Rescue College, the Internet-based distance education training program of the AGRM, is now an accredited institution of higher learning. At their January 8, 2005 meeting, the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education & Training Council approved our request.

This is the culmination of a three-year process which included an in-depth inspection of our courses and administrative procedures, plus three on-site visits from DETC review teams.

Established in 1955, the DETC's Accrediting Commission identifies and accredits distance education and training institutions that have attained and maintained the standards deemed necessary to operate at a high level of quality.

DETC Accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accredited schools include all of the distance learning programs of the various branches of the US military, plus the prestigious Western Governors University. More than 3 million Americans are currently enrolled in DETC-accredited institutions.

To learn more about this accreditation and it's benefits, visit the DETC web site.

AGRM has received a foundation grant toward hiring an Academic Dean for RESCUE College.  Dr. Fletcher L. Tink, Executive Director, Bresee Institute for Metro Ministries, Kansas City, MO has agreed to serve in this capacity. Fletcher has been serving on our Rescue College Advisory Council. His primary responsibility is coordinating and developing the academic programs of RESCUE College.  To accomplish this, the Academic Dean will work closely with the Director of Education, off-site instructors and members of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. 

Fletcher Tink has an outstanding academic, and professional background, which includes teaching urban ministry, as well as being involved in it.  He has the Doctor of Philosophy from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena CA with concentration on Intercultural ministries (1994); Master of Arts, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of World Missions, Pasadena, CA (1984); Master of Liberal Arts, Harvard University Extension, Cambridge, MA (1983); Master of Theology, Luther Seminary, Minneapolis, MN (1977); Master of Divinity, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO (1973); BS Degree, Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA (1967)

Fletcher has an extensive teaching background, having taught at Eastern Nazarene College (1978-82)(1995-98), Azusa Pacific University (1983-2001); Fuller Theological Seminary (1985-92); Washington Bible College (1998-2000), Nazarene Theological Seminary (2001-2005).  Most of his course offerings have been in urban ministry. He has also taught Spanish, and Beginning Greek (in Spanish).

He has served as a consultant to World Vision, Pew Charitable Trust, and Fuller Theological Seminary.  He has served as Coordinator of Education for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and has been a pastor or interim pastor at Nazarene and Wesleyan Churches.  He served 3 years in the Peace Corp (1966-9) in Brasilia, Brazil.  He speaks fluent Spanish, and Portuguese as well as English, and has formerly studied French, Italian, Koine Greek and Aymara.

Visit the Rescue College web site to learn more about Dr. Tink.