DBI Handbook

Didasko is a Greek word that means “to teach.” This is the primary goal of the Great Commission… to teach all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). The Didasko Bible Institute understands what it takes to create a flexible education for busy people on a budget. Christian education should not become a burden for eager Bible students. This is why we chose not to charge for our online courses. 

Distance learning is not the wave of the future, it is a necessity for today’s modern educational environment. Many of our staff members have been inundated with requests from Bible students all around the world looking for opportunities to learn more about the Bible, ministry, world religions, Christian living and other related topics. 

Many of our instructors at DBI have been investing in distance learning for decades. Our experience in this area has taught us how to streamline programs so you can focus on topics that really matter to you and your specific ministry. We will offer a broad range of courses and evaluate additional options for the future. 

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1. Governance & Leadership Structure

To build a solid legal and spiritual foundation, governance framework should balance legal oversight with doctrinal integrity.

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Board of Directors Requirements

• Composition: Minimum of 3 members representing diverse backgrounds (legal expertise, ministerial wisdom, and administrative experience). 

• Term Limits & Rotation: Standard 2-year staggered terms to maintain continuity while inviting fresh perspective.

• Selection Criteria: Board members must demonstrate active involvement in local church leadership.

Essential Institutional Bylaws

• Authority & Oversight: Clear separation between the Board (policy, doctrine, financial oversight, president hiring) and the Executive Leadership/Faculty (day-to-day operations and academic delivery).

• Conflict of Interest Policy: Mandatory disclosure of financial or personal conflicts, especially critical for non-profit/free institutions.

• Amendment Procedures: Require a supermajority vote (e.g., two-thirds or three-quarters) for any changes to the Statement of Faith or institutional mission.

Statement of Faith

• Craft a clear statement defining core Christian doctrines (Scripture, Salvation, Christology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology & Theology).

• Include an explicit section defining how theological unity is maintained in a world of differing opinions and traditions of men.

2. Institutional Infrastructure

Even for a free institute, professional academic operations protect student trust and lay the groundwork for eventual accreditation.

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Admissions Policies

• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) for entrance, leading to certification (exceptions can be made in some cases).

• Spiritual Readiness: A written statement of faith.​

• Academic Readiness: Brief writing sample detailing academic goals.

Student Record System (SIS)

• Digital Privacy & Security: Our Student Information System (SIS) with role-based permissions, end-to-end encryption, and daily backups will record data.

• Permanent Records: Retain immutable transcripts tracking course codes, credit hours, grades, completion dates, and faculty of record.

• Accessibility: Seek to provide students secure portal access to request official transcripts or track program progress.

3. Faculty Qualifications

To ensure rigorous instruction that prepares students for active teaching and preaching, faculty standards must align with academic discipline levels.

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Level of Instruction & Faculty Requirements

• Must have certification or degree in field of instruction

• Must have practical ministry or teaching experience

• Must be an active member of the church of Christ

• Must believe that baptism is essential for salvation

• Must be in good standing with non-instrumental churches of Christ

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Specialized Certifications in Counseling or Homiletics

• Faculty encouraged to gain additional certification or degrees

4. Core Curriculum Design & Course Numbering

A well-rounded module-based structure ensures students receive balanced biblical, theological, and practical training. The Didasko Bible Institute follows a simplified course numbering system is for all certificate courses. The two letters indicate each course’s division and the numbers will indicate the catalog order. 

• Apologetics (AP) 

• Biblical Studies (BS)

• Church History (CH)

• Communication (CM)

• Counseling (CN)

• Education (ED)

• History (HS)

• Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)

• Languages (LA) 

• Leadership (LE)

• Ministry (MN)

• Missions (MS)

• New Testament (NT)

• Old Testament (OT)

• Philosophy (PS)

• Religious Studies (RS) 

• Theology (TH) 

• Women’s Studies (WS)

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5. Questions About Accreditation

Accreditation provides public recognition of educational quality, but for a new, free institute, entering this pipeline requires clear strategy, proper timing, and (most often) compromises to the structure and/or instruction at an institution. DBI operates independent of government funding and state accreditation to preserve the integrity of our biblical teaching. Guided solely by Scripture, we do not accept government regulations that could compromise our mission. Since we charge no tuition or fees, state oversight is unneccesary. We measure our legitimacy by the faithfulness of our faculty and the kingdom work of our graduates. 

Let’s Grow the Kingdom Together

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