Terms & Conditions
EDUCATIONAL VALUES
1. Balanced Focus. When the Sword and the Spirit converge, the truth of the HOLY BIBLE combines with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT‒ bringing great spiritual empowerment. Sword & Spirit Seminary rejects prioritizing one over the other. We honor both the Word of God and the Voice of God equally.
2. Program Affordability. There are countless men and women of God around the world who’ve been held back from fullness in ministry due to lack of training. And often times, the lack of training is due to lack the funds required to attend traditional seminary programs. It’s our desire to bring educational opportunity to these believers at the most bare-bones budget possible. MDiv Tuition is 64%- 83% less than Liberty University Online, and 85% less than Grand Canyon University.
3. Educational Excellence. We believe in providing the best education possible ‒ as provided by accomplished, enlightened and compassionate curriculum authors. A look at the authors we have selected confirms that they are the crème de la crème in their fields. Though we may conserve on some whistles and bells, we seek to use every resource and tool at our fingertips to bring you the best quality online training we can provide, while maintaining our affordability goals.
4. Student Wisdom. We believe that a diploma hanging on your wall is only the beginning of what you’re after… that you desire first-rate ministry training and a solid biblical foundation to equip you for success in whatever ministry you pursue. And rather than impressing people with your educational degrees, we believe you want to impress Jesus with your sacrificial and persistent pursuit of learning in order to contribute to widening, deepening, and strengthening His Kingdom.
5. Broad & Diverse Perspective. We aren’t afraid to present varying theological viewpoints on secondary tenets of the faith. In fact, we believe that exposing students to a variety of perspectives is healthy and beneficial. You are entitled to and capable of forming your own positions on subordinate matters. By grazing in various pastures, so to speak, we believe you are more well-equipped to produce your own perfected milk. You will find our authors and leadership diverse in many ways‒ as our textbook author summary exhibits on the SCHOLARS page.
6. Course Convenience. Because time is at a premium, time limits may have contributed to hindering your pursuit of seminary education. Sword & Spirit online education allows students to earn graduate degrees at their own pace. By working from home and without semester constraints, students can determine their course load and pace, and access their courses any day or time of day.
7. Success Feasibility. Our goal is that men and women of God from all walks of life can succeed at 1) comprehending the concepts presented in our educational degree programs, 2) retaining what’s been presented, and 3) completing each degree in a personalized and realistic time-frame to move more fully into their callings. Whether designated rigorous, comfortable or easy, our courses have been designed for your success.
LEGAL LIABILITY
1. Educational Purposes: Sword & Spirit Seminary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational services. The content within our platform, live classes or seminars, is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or legal advice.
2. No Warranties: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Sword & Spirit Seminary makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information on our platform.
3. Limitation of Liability: In no event shall Sword & Spirit Seminary its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with your use of our platform, live classes or seminars, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or other legal theory.
4. Hold Harmless Clause: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sword & Spirit Seminary, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including but not limited to legal fees, arising out of or in connection with your use of our platform, your violation of these terms, or your violation of any rights of third parties.
5. Third-Party Content: Our platform, live classes or seminars may contain links or references to third-party websites or content. Sword & Spirit Seminary is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or legality of third-party websites, and the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement or association.
6. Privacy: Please refer to our Privacy Policy for information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using our platform, you agree to the terms outlined in our Privacy Policy.
7. Educational Independence: Sword & Spirit Seminary maintains educational independence from any specific religious, political, philosophical or ideological entity, organization, denomination, authority or governance. The opinions expressed by instructors or students are their own and in turn, do not necessarily represent the views of the seminary.
8. Compliance with Applicable Laws: Students of Sword & Spirit Seminary are responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Any misuse of the platform for illegal, unethical or injurious purposes will result in termination of access.
9. Changes to Terms: Sword & Spirit Seminary reserves the right to modify or amend these terms at any time. Students are responsible for reviewing these terms regularly.
APPLICATION FOR ACCEPTANCE LIABILITY
In the process of applying for acceptance to Sword & Spirit Seminary, students are required to provide honest and accurate information along with supporting documents. Please be aware of the following liability clause:
1. Truthful Information: By submitting an application for acceptance to Sword & Spirit Seminary, you acknowledge and agree to provide honest, accurate, and complete information. This includes, but is not limited to, personal details, academic history, and any additional documentation required during the application process.
2. Verification of Information: Sword & Spirit Seminary reserves the right to verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application. Any discrepancies or falsification of information may result in the rejection of your application, withdrawal of acceptance, or dismissal from the program.
3. Consequences of Providing False Information: Providing false or misleading information during the application process is considered a serious breach of trust. Sword & Spirit Seminary retains the right to take appropriate action, including but not limited to disciplinary measures, termination of enrollment, and legal recourse if necessary.
4. Duty to Update Information: Students are responsible for promptly Sword & Spirit Seminary with any changes to their information, ensuring that it remains accurate and current throughout their enrollment.
5. Confidentiality of Documents: All documents submitted as part of the application process will be treated with confidentiality. However, Sword & Spirit Seminary reserves the right to disclose information to relevant authorities if required by law.
By applying for acceptance to Sword & Spirit Seminary, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with the terms outlined in this liability clause.
ADMISSION DECISION AUTHORITY & LIABILITY
In the process of evaluating applications for acceptance to Sword & Spirit Seminary please be aware of the following liability clause, recognizing the seminary’s discretionary authority:
1. Sole Discretion in Admission Decisions: Sword & Spirit Seminary reserves the sole and absolute right to make admission decisions based on its own criteria and judgment. This includes but is not limited to evaluating academic qualifications, alignment with the seminary’s mission, and available resources.
2. Non-Disclosure of Decision Criteria: The criteria and considerations used by Sword & Spirit Seminary in making admission decisions may not be disclosed to applicants. The seminary retains the right to maintain the confidentiality of its decision-making processes.
3. No Obligation to Provide Reasons: Sword & Spirit Seminary is not obligated to provide specific reasons for accepting or rejecting an applicant. The decision-making process is at the sole discretion of the seminary, and no obligation exists to justify individual decisions to applicants.
4. Right to Reject Applicants: Sword & Spirit Seminary retains the right to reject any applicant without liability or obligation, even if the applicant meets the minimum eligibility criteria. Admission decisions are based on various factors, and meeting the criteria does not guarantee acceptance.
5. Appeal Process: While there is no obligation to provide reasons for rejection, Sword & Spirit Seminary may, at its discretion, establish an appeal process for rejected applicants. The terms and conditions of any such appeal process will be communicated separately.
By submitting an application to Sword & Spirit Seminary, you acknowledge and accept the discretionary authority of the seminary in making admission decisions as outlined in this liability clause.
REFUND POLICY – DONATIONS, FEES, TUITION, COURSE WITHDRAWAL & RETAKES
1. Nonrefundable Nature: Donations, fees, tuition, and course purchases, including registration, lab fees, and other course-related costs, are nonrefundable.
2. Course Withdrawal Prior to 5% Completion: In the event that a student wishes to withdraw from a course before completing 5% of its quiz or assignment content, the associated costs may be considered for application to a different course within Sword & Spirit Seminary. Students are required to submit a request for such changes via email to [email protected].
3. Course Withdrawal and Retakes After to 5% Completion: In the event that a student wishes to withdraw from a course after completing 5% or more of its quiz or assignment content (but failing to fully complete the course; the course will be listed on transcript as INCOMPLETE unless student makes arrangements with Sword & Spirit Seminary to RETAKE the course. The fee associated with retaking a course is disclosed in our FAQ page. There is no time limit to request RETAKES, and no limit on number of RETAKES allowed for any course or any enrolled student. Submit RETAKE requests via email to [email protected].
We appreciate your understanding of these terms as they contribute to the sustainability of our nonprofit educational initiatives.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
By accessing and using our platform, you agree to the following terms:
1. Limited Usage License: Sword & Spirit Seminary grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the copyrighted content for personal, non-commercial, and educational purposes only.
2. Restrictions on Use: You agree to refrain from any reproduction, distribution, public display, public performance, modification, or the creation of derivative works based on the content within the courses, posts, or materials without explicit written consent from Sword & Spirit Seminary, the respective course authors, or teachers.
3. Educational Purpose Exception: Users are permitted to use the content for educational purposes, such as personal study, research, and classroom instruction, provided that proper attribution is given to Sword & Spirit Seminary and the original creators.
4. No Commercial Use: Commercial use of the copyrighted content, including but not limited to selling, licensing, or otherwise exploiting the content for financial gain, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
5. Copyright Notices: All users must respect and preserve any copyright notices, trademarks, or other proprietary information embedded in or attached to the content.
6. Reporting Copyright Violations: If you believe that your work has been used on the platform in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please contact us promptly at [email protected] with sufficient information to enable us to address the issue.
Failure to comply with these copyright terms may result in the termination of access to Sword & Spirit Seminary’s platform and may lead to legal action.
By engaging with Sword & Spirit Seminary through donation, application, enrollment or any other means, you agree to the above terms.
Last Revised: 3.16. 2024