The Local Church is the Spot

According to recent research by International Bible Institute, approximately 100 million people in America want a quality and affordable Bible school education providing a good understanding of the Bible or to be better prepared to serve in their churches. Where do you think is the most appropriate of all locations for such education and training? Simply, the local church.

For many people, the local Bible institute serves a discipleship function as well as being a practical training ground for ministerial development and practice. -Bruce W. Jackson

If you are a pastor or Christian education leader who desires to start a Bible institute in your local church, you can through International Bible Institute (IBI) located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. As an IBI consultant, I can help you establish your own institute joining others in the growing trend and resurgence of the Bible Institute movement. According to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research, in addition to other forms of training, 20-30 percent of megachurches have maintained a Bible school or institute since 2000. The significant point isn't that megachurches have institutes but that the local church is the best location for offering training because that's where the people are, and their desire for quality and affordablility can be met.

Bible institutes began in the late 1800s in the United States through the pioneering efforts of D. L. Moody and A. B. Simpson to primarily train lay people for ministry within the local church. That still is the foundational pillar today which has for many provided a first-time positive validation and a primary environment for ministerial preparation and motivation to pursue more advanced studies and training for ministry. Needless to say, strengthening and fostering growth in the local church.

A Bible Institute is a non-degree granting school of adult education designed to provide advance training and equipping in biblical and doctrinal studies, ministry and leadership skills to be prepared to do the work of the ministry. -Jonathan N. Thigpen

IBI was founded by Dr. Earle E. Williams, and since 1979, has helped scores of pastors establish Bible institutes in their churches which have graduated students whom are now in full-time ministry. We'll guide you with step-by-step instructions in starting a 3-year diploma granting institute with a 19-course curriculum developed by 36 prominent scholars, and on-going administrative and promotional support. For additional information, click on IBI. For details on how affordable and effortless you can have your own local church institute up and running, email your contact information to me at jbeaveniii@aol.com.

The one thing that compelled us to choose IBI as our tool of discipleship for the equipping of the saints is that it is centered, focused and founded in and on the Word of God. Our students are developing a hunger and passion for the Bible they've never known before. -Pastor Carl Hampsch, Newman Lake, WA

My graduates have come back to me over the years to say thank you for making it possible for them to prepare for ministry. -Rev. Jesse Candelaria, Jacksonville, FL

Me (center) and first graduates at Emmanuel Bible Institute (Indianapolis, IN)

Copyright © 2010 Johnson Beaven III. All Rights Reserved.

Johnson Beaven is pastor of Citadel of Faith Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and serves as a district superintendent in the COGIC Indiana North Central Jurisdiction. A consultant with International Bible Institute, he helps pastors establish their own local church Bible Institute. His Twitter account is @jbeaven.