Go to BGEA Homepage
quicklinks
register
login

SCHOOLS OF EVANGELISM

  • ABOUT SCHOOLS OF EVANGELISM
  • REGISTER
  • FAQ
  • CONTACT

Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism in North America (U.S. and Canada).
  • How can I find out about Schools that are scheduled for next year?
  • What dates and cities are on the schedule for 2009?
  • How much does the School of Evangelism cost?
  • Can my spouse come with me?
  • Suppose I send in my registration fee and application and am accepted to a School, then find out I cannot attend. What happens?
  • Can I get a refund of my registration fee if I have to cancel my registration for the School?
  • Is there financial assistance available?
  • How can I apply for a scholarship, and what does it take to qualify?
  • Who pays for the scholarships?
  • Can I get more than one scholarship in my lifetime?
  • How much is the scholarship? What part of my total cost is covered?
  • Does the travel scholarship pay all of my expenses to travel to the School?
  • Are meals covered by the scholarship?
  • Can I attend the School of Evangelism if I live outside the U.S. and Canada?
  • Who are the speakers for this year’s Schools of Evangelism?
  • Is the School designed for people from certain denominations?
  • What phone number can I call to get more information about the School of Evangelism?
  • If I live in Canada, will you accept my check?
  • What if I want to come early or stay late?
International Schools of Evangelism questions:
  • Who can attend the International Schools of Evangelism?
  • How is the date and location determined for each international school?
  • How long do International Schools usually last?
  • What is included in the program?
  • How do I register for the International Schools of Evangelism?
  • How much does it cost to attend an International School of Evangelism?
  • Will I be able to participate in the ISOE if I don’t speak or write in English?
  • Will food and lodging be provided?
  • What topics are taught in an International School of Evangelism?

Q: How can I find out about Schools that are scheduled for next year?
A: A brochure with full information about the Schools of Evangelism for 2009 is mailed to churches throughout North America. If you didn’t receive a brochure, you can request one by calling us toll-free at 1-888-345-9191. Or you may wish to contact us online and request a brochure. We’ll be sure the information is mailed to you as soon as possible.

Q: What dates and cities are on the schedule for 2009?
A: The 2009 registration schedule for Schools of Evangelism will be available soon.

  • May 11-13, 2009– Asheville, North Carolina, Billy Graham training Center at the Cove.
      » Click here for a schedule for the May SOE.
  • July 28-30, 2009 – Ottawa, ON, (Fairmont Chateau Laurier)
    • » École d’évangélisation – Formulaire d’inscription
      » Click here for July SOE Schedule
  • September 15–17, 2009 – Asheville, North Carolina, Billy Graham training Center at the Cove
Register Online Now for any of these Schools
Download an application to fill out and mail to us*

[*You will need Acrobat Reader to view or print these documents. Download Acrobat Reader for free. Note: For best results, select "Fit to page" when printing.]

Q: How much does the School of Evangelism cost?
A: Registration is $100 per person or $150 for a married couple. Meals are not included. Lodging cost varies by location. Additional charges may apply for special programs offered in particular locations. See also FAQs for the school in which you are interested.

We understand that circumstances sometimes change, resulting in your need to cancel your registration. However, our preparations for your stay require that we make financial commitments well in advance of the School dates. For this reason, refunds of the registration fee are available only if you cancel more than 45 days in advance of the School.
Register now

Q: Can my spouse come with me?
A: Yes. In fact we encourage you to bring your spouse so that he/she can be part of this incredible time of encouragement and training.

Q: Suppose I send in my registration fee and application and am accepted to a School, then find out I cannot attend. What happens?
A: If we have openings in other Schools, you may transfer your registration to a later School in the same calendar year. If all our Schools are full, you may request a refund of the registration fee, and can apply again next year.

Q: Can I get a refund of my registration fee if I have to cancel my registration for the School?
A: We understand that circumstances sometimes change, resulting in your need to cancel your registration. However, our preparations for your stay require that we make financial commitments well in advance of the School dates. For this reason, refunds of the registration fee are available only if you cancel more than 45 days in advance of the School.

Q: Is there financial assistance available?
A: For those who qualify, scholarships are available to assist with travel and lodging expenses. The scholarship does not apply to the registration fee.
Learn more about our scholarship program

Q: How can I apply for a scholarship, and what does it take to qualify?
A: The scholarship application is included as part of the School of Evangelism registration form or in downloadable format online. Scholarships are only for full-time pastors (whether senior pastors, associates, youth pastors, etc.) or full-time seminary students.

We ask that pastors take the need to their congregation first to see how the church can help defray the expenses associated with the School. If the church is not able to cover the cost, the pastor can apply for the scholarship. Scholarship funds may be limited, so it is best to apply early.        
Learn more about our scholarship program

Q: Who pays for the scholarships?
A: The Schools of Evangelism were formed as a result of the vision of California businessman Lowell Berry, when he served as a part of the executive committee of the Billy Graham Crusade in San Francisco in 1958. During the planning, Mr. Berry observed pastors and church members of diverse denominations working together to reach their community for Christ.

Mr. Berry said, “The local church is the most important institution in America today because it strengthens the moral fiber and integrity of one’s community and is of utmost importance to our country.”

His vision was to bring together groups of pastors and leaders from local churches, inspiring them with new ideas, and sending them home to make a difference in the life of their individual congregations. From this vision, the Schools of Evangelism were born.

Today, the scholarship program is jointly sponsored by the Lowell Berry Foundation and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—both in the United States and Canada.        
Learn more about our scholarship program

Q: Can I get more than one scholarship in my lifetime?
A: We encourage pastors to take some time after attending a School to assimilate all they have learned into their local ministry. After at least two years, a pastor may apply for another scholarship, and one may receive up to two scholarships in a lifetime. Participants may attend as many Schools as they’d like if they cover their own expenses.        
Learn more about our scholarship program

Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Scholarships are designed to help defray the costs of lodging and travel for the School. The funds available may vary from one School to another. Your confirmation letter will provide detailed information about the scholarship awarded to you.         
Learn more about our scholarship program

Q: Are meals covered by the scholarship?
A: You are on your own for meals. The scholarship does not cover meals at all. We allow ample time for you to eat and encourage you to use this time for meeting with new friends.

Q: Can I attend the School of Evangelism if I live outside the U.S. and Canada?
A: We will not be accepting applications for North American Schools from participants who live outside the U.S. and Canada.
Learn more about International Schools of Evangelism

Q: Who are the speakers for this year’s Schools of Evangelism?
A: Speakers vary somewhat for each School. Check back regularly for the latest information on the schedule of speakers for the School in which you are interested. This information will be updated as the speaker schedule is confirmed for each School.

Q: Is the School designed for people from certain denominations?
A: We strive for a broad denominational representation in both speakers and participants. For example, in our recent Schools, we have typically had as many as 60 or more denominations represented among participants.

Q: What phone number can I call to get more information about the School of Evangelism?
A: The School of Evangelism is based at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. You may call toll-free at 1-888-345-9191, or call 704-401-2432. Office hours are Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (EST).        
More questions? Please contact us

Q: If I live in Canada, will you accept my check?
A: Yes. The same registration rates apply whether you are paying in U.S. or Canadian funds.

Q: What if I want to come early or stay late?
A: When you apply, ask about whether there is an option to come early or stay late. This depends on the venue. At that time, if those options are available, you can specify the dates you want to arrive and depart. We will indicate your wishes to the hotel when we provide a rooming list to them, typically 30 days prior to the event. Of course, you are responsible for all expenses for these extra days/nights. Normally the conference rate at the hotel is available for a short time before and after the School.

International Schools of Evangelism questions:

Q: Who can attend the International Schools of Evangelism?
A: The Schools are open to all pastors, evangelists, and lay leaders of churches.

Q: How is the date and location determined for each international school?
A: BGEA works closely with a committee of respected Christian leaders from the host country—or with a respected interdenominational organization—to organize the Schools of Evangelism in a location accessible to as many participants as possible.

Q: How long do International Schools usually last?
A: The Schools are usually four to five days in length.

Q: What is included in the program?
A: A typical program includes the following:

  • A theme for each day
  • Worship time and morning Bible study
  • Plenary Sessions (usually with well-known speakers)
  • Seminar Sessions (mixture of BGEA staff and local speakers)
  • Workshops (mixture of BGEA staff and local speakers)

Q: How do I register for the International Schools of Evangelism?
A: Since the International Schools of Evangelism are usually only for people from the host country, all registrations are handled by the local committee.

Q: How much does it cost to attend an International School of Evangelism?
A: The cost for each ISOE varies since it is determined by the organizing committee. However, the cost is always as economical as possible so that finances will not prohibit attendance.

Q: Will I be able to participate in the ISOE if I don’t speak or write in English?
A: Yes, you will be able to participate because the School is usually conducted in the local language. Materials are written in the local language and interpretation is provided for English-speaking speakers.

Q: Will food and lodging be provided?
A: Accommodation is usually provided for participants who come from out of town, but details are dependent on each situation.

Q: What topics are taught in an International School of Evangelism?
A: The program focuses on Evangelism and Discipleship. Typical topics include:

  • “The Essence of the Gospel”
  • “How to Prepare an Evangelistic Message”
  • “The Work of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism”
  • “The Personal Life of the Evangelist”
  • “Prayer & Evangelism”
  • “Nurturing New Believers”
  • “Evangelism in the Local Church”
Workshops provide information on specific issues relating to the local situation.

Revived From Within
Life-Changing Experience
Into the Heart of New York City
One Faith, One in Christ »
Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Timisoara, Romania
SOE Application
SOE Brochure
SOE Ottawa: École d’évangélisation – Formulaire d’inscription
Make an eternal difference this Christmas »
Proclaim the Good News to the world »