A college or seminary provides formal training that culminates in a degree. This involves government standards and accreditation criteria that go beyond the scope of denominational standards and guidelines.
Few churches have the finances, faculty, facilities, or time to start a college.
However, some churches wish to offer in-depth training not only to strengthen local church leadership but to train men and women for Foursquare ministry. Schools of ministry may be certified by ICFG following an application process and by meeting standards as defined in the Foursquare Bible Institutes and Schools of Ministry Guidelines. The length, content, and schedule of classes may still be tailored to meet the needs of the local congregation. Instruction may be either formal or informal. Institute training culminates in either a diploma or a certificate of completion.