Testimonies

Testimonials

"What Summit means is an opportunity for the person to break out of the job mentality, and into the ministry; to become trained and prepared to lead and serve."
- Dr. Victor
with Professor Lowell Lueck, M.F.T.

I am 50 years old and thought it was too late for a formal education until I spoke with a couple students at Summit. I decided to try it and have really enjoyed it. It has been challenging but I have grown and learned alot. My confidence in the Lord to equip His people has never been stronger. I have met some great people, both students and instructors. My wife is taking advantage of the spouse discount by enrolling in several classes over the past year. I would recommend to anyone thinking of working in ministry, whether lay or professional, enroll as soon as possible. Blessings, Jeff Ward (A Local Student in Bakersfield)

I am always thankful for an opportunity to spread some exciting news. Immediately after I started taking courses at Summit Bible College, God blessed my husband and I with 2 children out of our communities foster care system for adoption. These children had been displaced multiple times and suffered some serious abandonment issues. My studies went caput and I had to drop my classes. Then 3 months later the Lord sent us a newborn that was a sibling to another child that we had already started the adoption process with. We now had a lovely nest with 4 wonderful children. I soon became completely overwhelmed by the gift of the 3 children God sent my husband and me, and felt as though I had to once again set aside my hearts desire to study "to show my self approved". But PRAISE GOD He has helped me gather these children to my heart and we have become a wonderful family that is moving forward. I am delighted to say they are settled in and starting school in August and my husband has helped orchestrate the schedule that has allowed me to complete my courses! When I called and spoke to the staff at Summit Bible College I have to say that it was the encouragement and kind care that I received from them that confirmed that it was God's will for me to fulfill the desire of my heart. Yeahhh I am back and so blessed that I am!
Rhoda W.

After going on two missionary trips I decided that I had a great passion for bringing the word of God to other countries. However, I felt that I needed more theological education. I decided it was time to go back to school. I applied to Summit for three reasons. First, I could take correspondence classes at my own pace. Second, it was a smaller college where I’d be able to communicate with my advisers. Lastly, it was affordable.

            The staff at Summit was very helpful when I applied to the college. When experiencing several complications with taking the virtual class, they helped me through it. They suggested I take my classes independently due to computer problems. This has worked out wonderful for me. I have been fortunate to have an excellent advisor Brandon Gunderson. He has helped me with every question I have had regarding my classes, and helped me in choosing the right classes to take. What makes Summit different from other colleges I have attended? They care about their students individually.

Recently I went to India (at left) on my third missionary trip with my husband. I corresponded almost every day with my advisor, Brandon Gunderson, who encouraged me on my trip. This was comforting as I was away from home in a country where Christianity is frowned upon.  There was a time when the Pastor I was with, had threats against his life. I knew that Brandon as well as the staff were praying for us, which greatly helped. I was encouraged to send pictures of my trip and tell of the experiences I had there. This was refreshing since a lot of people don’t understand what the Great Commission is all about and the emotional rollercoaster that goes along with a missionary trip.

What has Summit done for me? It has made me feel more confident in my faith and sharing it with others. The texts have been extremely informative and useful. Summit has given me the courage to continue my education. I was originally going for my Bachelors, but have decided to go for my Masters. I am thankful to Summit and their commitment to giving their students an excellent education.
Donna Taylor, Missionary


I have thoroughly enjoyed taking classes through Summit Bible College. The staff is great, the instructors are incredible and it's been a pleasure to interact in the classroom with other students who love to learn and they love the Lord.  It's been a great experience!

Blessings,

Kathy F. (A local Bakersfield student)

I have been operating in the gospel ministry for over 13 years, as well as serving my country as an officer in the United States Air Force. As a Pastor of 200+, I could not find time to further my education until a friend told me about Summit. After receiving my third (secular) college degree, I was in desperate search of a Christ-centered education, and I did not want to attend on of those “Diploma Mill” schools. I wanted to work for my degree, while knowing after graduation that I have earned the title of Doctor! The virtual classes and correspondence courses were a perfect fit for my busy schedule, and my spiritual hunger. It is an honor to be an alumnus of this Spirit-led institution, and I will proudly hang this diploma next to my others.  The course work was intensive and I loved the fact that the textbooks were from current pioneers like Mahesh Chavda, as well as classical pioneers such as F.F. Bruce. I am proud to be Aerospace/Human Factors Engineer, but I am more proud to be a Theologian. I would recommend SBC to anyone who is serious about receiving a Godly education!
Pastor Dorian R. Williams,
Lester Gospel Fellowship
Okinawa, Japan www.ucmaonline.org

When I think about my experience at Summit Bible College, I think about My Calling, My Purpose, and My Destiny. I have always enjoyed education, and I have consistently pursued undergraduate and graduate academic degrees in Social Work, Education, and Business Administration. Yes, these are wonderful achievements; however, I found that they were not enough. I still knew that something was missing, there was still so much more I desired, so much more I felt I needed. I always knew that I would obtain a Doctoral Degree in some field of study.... Psychology, Counseling, or Law. These things sounded great, and I could work hard to achieve a certain degree of success, but still, my heart was not in those things, and I did not have an undying passion or compulsion to achieve such. In spite of my secular career success, I constantly found myself being drawn to "The Calling", the undying passion, the compulsion on my life…to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost, hurting, and broken who are yet in need of a Savior; driven to, “build hope and transform lives for God’s Glory”.

Although I had been a Licensed Minister for six years, coordinated...several ministry positions within the church, I found myself needing further development, wanting to seek God’s Face…in order to pursue my calling, my purpose, my destiny.

SBC has helped me to do just that. SBC is an awesome blessing, and it is helping me to finally take that “Walk of Faith”, and to ”Go!” (Matthew 28:19-20).
The books that I read, and the class assignments that I completed through SBC, required that I constantly be in The Word, seeking God’s Truth. And yes, I must tell you that I am so thankful to Dr. Jeff Victor, Brandon Gunderson, and the Instructors, for their encouragement, dedication, and support. They were with me all the way.

SBC has not only helped me to obtain a Doctorate in Ministry, but. my life has literally been changed through classes such as “The Theology of Prayer”, and “Biblical Counseling". Through these studies, I was unexpectedly able to; heal a few wounds I didn’t know I still had, increase in my faith and trust in the Lord, and deepen my relationship with Christ Jesus. Through all of this, the Lord was able to show me a wonderful gift He had for me, a gift I almost missed because of my lack of trust and faith; the Lord showed me and helped me to see my now husband, Reverend Ralph Kimbrough III. These classes help me to understand not just my calling but the depths of God’s Love, and to see my prayers of having a wonderful, Godly mate….answered. Well, I am applying for ordination through SBC, and, I will forever be a support of this institution, through prayer and whatever monetary support I am able to provide. I have grown tremendously, and I am experiencing the “Joy of the Lord”.
Thank you Dr. Victor, and SBC, “stay the course and keep the faith".
In His Love, Dr. Treva Free-Kimbrough.
Treva Free Ministries, http://www.trevafreeministries.org/

My Bachelor of Science, helped me to substitute teach and tutor Native Americans. I later was selected to a youth director position for the Jicarilla Apache Tribe in Dulce, NM. I helped to bring both secular and religious programs to the community. I later got married … and we were selected to work for AMEN ministries in Azusa, California. As a development director I assisted ministers to training programs from all over North America and South America.

I returned to New Mexico helping my mother ….and I worked with my brother’s ministry as an editor for the Resurrection Newspaper: a local paper for gospel readers. I then became a teacher where I now help and teach Navajo students at Rock Point Community School. God has helped me in every turn. It has been a struggle but through His Word and by finishing my Masters degree and now working for a doctorate in counseling, I want to help those who are lost both mentally and spiritually. Pray for my personal ministry. Summit has given me an opportunity to meet those challenges I face daily, through excellent courses.

Mark Marquez, Minister to the Hopi, Apache and Navajo

As a Pastor of a local congregation I found it an agonizing decision to leave ministry so I could go to school. I felt God already had me in ministry and to leave that call in order to get a degree was not what He had planned for me. I searched for an alternative with out much success, then I found Summit Bible College. The price was within my reach, the courses sounded relevant and exciting, and the pace was something I could manage with my busy schedule. What impressed me most however, was when I called to ask questions, Dr. Victor himself answered the phone. He answered all my questions with understanding and confidence, and I was sure that this was God’s answer to my prayers.

Summit Courses are challenging yet fun. I was learning new ways of doing ministry right from the very first course. I gained new insights into ministry and my commitment to Jesus Christ has been deepened. After 2 years I received my Masters degree in Theology, something I never thought possible before teaming-up with Summit. They were there for me anytime I had a question or a problem. Dr. Jeff always left me with realistic answers and solutions. I am forever grateful to Dr. Victor and the whole Summit team. Their commitment to quality and affordability are rare in today’s world. They are a wonderful testimony to God’s will being fulfilled through willing servants.
Pastor Chris Kostelansky, www.Faithinchrist.us

What a blessing my experience with Summit has been! I'm a full-time pastor/church planter with limited financial resources, in the process of establishing a separate discipleship ministry. I had wanted to pursue post-graduate work for some time, but was unable to find a program that would meet my unique needs, fit into my budget, use my experience and incorporate my vision for future ministry ... that is, until I discovered Summit. Dr. Victor was able to custom-design a graduate program for me that is both intellectually challenging and appropriately focused on pursuing the vision, calling and anointing God has placed on my life. It may be called "distance learning" by some, but Dr. Victor and his staff are attentive, supportive, encouraging and engaging, so I never have the feeling that I'm going it alone. I am so pleased with my experience that I am proactively encouraging my staff and leaders-in-training to consider pursuing their undergraduate and graduate education with Summit. I wholeheartedly endorse Summit Bible School's programs for anyone interested in advancing their ministry or their theological education. Thank you, Dr. Victor!

Rev. Larry W. Loring
Sr. Pastor, The Carpenter's Table, Marlborough, MA.
Founding Director, "The Carpenter's Apprentice" Discipleship Ministries
www.carpenterstable.org

I can remember the day when I first began the quest of searching for a graduate school, and, what a quest it was! I wanted to find a school that could provide me with a good education; it had to be very affordable, and was reputable. I wound up looking at well over 90 schools, over a 2 ½ years period of time before I could find an institution that could fulfill all of my requirements. In all honesty I came across Summit Bible College completely by accident when I was on line one late evening. So I decided to take a closer look. As I was looking over SBC's web page, I was immediately drawn to the school due to its administration, advisors, and course offerings, which all appeared to be outstanding. I was beginning to feel that my search for a graduate school would finally be over. All I can say is, thank God for His intervention when He led me to SBC's website. However, I must admit that I still felt a need to make sure that there was no better school than SBC, so I continued my search for some time afterwards. I can honestly tell you that no other school of its size that offered courses through Distance Learning had the appeal or was as sound from a curriculum perspective than SBC.

Now that my career is in church services, Summit Bible College was the perfect fit for me. Because I was so impressed with the school, I decided that earning a Master of Divinity would be more of benefit to me than earning a business or human services degree. After enrolling and completing some courses, I have learned a great deal. The courses have been most challenging, and most importantly, they have helped me to grow in my faith. I recently discovered that many of the authors that I have been reading in my course work, have books that are being used in some of the most highly regarded seminaries and theological schools that have been in existence in this country for half-century or more. This speaks volumes about SBC and the quality of its Christian education. I am truly enjoying my experience with SBC, and I will be so proud and blessed when I finally earn my M. Div.
It took 2 ½ years for me to find a school that offers a quality Christian education, a responsive, caring and qualified administration and advisors, great course offerings, highly respected, affordable, and I can get all this from a school that is 2,226 miles away. I definitely made the right choice in choosing Summit Bible College.
In service to Christ,
Thomas Woods, Facilitator of Service Ministries

After Graduation Comments:
Last week I received my degree by Fedex and I have never seen anything as beautiful as these credentials. Sometimes I just look at it for minutes at a time, taking it all in while thanking God for the opportunity and the experience of earning it. I also want to thank you and your staff for your support over the last nearly 18 months. I could not have done it without your help, as well. Let me know if there is anything that I can do for SBC. I'm a proud alumnitst who will do what he can. God is good because months ago He helped me to make the right decison on a school that will enrich my life forever. Summit Bible College will be a force to be reckoned with in Christian education for years to come because it's God's will. Thank you and God Bless you all for what you are doing in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thomas Woods, M. Div. (Man this looks great next to my name)
Recent proud graduate of Summit Bible College Bakersfield, California

Summit Bible College fills the educational needs of the twenty-first century disciples who are serious about serving Jesus where they are planted.

My military career has caused me to move every 2 to 3 years to every corner of the United States, and I've spent months in overseas locations on short notice. In addition, the responsibilities of being a faithful husband and father while serving as an active member of local churches didn't allow me to "drop everything" to go back to college, nor do I believe that was what God wanted me to do.

When I decided it was time to get formal education to demonstrate my commitment to Christ and deepen my relationship to Him, I initially wondered how God would provide a way. What does formal education often entail: high cost (debt for a Christian?), residency requirements (long commutes, extended time away from family), and rigid timelines of class schedules with little flexibility for real life.

I needed exactly what Summit Bible College offers.

I've been more than impressed with the curriculum so far, having completed all the doctorate program courses over the last 8 months, with a dissertation remaining to complete my degree. Each class has challenged me mentally, but the greatest benefit is the deeper relationship I've developed with my Lord because of the Summit Bible College texts and educational approach. What I may have missed out by not attending in-residence, I've gained two-fold by remaining in positions of leadership and service at my local church. And I know the difference, having an in-residence master's degree from a "top" national university (Jason is an M.I.T. graduate).

I'm happy to endorse Summit Bible College's practical manner of helping real people seeking to serve the real Savior.

- Dr. Jason S., USAF Jet Pilot, Church Elder (He graduated as a Doctor of Theology, May, 2004)

I was nearing the end of my second year at a different Bible college. It had been getting harder and harder to attend the required classes at that school with three children and a baby. I started looking on line and praying for the Lord to lead me to a Bible College that offered Distance Learning schooling that was reputable, anointed, and able to meet my specific needs. I wanted to receive education in Christian Counseling and I wanted to intensify my experience and expand my knowledge as a worship leader. I was also praying that whatever college God led me to would accept all 60 of my credits and see the past ten years of layman’s ministry as life credits. The first time I surfed onto Summit Bible College’s web site, I instantly felt spiritually connected with this school. I read over and over again all the different course subjects. I was so excited to see all the distinguished authors. I had already benefited from reading many of their books, but to actually receive credit for it, what a deal! I read and reread all the application information.

I continually prayed and asked God to release me from the other college I attended and give me a confirmation that Summit was the college I was to attend. I asked my Pastor to check out Summit’s web site and asked him if he thought it was a good school (as my spiritual covering). He said it looked great! A few weeks passed and I still felt that urge to attend Summit. As I continued praying, God released me from the other school and gave the confirmation I needed to enroll at Summit Bible College. I was fearful, yet excited. This was going to be a whole new adventure. It was definitely going to be a lot more challenging, and a higher level of responsibility on my part to complete the assignments on time. SBC accepted all 60 of my previous credits and gave me life credits for my ministry experience. PTL!!! (Praise the Lord) During the first semester, I wondered, “oh, Lord, what did I get myself into?” It was much more challenging than I had imagined. I hadn’t written a report in years!!! Through God’s amazing grace, I completed my work on time and felt so satisfied with my achievements. I actually did it! I also got credit for reading books from some of my favorite authors! What a trade! I increased so much spiritually in the process, too. That was over six months ago, I now look forward to each new semester. I absolutely love this school! Dr. Victor and the entire staff are utterly wonderful. What a blessing to be able to ask questions and converse with the Dean of a college and experience genuineness and absolutely no intimidation. He and the entire staff are there to help in every way. SBC also helps to get you started in ministry. Each course offers new bread for the spirit! Each class gives new insight, wisdom, and knowledge in the deeps things of God! I encourage anyone who is the slightest bit hesitant to enroll in Summit TODAY! You will not regret it! God’s word says “He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” John 6:35. I came and he has filled me through Summit Bible College. I praise God for the bread that is offered at SBC! You will not walk away hungry or thirsty!

- Kandi B.

(Kandi earned her Bachelor's degree in April of 2003.  She went on to teach at a Christian School. She is almost finished with her Thesis and she will shortly graduate with a Master degree in Christian Counseling.)

Summit Bible College has been a valuable tool for preparing me for ministry. I have found the classes to be both challenging and relevant. I highly recommend Summit Bible College to anyone who wants to be better equipped for the ministry God has put before them.

It's a great opportunity! Don't let it pass you by.

Pastor Derrik and Pam Miller
Christian Life Chapel
Hesperia, California http://www.christianlifechapel.com/

(Pastor Derrick graduated in May of 2003 with a Bachelor of Theology.  He quit his corporate job of many years, and planted a church in Riverside, California that has been growing and prospering ever since.) 

I am convinced the Lord led me to SBC! Initially, I simply wanted to "grow". Dr. Victor graciously composed a course of studies which included my areas of ministry; missions, worship and prayer. As a Registered Nurse, I have been on mission trips to Albania, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. I taught worship in Albania, and led worship in Haiti. The courses Dr. Victor chose were excellent! As time went by, however, the Lord began to lead in a new direction. I was leading worship for a ladies group called Joy Restored Women's Group. The founder of the group asked me to join the leadership team. I knew the Lord was calling me to minister to women who were struggling. I brought this to Dr. Victor, and as expected, he welcomed this change in direction with open arms. He helped rearrange my studies into the area of counseling. I am thoroughly enjoying the course materials! SBC truly is what it says it is! Summit makes learning affordable and do-able! Time is at a premium for everyone. Oh, to be a teenage college student with a single focus on studies…but, that is not where most of us are. Praise God, SBC understands that!!! I have recommended this course of studies to the founder of Joy Restored, and she plans on going this route.

I highly recommend SBC to anyone. If you are simply seeking a college that will give you a closer walk with the Lord, this is it. If you are looking to attain a degree, this is the place to go. Look no further! As I stated in my first sentence, the Lord led me to SBC. Pray, and ask the Lord if SBC is the place He has chosen for you, to become all that He has called you to be.

In His Hands,
Sandy

Dear Dr. Victor and Summit Bible College Personnel,

You may think it is quite amazing coming from a woman who could never abide by the rules of her term papers, and lived in fear of failing because they were always too ‘wordy’ and

exceeded the required number of pages, but I can only say two sentences for my testimony: “Thank you Jesus!” and “Look what the Lord has done!”

Those were my exact words when I received my diploma, in the mail. When my eyes beheld the package with the ‘Summit’ return address, I was like a kid opening her first Christmas present. I was home by myself, just me and God, and tears fell from my eyes when I saw the plaque! My first utterance was “Thank you Jesus!”

To put my experience of being a student at Summit Bible College in a more thoughtful sequence, I would say: “He has taken the ashes from my life and glued them into a diploma.” My mind is renewed in Christ. I have joy in my heart! The woman who carried many burdens and lived through many abuses is “no more”. Jesus has taught me His way, His burden is light and it is the sweetness of the Lord that I taste everyday….led by the precious hands of those Shepherds and teachers He has given to lead me. I’m 41 and just beginning, and I thank all of the Staff at Summit Bible College for their prayers, encouragement, and powerful curriculum.

Deb H., Bachelor of Theology in Christian Counseling (Deb graduated with a Bachelor in Christian Counseling in May of 2005.  She is currently working on a Master in Christian Counseling and should graduate in June of 2008.  She is working as a community laision for a large religious addiction and recovery center. She has gone on to become an excellent student and counselor.)

In 1997, God called me to a three-fold ministry with an emphasis on Christian Counseling. I discovered Summit Bible College on-line and began my classes. SBC has helped me in two ways.

First, the courses offered by Summit are
available to those who have a full-time
job with a tuition that is feasible to pay.

The classes are very in depth and I have learned very important materials that help me not only on the counseling side but in every aspect of life. The courses are not easy and demand a lot of studying and paperwork.

Second, the courses provided by Summit Bible College have helped my relationship with Christ grow closer and more intimate. They emphasize prayer and Bible reading. They emphasize discipline in your Christian walk, and teach you how to reach out to a lost and dying world.

I would highly recommend Summit Bible College to anyone that needs not only a good education but an “on-growing” relationship with their Lord.

- Aimee S.  (Aimee lost her husband to a farming accident.  She later graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in October of 2002 and went on to work as a counselor at a Christian organization.  She is now working on her Master in Christian Counseling and should graduate by June 2008.  She is remarried.) 

I enrolled with SBC, as an under Graduate student studying for my Bachelor in Theology with a Major in Worship in January 2001. There are a lot of great things about SBC! The subjects that they offer are "age appropriate" and suits the world today!

My major in music made me realize my dream in getting to know the art of praise and worship.

Since I am attempting to get this degree as a correspondent student, I save time on traveling. The staff at SBC are always there to support me with their prayers, and answer my queries, which can be curriculum based or not!

Since I was credited with over sixty units prior to starting my degree, I should finish with a Bachelor's in Theology in approximately one year.

SBC has become part of my extended family today. May God bless SBC!

- Asha P. (Asha graduated February, 2002, and accepted a position in Worship Leadership.)

The vision of Summit Bible College and its founder, Dr. Jeff Victor, is a vision that should be shared by every church and pastor in the world today.

I first heard of Summit by searching on the internet. I was looking for a Christian education program that would work in the church where I had been pastoring. We had a real need to train our people to fill leadership roles and to serve in the various ministries of the church.

We had people who were sincere and zealous to serve, but were often young in the Lord or lacked a firm foundation in the Word. We also had people who were hungry for more study of the Word....

more than they could get by only coming to the regular services. Sending them to Bible college was not an option for us. Most had families and jobs and could not be uprooted.

Some people are called to attend an anointed in-residence Bible college, but many are called to stay in their local church and receive training.

The Distance Learning programs I had seen used in the past were expensive and ....frankly "dry". The people ended up with "credits" but little life. Summit was a real answer to prayer. The Summit curriculum is not bound by one particular denomination, so they are
free to select current books by the most anointed and gifted ministries available today. I saw the changes the program made in the lives of the people. My eldest daughter earned her Associate degree from Summit in one year. It was a lot of work, but she was
excited by the classes and experienced wonderful spiritual growth. She was able to do the program even with a new baby at home and duties of being a wife and mother. She was recently asked to preach in her home church. I have heard comments from many about how
gifted and anointed she is. She accumulated and still uses the 20 text books from the classes in her personal library. I was even able to upgrade my existing degree through Summit.

Everybody in the church who took the classes grew and was blessed. They are serving in ministry, active in church leadership or ministering to people in the workplace. "By the fruits you shall know them." I know the Summit program blesses and changes lives. Part of Summit's vision is to keep the program affordable. It is likely the least expensive program available today.

P.S. Pastors.... I encourage you to enquire about starting an extension campus of Summit Bible College in your area. There is a shortage of trained and anointed people to serve in church leadership and other ministries in the Body of Christ. There are probably several gifted ministers in your area that will donate an hour or two a week to lead one of these classes.

- Mark Swiger

Write Mark Swiger Ministries at: www.markswiger.org