Welcome

North Star Bible Institute registration has begun for the Fall 2024 semester. Classes begin the week of September 15th. Click here to register!

Course offerings this semester include: Big Picture Bible Study, Apologetics, and Romans.

Dr. Frank Selvaggio

Director of NSBI for ONE Baptist Church

firstword777@gmail.com

North Star Bible Institute offers the disciple many opportunities for the serious student. Among them are:

A higher education environment accompanied by greater expectations in disciple performance
In-depth studies of books of the Bible, theology, and related subject matter to prepare the disciple for leadership in ministry
Group discussions that involve a broad variety of students, evaluating priorities in ministry, and dissenting theological opinions
Requirement of a high-level of commitment, which leads to leadership development and selection

The Institute has trained many people who are now pastors, missionaries, Sunday School workers, and others who are serving the Lord with knowledge.

Student Information

Why Study At NSBI?

Affordable Tuition – Cost per credit hour is a fraction of the cost of other schools

Degree Recognition – Bachelor of Divinity or Graduate of Theology Degrees qualify the student to continue in Graduate studies at several accredited schools

Teaching Experience – Courses taught by experienced Pastors with decades of experience

Practical Ministry – Opportunities to serve in more than 50 ministries in the church

Pastoral/Missionary Training – Available for the student locally and globally with experienced ministers

Literal Interpretation – A grammatico-historical (actual word meaning-actual place in history) approach to hermeneutics, trusting the Bible as perfectly preserved

Verse by Verse Study – Over 50 books of the Bible are taught thoroughly

Full or Part Time Study – The student may study at their own pace with no time limit to complete Degree requirements

Online Courses Available – MP3 audio available for Distance studies

Local Church Supported – Owned and Operated by ONE Baptist Church

Proven Training Ground – Multitudes of people in ministry around the world who were trained by NSBI

Audit Options

Those students auditing classes will not be required to participate or take exams. Accordingly, they will have no credit record or transcript. Accommodations have been made for students who would like to audit courses with a view toward receiving credit for such classes. At the beginning of the semester, the audit student must inform his or her instructor of the possibility of a future change to credit. The student will then be responsible to engage in class work as if he or she were a credit student. The instructor will record the audit student’s final grade for the course. Should the audit student indeed decide to change his or her course to credit, he or she must submit the additional tuition which that change to credit would demand. Course grade(s) will then be entered on the student’s permanent record.

Code of Conduct

We are created in the image of God, designed to reflect the glory of God, i.e., to be like Him, Jesus Christ. Christians are forgiven and redeemed by the grace of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. As believers we are to reflect the integrity, character, and behavior of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in the way in which we live our lives. We must hear and do God’s words (James 1:22-25). We are to be committed to loving God, loving people, serving others, and telling everyone. To do this, the believer should strive to live a holy life, renew your mind, assemble together, submit to biblical authority, exercise wise stewardship, speak the truth in love, and display the fruit of the Spirit as a result of the filling of the Spirit. II Corinthians 5:14-15 says: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Non-Payment Penalty

While North Star Bible Institute tuition is purposely kept to a minimum, students are expected to use good stewardship and maintain integrity. No student may receive final grades or a transcript, or graduate while his or her financial commitments to the Institute are delinquent. If payment is not made, the student will receive an Incomplete and be declared ineligible for future classes until their balance is paid.

Refunds

Tuition refunds will be made based on the number of weeks into the semester attended, with a 100% refund up to three weeks, 50% up to 7 weeks, and 0% thereafter.

Student Spouses

Spouses are encouraged to attend all courses with their husband or wife. There will be no tuition charge for the spouse.

Textbooks

Each instructor will inform his or her students of the required texts for the course. Purchase of the required textbooks or notebooks will be the responsibility of the student. The instructor’s choice of materials will reflect lasting value in the texts.

Academics

Course Descriptions

Books of the Bible

Name (Credit Hours) and Description

North Star Bible Institute is first and foremost a Bible Institute in that approximately 50 books of the Bible are taught verse by verse. The primary goal in teaching is expositional in nature, emphasizing the context, historical setting, authorship, and practical application. Careful attention is given to hermeneutics and companion passages. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. - II Timothy 3:16-17

All courses are valued at two credit hours each with the exception of Genesis, Systematic Theology, and Church History, which are taught over the course of two semesters and valued at four credit hours.

Genesis (4) – A verse-by-verse study of the book of beginnings which covers over 2,300 years of Bible history.

Exodus (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the redemption of Israel from Egypt. Practical in its application to the Christian’s redemption and call from the world.

Joshua & Judges (2) – A verse-by-verse study of Israel’s conquest and failures in the Promised Land. Practical to the Christian’s victories and failures.

1 & 2 Samuel (2) – Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application.

1 & 2 Kings (2) – Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application.

Job (2) – A verse-by-verse study. The central theme is “Why do the righteous suffer?”

Psalms (2) – An examination of the various types and classifications of the 150 Psalms. The contents of many of those Psalms are studied and applied.

Daniel (2) – A doctrinal and prophetic study of a very controversial Old Testament book, done verse-by-verse from a dispensational, theological perspective.

Minor Prophets (2) – A study (mostly verse-by-verse) of the Minor Prophets. This course covers practical and doctrinal aspects of the books of Hosea through Malachi.

Matthew (2) – An important study into what is perhaps the most transitional of all transitional books. Special attention is given to the Jewish character of the book, and the doctrines that stem from it.

Mark (2) – A verse-by-verse study of Jesus the Minister.

John (2) – A verse-by-verse study. The richness of this gospel provides broad doctrinal and inspirational backdrop.

Acts (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the New Testament and the beginning of the Christian Church. A theological and historical approach.

Romans (2) – The hub of Pauline doctrine is closely examined and discussed verse-by-verse.

1 & 2 Corinthians (2) – A practical and doctrinal verse-by-verse study.

Galatians through Colossians (2) – A verse-by-verse examination of some of the meat of Pauline doctrine.

The Five T’s (2) – The doctrines of Pauline theology are examined verse-by-verse in this study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus.

Hebrews & James (2) – A careful theological approach is taken to these verse-by-verse studies.

1 Peter through Jude (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the books that are among the most misunderstood and misapplied in the Bible. The doctrines that are taught in these books are the primary concern of this course.

Revelation (2) – The magnum opus of New Testament prophecy is carefully considered verse by verse. Principles of sound hermeneutics are conscientiously applied. Various perspectives are examined.

Other Courses

Name (Credit Hours) and Description

Apologetics (2) – The word apologetics is derived from the Greek word “apologia,” which was originally used of a speech of defense or an answer given in reply. Simply defined for our purposes, it consists of the primary arguments for the defense of the Christian faith.

Archaeology and Geography (2) – A detailed study of the history and geography of the biblical world.

Biblical Law (2) – This course will give understanding of the laws and guidelines instituted by God to govern mankind. These Biblical principles will give insight into the proper ways that governments should function even in our world today.

Church Administration (2) – The nuts and bolts of this very necessary (but often neglected) area. Financial, personal, and legal issues are discussed in depth.

Church History I (2) – A survey of the history of the Church starting with the Apostles through the Reformation. The influences and religious assaults on the Christians will be discussed also to see how some of the practices of the church today came to be.

Church History II (2) – A continuation of Church History I. Starting after the Reformation to the modern era. This course will examine not only the great Christian leaders, but also the movements these men initiated. What made them great? What made them cease? Will we learn from them today?

Comparative Religions (2) – An examination of various religions and their doctrines. Practical conclusions are drawn concerning how to best engage different belief systems.

Dispensationalism (2) – A theological system that teaches biblical history is best understood in light of a number of successive administrations of God’s dealings with mankind. It maintains fundamental distinctions between God’s plans for the nation of Israel and the New Testament Church with particular emphasis on end-time prophetical themes.

Homiletics I (2) – Discussion of principles of preaching giving opportunity for the practical use thereof.

Homiletics II (2) – Discussion of principles of preaching giving opportunity for practical use thereof. Homiletics I is not necessarily a prerequisite.

Life of Christ (2) – A chronological look at our Savior’s life on earth, with necessary historical background. Practical and inspirational.

History of the Bible (2) – A study examining where the Bible came from and how the Canon of the Scripture was formed. Also, a look at Manuscript Evidence, including Textual Criticism and the philosophy of translating the foundational texts.

New Testament Survey (2) – An overview of the New Testament, with attention given not only to a working knowledge of chapter content and doctrine, but to an understanding of its historical background and the development of the canon.

Old Testament Survey (2) – An overview of the Old Testament with attention given to the historical development of Israel and her relationship to the world around her.

Introduction to Counseling (2) – Principles of sound counseling are examined, and practical advice is given. Various philosophies of Christian counseling are discussed.

Pastoral Theology (2) – A thorough survey of practical pastoral work.

Pastoral Writing (2) – A review of basic English grammar and the development of writing as a skill necessary for the Christian worker.

Practical Assignment (2) – A semester’s internship in one of the various selected ministries of the church. Active participation in such a ministry and a written evaluation are required of the student. A detailed description of procedure and available ministry choices is available on request. Note the number of Practical Assignments for each degree. Principles of Leadership & Church Ministry (2) – What makes a faithful Christian leader? Characteristics and principles are discussed.

Principles of Missions (2) – Theology, concepts, principles, ethics, and the pragmatic aspects of missions work are all discussed openly and honestly.

Problem Texts (2) – Examines many of the alleged contradictions in the Word of God and, through examination, brings into focus principles of textual resolution and sound hermeneutics.

Personal Evangelism (2) – Practical biblical illustrations and methods of evangelism are examined with instruction in sermon outlines and some practical street experience.

Systematic Theology I (2) – A standard systematic approach to theology and church doctrine.

Systematic Theology II (2) – A second semester of the above. It is recommended that the student take Systematic Theology I first, though it is not an official prerequisite.

Thesis (6) – A significant scholarly accomplishment is required for graduation, with a minimum of 15,000 words (about 60 pages). The Thesis will discuss 36 different doctrines assigned by the Administrator. The student may meet with his advisor for consultations and progress evaluations. A detailed description of procedures and requirements is available upon request.

Degree Programs

The NSBI Servant’s Diploma is designed to prepare local church members for service as ministers and leaders in the local church. The curriculum is specifically chosen to give the student a wide range of experience and education in the most important subjects that we offer. This degree requires 32 credits (see the Student Handbook for more information).

ThG Requirements (Graduate of Theology)

This degree is meant to prepare the student for any type of Christian service, full-time or otherwise. A Thesis will be required to complete this course. Credits from other Bible colleges/institutes may transfer over at the discretion of the Director of NSBI.

50 semester hours of required classes
36 semester hours of elective classes and independent studies
8 semester hours allotted for Practical Assignments
6 semester hours allotted for your Thesis
100 semester hours to graduate with a ThG

Grading

Courses are graded by instructors as follows:

Grade Range	Letter Grade	GPA Credit
95-100	A	4.00
92-94	A-	3.67
88-91	B+	3.33
85-87	B	3.00
82-84	B-	2.67
80-81	C+	2.33
78-79	C	2.00
75-77	C-	1.67
74	D+	1.33
71-73	D	1.00
70	D-	0.67
<70	F	0.00

Honors Program

Exceptional scholarship is recognized upon graduation according to the following scale:

Summa cum laude 3.80–4.00
Magna cum laude 3.60–3.79
Cum laude 3.40–3.59

Independent Study

Independent Study or directed reading courses are carefully overseen by the administration. Each student is required to take two of these courses to receive a degree. The administration will provide a list of course options available for the student. Special circumstances must prevail for the administration to authorize a student to take additional courses. A request for an Independent Study must be submitted to the administration in person. It is the administrator’s responsibility to approve or disapprove the request at their discretion.

Practical Assignment

In addition to the required and elective hours, a student will need four (4) Practical Assignments valued at two (2) credit hours each. These Practical Assignments will be 30 hours of hands-on ministry experience and a 3-5 page (1,000-1,500 words) typed report completed by the end of the semester. Grading is on a Pass/Fail basis. The ministry chosen must be pre-approved by the Director and include such opportunities as G & T Athletics, AWANA, Sunday School, Youth, Merge, Worship, etc. Written assignments are to be submitted to the administration and will be evaluated and approved by same. The 3–5-page (1,000-1,500 words) report should include a description of the ministry, an evaluation of the ministry, and your personal noteworthy experiences. There is a limit of one Practical Assignment per semester.

Thesis

In addition to all other requirements, a 15,000-word Thesis is due before graduation. The Thesis will discuss 36 different doctrines assigned by the Director. A list of these doctrines, along with specific requirements, is available upon request. This is required for the THG Degree.

MAKE SURE TO HAVE:

Student Handbook (Click to Download)

Registration Form (Click to Register)

Contact us if you have any questions.