Over more than 20 years, as I reflect on the moment that I informed my father, Deacon Zion Hall Berry (deceased), of my calling from God to undertake a significant assignment. He responded with a forewarning: "You are going to have a hard time." At that point, I did not fully grasp the gravity of his statement, but with time and experience, I have come to understand its implications.

 

The inception of my vision to establish a school dedicated to housing and training individuals selected by Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11, has been a guiding force in my journey. This vision aims to prepare those called to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers to equip the saints to elevate their walk and influence in the world, thereby contributing to the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

 

My initial perspective was that such a school would generate opportunities for prosperity for individuals and groups committed to fulfilling their divine purpose within the Church.

 

As I reside in Mebane, North Carolina, within my office, I witness the realization of this profound vision daily that Christ has given me. This vision has been progressively clarified, particularly during my tenure at the Apex School of Theology in Durham, North Carolina, where she felt this strong call to create such a training institution to inspire individuals to attentively respond to Christ's summons regarding the gifts of apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoral care, and teaching. I articulate frequently that "This vision became increasingly explicit as I dedicated each year to prepare for establishing a school focused on the Five-Fold Ministry." The undertaking is indeed a substantial endeavor.

 

When the vision initially emerged, I had just been ordained as The Reverend Zella Berry Case and was residing in Chapel Hill, a prominent city in North Carolina and the home of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

 

ARIZE was conceived in my heart, mind, and spirit. Although the institution was initially identified as MOP (Ministry of Preparation), I resolved to commit myself fully to the assignment given by Christ to eventually inaugurate a school that would prepare individuals for the Five-Fold Ministry and beyond.

 

As I continued to advance in preparation for this initiative, ARIZE evolved from the application of biblical principles to a dedicated training institution aimed at perfecting and instructing those chosen by Christ in the ministry gifts of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—all intended to facilitate the maturation of the saints of Christ. The educational programs within the Five-Fold Ministry are meticulously designed with a divine mandate to guide students, ministers, and believers into an enriching relationship and fulfilling calling in Jesus Christ.

 

This objective is achieved through rigorous biblical instruction and foundational applications in ministry, as well as by equipping each student to discern the voice of God and engage in an active, communicative relationship with the Holy Spirit.

 

The degree programs commence with an entry examination to qualify each student for their degree level.

 

• The Associate's Degree comprises a two-year program, including intensive coursework that assists students in discovering essential biblical teachings, the doctrine of Jesus Christ, their foundation in the Five-Fold Ministry, the integrity of ministry, and their spiritual growth in Christ.

• The Bachelor's Degree is a four-year program that follows the successful completion of the Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies, with concentrations in Christian Education or the Five-Fold Ministry. Candidates may also qualify for the Bachelor's program if they possess an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies from another recognized institution that has received approval from the Academic Dean of the Arize Institute of the Five-Fold Ministry and Bible College. In such cases, the candidates may proceed to the Bachelor's degree program subject to a review process conducted by the Academic Dean.