AIM is founded on the instruction of Proverbs 23:23, the first words of which are seen in Hebrew in our logo: "Buy the truth and sell it not... ... also wisdom and instruction and understanding." Apostle Carey's original course is based upon an Apostolic Pentecostal understanding of first century Apostolic teaching and claims to reject every creed, doctrine, tradition and human prejudice introduced to the church after the first century. In this course we hold to the principles of One God, Faith, Repentance, Water Baptism by full immersion in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues, holiness of heart and life, the nine Gifts of the Spirit, the Five-Fold Ministry, and the soon coming of Jesus to claim His Church. Apostle Embrey's course is based upon a progressive Biblical understanding of the manifold revelation of Jesus Christ as given in principle in the Word of GOD and ever unfolding through relationship with the true and living GOD. In this course, we hold to the principles of one GOD experienced through finite constructs that may vary, yet will always agree, and the outpouring of GOD's Spirit upon WHOSOEVER will call upon the name of GOD's only begotten HEIR, manifest in diverse and wonderful ways to the end that the CHURCH might come to maturity and the world might know GOD.
Tradition of Diversity
AIM does not discriminate, and has always had a diversified student body. We believe that the words "Whosoever will" do not contain any exclusions or exceptions. Therefore, any man, woman or child who wishes to learn the word of God and the basics of ministry is welcome to enroll.
Payment plans
Even though AIM tuition is probably lower than any other Bible school in the western hemisphere, we recognize that financial hardship does exist. No student has ever been turned away from AIM because he or she could not pay the tuition. Easy payment plans are available to those in need. We will work with you!
Our Roots
Apostolic Institute of Ministry traces its roots back to 1981, when classes were held at Family of Pentecost Church in Omaha, Nebraska. These classes, created and taught by AIM Founder Rev. William H. Carey, became the curriculum of a new school, known as Pentecostal Bible Institute. Through the years, classes have been taught in Omaha, in Houston, in Tucson, in Schenectady, and in the Detroit suburbs, as well as by correspondence. In 2010, Pentecostal Bible Institute became the Apostolic Institute of Ministry, utilizing the same curriculum, updated and supplemented to provide a better education. In 2015, the Apostolic Institute of Ministry became the Affirming Institute of Ministry and expanded to include a progressive course of study. AIM is always striving to improve the education we provide our students. With the launching of internet-based learning in 2013, we made our classes available to a much wider student body, but still with the same vision and purpose as we had in 1981: to equip men and women to enter the ministry and to serve the Kingdom of God, so that they in turn may equip others to do the same. (Eph. 4:11-15)
Historical Perspective
While many good educational opportunities exist for men and women who love God and feel a call to ministry, these are not always accessible to all. Many schools restrict enrollment based on gender, sexuality, or religious tradition. Others might discriminate for other reasons. Additionally, such schools often require a student to relocate and to spend large amounts of money to obtain an education. For many prospective students, money is an issue, and relocation is out of the question.
AIM exists to provide an alternative to those schools. While not offering degree programs, AIM does provide a quality education at very low cost, and makes it available online, so that students may study at their own pace. AIM is open to anyone: We do not discriminate... period!
The Future
Jesus told us that the harvest truly was great, but that the laborers were few. Sadly, that remains the case. By opening the door to ministerial preparation to more students, we hope to see more and more people answering the call to labor in the Master's fields.