Beliefs  Charter    Bylaws     Degree Granting Authority   Accrediting Authority

Phoenix University of Theology (PUT) is a contemporary adaptation of the classic ecclesiastical university. The Phoenix University of Theology system is governed by an international Board of Regents and Visitors. The Board sets and enforces policy and standards, is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising and the authorization of teaching alliances.  The University System is structured after the model of state university systems and functions with the ecclesiastical authority of Spiritual Concepts International Church of the Firstborn. The University has 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status, is incorporated in the state of Arkansas and currently has degree granting authority in the states of Arizona and Arkansas. The Phoenix University of Theology System has accredited schools in the USA, Mexico and Australia and certified or accredited teaching alliances in numerous other countries.

Chancellor

Dr. John Harold Binkley, Jr.

The primary responsibilities of the Chancellor are governance and leadership.  He is the titular head of the University and provides leadership to and oversight of the Board of Regents and Visitors. He is an ex officio member of all commissions, boards and committees of the University system.

Dr. Binkley has served the University as Vice President and Leadership team member. He has been a chief strategic planner and promoter of growth and development. In addition to serving as Chancellor, Dr. Binkley is also the Dean of the Institute for Christian Maturity.

Dr Binkley has traveled to 61 countries where he lectured and conducted leadership and business related seminars. Dr. Binkley also serves on the boards of various for profit and non profit corporations.

Dr. Binkley is a licensed minister and has a Masters and Doctorate Degree in Ministry from Phoenix University of Theology. Dr. Binkley was among the first class to earn a Doctorate in Marketplace Ministry from the university in 2005. His book, “Character Is King,” has been certified for credit through the Accrediting Association for Theological Studies. The book provides the text for the Dominion Commission course offered in Masters and Doctoral degree programs through the Phoenix University of Theology.

Dr. Binkley is the CEO/Chairman of Generational Wealth and  Equity, which he founded in 1987. Generational Wealth and Equity is a global merger and acquisition intermediary firm assisting middle market clients in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic growth. The firm’s mission is to release the generational wealth and equity that is in every business.

Under Dr. Binkley’s 20 year leadership, the firm has grown to more than 260 professional advisors located in offices worldwide. The firm’s corporate offices are in Dallas, Texas. The firm also has offices located across the United States and Canada and several International locations.

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Provost/Founder,

Dr. Richard N. Drake

The Provost serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Regents and Visitors and is charged with the responsibility of oversight and development of the University System.

Dr. Drake is the chief founder of  Phoenix University of Theology and the architect of the contemporary adaptation of the classic ecclesiastical university system. He also serves as President of Spiritual Concepts International Seminary.

Dr. Drake was ordained  a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in 1980 and  served  as pastor of Presbyterian, Methodist and Independent churches for over twenty years. In addition to his duties as pastor, Dr. Drake has designed and taught continuing education for pastors credited through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. He founded Good Samaritan Ministries and the Food 4 Work Initiative in Tennessee which became the Army of Compassion.

Governor Don Sundquist of Tennessee dubbed him a "four star general in the Army of Compassion" and recommended him to President Bush to direct the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Office of the Whitehouse in 2001. Dr. Drake reports that God told him to withdraw his name from consideration, after the events of September 11, 2001and to go back to Phoenix and build the army from the ground up and that Phoenix University of Theology is to the Armies of Compassion what Annapolis is to the navy.

Prior to entering the ministry at the age of 33, he worked primarily as a corporate growth, marketing and political consultant. Building on those experiences,  Dr. Drake has been an effective activist in promoting the sanctity and sovereignty of the Church and its mission against government and elitist encroachment.

Dr. Drake is an alumni of  Little Rock University where he majored in pre law and accounting and Bethel College where he majored in religious studies.   He graduated from Spiritual Concepts International Seminary with a master in theology. He has an earned Doctor of Ministry degree form SCIS, and a Doctor of theology Degree from Phoenix Theological Seminary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnsA1KlLEPs

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Vice Provost

Dr. Keith I. Rushing

The Vice Provost assist  the Provost in the strategic planning, resource development and growth of the University system.

Dr. Rushing is an ordained minister and former pastor. He is president and founder of the International College of Leadership. He is a founding member of the University and has served as Registrar, Treasurer and Vice President. He has been a key leader in the development of the University system since 2002. He serves on the Board of Directors of Spiritual Concepts International Church of the Firstborn and is the founder of Hope 4 Families , a ministry that assist families facing foreclosure on their homes.

He is a graduate of the University of Texas, El Paso with a marketing major, a Master's degree from Spiritual Concepts International Seminary and earned Doctorates in Theology and Ministry from Phoenix University of Theology.

He teaches leadership, Marketplace ministry and theology courses. His soon to be published book, "The Eleventh Hour" will provide the primary text for a seminary course on Kingdom Theology.

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Chaplain to the Nations

Dr. Jack B. Gaines, Sr.

Dr. Jack Gaines, Sr., is an Associate Pastor and former Missions Director at Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. An anointed servant of Jesus Christ, he also served as the Assistant Senior Chaplain of the Southeastern Correctional Ministry and was a founding member on the Board, Assistant Chaplain for the World Conference for Mayors and is a member of the Alabama Benin Economic Trade Corp.

Dr. Gaines is an alumni of  Norfolk State University and Angelos Bible College, he received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from the  Global Evangelical College and Seminary in Montgomery, Alabama for his extensive and tremendously effective work in the area of reconciliation. He has an earned Doctor of Theology degree from Phoenix University of Theology. His doctoral dissertation, "Reconciliation: the Global Tool for Restoration", formed the basis for his now  published book "My Brother's Keeper not My Brother's Killer".

Dr. Gaines was instrumental in spearheading the recent Reconciliation Conference held in Benin, West Africa. He has also delivered many stirring messages, as well as held workshops, done presentations, and sent others to the mission field of Africa, Ukraine, Liberia, America and “the uttermost parts of the earth.”
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Vice Chancellor
 

Dr. Richard Hays

The Vice Chancellor assists the Chancellor in his duties and acts in his stead when called upon.

Dr. Richard Hays earned his doctor of theology degree from PUT in 2006. His dissertation, "Righteous At Last" is a published book that defines the righteousness of Christ and makes this truth practical, memorable and applicable to the Christian life. He has been a missionary in Mexico for 25 years and has an internationally recognized apostolic and prophetic Ministry.

Dr. Hays is Founder and Director of "Christian Community International" in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico. He is Latin American Director of the "David Livingston Foundation." and the recognized founder of the "Prophets Arise Conference" in addition he has authored
several books, is the conductor of television program "What You Must Know" (Lo que tú debes saber) and a member of the apostolic counsel of "International Christian Leadership Connections"

Christian Community International's Seminary is accredited by the University as well as the Master Builder Program and the Foundations for Leadership School.

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Registrar/Founder

Dr. Karen Drake

The Registrar maintains student records, processes information and applications, coordinates the MAP-PAC program and serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the University System.

Dr. Karen Drake is the wife of Dr. Richard Drake and is a co-founder of the University. She is the pioneer of the Theopathic Health and Healing Institute of Phoenix University of Theology.

Dr. Karen Drake has over 20 years experience as a medical professional in the health care industry. She completed pre-med studies at Union University in Jackson, TN and and is an alumni of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Drake completed a master of ministry degree at Phoenix Theological Seminary in 2002 and a Doctor of Ministry in Theopathic Health and Healing from Phoenix University of Theology in 2007.

Dr. Karen Drake is a certified level two Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM). Her doctorial work " Cures from the Creator-Eating to Live" focuses on faith, natural health and healing. While conducting research for her degree program, she discovered she had breast cancer and became her own subject in the study and effect of  Theopathic health and healing. Applying her own principles of faith and natural diet, she successfully won the battle over cancer and and was pronounced cancer free in November of 2007.  see Theopathic Health and Healing Institute

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Vice Chancellor-Ministry Relations

Dr. Dean Landis

The Vice Chancellor of Ministry Relations promotes Phoenix University of Theology to other Christian ministries and cultivates relationships that develop teaching alliances and degree candidates.

Dr. Dean Landis is a founding member of  the Phoenix University of Theology and a member of its first graduating class. He has a master's degree from Ohio State University and an earned Doctor of Ministry degree from PUT.

Dr. Landis is President of Aim for Africa and a compassionate, insightful and gifted visionary. He served with the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole as a member of the Board of Governors of the Christian Men's Network. Without the effective and Spirit led relationships developed through Dr. Landis the University would not be what it is today.

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Ted Null, President

The Tell Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) Private Foundation and an ancillary organization of Phoenix University of Theology. The foundations is exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes more specifically to propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, as outlined in the Bible, at home and abroad. in operating and maintaining a church or churches, missions, parsonages, Christian educational institutions, Christian camps, Christian recreational facilities; to promote fellowship among God's people and the deepening of the spiritual life among believers.

Ted Null is a retired Mortgage  and Realest Broker. He has been a supporter of and an advisor to the Spiritual Concepts International Board of Directors for over 20 years. He currently serves the Board as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Ted is a graduate of Henderson State University, Arkadelphia,  Arkansas and earned a Master's of Ministry degree with a distinction in administration from Phoenix University of Theology in 2006.

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University Ecclesia

Dr. Ron Hembree

University Ecclesia is a virtual University developed by Phoenix University of Theology to honor contemporary Doctors (teachers) of the Church (ecclesia).

Dr. Ron Hembree one of the first distinctive graduates of PUT,  is also among the first to receive the DE  along with other great teachers such as the late Dr. Ed Cole and T. L. Osborn.

Drawing from an extensive background of experience and study, Dr. Ron Hembree is uniquely qualified for the task of calling people to a daily disciplined study of God's Word. He is the host of the international television program Quick Study.This media ministry helps people establish the habit of daily Bible reading in easy-to-understand, bite-sized portions.

He was ordained at age 23 after having studied for ministry at Central Bible College, Southwestern Assemblies of God College, Evangel College, Southwest Missouri State University, and St. Joseph's Catholic College. He has a Doctorate in Ministry from Phoenix Theological Seminary and has also been awarded an honorary doctorate from an Illinois bible school. Ron started his career as a writer for the national headquarters of his denomination.

Dr. Ron Hembree is President of Cornerstone TV based in Pittsburg, PA.  Dr. Hembree served as the first Chancellor of the University when is was named Phoenix Theological Seminary. The University changed its name form Phoenix Theological Seminary to Phoenix University of Theology and awarded the Seminary's trade name the Phoenix Seminary to avoid confusion of the two schools.

Dr. Ben Kinchlow

University Ecclesia is a virtual University developed by Phoenix University of Theology to honor contemporary Doctors (Teachers) of the Church (Ecclesia).

Minister, broadcaster, author, and businessman – Ben Kinchlow is known throughout the world as the long time Co-Host of The 700 Club, and Host of the International Edition of The 700 Club, as seen in more than 80 countries. In addition to hosting these programs, he also produced and hosted several CBN Specials, a daily 30-minute high energy television show (“Straight Talk") and co-hosted a live daily one-hour radio talk show (“Taking It To The Streets") After more than 20 years, Kinchlow left CBN to begin independent ministry.

Dr. Kinchlow founded Americans For Israel – an organization dedicated to promoting a mutual understanding of the ancient bond that exists between Christians and Jews, serves as Co-Host of the Front Page Jerusalem radio show with Earl Cox, who served four Republican Presidents. FPJ is a comprehensive news and commentary program featuring top newsmakers in the U.S. and Israel.

Dr. Kinchlow is also the Founder and CEO of The AAPAC (African American Political Awareness Coalition), an organization designed to encourage a vote based on "principle, not party."

1. the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2. that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  
3. in the deity and humanity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His present rule as Head of the Church, and in His personal return in power and glory.  
4.  that for the salvation of lost and sinful men regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.  
5.  in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to do the work of ministry and to live a godly life.  
6.  in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of eternal damnation.
7. in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality across racial, gender, and class differences.
   
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The Ecclesiastical Charter of Phoenix Theological Seminary was granted on June 15, 2001, in accordance with the by-laws of the Spiritual Concepts International Church of the First Born, Presiding Bishop Bob Parker.  

The Restated Ecclesiastical Charter, setting forth un-amended provisions of the original Ecclesiastical Charter together with amendments adopted in the form of the Restatement, were adopted by a resolution of the Board of Regents on February 23, 2003 changing the official name from Phoenix Theological Seminary to Phoenix University of Theology.

The Restated Ecclesiastical Charter was further amended by a resolution of the Board of Regents on August 5, 2008.

download a copy of the charter

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The University has degree granting authority through ecclesiastical exemption in the States of Arizona and Arkansas and qualifies for ecclesiastical exemption in the following additional states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri. New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

The University also has degree granting authority through its schools in Mexico, Australia, Canada and some countries in Africa.

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