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About Oikonomia Bible Academy

Oikonomia Bible Academy exists for the purpose of training men and women for the work of the ministry. We believe the best way to do this is to teach the Bible as the inspired Word of God from a dispensational viewpoint

The Christian Church is in constant need of trained leaders. If the church is to meet the goals of bringing the knowledge of Christ, salvation from sin, walking in the Spirit, overcoming temptation, evangelism, Christian doctrine, missions, and the Christian family etc., to individuals in homes, the community, State, country, and the world; it is necessary that we train leaders.

Oikonomia Bible Academy is designed to equip leaders for full time ministry and also to train lay-people to become Christian educators teaching bible studies, Sunday school lessons, and youth programs thereby strengthening the local church. It offers a broad range of ministry subjects such as theology, bibliology, homiletics, biblical counseling, apologetic, hermeneutics, doctrine and spiritual life and many other subjects taught from a dispensational viewpoint.

We want to establish you in the faith through the sound teaching of God’s Word, thereby equipping and preparing you to serve the Lord in a greater way. With these tools you can be an effective minister of God’s Grace, be able to say with the Apostle Paul, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”Rom 1:16.

While the Lord patiently observes from heaven before coming to rapture the Body of Christ from the earth, He seeks to enable each of us to be a “workman that needeth not to be ashamed.”

If you have a sincere desire and feel God’s calling to devote your life to the ministry, or to broaden your faith and knowledge for serving the Lord, you are encouraged to give serious consideration to attending Oikonomia Bible Academy

May the Lord guide and direct you as you seek His will for your life.

Student Handbook

WELCOME and INTRODUCTION

We are glad to be able to put this Academy Handbook/Course Offering into your hands as a prospective student.

HISTORY

Oikonomia Bible Academy (OBA) came into being as a result of the ministry philosophy of Pastor Phillip du Plessis. His philosophy of ministry based on II Timothy 2:2, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others," could be put simply like this, “Each one reach one, each pastor trains a pastor, and each church plants a church.”

For some time, theological, biblical, and pastoral training has been taken out of the care of the local church and placed into the hands of colleges and universities. OBA is decentralizing theological education; bringing it to the people through a local church training center with the purpose of equipping faithful men and women with the knowledge of rightly dividing God’s Word to be effective ministers of the gospel of God's grace.

Those who are called to minister can now, through Okonomia Bible Academy, a local church ministry; participate in a program of theological education being trained as pastors by pastors and experienced Bible teachers.

Based on a ministry philosophy that is biblical, OBA is able to present and train those who want to enter full-time ministry. Okonomia Bible Academy will strengthen the local church in its mission to be ministers of the word of reconciliation by proclaiming the gospel of grace, and enlightening all to see the dispensation of the mystery.

After much planning by the OBA’s Board of Advisors, and the elders of Grace Bible Church Indy, and with the blessing of the congregation; Okonomia Bible Academy was officially established as the educational ministry of Grace Bible Church Indy in the State of Indiana.

ACCREDITATION

To ensure that Okonomia Bible Academy maintains its high educational standards, OBA has sought accountability through St. Louis Theological Seminary's accreditation platform. The purpose of this association is to rightly present accredited student materials and degrees.
Because of GBA's affiliation with St. Louis Theological Seminary, which is currently accredited by Accrediting Commission International, Inc. (ACI) of Bebe, Arkansas, a primarily religious school accrediting association; The accrediting process of OBA's textbooks, online study program, and student degrees are scrutinized by this monitoring agency to verify the ongoing quality of programs offered. ACI has no affiliation with the federal or state departments of education. ACI is renowned to be one of the largest non-governmental accrediting organizations in the world.

It is important to inform you that through OBA's association with St. Louis Theological Seminary, the degree issued will in fact, be issued by St. Louis Theological Seminary. Students pursuing a course of study at Oikonomia Bible Academy with the goal of being licensed, certified, or authorized in any profession must contact the appropriate licensing or regulatory agency to determine whether courses, certificates, or degrees from St. Louis Theological Seminary will meet their requirements. There are grace pastors here in the US that graduated from St Louis Theological Seminary and they are serving in Grace Gospel Fellowship Churches all over the country.

In 2023 classes and lectures started using OBA's affiliation with the St. Louis Theological Seminary's accredited undergraduate courses. The courses for now are accredited by Accreditation Commission, Inc.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

At Oikonomia Bible Academy (GBA) we believe that the following statements are essential as a basis of faith and

practice. The following doctrines are our belief platform and will guide and preserve the teaching at Grace Bible Academy.

Redemption:

God justifies ungodly sinners by His Grace, upon the grounds of the blood of Christ, through the means of faith. This complete salvation is bestowed as the free gift of God apart from man's work. (Romans 3:24-28; Romans 4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Christian Actions:

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

While we realize that there are many differences in doctrinal positions that do not affect either salvation or fellowship, the official doctrinal position of this Academy shall be as follows:

1. The Bible

The entire canon of scripture in its original writings is verbally inspired by God and of plenary authority. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21)

2. The Godhead

There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Ephesians 4:6)

3. The Person of Christ

Jesus Christ, who was in the form of God, was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He is the true God and true man. (Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:6-9; Romans 1:3-4)

4. Total Depravity

All men by nature are dead in trespasses and sin, and are therefore totally unable to do anything pleasing to God. (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 8:7-8)

5. Eternal Security

All the saved are eternally secure in Christ.
(Romans 8:38-39; Colossians 2:9, 3:1-3; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 4:30)

6. Personality and Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. (John 16:8-14) By Him the believer is regenerated, baptized, sealed, indwelt, enlightened and empowered. (I Corinthians 4:1, 2:7, 12:13-27; Romans 2:16,
12:4-5, 16:25; Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:6, 4:4)

7. Gifts

The gifts in operation today for the Body of Christ are included in Ephesians 4:7-17 and Romans 12:6-8. All of the sign gifts of the Acts period such as tongues, healing and prophecy, being temporary in character, have ceased. (I Corinthians 12:31, 13:8-11; Colossians 1:25-26)

8. Walk

By reason of Christ's victory over sin and the indwelling Holy Spirit, all the saved may and should experience progressive deliverance from the power of sin by dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. We deny that man's nature of sin is ever eradicated during this life. (Romans 8:37; II Corinthians 2:14, 10:2-5; Galatians 5:15-25)

9. The Lord's Supper

The communion of the Lord's Supper as revealed through the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:23-26 is for members of the Body of Christ to observe "until He comes."

10. Baptism

All saved persons have been made members of the Body of Christ by one divine baptism. Every member of the Body of Christ is identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. In the light of Colossians 2:22, Ephesians 4:5, and I Corinthians 1:17, we affirm that the only baptism in God's spiritual program for today is that divine baptism of the Holy Spirit spoken of the I Corinthians 12:13 by which all believers are made members of the Body of Christ.

11. Resurrection

Jesus Christ was resurrected bodily from the dead. (Luke 24:39-43) therefore, all men will have a bodily resurrection, (I Corinthians 15:20-22) the saved to everlasting glory, and the unsaved to everlasting punishment. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-15)

12. Appearing of Christ

The appearing of Christ for the Church will be personal and pre-millennial. His appearing will be for the receiving of the Church unto Himself. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:21; Titus 2:13)

13. Second Coming of Christ

Christ's coming to establish His earthly millennial kingdom over which he will reign is in contrast to His appearing for the Church. (Revelation 19:11, 20:1-6)

14. State of the Dead

The scriptures never extend the hope of salvation to the unsaved dead but instead reveal that they will ever continue to exist in a state of conscious suffering. By contrast, all the saved dead will ever continue to exist in conscious fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord.
(Luke 16:23-28; John 3:36; Romans 1:21-32; Ephesians 5:5 II Thessalonians 1:9; II Corinthians 5:6-8, 12:3-4; Revelation 14:11, 20:14-15)

15. Mission/Commission

The mission and commission of the present Church Age is to proclaim the message of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:14-21) and to endeavor to make all men see the "dispensation of the mystery." (Ephesians 3:7-8) We are to strive to reach those in the regions beyond with the good news of salvation where Christ is not yet named. (Romans 15:20; II Corinthians 10:16) We are commanded to follow the pattern given by the risen Christ to the Apostle Paul through successive revelations which is distinct from that given to the twelve apostles for building the Kingdom. (Galatians 1:11-12) The Apostle Paul refers to this message as "the gospel of the grace of God" or "my gospel" and instructs us to follow him as he follows the Lord in discharging the debt of witnessing to the lost. (Romans 1:14; I Corinthians 4:14; Philippians 3:17; I Timothy 1:11-16; Romans 11:13, 15:16, 16:25; Acts 20-24; Philippians 4:9, I Corinthians 14:37)

MISSION

The mission of Okonomia Bible Academy (GBA) is to provide religious education and to train men and women for ministry service. In carrying out this mission and expressing its dispensational theology, OBA’s primary focus is to equip Grace believers, train pastors, and others to serve in Grace churches and ministries.

DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION

OBA is affiliated with Grace Bible Church Indy, as an extension of the Church. In addition, it is associated with Grace Gospel Fellowship of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Grace Mission International. However, the right of each student to affiliate with other church organizations are respected.

POLICY AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

Oikonomia Bible Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or scholarship and loan programs.

POLICY REGARDING HOMOSEXUALITY

Oikonomia Bible Academy does not admit students who practice homosexuality. This is a matter of religious belief. We believe that the statement of Gen. 2:20-25 establishes the normal relationship which God intended for mankind, one man and one woman uniting in marriage and establishing their own home as one flesh. This was never changed in the Word of God. Homosexuality is an aberration of this relationship and is uniformly condemned in the Scriptures as exemplified by the case of Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. 19:1-29. This position is consistent within the Bible: Rom. 1:21-27, Lev. 18:22; 20:13, II Pet. 2:4-6; I Ki. 14:21-24; I Ki. 15:11, 12; II Ki. 23:7, Luk. 17:28, and I Cor. 6:9.

STUDENT SPIRITUALITY AND COMMITMENT

Students must have experienced personal salvation through Jesus Christ. (See Admission Policy) Students must be committed to studying God’s Word and to developing the skills necessary to communicate to others the knowledge of the Bible they have obtained. Students, have the right to affiliate with other church organizations. All students are expected to regularly attend a local church, of their choice, on a regular basis.

ONLINE LEARNING MODEL

Oikonomia Bible Academy operates as a fully online educational institution.

All courses, lectures, assignments, discussions, examinations, mentoring sessions, and academic communications are conducted through approved online platforms. Students are not required to attend a physical campus.

Students may participate from any location where reliable internet access is available.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Students are responsible for maintaining access to:

A computer, laptop, or tablet capable of online learning.
Reliable internet access.
An active email address.
Word processing software for assignments.
Video conferencing capability when required.
Access to the Academy's Learning Management System (LMS).

Students are expected to regularly monitor academy communications and maintain current contact information.

ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION

Regular participation is required in all courses.

Participation may include:

Viewing recorded lectures.
Attending live online classes.
Participating in online discussions.
Submitting assignments on time.
Meeting with instructors through virtual platforms.
Completing quizzes and examinations.

Failure to participate for fourteen consecutive days without communication may result in administrative withdrawal from a course.

ONLINE STUDENT CONDUCT

Students are expected to demonstrate Christian character in all online interactions.

This includes:

Respectful communication with faculty and fellow students.
Honesty in all academic work.
Appropriate conduct during video meetings and online discussions.
Avoidance of disruptive, abusive, or offensive language.
Respect for differing viewpoints expressed within Christian courtesy.

Unacceptable conduct includes harassment, threats, inappropriate online behavior, dishonesty, or actions that damage the learning environment.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION POLICY

All official communication from OBA will be conducted through:

Email
Learning Management System announcements
Online classroom platforms
Official academy communication channels

Students are responsible for reading all official communications and responding when required.

ONLINE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students must complete all assignments, examinations, projects, and reflection papers honestly.

Academic dishonesty includes:

Plagiarism
Submitting another person's work
Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence or online resources when prohibited
Sharing examination answers
Falsifying attendance or participation records

Violations may result in failing grades, disciplinary action, suspension, or dismissal.

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

All written assignments must be submitted electronically through the Academy's designated learning platform or approved email address.

Students should retain copies of all submitted work until final grades have been issued.

Electronic submission records shall serve as proof of submission.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Because OBA is an online institution, attendance is measured through participation rather than physical presence.

Attendance may be verified through:

Login activity
Assignment submissions
Discussion participation
Attendance at live virtual sessions
Communication with instructors

Students are expected to remain actively engaged throughout each course.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Students may contact:

Director of Studies

For academic guidance, curriculum matters, and ministry training questions.

Registrar

For enrollment, records, transcripts, and graduation matters.

Business Affairs Office

For tuition, payment plans, and financial questions.

Appointments may be scheduled through email, telephone, or online video conferencing.

PRACTICAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Students may earn approved Practical Ministry Experience credits through participation in ministry activities within their local churches or ministries.

Documentation may be submitted electronically through:

Ministry logs
Supervisor verification forms
Video recordings
Sermon recordings
Reflection papers

Students are encouraged to remain actively involved in local church ministry while pursuing online studies.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS

Assessments may include:

Reflection papers
Research projects
Quizzes
Online examinations
Ministry projects
Virtual presentations
Instructor interviews

Faculty may use oral examinations or video conferencing assessments to verify student learning.

ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Students shall protect their usernames, passwords, and access credentials.

Sharing login information with others is prohibited.

Students are expected to comply with all copyright laws and licensing requirements regarding course materials.

GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT

Students who successfully complete all academic, financial, and program requirements may graduate from Oikonomia Bible Academy.

Graduation ceremonies may be conducted:

In person
Virtually
Through hybrid formats

Participation in commencement exercises does not relieve students of any outstanding academic or financial obligations.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

Students enrolling in Oikonomia Bible Academy affirm their commitment to:

Personal spiritual growth.
Faithful study of God's Word.
Christian conduct.
Integrity in academic work.
Active participation in a local church.
Respectful engagement within the online learning community.

Through these commitments, OBA seeks to prepare faithful servants of Christ who are equipped to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

STUDENT SPIRITUALITY, CONDUCT, AND ONLINE COMMUNITY STANDARDS

STUDENT SPIRITUALITY AND COMMITMENT

Students of Oikonomia Bible Academy are expected to have experienced personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and to demonstrate a sincere desire to grow spiritually and academically. Students should be committed to studying God's Word and developing the skills necessary for effective Christian service and leadership.

Because OBA is an online academy serving students from various locations, students are encouraged to actively participate in a Bible-believing local church and remain accountable to local church leadership whenever possible.

ONLINE CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

Every student's conduct is expected to reflect Christian character and biblical values in all online interactions, communications, and academic activities.

Students shall:

Communicate respectfully with faculty, staff, and fellow students.
Demonstrate integrity in all coursework.
Conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner during online meetings and discussions.
Respect differing viewpoints while maintaining biblical convictions.
Refrain from offensive, abusive, or disruptive behavior.

Unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to:

Harassment or intimidation of other students.
Abusive or inappropriate online communication.
Deliberate disruption of online classes.
Academic dishonesty.
Distribution of inappropriate or offensive content through academy platforms.

ONLINE MEETING EXPECTATIONS

Students participating in live online classes are expected to:

Join sessions on time.
Participate respectfully.
Minimize distractions.
Use appropriate language and behavior.
Maintain a professional appearance when video participation is required.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes:

Plagiarism.
Submitting another person's work as one's own.
Unauthorized use of AI-generated content without disclosure when prohibited by the instructor.
Cheating during examinations.
Falsification of academic records.

Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty may receive a failing grade for the assignment or course and may be subject to disciplinary action.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Students are encouraged to address concerns directly with the appropriate faculty member or administrator.

Academic concerns should be directed to the Director of Studies.

Financial or records-related concerns should be directed to the Registrar or Administrator of Business Affairs.

If a matter remains unresolved, it may be submitted in writing to the Board of Advisors for final review.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND APPEALS

Students who violate Academy policies may be subject to disciplinary action, including probation, suspension, or dismissal.

Students have the right to submit a written appeal to the Board of Advisors. Decisions of the Board are final.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS

APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES

Applicants must submit:

A completed online application form.
A copy of government-issued identification.
Any required application fee.
Official transcripts for degree-seeking programs when applicable.
A personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES

Certificate Program

A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended but not required.

Undergraduate Programs

Applicants seeking undergraduate degrees must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent qualification.

ADMISSION REVIEW PROCESS

Applications are reviewed by the Registrar and Director of Studies.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

Christian testimony.
Educational background.
Ministry goals.
Academic readiness.
Commitment to biblical study.

Applicants will be notified electronically regarding acceptance or denial of admission.

ADMISSION POLICY

Oikonomia Bible Academy reserves the right to admit students whose goals and conduct align with the mission, values, and doctrinal position of the Academy.

COURSE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT

COURSE REGISTRATION

Students register electronically during designated registration periods.

Registration requests are reviewed and approved by the Director of Studies.

Following approval, students will receive:

Enrollment confirmation.
Tuition invoice.
Course syllabus.
Required textbook list.
Access instructions for online learning platforms.

PAYMENT OF TUITION

Tuition is payable before course access is granted unless alternative arrangements have been approved.

Electronic payment records shall serve as proof of payment.

ONLINE LEARNING ACCESS

Upon completion of registration and payment, students will receive access to:

Course materials.
Recorded lectures.
Virtual classrooms.
Faculty communication channels.
Academic resources.

Students are responsible for maintaining reliable internet access and suitable technology.

TUITION, FEES, AND REFUND POLICY

FEES

Current tuition and fees shall be published annually by the Academy and may be updated as necessary.

REFUND POLICY

Application fees are non-refundable.

Digital course materials already delivered are generally non-refundable.

Students who officially withdraw within the first half of a course may be eligible for a partial tuition refund.

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Director of Studies.

Special circumstances may be reviewed by the Board of Advisors.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Students are responsible for meeting all financial obligations to the Academy.

Transcripts and diplomas may be withheld until financial accounts are settled.

DEGREE PROGRAMS AND ACADEMIC CREDIT

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Oikonomia Bible Academy offers:

Christian Workers Certificate
Associate of Biblical Studies
Bachelor of Theology

PRACTICAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE CREDIT

Students may earn Practical Ministry Experience (PME) credit through approved ministry involvement within local churches and ministries.

Documentation may include:

Ministry reports.
Sermon recordings.
Ministry supervisor evaluations.
Reflection papers.
Ministry activity logs.

All PME credit must receive prior approval from the Director of Studies.

MINISTERIAL LIFE EXPERIENCE CREDIT

Students may apply for credit based on prior ministry experience.

Documentation supporting ministry service must be submitted for evaluation.

Credit awards remain subject to Academy approval and program limitations.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND ASSIGNMENTS

WRITTEN WORK

All assignments must be submitted electronically through the Academy's approved learning platform or designated email address.

Students are responsible for maintaining copies of all submitted work.

WRITING STANDARDS

Assignments should:

Be typed and professionally formatted.
Demonstrate proper grammar and spelling.
Properly cite sources.
Follow Turabian style where required.

ONLINE SUBMISSIONS

Electronic submission confirmations serve as proof of submission.

Late assignments may be penalized according to course policies.

ONLINE EXAMINATIONS

Examinations may be conducted through:

Online testing systems.
Oral interviews.
Video conferencing.
Research projects.
Reflection papers.

Faculty may use identity verification procedures when necessary.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND COURSE COMPLETION

ACADEMIC YEAR

The academic year consists of three fifteen-week terms.

Courses may be offered through:

Live virtual instruction.
Recorded lectures.
Faculty-guided independent study.
Hybrid online learning methods.

COURSE PARTICIPATION

Students are expected to remain actively engaged throughout each term through:

Course logins.
Assignment completion.
Faculty communication.
Discussion participation.

INCOMPLETE COURSES

Students unable to complete coursework within the designated term may request an Incomplete grade.

Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Students wishing to withdraw must submit written notification to the Registrar.

Withdrawn courses will receive a "W" designation and will not affect GPA calculations.

GRADING SYSTEM AND TRANSCRIPTS

GRADING SCALE

A = 90–100 Excellent

B = 80–89 Good

C = 70–79 Satisfactory

D = 60–69 Passing

F = Below 60 Failing

Additional designations:

S = Satisfactory

U = Unsatisfactory

MLE = Ministerial Life Experience Credit

PME = Practical Ministry Experience Credit

O = Audit

I = Incomplete

W = Withdrawal

GRADE APPEALS

Students may request a review of a final grade by submitting a written appeal to the Director of Studies.

The Board of Advisors will review unresolved cases.

TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts are issued upon written request and payment of applicable fees.

The Academy reserves the right to withhold transcripts and diplomas until all financial obligations have been satisfied.

ONLINE LEARNING POLICIES AND STUDENT SERVICES

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Students must maintain access to:

A computer, laptop, or tablet.
Reliable internet service.
Email communication.
Word processing software.
Video conferencing capability.

COMMUNICATION

Official Academy communication will occur through:

Email.
Learning Management System announcements.
Virtual classroom platforms.

Students are responsible for monitoring Academy communications regularly.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Students may receive assistance regarding:

Academic advising.
Course registration.
Technical support.
Ministry mentoring.
Financial inquiries.

Support services may be provided through email, telephone, video conferencing, or online meetings.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Students are responsible for protecting their login credentials and maintaining the confidentiality of Academy resources.

Unauthorized sharing of course materials, passwords, or learning platform access is prohibited.

GRADUATION

Students who successfully complete all academic and financial requirements will be eligible for graduation.

Commencement ceremonies may be conducted either in person, online, or through a hybrid format as determined by the Academy