ADMISSIONS FAQs
About Judah Bible College
Q&A 1: “Is JBC accredited?”
JBC is currently accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission International (TACI), a recognized religious accrediting body. We are also actively pursuing a higher level of accreditation. See the Accreditation page on the About menu for the full picture, including what our current accreditation means for transcript transferability and ordination recognition. We do not oversell what our accreditation is — and we do not undersell it either. Everything we publish about it is honest.
Q&A 2: “Is JBC affiliated with a denomination?”
JBC is a non-denominational, apostolic-prophetic, Spirit-filled Bible college. We are housed at Metro Tab Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee — a non-denominational, multi-racial, Spirit-filled church under the leadership of Dr. Steve and Pastor Reita Ball. Our students come from many denominational backgrounds, and we work alongside healthy local churches across many streams. We are not trying to recruit you out of your tradition. We are trying to ground you in the Word and release you back to it stronger.
Q&A 3: “Is JBC only for Pentecostal or charismatic students?”
No. We have students from Pentecostal, charismatic, evangelical, Reformed, non-denominational, and many other backgrounds. We will not water down our convictions about the Holy Spirit and the present-day operation of the gifts of the Spirit. We will not pressure you to believe what you have not yet examined. Come open, and the Holy Spirit will do what only He can do. Most of our students from non-charismatic backgrounds tell us, by their second or third Dominion Weekend, that they finally found a room they did not know they had been looking for.
Q&A 4: “Where is JBC physically located?”
JBC is housed at Metro Tab Church, 2101 West Shepherd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Our mailing address is PO Box 23527, Chattanooga, TN 37422. Coursework is delivered through a hybrid online format, but the school is rooted in this physical local church — not floating out in cyberspace.
Q&A 5: “Who is behind JBC?”
JBC is led by Pastor Adam Aziz, Executive Director, under the apostolic covering of Dr. Steve and Pastor Reita Ball, founders and lead pastors of Metro Tab Church. Our faculty are practitioners — pastors, ministry leaders, and credentialed teachers — not just academics. See the Leadership & Faculty page on the About menu for full bios of every faculty member.
The Program Experience
Q&A 1: “How online is the program? Do I have to travel to Chattanooga?”
Most coursework is delivered online through live virtual classroom sessions and online platforms. The in-person requirements are the Dominion Weekend Gatherings — eight per JBC degree phase. For BML students, the two practicums also typically occur at an approved local ministry site (often your home church). If you cannot reasonably travel to Chattanooga every term, online attendance for Dominion Weekends is available at the Registrar’s discretion.
Q&A 2: “How much time per week should I plan for each course?”
Plan approximately 8–10 hours per week per course. That includes live class sessions, reading, assignments, and study time. Each course is 3 credit hours running for 9 weeks. Most students take 1–2 courses per term to balance with work, family, and ministry. Some take more. We strongly discourage taking more than three at once — it is rarely sustainable, and it usually compromises the formation we are after.
Q&A 3: “What platform is the classroom on? What technology do I need?”
JBC uses online learning platforms and live video conferencing for class sessions. You need a reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, a webcam, and a microphone. A tablet or phone can work as a backup but is not recommended as a primary device. Specific platform details and login instructions are provided at the time of enrollment.
Q&A 4: “What happens during a Dominion Weekend?”
Worship, apostolic teaching, prophetic ministry, prayer, activation, impartation, and fellowship meals. The full picture is on the Dominion Weekend Gatherings page. Plan to arrive Friday evening and stay through Sunday. These are not lectures or conferences — they are encounter weekends, and they are required for graduation from every JBC degree.
Q&A 5: “What kind of support does JBC offer current students?”
Academic advising (pre-registration, mid-term check-in, end-of-term reflection meetings), direct faculty engagement during posted office hours, written communication with the Registrar and the Executive Director, pastoral care during difficult life seasons, and a Hardship Policy that exists specifically to walk alongside students through real-life challenges. We are a small school. That is the point. You will not get lost here.
Life Stage & Personal Fit
Q&A 1: “Can I do this with a full-time job?”
Yes. The majority of our students work full-time. The 9-week term format and online-friendly delivery are designed for working adults. Plan 8–10 hours per week per course. Most working students take one course per term. Some take two. A few take more — usually after the first year, once they know what they can sustain.
Q&A 2: “Can I do this with young children at home?”
Yes — many of our students do, and many of them say it has been one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives. The flexibility of online coursework allows you to study during nap times, evenings, or early mornings. The harder challenge is Dominion Weekends — plan childcare in advance, or bring your spouse along (auditing is available to spouses for half the standard tuition rate).
Q&A 3: “Can I do this as a single parent?”
Yes. Some of our most determined students are single parents who fought through every objection to be here. We will walk that road with you honestly. Dominion Weekends are the biggest practical hurdle — plan early, ask your local church for help, and reach out to us about the exemption process when genuine emergencies arise. We have walked this road with single parents before. We can walk it with you.
Q&A 4: “What if I have a disability or chronic health condition?”
We work with students on a case-by-case basis to provide reasonable accommodations within the limits of our capacity. We are a small school — we cannot promise the full accommodation infrastructure of a large university. But we are honest, we are willing, and we will do what we can. Reach out before you apply to discuss your specific situation. We would rather have that conversation honestly up front than make a promise we cannot keep.
Q&A 5: “Can I take a break mid-program?”
Yes. JBC offers a formal Leave of Absence policy that allows you to pause enrollment without losing your place, your catalog of record, or your academic standing. See the Payment Plans & Hardship page for the basics or the Academic Policies & Student Services document for the full Leave of Absence process.
Q&A 6: “Can I do this from outside the United States?”
Yes, with some practical considerations. The online format works internationally. The challenge is the in-person Dominion Weekend Gatherings — international students typically attend online with the Registrar’s approval. International students should also reach out before applying to discuss transcript translation, visa considerations (where applicable), and time-zone scheduling for live class sessions. We have students from outside the U.S. now. It is workable. It just requires planning.
Application Process
Q&A 1: “How long does the entire admissions process take?”
From a complete application submission to a written decision, typically 2 to 6 weeks. References take the longest part of that — we follow up directly with references who do not respond within two weeks. Once your file is complete and your interview is scheduled, the decision usually comes within 14 days of the interview.
Q&A 2: “What if my references are slow to respond?”
We follow up directly with references who do not respond within two weeks. If a reference remains unresponsive after follow-up, we contact you to discuss alternative references. We do not penalize applicants for slow reference responses — we work with you.
Q&A 3: “Can I apply to more than one program?”
Apply to the program you sense God leading you to. If during the admissions interview we identify that a different program is a better fit, we will discuss that with you and make the adjustment. You do not need to apply to multiple programs to keep your options open — the discernment happens within one application.
Q&A 4: “What if I change my mind about a program after enrolling?”
You can submit a Program Change request through the Registrar. Program changes are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and typically work cleanly during the first two years (when all three programs share the same ABS foundation). Changes between Bachelor’s tracks (BBS ↔ BML) are more involved if you have already started Phase 2 coursework, but they are still possible. Talk to the Registrar before assuming anything is or is not on the table.
Q&A 5: “When should I start? What term should I apply for?”
The right starting term is usually the next term where you can apply at least four weeks in advance and where the Dominion Weekend dates work with your calendar. If you are reading this in the middle of a term, the next term is usually the right answer. If you are reading this six months out, you have time — apply when life is calmest enough for you to walk through the admissions process well.
Cost & Finances
Q&A 1: “How does JBC compare in cost to other Bible colleges?”
Comparable accredited Bible colleges typically charge $14,000 to $40,000 for a four-year Bachelor’s degree. JBC’s full four-year Bachelor’s is approximately $7,925 before discounts. This is intentional — JBC is Kingdom-priced on purpose. See the Tuition Fees & Discounts page for the full breakdown.
Q&A 2: “Can I pay with savings, gifts, or church support?”
Yes. Many of our students pay through a combination of personal savings, family support, gifts from their local church, and sponsorships from believers who are investing in their training. JBC accepts payment from any legitimate source. If your local church wants to sponsor your training, we welcome that and provide documentation for tax-exempt giving where applicable.
Q&A 3: “Does JBC accept federal financial aid, FAFSA, or the GI Bill?”
Not currently. JBC is working toward a higher level of accreditation that would enable federal financial aid eligibility. Until that accreditation is granted, students pay through personal funds, church and family support, payment plans, and our Hardship Policy. This is one of the reasons we keep tuition Kingdom-priced — most of our students self-fund, and we have built the cost structure around that reality.
Q&A 4: “What if I already have student loans from another school?”
Existing student loans from previous institutions are unrelated to JBC enrollment. They do not affect your eligibility here. You manage those loans directly with your previous lender. JBC does not currently participate in any federal loan deferral or consolidation programs.
Q&A 5: “Can my employer pay for my JBC tuition?”
Yes. Many employers — including churches, ministries, and even some secular employers with tuition reimbursement programs — will pay for continuing education at religious institutions. Discuss with your employer’s HR or finance team. JBC provides invoices, transcripts, and supporting documentation as needed to support employer tuition reimbursement.
After JBC
Q&A 1: “Will my JBC degree be recognized for ordination?”
Ordination recognition is governed by the ordaining body — your local church, denomination, or apostolic network. JBC provides transcripts and supporting documentation for ordination applications. Many ordaining bodies recognize JBC degrees readily. Some require additional review. A few have rigid degree requirements that may require additional credentials beyond JBC. If your specific denomination or network has strict degree requirements for ordination, verify with them before enrolling at JBC. We would rather you know up front.
Q&A 2: “Can I pursue a Master’s degree or seminary after JBC?”
Yes, but the transferability of JBC credits to a graduate program is at the receiving institution’s discretion. We are currently working toward a higher level of accreditation that will expand graduate program acceptance. In the meantime, students considering future graduate study should verify acceptance with the receiving school before enrolling at JBC. See the Transfer Credit page for our honest disclosure on this.
Q&A 3: “What kinds of jobs and ministries do JBC graduates pursue?”
Our graduates pursue a wide range of callings — pastoral ministry, church planting, worship leadership, youth and kids ministry, missions, evangelism, biblical counseling, marketplace ministry, and continued ministry within their existing local churches. The BML program is specifically built for those pursuing vocational ministry leadership. The BBS program is built for deep students of the Word who may or may not be pursuing vocational ministry. The ABS is the foundation under both.
Q&A 4: “Does JBC help with job placement or church planting support?”
We do not run a job placement office, but our apostolic covering through Metro Tab Church and the Metro Tab Fellowship of Ministers provides relational networks that often open doors for graduates. The most common pathway: a student is already planted in a healthy local church when they enroll, grows into expanded responsibility within that church during the program, and is commissioned into deeper ministry from their existing local church covering after graduation. That is exactly the pattern we want to see — graduates being sent by the people who have walked with them all along, not displaced into ministries that do not know them.