A: VLI is not accredited. Please click Here to learn more about VLI's credit equivalency with the American Council on Education.
FAQ
We have collected many of the questions we are asked about VLI. If you don't see your question here, please feel free to contact us to get your question answered.
Simply click on a question to view the answer!
Q: "Is VLI accredited?"
Q: "What if VLI doesn't fit my schedule?"
A: Most of our students are involved in part-time or full-time lay or paid ministry as well as having full- or part-time jobs, families, etc. It is possible to "do life" and take VLI, too.
If you are unsure about the time commitment, talk to your boss, your spouse, your pastor, or other wise council. If it seems like it simply won't work, we advise to pray that the Lord would open your schedule up in accordance with His timing.
Both Columbus residents and distant site students have a designated time each week to attend a 2.5 hour class. Distance sites are offered some flexibility with the days they have class. The majority of mentoring occurs on Saturday mornings, and weekend courses (Saturdays and Sundays) are held twice per quarter. If you wish to participate At-a-Distance, please consult with your local Site Coordinator or pastor.
Q: "How long is VLI?"
A: VLI is structured by quarters; fall, winter, spring, and summer. Three courses are held each quarter and are offered every two years on rotation. Students need to complete 21 courses to graduate. Theya re also required to complete (4) leadership projects, serve the church for seven quarters (two as a leader), mentor with their pastor for (6) quarters, and complete spiritual formation activities every quarter in VLI. Students have (6) years to complete all requriements.
Q: "When can I start VLI?"
A: VLI has open enrollment every quarter. You can start VLI in either September, January, March, or June for resident and At-a-Distance in most calendar years. Keep checking vli.org for the latest enrollment deadlines.
Q: “What if I just want to do the practical (or the theological) portion of VLI?”
A: VLI exists to train and empower new and existing leaders. We base this on the vision of combining seminary-level biblical education with practical, hands-on ministry. For this reason, we desire that all students complete both areas. The structure of VLI however allows students to take a single course at a time and students have three courses, both Biblical and practical, to choose from.
Q: “I am interested in becoming a student At-a-Distance. How do I do that?”
A: Check out the Becoming a Distance Site page for more information.
Q: “I am interested in becoming a student in Columbus. How do I do that?”
A: You are asked to follow the same procedure as all students. Please fill out an on-line application, indicate and notify your reference person, and submit their $50 application fee at the time of the online application. All students need to be approved also by the site pastor and may be interviewed if applicable upon review of their application.
Q: “When will I heard I have been accepted to VLI?”
A: Within 5 days of all parts of your application being received.
Q: “Will I get a receipt for my online tuition and application fee?”
A: Yes, you should receive a receipt through authorized.net from the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Q: “How do I start a VLI distance site?"
A: Check out the Becoming a Distance Site page for more information.
Q: “Can I audit VLI?”
A: Our policy does not allow auditing. Non-students may attend the weekend courses in Columbus or At-a-Distance on a for-pay basis. Please direct these inquiries to the respective Site Coordinator and/or the VLI Representatives. Please see our page on weekend courses.
Q: “How much time does VLI really take?”
A: Depending on the number of courses and the quarter the student is in, VLI will take between 5-20 hours per week. For students that take all three courses each quarter, students should budget approximately 18-20 hours on average to complete requirements each week. That includes class time, mentoring, study time, etc. This time may increase or decrease depending on the student’s own learning style. Students who take a single 10 hr course might only need 5 hrs a week to complete requirements.
Q: "How do I get more promotional materials (DVDs, catalogs, brochures, etc.)?"
A: Please contact us or call 614-259-5340.
Q: “Is there a way I can talk to other VLI students?”
A: Vineyard Leadership Institute has a group on facebook (www.facebook.com) where you can connect with other VLI students and keep up to date with VLI events.
Q: “There is something wrong with your website.”
A: Please contact our webmaster (614.259.5321) to report technical problems.