SOUTH POINT – How far would a person looking for a school that taught Christian theology have to travel? The answer may be closer than you think.

Wednesday, August 01, 2001

SOUTH POINT – How far would a person looking for a school that taught Christian theology have to travel? The answer may be closer than you think.

Tri-State Bible College in South Point has been offering a Christian based program since 1970, said Clifford Marquardt, the college’s president.

Starting as a certificate program, which is still offered, the college now grants an associate’s degree and a four-year bachelor of arts degree in Bible and theology. The school also offers students the chance to study in three minor fields: Christian education, Ministry/English Bible, and Ministry/Greek Bible. Marquardt said over the past six years the school received authorization from the Ohio Board of Regents to grant the degree programs.

The school, Marquardt said, has also had a slight increase in attendance. The president said the school averages 50 students per semester with classes offered in the day and evenings to meet student’s needs. The school is also seeking full accreditation through the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. So far, the school has received "candidate status."

He said the procedure for accreditation is a long process and he hopes the school will have full accreditation by 2004. He added the accreditation will help the graduates go on to graduate school programs. "The Lord has been moving the school along," Marquardt said.

Marquardt said the nondenominational school is needed to prepare ministers and members of the laity for work in the church.

"You can’t teach and preach what you don’t know," Marquardt said. He added, "when you stand in the pulpit you need to know how to communicate and that all can be learned in a Bible college."

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