For many that embark on further education, the task can be quite daunting. The intellectual and practical challenge of obtaining a degree cannot be underestimated even among those who are dedicated students. To find the time to study outside the classroom can be difficult, but often the problem is one of motivation.

For Global University students this challenge is heightened due to the fact that distance learning studying is entirely dependent on them. Time management, endurance, perseverance and self-motivation are of the essence, and it is not surprising that, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this challenge can often be overwhelming.

Study Centers were established to help combat this problem. In order to assist students with their distance learning courses, a classroom environment is provided. The concept was developed over 20 years ago, and now boasts approximately 1,074 centers throughout the United States. The idea is that when one or more Berean School of the Bible (BSB) courses are offered, the educational requirements of Global University are maintained, and when 3 or more students are individually enrolled, a church can be authorized as a study center. Many pastors and students testify to the sense of empowerment afforded by the support they received through the centers and are reaping the benefits in their ministries.

The structured setting for more formal learning gives students the drive they need to complete tasks. The sessions are generally taught by pastors, associate pastors, and layworkers who have an expertise in a particular field, or facilitators who meet each study center's own basic criteria.

One of the practical strengths is that the centers are so flexible. Depending on the availability of students, facilities, teachers and time, they are able to adapt to the individual needs of churches and students. Meetings occur in churches, homes, and community centers; often weekly, but as often or as infrequently as is necessary.

Jeff Taylor, assistant pastor at Carbondale Assembly of God in Oklahoma, testifies to the invaluable aid afforded to him by his study center while he studied. As a family man with a job, free time was scarce. He explained, "I was one of those people who ordered the entire set of the certified ministry courses and never completed one. I needed the deadlines, the positive peer pressure, someone to guided me through, and once we got started it was a pretty short trip to get the courses in."

Alongside the practical attributes, these centers have proved to be a much greater source of training than simple textbook learning. Many pastors see the study centers as vital; many operating on the basis that classes are designed to prepare students to be more actively involved in the ministry of the church. Study times are often hands on and provide one-on-one contact with the pastor or teacher who can give direct input. They also provide students with the opportunity to learn together, giving a forum to feed off each other's strengths, to encourage each other in success and failure and to hold each other accountable so that they can meet their goal.

One advocate of the study centers explained, "Berean is important, it gets your credentials, that little piece of paper. You've got to have that to be a minister, but more than that it's having a group of people you come and share your life with. You can share your joys and your problems; share your tragedies and your mountain top experiences. It's just us coming together and keeping each other up, keeping each other not just focused on the books, but focused on our ministries."

Craig Froman, Director of Public Relations at Global University, described the biblical foundation for the study centers. He said, "The study center concept is so powerful, truly based on the biblical model of relational discipleship and can help build a strong sense of community. They bring a mutual sense of encouragement and accomplishment, and can also be of great benefit to one's spiritual growth and long-term maturity in Christ through the discipleship relationship with a pastor or other mature Christian."