I. To make available, through our affiliate campuses, college degrees to experienced ministers, by offering:
A. College credit for ministry experience
B. Continuing education classes in Christian Theology and Biblical Studies
II. To jumpstart those called into ministry, by providing:
A. Academic Christian theological training in the class room at a college level through our affiliate campuses
B. Licensing and ordination credentials through West Virginia Christian Ministerial Association
C. Ministerial opportunities through fellowship and networking with other ministers
III. To equip church members to better help their pastor to fulfill his vision by providing:
A. College level Biblical studies with "live", experienced instructors at our affiliate campuses
B. College credit for volunteer work at their home church at no extra cost.
ONE TRUE GOD
The One True God is the eternally self-existent the Creator of the universe. He has further revealed Himself as a triune Being, manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
SCRIPTURES INSPIRED
All Scripture is verbally inspired by God as written in the original languages and is inerrant revelation of God to man. The Bible is the infallible authority for faith and conduct.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus is 100% divine (Son of God) while simultaneously being 100% human (Son of Man). As God Incarnate, He is the express image of the Living God in human form.
ORIGINAL SIN & THE FALL OF MAN
Man was created good and upright in the image and likeness of God. The first man,Adam, through disobedience, fell from the grace of God and, thus, sin and death entered into the world. Adam's transgression incurred not only physical death for man, but also spiritual death which is eternal separation from God. Man's propensity to sin because of his sinful nature necessitates salvation from the power of sin and a Savior to provide that salvation.
SALVATION OF MAN
Man's only hope of redemption and salvation from sin is through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. His blood is completely sufficient to deliver every person from the power and penalty of sin.
THE CHURCH & ITS MISSION
The Church is the Body of Christ and is comprised of all believers. God inhabits the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit both individually and corporately. Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the Church's responsibility is: 1) to evangelize the world, 2) to be a corporate body in which man may worship and glorify God, and 3) to equip the saints for the work of service.
BAPTISM IN WATER
Baptism by immersion in water is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent of their sins and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.
HOLY COMMUNION
The Lord's Supper, consisting of bread and a cup of the fruit of the vine, is a memorial of Jesus' suffering and death and a celebration of His resurrection to be enjoyed by all believers until He comes again.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. With the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes the enduing of power for life and service and the bestowing of spiritual gifts.
EVER-INCREASING FAITH
Faith of the heart is based on the hearing (spiritual understanding) of God's Word.Without faith it is impossible to please God. Christians are saved through faith, justified by faith, shall live by faith, and overcome the world by faith.
DIVINE HEALING
Divine healing is provided for in both Old and New Testaments and is integral to the Gospel.
THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST & THE FINAL JUDGMENT
As the climax to God's dealing with man, Jesus is coming again. At that time, there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. The wicked will be judged and the righteous will be ushered into the everlasting Kingdom of God.
Dr. Jim Curtis has long envisioned WVCU as a source of strong, biblically grounded education for people across West Virginia. In the past, we operated campuses in Buckhannon, Morgantown, and Charleston, where, over 17 years, more than 500 students were taught and ministered to through the Word of God. Many earned state-authorized degrees in Theology, deepening their spiritual lives. Some were already ministers, while others discovered their calling to ministry during their time with us.
To make this training more accessible, our approach has evolved. Now, through our Affiliate Campus program, pastors can utilize their own facilities and staff to teach the WVCU curriculum, providing biblical education directly to their congregations and communities.
Mike Stottlemyer, President of West Virginia Christian University, has dedicated his life to ministry. Born in Cumberland, MD, he was raised in the faith, assisting his parents' tent ministry from an early age. He preached his first sermon at 18 and soon began leading services at his grandfather’s church.
In 1999, Mike married Mandy, his devoted partner in ministry. Together, they carried forward the Message of Freedom Tent Ministry, planting a church in Cresaptown, MD, in 2001. Later, God led them to Bridgeport, WV, where they launched Message of Freedom Church in 2004, a thriving ministry that continues to impact lives today.
A passionate preacher, Pastor Mike has witnessed miraculous healings and transformed lives through the power of God. Whether in the pulpit, on television, or traveling the world, he remains committed to spreading the Gospel. Alongside Mandy and their three children, he eagerly embraces the next chapter of God’s calling.
Given to the Audit student who has completed the requirements for nine (9) courses. Each Year of attendance counts toward another certificate.
Awarded to the student who has completed nine (9) courses plus the required ministry practicum. The Foundational Core (FC) classes must be taken in order to complete this path.
Given to the student who has completed the FC classes, plus thirty (30) credit hours including the required ministry practicum each year.
Awarded to the student who has completed the FC classes, plus ninety (90) credit hours in a specific major, including the required annual ministry practicum.
Given to the Bachelor's degree student who has completed forty-two (42) Master's level credit hours plus the required ministry practicum.
Given to the Master's degree student who has completed forty-five (45) Doctoral level credit hours.
Awarded to the Doctor of Ministry student who has completed forty-five (45)
Doctoral level credit hours.
**WVCU ACCEPTS TRANSFER CREDITS FROM OTHER COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, BIBLE SCHOOLS & INSTITUTES
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