Historical school still imparting knowledge
The Ministerial Institute and College (MIC) has been at its location on Church Hill Road for more than a century. People often drive by the school and are not aware that its doors are still open and students are attending classes.
The school’s motto comes from Matthew 28:20: “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
Rev. Eddie Longstreet is one of the instructors at the Ministerial Institute and College. He teaches from The Message of Romans by John R.W. Stott.
“The MIC is affiliated and accredited with Central Christian University,” Longstreet said. “A certified academic institution of the Nation Christian Counselors Association.”
During the Civil Rights Movement, the school was an African American high school.
It has served the community in both forms of education.
“The school is historically significant, and I am very proud to be a part of the faculty that continues teaching sound Biblical classes,” Longstreet said. “With teaching Romans, the epistle of Paul to the Romans, with special study of the major doctrines: salvation by grace through faith, justification, propitiation, the commonality of sin, and characteristics of the new life in Christ. I enjoy teaching this class.”
The MIC is chartering its fall semester and wants the community to be aware that the school is still alive and well.
“It is one of the few religious colleges in the area,” Longstreet said. “After 132 years, it is still providing instruction to both men and women, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds. What is being taught is accredited and can be transferred to any Bible college. Those looking
for a Divinity degree can continue with their education. Even if someone is not inclined to receive a degree, the certification in Biblical Studies is very useful for those laymen and women or those in Christian education.”
The faculty and staff work pro bono. The school has two fundraisers a year and accepts in kind donations and direct financial donations.
“The class fees are extremely reasonable,” Longstreet said. “Three credit hours of class instruction is $125. We are a non-profit. We donate our time and knowledge to the students. MIC offers a certification in Biblical Studies, an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies, a
Practical Ministry diploma, and a Bachelor of Theology.”
A call to the ministry comes from God. It can be a call to preach the gospel, to minister to a congregation, or to become, like the Apostle Paul, an evangelist. It all serves the Biblical mandate to go into all the world and preach the gospel. MIC is available to those who wish to take this path in life.