The "A" stands for (ARIZE), the motif of the Bible school. It simply tells our story as we assist, elevate, and train those who have been called into the Five-Fold Ministry by Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the reason why the institution's name is spelled with a "Z" instead of an "S" which the founder felt that it was not robbery to put her initial - putting a stamp on the name, which favor the founder's personal touch.
OUR
STORY
ARIZE Institute of the Five-Fold Ministry and Bible College is a Facilitated Driven Independent Study formulated To Equip and mature the Individual chosen in the gifting offices as seen in Ephesians 4:11-16.
Located in Mebane, North Carolina, amid Bishop Apostle Dr. Zella Berry Case's office, a vision was given to her by Christ more than 20 years ago as she entered the seminary at Apex School of Theology, which was located during that time in Durham, North Carolina. " This vision came clearer throughout every year I spent preparing for this assignment, planting a school that would train those in the Five-Fold Ministry gifting."
When the vision was initially given, (The Reverend Zella Berry Case) was residing in one of the most influential cities in North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the home of the Tarheels of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ARIZE was birth in the heart, mind, and soul of Reverend Case. Although the school was not referenced as ARIZE but was known as MOP, Ministry of Preparation, she became committed to doing this assignment given by Christ, i.e., (of one day fully opening up an institution that would lean towards the training of those in the Five-Fold Ministry and beyond).
Progressing in preparation and growth for the school, ARIZE has gone beyond just implementing Biblical principles but is now creating a school to perfect and train those chosen by Christ in the giftings of the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the pastor, and the teacher, all of which are for the perfecting of the saints of Christ.
All of the schools of the Five-Fold Ministry, i.e., that of the apostle, prophet/tess, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, are fashioned with God-given mandates to shift the student, the minister, and the Believer into the deepest part of their relationship and calling in Jesus Christ. This is accomplished through Biblical teaching and foundational applications in ministry and by equipping each student to hear the Voice Of God and live an active lifestyle of communication with the Holy Spirit.
The degree studies began with an entry exam to qualify for each degree. The Associate's Degree assists the student in discovering the teachings in the Bible, their Five-Fold Ministry foundation, the integrity of ministry, and the development of their spiritual maturity in Christ. This is a two-year program.
The Bachelor's Degree is a 4-year program. The training and development are offered after completing the Associate's study in the Five-Fold Ministry or already holding a degree in an Associate's, i.e., (Biblical Degree). The candidate may proceed to the Bachelor's degree program, as sanctioned by a review process of the Academic Officer.
The FOUNDER &Visionary
My name is Bishop Apostle Dr. Zella Berry Case
Christ has called me as an apostle, chosen, ordained, and elected into the bishopric office, born to serve, given an internal insight (prophetic), and possessing the gift of a visionary. (I must first give Christ the honor and glory for entrusting me with all He has placed in my hands).
About Me.
Education
1998-2003
Degree: Bachelor of Theology
Apex School of Theology
I studied in seminary and achieved this degree to build a strong foundation in religion and biblical studies. This degree prepared me to impact the world for Christ, locally and globally. Topics like the history of Christianity, apologetics, and scripture teaching, were among the studies that where vital to my spiritual awareness.
2012-2016
Degree : Master of Arts in Christiaan Education
Apex School of Theology
The Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) which I earned equipped me to educate and mobilize men and women to follow God’s call on their lives. This program built a strong foundation of knowledge of the Bible, the history and heritage of the Christian church, Christian culture, spiritual and ethical formation, and the philosophy, psychology, teaching, and administration of Christian education. This degree, the Master of Arts in Christian Education Degree required me to complete a total of 17 courses or 51 credit hours.
2016-2017
Masters in Divinity
Apex School of Theology
The Master in Divinity Degree was a stepping stone towards achieving my Doctor of Ministry degree. This degree prepared me for full-time ministry. The degree program enables me to use my God-given vision and vocation to make an impact in their congregations, my communities and the world. This M.Div. program also assisted in the process and gave a stronger foundation in:
1. Knowledge of the Bible;
2. Understanding of exegesis, hermeneutics, and homiletics; theology.
3. Gave further history of the Christian church and denominations;
4. Christian culture;
5. Spiritual and ethical formation;
6. Pastoral care; and the philosophy and psychology of preaching.
The program was completed in three years of full-time study.
2017-2019
Doctor of Ministry
Apex School of Thelogy
This degree was an advanced professional degree that prepared me for more effective ministry in the unique context to which God has already called me. Since my passion was for assisting others in the development of the Five-Fold Ministry in the church, I progressed for more than 2 years writing and developing my thesis for such.
The curriculum was designed for those currently serving as pastors, missionaries, teachers, or administrators in churches, Christian schools, or other ministries. Since I was already walking in the gifting of an apostle, this degree also assisted me in the development and hands-on experience of walking with others who wanted to possess the same character as I possessed about planting ministries.
That unique degree brought together seasoned, educated Christian leaders for more in-depth training in a community of learning comprised of peers and Apex School of Theology faculty and was ideal for me as I was seeking to:
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To add theological depth and training into my ministry calling and context.
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I need to strengthen skills such as preaching, teaching, research, and writing for my ministry work.
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To grow my leadership capacity for effective ministry.
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To mature spiritually, personally, and professionally.
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To be recognized for a unique, practical contribution to my calling using the final project, with individualized coaching through the project phase.
MORE INFORMATION ON BISHOP "Z"
Bishop Apostle Dr. Zella Berry Case is married to Suffragan Bishop Martin W. Case, a marriage of 43 years, and out of that marriage, they have two children and four grandchildren.
For the last 25 years, I have, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, prepared myself to open a prophetic school of the Five-Fold Ministry, which in the beginning was named (MOP) Ministry of Preparation and at a later date became ARIZE Institute of the Five-Fold Ministry for those that Christ has called into the Five-Fold Ministry.
My philosophy is for all the saints who agree with the Apostle Paul's message in 2nd TIMOTHY 2:15 to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I believe and trust that anyone who enters the economy of Christ must study day in and day out to lead the saints of God into maturity in the Word of God and how one should and must behave in society, demonstrating their burning in spreading the "Good News."
To rightly divide the Word of God, I believe that everybody must study with someone who has matured in wisdom in specific areas and also with those who are anointed and gifted within the Five-Fold Ministry to train and develop others in the same said gifting.
As a Doctor of Ministry, I believe that if it is not in the book (the Bible), information concerning the ministry of God should not be reported to the students you train. "The Bible is our road map.".
Behind every pioneer and visionary, there is a team, and I am about unification and being a team player. Being a team player is the only manner in which I operate. The Five-Fold Ministry gifts are gifts given by Christ to those who are in unison with one another. They have relationships with one another. They don't work against one another. They work together for the common cause of perfecting the saints and building up the Church of God.
Lastly, it is my goal to train and assist in developing anyone willing to study the Word of God, work on exchanging the ways of the world for the ways of Christ with splendor and joy, and follow the push toward grasping His directions for any ministry assignment that is handed to them by Christ. If I can do it, so can you.
Let's get busy being obedient!