee, tuition and book fees, along with applications and fees of rest of the students in your group.
May I order a complete set of books?
You may order a complete set of Level 1 books (four books) at a discount when you enroll in Distance Leader Training (DLT). Only a group leader may order a complete set of books.
If classes have already started, can someone join the group?
Yes, as long as not more than 2 weeks have passed. A student cannot miss more than one-fourth of the group meetings. At Level Two, no one may join a group after the first lesson.
Can a group have two certified leaders?
Yes, in fact, we feel this is an excellent opportunity for you to mentor someone as a group leader. Having two leaders in a group also enhances group dynamics and provides continuity if it is necessary for one of the two to be absent.
Can I purchase a set of books for my own personal study and reference?
No. INSTE is designed for use in small groups for the purpose of fostering relationships and accountability; therefore, we do not sell books for personal reference.
How do I promote INSTE in the local church?
If you are just beginning, we have a PowerPoint Presentation available on CD. There are also View Books available for those who show interest. If you have already had an INSTE group in your church, a great way to promote INSTE is to ask those who have been impacted by INSTE tell how the studies have helped them grow spiritually.
Do you take orders over the phone?
No. At the present time we do not have the technology available to record phone calls. For accounting purposes we need a paper trail to verify all orders.
If I have already certified as a leader in the past, do I need to take the training again?
Yes, INSTE is constantly updating policies and procedures; plus, if you have not led a group in a while, you may have forgotten a few important items you learned. If you have not led for more than a year or it has been more than two years since your last certification, you need to take the training again. Refer to the Distance Leader Training (DLT) page for more information.
What are the requirements for admission to Level 2?
You must have completed Level 1 with a minimum g.p.a. of 2.3 (C+), and be recommended by your Pastor and Level 1 group leader. You must also demonstrate giftedness for leadership by being active in some leadership position in your church plus the leadership qualities found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Check our list of complete requirements here
How do I get a transcript?
Download, fill, and send a Transcript Request to the INSTE office. Enclose $5.00 for shipping and handling.
What denominations are using INSTE?
At present many different denominations are enrolled in INSTE including Assemblies of God, Church of God-Cleveland, TN, Church of God-Anderson, IN, Foursquare Churches, Methodist, Open Bible, Amor Viviente, Misión Transmundial, plus many independent churches.
Do you accept transfer credit from other institutions?
All students are required to take Discipleship 1. Those who have studied courses equivalent to the other Level 1 courses in an accredited institution may request transfer credit. Check with the INSTE office about requirements and procedures. Level 2 courses cannot be substituted by other studies.
What percentage of the weekly score and finals make up the total grade?
For Level 1, your weekly exams are 20% and the final is 80% of the total grade. In Level 2 the weekly exams are 40% and the final is 60% of the total grade.
What translation of the Bible does INSTE use?
We use the NIV because it is the most popular modern translation of the Bible used in the English-speaking world. The NIV speaks the language of the 21st century.

FAQ    |   Resources    |   International

Copyright © INSTE 2008