🎖️ From the Battlefield to the Mission Field
Your Next Deployment: The Great Commission
Thank you for your service. Your deployment experience, security training, and discipline have uniquely prepared you for missionary work. Now use your GI Bill to train for the mission field—completely debt-free.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits at Berean MTI
Berean Bible College is approved for VA education benefits. Your Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the full cost of the 3-year Missionary Training Institute program.
What Your GI Bill Covers:
- ✓ Full Tuition: Up to $27,120/year (covers entire MTI tuition)
- ✓ Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): $1,500-$2,500/month (based on BAH for E-5 with dependents in your zip code)
- ✓ Books & Supplies: $1,000/year stipend
- ✓ Yellow Ribbon Program: Additional funding if needed (Berean participates)
Result: You graduate COMPLETELY DEBT-FREE and actually receive income while training.
Financial Comparison: GI Bill vs. Traditional Student
3-Year MTI Program Cost
| Expense | Traditional Student | Veteran (GI Bill) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (3 years) | $81,000 | $0 (GI Bill pays) |
| Books & Supplies | $3,000 | $0 (GI Bill pays) |
| Housing (3 years) | $54,000 | $0 (MHA covers + provides income) |
| Total Out-of-Pocket | $138,000 | $0 |
| Student Debt After Graduation | $50,000-$80,000 | $0 |
| Housing Allowance RECEIVED | $0 | $54,000-$90,000 |
Veterans don't just graduate debt-free—they earn income while training as missionaries.
Why Veterans Make Ideal Missionaries
What Military Service Provides:
- Cross-Cultural Experience: You've lived overseas, adapted to foreign cultures, built relationships with local nationals
- Security Training: Essential for hostile mission fields—closed countries, persecution zones, restricted-access areas
- Hardship Endurance: You've proven you can handle difficult living conditions, isolation, and danger
- Discipline & Structure: MTI's year-round intensive training won't phase you—you thrive in rigorous environments
- Team Dynamics: You understand how to work in cross-cultural teams under pressure
- Leadership Training: Church planting requires the same leadership skills you developed in the military
- Sacrifice Mindset: You've already proven willingness to give your life for a cause—now for the Gospel
The Biblical Parallel: Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' twelve disciples (Luke 6:15). Zealots were trained fighters committed to a cause, willing to die for their mission, operating in hostile Roman-occupied territory. They required discipline, courage, and security awareness.
Modern veterans → missionaries: Trained fighters committed to the Gospel, willing to endure persecution, operating in hostile anti-Christian territories. You already have the discipline, courage, and security training. MTI gives you the theological depth and missionary skills.
Modified Prerequisites for Veterans
Berean honors your military service by recognizing that deployment experience provides partial credit for our cross-cultural prerequisite. However, we maintain rigorous standards to ensure you're prepared for Gospel ministry.
Standard Berean Prerequisites:
- 1 year Biblical Hebrew or Greek (B or better)
- 3-6 months missionary field experience under career missionary
- Great Commission Essay (1,500 words)
- Letters from supervising missionary and pastor
Veterans Adjustments:
Prerequisite #1 (Biblical Languages) - NO CHANGE:
- You must still complete 1 year of Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, or Aramaic (B or better)
- Military foreign language training (Arabic, Farsi, Pashto) does NOT substitute
- However, DLPT scores demonstrate language-learning ability and may help you succeed
Prerequisite #2 (Cross-Cultural Experience) - MODIFIED:
- Combat deployment provides PARTIAL credit for cross-cultural experience
- You must ALSO complete missionary field experience to prove calling to Gospel ministry
- Accepted combinations:
- Deployment + 3-6 months missionary experience = APPROVED
- Deployment + 2-4 week short-term trip + Commitment to complete 3-6 months before starting = CONDITIONALLY APPROVED
Prerequisite #3 (Essay) - MODIFIED PROMPTS:
- Veterans Essay addresses military-to-missionary transition
- Prompts focus on how deployment shaped calling, parallels between military and missions, etc.
- View Veterans Essay Prompts →
Prerequisite #4 (Letters) - MODIFIED:
- Supervising missionary (if mission work completed)
- Current pastor (REQUIRED)
- Military chaplain (OPTIONAL but helpful)
Application Fee - WAIVED:
- Combat veterans with honorable discharge: $0 application fee
How Veterans Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Obtain VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Apply online at VA.gov (eBenefits portal)
- Or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
- Or submit VA Form 22-1990 by mail
- Processing time: 30 days average
Step 2: Complete Veterans Application
- Online Veterans Application →
- Includes military service section, deployment history, VA benefits info
- Upload DD-214, transcripts, Veterans Essay
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release/Discharge)
- Official transcripts (including JST if applicable)
- Veterans Essay (1,500 words)
- Letters of recommendation
- VA Certificate of Eligibility (or commitment to obtain)
Step 4: Interview with Admissions Committee
- Phone/video interview (30-45 minutes)
- Topics: Military service, calling to missions, theological alignment
Step 5: Acceptance & GI Bill Certification
- If accepted, our School Certifying Official (SCO) certifies your enrollment to VA
- VA processes your benefits (tuition paid to school, MHA paid to you)
- You're ready to start training!
Veterans FAQ
Q: Does my military foreign language training count toward the biblical language prerequisite?
A: No. Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, etc. do NOT substitute for Biblical Hebrew or Greek. However, DLPT scores prove language-learning ability.
Q: Does my deployment count as missionary field experience?
A: Partially. Deployment demonstrates cross-cultural adaptability, but you must ALSO complete missionary experience to prove Gospel ministry calling.
Q: Can I use my GI Bill if I'm still active duty?
A: Yes, if participating in Active Duty GI Bill. Contact our Veterans Certifying Official for details.
Q: What if I've already used some of my GI Bill benefits?
A: As long as you have 36 months remaining, you can complete MTI's 3-year program. If less, contact us to discuss options.
Q: Can my spouse use transferred GI Bill benefits at MTI?
A: Yes, if you transferred benefits while on active duty. Spouse must meet all admission prerequisites.
Q: When does the Monthly Housing Allowance get paid?
A: MHA is paid directly to you by the VA at the end of each month while classes are in session.
Q: Do I need to be honorably discharged?
A: Yes. General discharge under honorable conditions may also qualify. Dishonorable or bad conduct discharges are not eligible.
Ready to Answer the Call?
You served your country with honor. Now serve the King of Kings.
Your GI Bill covers the cost. Your deployment prepared you. Your next mission awaits.