The Honor Academy

[Matt04]

I'm so hyped about this place. The way I've heard people talk about it and the way I've seen people after they've been there, I just can't wait. My only complaint is the tuition cost... it's unbelievable. Something like $4000 a month. It's going to be so much trouble coming up with that, but I know it'll be worth it.

Have you heard of the Honor Academy? Do you plan on going there?


Are there any other places like this that you know of? what have you heard about them?

 

[Nessie]

I've never heard of it. What's the scoop?

 

[Matt04]

Have you heard of Teen Mania Ministries, Global Expeditions, or Acquire the Fire? Well it's all by the same people. It's a Non-Demoninational organization. The only questionable thing I've heard about them is they believe tongues is required for salvation (which I don't believe). I haven't checked into this yet to see if it's true or not. But otherwise everything else about them seems awesome. They're the most alive ministry I've seen yet. Global Expeditions is a mission organization that allows teens all over the U.S. to travel to other countries to share the gospel. Since 1991, they've taken over 40,000 teens overseas to preach the gospel. Acquire the Fire is a youth rally that travels all over the U.S.A (and now some other countries) to share the gospel through dramas, great speakers and bands.

Anyway, more about the Honor Academy, its goal is to prepare you to go out in the world as a Christian, and also to help you find your purpose or calling in life. I know that you go on a lot of retreats, there's a lot of missions for you to get involved in, and they also offer Math and Language courses to keep in practice. I think you get a few college credits too, not sure. As part of hte program, they stick you in a particular position (speaker, music leader, small group, etc) to help you find and use your talents for God.

Like I said, it's just a really great group and I can't hardly wait to go.

Since I still can't post a link, I'll give you a hint... their website starts with www, has honoracademy in the middle, and ends with com. You can order an info book there.

 

[bliz]

If they believe that speaking in tongues is required for salvation...:

...they believe in an additional step to salvation other than repentence and acceptance of the saving blood of Christ. As a general rule, that means that they are not a Christian organization, so that's a really big issue you need to resolve.

... and you do not, why do you want to sit under their teaching? Again, if they see this as a salvation issue, and you do not, conflicts over salvation matters are HUGE! I don't see how you can want to sit under their teaching.

You've got a lot of research ahead of you!

Later that same day...

I took a quick look at their web site. What is interesting (read: eyebrow raising) is how very little information is available on the site. Next to nothing! In order to get more information, you first must give them your vitals so they can contact you, add you to their mailing list, ask you for referrals,and call you up and persuade you to come. (Approaches I do not care for, especially when we are dealing with young people.) I mean, there isn't even a statement of theological beliefs!

On the other hand, they are offering college credit through Grand Canyon Univeristy, which is an evangelical universaty with regional accrediation and all that. I think it is highly unlikely that they regard speaking in tongues as necessary for salvation, given what I know of GCU.

 

[Nessie]

I've heard of Acquire the Fire, but not the others. I could never afford something like that though!

Here, I'll write the link for you: http://www.honoracademy.com

 

[FrAzEr1803]

Matt04

I was at the Honor Academy from August '07 and then I chose to leave in January '08. I love the people there, but as I went through the internship I started to notice more and more things that didn't line up with the Word. They were teaching things and doing things that either had no basis in scripture, or was based upon scripture taken out of context. And when I tried to question someone about it I was told that "Taking scripture out of context isn't a compromising issue".

I knew Ron Luce (the president and founder of Teen Mania) pretty well, and so I found it difficult to accept what I came across to begin with. But at the end of the day it's not Ron I have to stand before at the judgement day and give an account for my life. So I left, and i'm really glad I did!
I still have a lot of friends who are in the Honor Academy, and a lot of people there know the things that are wrong and most of them stay to try and change things. But the problem is, "You can't build upon another man's foundation".

When I did my intern year it was $7,800 for the year. But I believe the price now is something like $8,400? I'm not sure!

 

[shannyfro]

Master's Commission is alot like honor academy and it's more affordable. I did it for a year and I loved it!! The cost is usually around $4,000 a year. If you'd like more info just let me know.

 

[waxlion10]

I looked into going there.
I'm glad I didn't.
I didn't feel a peace in my spirit about it, and I am glad I heeded the Lord's voice and allowed Him to lead me elsewhere.

 

[openup4christ]

I know a few people that went there, its super strict. The people are sorta treated like robots from what I have been told by those who went there. A lot of people leave there being held to some legalism.

 

[923julia]

Academy!

Wow .

madnike.com

 

[noellejoi]

I was an August intern last year for about 5 days last year. From the first day, I heard of things that rubbed me the wrong way. It was a life changing expirience mainly because I had to cling so hard to God, and trust him more than I ever had to.

I would reccomend doing a LOT of research before making a decision to go to this place.

That was my downfall. I didn't do a ton of research or ask a lot of questions about it. I figured, hey, it's a christian place, what could go wrong?

The answer: a lot.

My reason for leaving was simple, I didn't feel right there. Something about it just didn't sit right with me. Some of the ways the did things and some of the things we were taught were not right.

Believe it or not 5 days had a lot more of an affect on me than you'd think.

 

[The Alethian]

I'm so hyped about this place. The way I've heard people talk about it and the way I've seen people after they've been there, I just can't wait. My only complaint is the tuition cost... it's unbelievable. Something like $4000 a month. It's going to be so much trouble coming up with that, but I know it'll be worth it.

Have you heard of the Honor Academy? Do you plan on going there?


Are there any other places like this that you know of? what have you heard about them?

Duuuude. I almost went to the Honor Academy. (I was about to sign up for the August '08 internship, when God called me to go to a local secular university.) But before God called me elsewhere, I did a lot of research on the internship. I know so many people who are or have been interns too, so I'm really familiar with the program. It's not for everyone. The interns will be the first to tell you that. And if you're not called to go, definitely don't go. But if you are, I can promise you that it'll be a life changing adventure. (I've witnessed how it's been such a journey for all my friends.)

I've gone on three mission trips with Global Expeditions, so I've spent a lot of time hanging around the HA campus. Have you ever been? It's absolutely beautiful there. It's become my home away from home. Are you thinking of doing ESOAL? When do you plan on going? Yes, it's hard to come up with the money. But if you're called to go, God will provide. Oh, and if you have any questions... Feel free to send me a PM. Like I said, I've done a lot of research, spent a lot of time on campus, and know many interns.

The only questionable thing I've heard about them is they believe tongues is required for salvation (which I don't believe).

I've never asked any teachers or interns point blank if they believed this, but I think that's probably just a rumor. Never has anyone said anything in my presence that would even remotely imply this is what they believe. So I'm pretty sure that won't be a problem.

 

[heron]

Their courses are offered through Sterling College, which is a good thing. You will gain credits that you can transfer to other schools.

From the site:

Sterling College is fully-accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Sterling College is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

The Honor Academy costs about $650 a month (ask representative about the weighted donation schedule). This support is tax-deductible and includes: housing, meals, books, and all other program related expenses. Compared to a year of college, the Honor Academy is very inexpensive and really gives young people skills to make the most of their college and work experiences.
​

They are not exaggerating "inexpensive." Some terms in a regular college, you would spend that much on books and course supplies. You could easily spend that much in rent if you were to live in an apartment. You might even eat that much in a month.

I don't think they can correctly say this is tax-deductible, though. If a person benefits from a donation, they are required to report it as income.

 

[heron]

It looks like a great opportunity, and a fun way to transition into a four-year program. Honor Academy makes no claims that jobs result at the end of it, and it isn't accredited in itself, but they say a year can bring you up to 30 credit hours of college credit -- which is a normal course load at other schools.

It appears like a "work is fun" situation, where the cost of your housing is defrayed by students running the operation. Future employers will appreciate the work experience you get there, and the attitude of service (which is rare these days).

 

[deepgreen11]

I know two people that went there, and I don't like the way they acted when they returned. They seem to hold a certain legalism and also are very...alien...very unapproachable and somewhat unfriendly when it comes to the gospel. I didn't like the attitude I saw with them, that they seemed WAY too eager to please and way insulated from life in this world. It could have just been them, but that's the way BOTH people I knew that went there returned. Please investigate carefully. I know we are called to be a "peculiar people" but I also think that that means there is a difference in what we are presenting, not that we can't seem to communicate with others. I've heard them discuss the gospel since then, and they always make it sound really, really complicated. Please consider the advice you're hearing, weigh the pros and cons, and pray about it.
Thank you.

 

[Followers4christ]

Hello I was an intern in January of 09 but had to leave because of finances.This internship has had a huge impact on my life as I have got in a deeper relationship with God. The Honor Academy is not for everyone, only the called. I am coming back to the HA in August and I am planning on finishing my year there. I have many friends there and I know the heart behind Teen Mania's Honor Academy. So if anyone has any questions I would love to answer them for you. God Bless

Here is a short video about the internship:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W59NlYyvZ5o

 

[Followers4christ]

The only questionable thing I've heard about them is they believe tongues is required for salvation (which I don't believe). I haven't checked into this yet to see if it's true or not.

Teen Mania has never made the claim nor believes that speaking in tongues saves anyone. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ which we are saved for everyone that believes. By the way I know that your post is way old and you might already know this information. Just thought i would clear this up for everyone. Anyway if you went to the HA please let everyone here know of your experience there. God Bless

 

[Followers4christ]

I know a few people that went there, its super strict. The people are sorta treated like robots from what I have been told by those who went there. A lot of people leave there being held to some legalism.

Please explain, what rules are you referring too, when you said it's "super strict" and people are treated like robots??? God Bless

 

[heron]

Teen Mania has never made the claim

Sometimes it just takes one person to say it, and it resonates in everyone's heads, appearing to come from the organization.

 

[Followers4christ]

Sometimes it just takes one person to say it, and it resonates in everyone's heads, appearing to come from the organization.

Very true. I hope people will not condemn this place due to one misinformed person though. God Bless you