SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary Reviews

This report consolidates various reviews sourced from online platforms regarding SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary, providing potential students with a clear understanding of the institution's strengths and weaknesses, based on first-hand experiences.

Positive Experiences

1. Practical Ministry and Mentorship:
   • Zachary Verbracken (10 years ago) highlighted that SUM provided a balanced combination of practical ministry experience and mentorship, which significantly contributed to his preparation for ministry. He praised the community and the personal attention from mentors, making it a comprehensive experience for those willing to work hard.
   • Haley Gardner (7 years ago) emphasized that the tight-knit community and practical ministry skills gained at SUM make students feel confident in their abilities post-graduation. She appreciated the spiritual atmosphere and the evident work of God within the campus.
2. Spiritual Impact and Life Transformation:
   • Cynthia Gonzalez (10 years ago) shared how SUM played a pivotal role in her spiritual journey, catalyzing her salvation and equipping her to become a follower of Christ. She commended SUM for its ability to integrate spiritual growth with ministry education.
   • Stephanie Santoyo (10 years ago) expressed admiration for the humility and compassion of the faculty, noting their personal involvement in students’ lives. She highlighted the transformative spiritual experiences that SUM provides, preparing students not just academically but also emotionally and spiritually for ministry.
3. Christian Focus and High Standards:
   • Sylvanus Gatorwu (5 years ago) noted that while studying at SUM is challenging, the high standards ensure that students leave the institution well-prepared for real-world ministry.
   • Brian Webster (3 years ago) shared his positive experience, stating that SUM helped him work in full-time ministry for over 12 years, reinforcing that it is one of the best Bible colleges available.

Negative Experiences

1. Financial Aid and Administrative Challenges:
   • Anonymous Student (1 year in MABS) expressed severe dissatisfaction with SUM's financial aid process, citing delays of up to three months and a lack of communication. The student's financial aid issues created a significant financial burden, ultimately leading them to discontinue their program midway.
   • Media Team (4 years ago) mentioned their frustration with the business office, specifically regarding financial aid miscommunications. While the teaching experience was praised, the administrative and financial issues created enough dissatisfaction for them to consider transferring to another school.
   • Jamie Scarborough (7 years ago) shared a troubling experience involving their disabled husband, a military veteran. According to Scarborough, the school failed to accommodate his disability, causing unnecessary stress. Additionally, administrative issues regarding the GI Bill and financial aid created significant financial hardship for their family.
2. Criticism of Faculty and Education Quality:
   • Cleve Buchanan (7 years ago) strongly criticized the faculty's lack of experience and the high tuition relative to the quality of education provided. Buchanan also expressed concerns about the school’s extremism, likening it to extreme Christian fundamentalism.
   • Thiago Garcia (4 years ago) voiced discontent with the lack of support from staff, accusing them of prioritizing money over the well-being of students.

Mixed Feedback

• Some students, while generally pleased with their educational and spiritual experience, mentioned concerns about administrative inefficiencies. For example, Anthony Prendez (7 years ago) faced issues during his first trimester but found the professors to be patient and helpful despite the financial hurdles.

Summary

Based on the reviews, SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary excels in its spiritual focus, community support, and practical ministry training, offering a strong foundation for those pursuing ministry. Many students appreciate the mentorship, spiritual atmosphere, and hands-on experiences provided by the institution.

However, administrative and financial aid issues are a recurring theme in the negative reviews, with students experiencing delays in financial assistance, poor communication, and in some cases, lack of accommodation for disabilities. Potential students should be aware that while the educational and spiritual aspects of SUM are highly praised, the administrative challenges could impact their overall experience.

Ultimately, those considering SUM should weigh the strong community and ministry training against the potential administrative challenges and determine if the school aligns with their personal and spiritual needs.