[ag-news] AG NEWS #1788: March 11, 2009

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AG-NEWS: Thursday, March 11, 2010 
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**Global University receives full regional accreditation

In February, Global University granted full regional accreditation,
placing it on par with numerous respected universities, such as
the University of Phoenix, AG Theological Seminary and Oral Roberts
University. For more information about accreditation or Global
University, visit http://www.globaluniversity.edu.


**BGMC launches new theme

BGMC launches new theme, "Shake It Up ? to change the world!"
for 2010-2011. AG missionaries have written theme song, BGMC
launched new video, and many products were added to catalog to
celebrate the new theme. To learn more about BGMC or to order
materials, visit http://bgmc.ag.org.


**Pentecostal educators establish World Alliance for
Pentecostal Theological Education

Newly formed World Alliance for Pentecostal Theological
Education will enhance ability of students and credits to
transfer more equitably among the member colleges and
universities throughout the world. More information about WAPTE
found at http://www.wapte.org or e-mail john.carter@xxxxxxxxx


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AG Marriage Encounter opens brand new locale

Greg and D'awn (Elder) Ledgerwood, Sidney, Montana, are hosting
an AG Marriage Encounter weekend in Dickinson, North Dakota,
March 19-21. Mark and Becky Rhoades, national admin couple for
AGME, confirm that space is limited. "Initial plans for the new
locale were made when Greg and D'awn drove the 1,187 miles from
Sidney to Springfield, Missouri, to experience a fall weekend.
The final details were just now worked out," says Mark Rhoades.

To register go to http://www.agme.org or call 800.366.2104
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**GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FULL REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

Global University, the dedicated distance learning institution of
the Assemblies of God, received full regional accreditation on
February 22, 2010, based on a decision of the Higher Learning
Commission of North Central Association¹s Board of Trustees. Global
is now one of more than 1,200 universities and colleges fully
accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

³My heartfelt congratulations to the leadership, staff and
supporters of Global University for this magnificent achievement,²
says Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the U.S.
Assemblies of God.

Dr. Gary Seevers, president of Global University, believes the
accreditation brings a considerable weight of added validation to
Global University¹s longstanding traditions of institutional
organization and governance, and high academic standards. It also
makes the distance learning model increasingly attractive to
prospective students.

³Accreditation is an indication of recognized or endorsed quality in
education," Seevers says. "Global University was commended during
the accreditation process for its unique, high-quality programs and
distance education delivery that advance its mission to evangelize
and disciple nations of people, and we are doing so in the power of
the Holy Spirit."

Seevers adds that Global's regional accreditation is now on par with
such respected institutions as the University of Phoenix, Evangel
University, AG Theological Seminary and Oral Roberts University.

³We offer warm congratulations to Global University and its
administrative team, faculty and staff on the announcement of the
bestowal of regional accreditation,² says Dr. G. Robert Cook,
executive vice president of The Alliance for Assemblies of God
Higher Education. ³Achieving this standard of academic accreditation
is the result of arduous, diligent work."

Global University students, prospective students or alumni with
questions about Global¹s accreditation are urged to visit
http://www.globaluniversity.edu and read the FAQ page on
accreditation or call 1-800-483-1083.

--Dan Kersten


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**BGMC LAUNCHES NEW THEME

BGMC has announced the launching of its new theme for 2010-2011,
"Shake It Up ? to change the world!"

"An empty barrel or box doesn't make any noise when it shakes, but
shaking one with money in it can change the world," Mary Boyd,
National BGMC Coordinator, says. "Missionaries will use the money in
that container to spread the gospel."

The money will also be used to help people by providing food, water,
clothes, medical supplies, and lots more.

Missionaries Michael and Dawn Marie Helin have written a theme song
and BGMC has put together a powerful music video to accompany it,
showing missions images from around the world.

Many new products such as banners and posters have been created to
help celebrate the new theme in classrooms. In addition to the new
products, BGMC has released a new catalog.

National BGMC Day is this Sunday, March 14. "The purpose of National
BGMC Day is to involve the entire church in BGMC," says David Boyd,
national BGMC director.

"It's also a time to expose the adults to what BGMC does, the
purpose of BGMC, and to take up an adult offering for BGMC," he
says. "Many times the adults in the church do not know about all the
great things BGMC does and how much BGMC helps our missionaries."

BGMC had an all-time record-breaking year in 2009, with a total
giving record of $6,040,069.19, up five percent from 2008. Since
1949, $96,126,202.55 has been given to missions through BGMC ? that
funding is used to provide missionaries with supplies to spread the
gospel message.

For more information about BGMC or to order BGMC materials, visit
http://bgmc.ag.org.

--AG News


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**PENTECOSTAL EDUCATORS ESTABLISH WORLD ALLIANCE FOR PENTECOSTAL
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

In early February, Pentecostal theological educators from around the
world met for the first Board of Directors' meeting of the newly
formed World Alliance for Pentecostal Theological Education (WAPTE).

Board members from the Assemblies of God (including Assemblies of
God World Missions, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, African
Assemblies of God Alliance and the Alliance for Assemblies of God
Higher Education), the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) and the
International Church of the Foursquare Gospel met at Mattersey Hall,
the historic campus of the British Assemblies of God Bible College.

The formation of WAPTE was approved earlier by participants from the
aforementioned groups at a meeting in Springfield, Missouri, in July
2009, which followed an earlier exploratory meeting held in
Singapore in 2008 at which Assemblies of God missions educators from
all regions of the world unanimously agreed to proceed with this
initiative.

WAPTE formalizes a cooperative relationship among
Pentecostal/Charismatic theological associations, denominational
offices and missions agencies that provide educational services to
theological and/or ministry training schools around the world.

A major concern of WAPTE is the approval of standards and procedures
for the endorsement and accreditation of Pentecostal/Charismatic
theological schools by member theological associations in various
regions of the world. The WAPTE desires to ensure a global
consistency and credibility for endorsement and accreditation of
institutions, which would result in enhancing the recognition of
endorsed and accredited schools.

According to Dr. John Carter, chairman of the WAPTE Board of
Directors, once associations agree to follow accepted standards and
procedures for accreditation and/or endorsement, this will enhance
the ability of students and credits to transfer more equitably among
the member colleges and universities throughout the world.

WAPTE, which is endorsed by the Pentecostal World Fellowship, is
also organizing a Bible school/theological track for the Pentecostal
World Conference being held in Stockholm, Sweden, August 23-27,
2010.

For more information about WAPTE, Carter can be contacted at
john.carter@xxxxxxxx or see http://www.wapte.org.

--AG News


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