North America

North American Churches can utilize the philosophy and resources of BILD International in one of two ways: Licensed Programs or Degree and Certificate Programs. (For detailed information, please refer to pp.12–13 of the document "Global Church-Based Theological Education.")

Licensed Programs

A "licensed" program is a program that leaders of churches design with the support and assistance of BILD International. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and resources, leaders become "licensed" to develop programs consistent with the church-based philosophy of BILD International. Each program is completely localized for the particular culture and needs of its church, network of churches, church-planting movement, or mission team, but the philosophy undergirding the training processes and materials remains consistent with BILD.

To begin developing Licensed Programs, the initial training consists of the following elements of BILD's Certification System (p.13):

• Paradigm Transformation Project #1—Training in the Philosophy
• Conversations #1 and #2—Training in the BILD Resources
• Licensed Program Workshop #1—Designing Customized Programs

This initial week of training is $1500 and can be taken in a single one-week session or in several sessions throughout a year. Additional training is available at additional cost. Please see BILD's Training Schedule for information on dates and registration.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Degree and Certificate Programs are programs implemented in local churches that lead to participants receiving certificates or undergraduate or graduate degrees by demonstrating competencies acquired by the successful completion of BILD Leadership Series courses. Churches are required to have at least one leader participating in the BILD Certification System (p.13). To start, churches must send one leader through a week of training that consists of the following:

• Introductory Antioch School Seminar
• Paradigm Transformation Project #1—Training in the Philosophy
• Conversations #1 and #2—Training in the BILD Resources
• Portfolio and Evaluation Workshops

This initial week of training is $1500 and all components must be taken before launching a Degree or Certificate Program. We are waiving the $1500 fee through the May 2007 training session. Please see BILD's Training Schedule for information on dates and registration.