• Where would I live as a student?
  • Most students live in church host homes, unless they are local and prefer to live at their own home.  Host homes are families from the Vineyard Boise church who desire to minister through hospitality and be part of the discipleship process. We try to pair up students at host homes to help build community within the school.
• Do I need a car?
  • Each student is responsible for his or her own transportation.  A car is preferable, as host homes will be spread throughout the Treasure Valley and each student is responsible for getting to/from all SOBA events & classes on time.  However, there is a limited public bus transportation route and various bicycle paths around the church if students choose to use these means instead.
• Is there a payment plan?
  • There are two options for payment:
    • (1) Pay the total cost upfront on day 1, or
    • (2) pay the $4,750 for both semesters and then pay $2,000 by mid-January. (Exact date still to be determined.).  We need the money for outreach two months prior to leaving, so that we can purchase group airline tickets.
  • There is an additional fee for paying tuition with credit card.
• Is there a pre-requisite for SOBA?
  • Just a high-school degree or GED equivalent and a sincere faith in Jesus Christ.  Our application process helps us figure out if someone is the right fit for SOBA.
• Who comes to SOBA?
  • We have had students range in age, but the majority are college-age students.  Throughout it’s history, we have had students come from Maine, New York, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Missouri, Colorado, Minnesota, England, Sweden, and more.  The point is that our student body is diverse.  Any person can apply who has graduated high school, is a believer of Christ, and is able to take 7 months to do this full-time school.  Because we hold to the Vineyard values, many (but not all) students come from within the Vineyard movement.  The common denominator of the students we do get, however, is that they love Jesus and want to live radical lives for Him.
• Can you work during SOBA?
  • No. This is a full-time school and we want you to be able to fully invest yourself into the course so that you get everything out of it that God has for you.
• Who are the teachers?
  • Much of our specialized classes will be taught by our SOBA staff.  SOBA staff includes the director, school leader, trained past students invited to come back, and various support staff—those leading within the church already (including some Pastors on staff), or who have gone through similar Inductive Bible training and have valuable perspectives to offer.  The variety of teachers is a great strength as they each bring something unique to the group.  We have teachers of all ages and vocations: working professionals, pastors, ministry directors, college students, etc. All share the same Vineyard values and commitment to faith.
• What do students do after SOBA?
  • We equip students to take what they learn and apply it to whatever God is calling them to in their life.  Yes, this school is for missionaries. It’s for University students.  It’s for people who want to be better employees, better moms, better leaders of ministry, pastors, church-planters, etc. The tools we provide are so solid and foundational and they transfer to any vocation post-SOBA.  We encourage students to get involved in their local church after graduating.  We also offer more in-depth VCOM schools if they are interested in learning more after their achieved “minor”.
• Is SOBA accredited?
  • No. However, we have had multiple students go on to University or Seminary and have credits transfer from SBS / SOBA, when they show the Bible coursework. Schools include: Crown College (MN), Regent’s Seminary in Canada, George Fox University (OR), & University of Minnesota (MN).
• Where do you guys go for international outreach?
  • SOBA has focused primarily on the Philippines and Ecuador, although there are hopes of branching out to Nicaragua.  Other VCOM schools have also travelled to Zambia, Thailand, and Ethiopia.
• What do I do if I’m interested?
  • Download the application, give 2 references out (friend & Pastor), & send it all in with your check, photo, & essays. The earlier you get your application in the better.  We prayerfully consider each application as a staff team.  If you have more questions about the school, feel free to email us or call us at the church (208) 377-1477 (Tuesday-Friday). We would be happy to talk to you and pray with you about were God is leading you next

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