Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the EPIC School of Ministry?
The EPIC School of Ministry is designed to give you solid, practical and life-changing training for successful leadership in a wide range of ministries. All of our training happens in the midst of a growing, relevant church, so that you can learn to “do” The Word in a place where ministry is occurring all the time and under the instruction of proven successful leaders, pastors, and teachers. Over the three years of schooling, you will develop the leadership and ministry skills needed to thrive in ministry and also be grounded in biblical studies and doctrine. You will graduate into God’s incredible plan and purpose for your life.
2. Is EPIC accredited?
The EPIC School of Ministry is not an accredited ministry training school; therefore, it will not be possible for the classes to be transferred to or from another Bible school. The EPIC School of Ministry exists to provide practical Bible training for those who want to be effective in helping Valley Family Church reach more people for Jesus. Our purpose is to train and equip VFC leaders for the ministry, specifically to raise up leaders and future staff members, as well as, campus pastors, staff and support ministers for VFC’s future satellite churches.
3. What if I graduated from another Bible College? Will this count towards EPIC?
Students who have completed credentialed Bible school training; with proof of graduation, from one of the following Bible Schools may audit the first year classes. (In order to attend the 2nd or 3rd year program in EPIC, all students - including those who have previous Bible College degrees - must take the 1st year program in EPIC.) Auditing students must attend all classes, do all homework assignments and take the final exam in order to graduate from EPIC. Your first year tuition will be waived; however, you will be responsible for the cost of your books per term.
• Rhema Bible Training Center (correspondence courses not included)
• Oral Roberts University
• Christ for the Nations
• Hillsongs
• Mount Hope Bible Training Institute
• Others – On a case by case basis
4. What if I start as a full time student and want to switch to part time?
You may switch to part time for the following term with no penalty if you finish the current term as a full time student. You may not switch at any time during the term from a full time to a part time student. At the beginning of the new term, you will pay the ala carte fees rather than the $150/term full time student fees.
5. What if I start as a part time student and want to go to full time?
You may switch to full time for the following term with no penalty if you finish the current term as a part time student. You may not switch at any time during the term from a part time to a full time student. At the beginning of the new term, you must pay the $150 for that term rather than the ala carte fees.
6. What if I withdraw, will I be able to return to EPIC?
Courses may be dropped without penalty during the first week of each term. After the second week, refunds for dropped classes will not be given.
A student who wishes to withdraw, and desires to return to EPIC in the future, should complete a withdrawal form, available at VFC or online at epicschoolofministry.org. To complete the withdrawal process, the student should return the completed withdrawal form to Pastor April Wedel. Failure to do this will result in the student receiving a “FAIL” in the related course, or courses.
In addition, any student leaving the school during any term without completing the official withdrawal process will be unable to reapply to EPIC in the future. If withdrawal is necessary, any remaining tuition accrued to date must be paid in full. It is your responsibility to pay your tuition balance. You will be able to return to EPIC, but not until the beginning of the next term. Book and graduation fees are non-refundable.
7. How much homework can I expect?
The EPIC School of Ministry is a ministry training school; therefore, there will be more required of a student than simply sitting in classes and listening to teachers lecture.Since there are only 8 hours of class time per term (50 minutes for each class), there will be a time commitment outside of class for reading and writing papers as part of the training. The time required for each student will be dependant on the student and the pace at which they work.
Each instructor will assign at least one book of required reading and one teaching CD for listening outside of class. After completing the books/CDs, the student will be required to write a one page summary on each one. So, in addition to class time lectures, students will read 3 books, listen to 3 CDs and write 6 one page summaries.
In addition to the class time and homework, important character development will occur as you participate in EPIC. As a student, you will develop spiritual disciplines, enlarge your capacity, experience God “stretching” you as you fulfill attendance requirements, demonstrate faithfulness in many areas and learn to comply with codes of conduct. We are confident that for those that are called and ready for the EPIC challenge, these requirements are all doable!
8. When will I get my books for classes?
Your books are included in the price of your tuition. You will receive all your books for each term on the first day of classes for that term.
9. How old do you have to be to attend EPIC?
Each student must be at least 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Individuals must be mature in their faith and have a track record of sound financial stewardship.
10. What is the grading scale?
Grading Policy:
1. Our grading system will simply be: Pass or Fail
2. Students must achieve a 70% or higher average in all classes in order to Pass
3. Each student’s grade will be comprised of the following:
a. Final Exam – 25%
b. Reading Assignments – 25%
c. CD Assignments – 25%
d. Attendance and Class Participation – 25%
Final class grades will be mailed one week following the end of each term, and are recorded on the student’s transcript.
11. Am I guaranteed a job at Valley Family Church if I graduate from EPIC?
Graduation from EPIC does not guarantee employment within Valley Family Church. If there are positions at VFC, (volunteer or paid) you may be considered for the position, but not guaranteed.
If you have any other questions, please email Pam Roe-Vanderberg at pamroe-vanderberg@valleyfamilychurch.org or call 324-5599x39.
Kalamazoo Valley Family Church