Training with no frontiers, no walls and no fees since 1985. 5000+ pages of free resources in 27 world languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Do You Enrol or Begin, Prices, Lessons by post?

Can You Receive a Diploma?

For Pastors, Leaders and Supervisors  Important

How does the School of Mission work best?

How Do You Open Your Own School?

Other Practical/ PC Questions, Who Are We, etc

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About the Course

How much does this Course cost?
Nothing at all.  It is free, no catches, no small print, no credit cards. Free. This Internet version of the School of Mission and our time to help you get started is free. A similar course, not ours, in the UK costs at least £2,500 / $4,000 plus a similar amount for accommodation and meals so you know how valuable this free gift is. At no time will anyone from DCI World Christians ask you for money, credit card numbers, cheques or fees to pay for these studies. If they do, they are not from DCI World Christians and you should not pay anyone, anything for these study materials. Not ever.
Can you send me the lessons by post?
We are sorry but we cannot do this because the cost of printing and posting thousands of packages would be very costly and we could never offer you the teaching free of charge. You can collect all the lessons in about 10 minutes and print them out one at a time as you need them.
Can I do this Course by correspondence?
We are sorry, but we could never handle thousands of lessons coming in from all over the world. The answer is to find a local supervisor, see below.
Do I have to enrol for the School?
No, not at all.  There is no application form, we will accept you as our student and we will help you. These are the studies from our original School of Mission in England. The materials are free for everybody, of all ages, male and female, poor or rich, younger or older and of all colours, races and backgrounds. This Course is our gift to you. The studies are also being taught in hundreds of churches and classes all over the world.
What do I do first in each study lesson?

As long as all the work gets done, it is not important which order you choose. The main study material on each page is to get you searching and thinking about the subject. We then emphasise the lesson with scripture readings and conversation. We give you a short essay to write and we ask to you to actually do something practical that will help you to turn the learning into experience. Approach each lesson in the way that suits you best, but if I can make a suggestion why not try this:

  1. The Bible readings to set the context.
  2. The actual study.
  3. Memorise the verse.
  4. Meditate on the given verse.
  5. The written work.
  6. The practical project.
  7. The conversation.
  8. Don't forget the two prayer times, beginning and end.

Please bear in mind that if you are doing the Course as an individual, which is just great, some of these items, like the 'Talk about this . . .' are really designed for small group use.  Maybe your family and friends will be pleased to hear what you have discovered.  You do not have to do everything at once, people often complete a study over a week.

Can I take just one section of the study programme?
Yes, of course, please help yourself to as many or as few of the studies as you wish.  In you are doing the whole course we don't mind in which order you handle the lessons. You can take things in order from number one in the list of studies, or you can begin in the section that interests you the most.
Must I do the practical and written assignments?
No, not at all but you will gain the maximum benefit if you do so. Some people only do the main section as a personal devotional. In some cases people simply cannot write well in English or even in their own language, and in some repressive countries if students try and do the practical projects they could end up in prison. We do not want that to happen. As an alternative to our practical projects you could speak to your Pastor, and ask if he or she will employ you in similar church activities for two hours for each study. If you are studying for a Certificate then you should maintain a list of jobs done and hours taken. This was always acceptable in our own school.
Do I need to buy books and how much will they cost?
The only book you will need is a Bible in your language.
How long does it take to complete the Course?
We suggest that all the studies, assignments and practical work should be completed within a maximum period of two years, which is more than ample. Many people do one lesson a week, and do every part thoroughly. Others but do a study every three or four days. One study a day would be ridiculous cramming and of no lasting benefit. You need to give yourself space and time for the Bible content to go past your mind and take root in your heart and spirit, and you need time to do the assignments.  There is no benefit at all in rushing through the studies, and haste will make a disciple.
Will you issue a diploma for me from England?
We are sorry, originally we tried to offer this but it soon became clear that we could never handle the verification of thousands of applications from all over the world. We will show you how to gain or issue a credible diploma in your location. Special diploma page
How can I receive a diploma?

It is not difficult. For example, most churches, missions and Bible Schools that are using these studies issue their own Diplomas to successful students. These are very acceptable to churches, authorities, employers and officials in their local area because they can be verified on the spot.STEP ONE:

If you are willing to work through every part of each lesson and take the exam at the end and wish to receive a diploma then before you start you should speak to your pastor or church/mission/cell/school leader, explain the Course and ask if he or she would be willing to issue you with a diploma if you complete this Course properly under supervision. Most leaders and ministers are more than willing than help and feel thrilled to meet a member who is hungry to know God's word. Churches and Bible Schools will often adopt this Course and run it once they see what it is.

STEP TWO:

You will need to find a legitimate supervisor who will read and mark your written work, listen to your reports of the practical work, talk things through with you and keep your records and registers.  It is he or she that will present your results to the pastor or leader.

STEP THREE:

At the end of your studies either your local church or mission leader or a similar professional must examine your work and your supervisor's records.  Then if your work is up to standard the church or organisation should issue you with a credible diploma usually as part of a Sunday service or cell group meeting. Often churches and Bible Schools have a special Graduation Ceremony for their students.

Who could be my supervisor?
We suggest that supervisors can be, for example – pastors, elders, assistant pastors, missionaries, retired church or missions leaders, parents, cell or home group leaders and retired folk as long as they are mature believers, responsible, people of integrity who know their Bible and who will spend time talking and praying with the student. We think that one man or woman can handle up to 6 students, more or less. See the section below for supervisors. If you could get a few friends to study together, and a church leader to approve your meeting, and a competent person to supervise you, then you have a new School of Mission under way and you can issue your own diplomas. See the section below for advice about this.

Specially for School of Mission Course Leaders

How does the School of Mission work best?

You must read this! How to open your own school without spending a lot of money Course Introduction

Can I open a new Training School with your materials?
Can my existing Training School use your materials?
Yes, to both questions. All the studies and any advice you need are our gift to you free of charge. This is very important: Obviously before teaching others you as the leader of the new school need to do the course yourself, either as personal study alone or in a small group, say with the teachers who will help you run the school.  Or you might be able to go to an existing school and join a class. Not to diligently study the course for yourself beforehand would be a serious mistake which would soon be discovered by the students.
How do I open a new school in my church, mission or home?

We have seen that there are many ways of offering training ranging from the formal to the simple, and most seem to work in their own context. We have a special page with a lot of advice about How to Open Your Own Training School with minimum expenses and do read this page as well

How does the School of Mission work best?

How quickly should we teach the lessons?

From my own experience and many of the reports that are coming in, may I please encourage you to take plenty of time – months rather than weeks – so that the students actually learn and absorb the lessons and the concepts, some of which may be new to them. If you go too quickly it generally happens that the people attend and listen but they do not learn very much.  The test is to ask a student about yesterday's lessons (or Sunday's sermon if you are feeling brave). If he is hearing too many lessons he may not be able to tell you any more than the title and the general idea of yesterday's lesson.  The words have not entered into his soul, only into his ears, and so his life is not changed.  It is like the seed falling onto stony ground instead of being buried in good soil and later giving a harvest.

I have discovered that the students learn a little by listening, and a little more by discussing the lesson afterwards. I have discovered that the students learn a lot more by doing the written work that each lesson asks for, because the writing makes them remember and reflect upon the lives.

I have discovered that the students learn most of all when they are sent to do the practical projects that are asked for, or similar ones planned by the leader.  This is the method that Jesus used: He taught the disciples by showing them what to do, then he sent them to do the same themselves, and then they came back to report and talk about it. Jesus repeated this sequence many times until He finally left them alone to do it and He gave them all the support they needed through the ever-present Holy Spirit.  This is the difference between teaching and training.  If you only teach men may listen and learn or they may not – but if you train people they will always learn and change.

How do I issue a credible diploma?
Please see this special full page of information on how to issue credible and valid certificates
Does a Diploma provide any academic credits?
It is impossible to guarantee that any academic institution will accept outside certificates but many colleges and universities will certainly take your certified work into consideration. For example, a valid diploma issued that proceeds from these studies will be taken into account by New Covenant International University in the USA in applying for credits towards their Higher Studies. NCIU have a website and e-mail contact in English at www.newcovenant.edu
Do the students need to be formally supervised and examined?
Yes – if your church or Bible School wishes to offer a credible diploma at the end of the Course. You will need to keep meticulous records to be able to verify any enquiries about a student at a later date, for example from an employer or University admissions office. No – if people are taking the studies for their own enjoyment and personal growth as in a weekly Bible Study meeting at church.
What do we do if we don't have enough supervisors in our church?
Well, why not think about asking for help from another church, maybe even from a very different kind of church altogether.  Working together with other churches is very healthy and iron sharpens iron as the proverb says. Retired people, retired pastors and missionaries are often also very willing to help.
Can I call my new school a DCI School?
Thank you for your confidence but for legal reasons, it will be better for you if you use your own name in your own language. Using the name of this network without authorisation and permission may bring you problems and unwanted interest from officials. You may of course say that you are using materials and studies supplied by The DCI Trust in England.

Specially For Teachers and Supervisors

What does a supervisor have to do?

A supervisor reads and marks students lessons, and most of all takes a friendly interest in the student. Supervisors have to report to the pastor or leader at the end of the course and so they must keep the following simple but careful records:

(1) A register of the studies that a student has completed, with the date, and a signature to say he or she is satisfied that the student has learned the subject.

(2) A register of the written work that is part of each study with the date and with comments about the quantity and quality of work. The student must keep his work safe ready for later examination if necessary.

Here is a guide to marking:

Because this Course is used worldwide among people who have English as their second or third language we keep the marking plan very simple. The same marking guide can be used for the examination. A = 80% -100% Truly outstanding work, only awarded sparingly. Supervisors should only award an A or an A+ in the case of an extraordinarily good piece of work, otherwise there is no means of rewarding a special achievement. B = 70% – 79% Very good work, clear understanding of the subject. C = 50% – 69% Average work, could maybe do better. D = 50% and less. The lesson or examination needs to be repeated for the student to grasp the meaning.Each grade could have + or – as well, for example a B – or a C+

(3) A record of the goal and the results of the practical work with the title and the date. We never look for instant success on every occasion, rather that every outreach would be a learning experience.

How do you mark the essays as A, B, C etc.?
You have to judge the length of the work, 350/400 words would be a page for me.  Then I see if the student has actually answered the question asked and not written an answer to a hasty glance at the question. Then I look at content, I ask myself whether the student is answering within the boundaries of the subject, then of course I look for truth, accuracy and presentation, neatness and legibility. I would consult with a local high school teacher for the locally understood way of judging work. Some cultures value some things far more than others and it is important to know what they might be.
Where is the examination?
You will find it in all the download packages and it comes with a guide to how to offer the examination either in parts or as a whole at the end. The marking scale is seen above. At the end of the course a supervisor may ask for the file of exam answers.  When you e-mail us please include your full name, address, age, ID card or passport number, telephone number, your minister's name, and the church name and address, and the very same details for your student. Thank you.
What happens at the end of the course?

At the end of the studies, the supervisor should take the registers, records and samples of work to the minister or leader who originally agreed to approve the studies with a diploma. The minister or leader should review and approve the following:.

  1. The three kinds of record sheets detailed above together with the supervisor's opinions and private recommendations.
  2. The examination results.
  3. The student's behaviour and willingness during the course.

He or she may also want to interview the student. Normally the diplomas are issued at a Graduation Ceremony which all the church, families and friends are invited to attend. We would ask each student to publicly state their vision for future service.

What does DCI mean, Who are you, Our Statement of faith, other languages, making copies, computer problems, etc.

What does DCI mean?
DCI covers the activities of a group of people in different nations encompassing The DCI Foundation, the Schools of Mission, the World Christians News Pages and this web site.  The name comes from Romans 1.1 in the Bible where in the original language Paul describes himself as a 'Doulos Christou Iesou' – a servant of Jesus Christ. This title from way back in 1986 reminds us of our place and calling to serve the Lord and a world of people.
Who are you and where are you from?
If you go to this page you can read about us and see where this page is coming from. The Course Director is Dr. Les Norman, Th.D, Ph.M with over 30 years of experience in Christian work. We are in England, and to keep expenses low we all work from home and live simply. Our colleagues and students come from all over the world.
Which denomination do you belong to?
The DCI  movement intentionally does not belong to any one denomination and the people who work together in this missions network come from many different modern and classical expressions of the Christian faith across the nations. Academically, we are affiliated to NCI University in the USA where Dr. Les Norman is accredited as an associate professor. Here in the UK base the Director and his family belong to a growing modern, evangelical, gently charismatic and caring, one year old Church of England fellowship from HTB London and other colleagues belong to similar churches, larger or smaller of different denominations.
Do you have a statement of faith?

We are in agreement with the 381 AD Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed of the early church which is to most classical and modern Christian groups worldwide..

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

(The word "catholic" refers of course to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.)

How can I help you in return?

Thank you for thinking about that. We really appreciate all help as we charge no fees for the studies either for the Internet version or historically in our actual schools. We also regularly support many people and projects in mission and in work amongst the poor. We have not gained any denominational or corporate sponsorship and do not carry advertisements on this web site. If the School of Mission is a blessing to you, then an offering will help us provide it freely to many others in the developing world who have no means at all of funding their studies, and we can also help our graduates and leaders make a start with new mission or care projects.

 

 

 

 

Click here for alternative Online Giving

What other languages are available?
See our front page at www.dci.org.uk and you will find English, Spanish, Portuguese, Cebuano, German, Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Mooré, Romanian, Russian, Kiswahili, Telegu and Chinese. We welcome all offers to join our team and translate the studies into other languages.
What is best for a leaders seminar in the developing world?

If you only have time for seven sessions, and the people already know the basics then we recommend the following foundational topics from the main list:

Can I make copies of your studies for others?
Yes, you can help yourself and give away everything you find on the website.  You are welcome. We will not charge you for the copyright, so long as you give freely as we have given to you, and you only charge the cost price for making the actual copies.

Internet, Computer and Printer Issues

Can I somehow collect all the lessons at once?
Yes, easily in two to ten minutes. Take them from this page Download where there is simple advice on how to receive the pages. The best time to download is when North Americans are asleep and not using the internet.
How do I see the studies on my screen?
All the titles on the list of studies page have underlined hyperlinks which mean that by clicking on the blue link you can see the study, and then if you wish you can download it into your PC or on to a floppy disk or CD so you can see the pages without having to be connected to the telephone line.
How can I find the topics that interest me most?
You can Search our entire website for the words you want and the page will provide you with a list to look at.
Why can't I get into a page?
If your double-click does not open the page or if you get a 404 Page Not Found fault report then it usually means that the Internet between you and us is overloaded at that time. Please try again later, it is congestion. If the fault  continues please report it  for immediate repair to our webmaster
How can I print the lessons?
Internet pages are generally not very printer friendly. The easy way is just to press the print button on your screen or under File/Print but you may need many pages of paper. The best way to print is to Select All the page, normally Ctrl + A, then Copy the page which is normally Ctrl + C. Then open your word processor and from your Edit Menu choose Paste Special then Unformatted Text. Your text will then appear in a compact layout in your Word Processor. Then you can change the colour, size and layout to suit yourself and your size of paper.
Can I download in a MS Word format that prints easily?
Yes, you will find a fast downloading file in Word format in the Download page. There is also another very large and much slower to download Word file which contains all the studies in their original text book format with columns and many illustrations, in English or Spanish.
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