Overview
The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non-denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. On-campus and Distance Education programs include a Certificate of Theological Studies non-degree program, as well as Dual Degree Completion, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity degree programs.
The seminary is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) approved to offer Distance Education, a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
TBS aims to help nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training. Faculty seek to integrate studies of the Bible with instruction in historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for life and ministry. Experiential education occurs through classroom instruction, study tours, hands-on ministry training, and community-based training with ministry professionals.
Leadership includes Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, President; Dr. Scott Stripling, Provost; Dr. Israel Steinmetz, Dean of the Graduate Programs and full-time Professor; numerous adjunct faculty, ministry professionals, and mentors who serve as part of the teaching team; and a Board of Trustees.
Corporation Information
January 2018
Bible Institute Organized
February 2010
Registered independent Domestic Non-Profit Corporation with the Texas Secretary of State, TX SOS #0801230198, TX Taxpayer #32041214118
August 2010
Approved IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) #27-2190032.
March 2011
Approved by Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
May 2011
Approved by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (TXHECB)
April 2012 - July 2021
Approved Affiliate of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
October 2015
Approved CEU provider by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
September 2019
Approved accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
October 2020
Approved Accredited Status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
April 2021
Approved Distance Education provider by TRACS
December 2021
Approved member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
For more information, visit TBS profiles on the follwing websites:
Foundational Commitments
Facts
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President, Dr. K. Lynn Lewis (2014-present), Executive Vice-President/Provost (2011-13)
Provost, Dr. Scott Stripling (2017-present)
Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Mr. Rick McCalip (2010-present)
Board of Trustees, Mr. Adam Peters (Chair) with 11 total members
FACULTY
Two full-time administrators who also teach
One full-time faculty member and 15+ adjunct professors
50+ professionals who serve as mentors and visiting teachers
FOUNDERS
Dr. James E. Leggett, Founding President (2010-13)
Rev. Paul Helbig, Bible Institute Co-founder and Lead Faculty (2008-16)
Mr. Dan Dunham, Founding Board of Trustees Chair (2010-13)
Grace Fellowship Church, Seed funding for launch (2010-11)
INCORPORATION AND LICENSING
Independent and non-denominational
Registered Domestic Non-Profit Corporation in the state of Texas (Feb 2010)
Registered IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Institution of Higher Education (Aug 2010)
Exemption by Texas Workforce Commission (Mar 2011, Oct 2018, Aug 2020)
Exemption by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (May 2011)
Affiliate Member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (2012 - Jul 2021)
Approved CEU provider by the Association of Christian Schools International (Oct 2015)
Approved by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) for Applicant Status (Jan 2018); Candidate status (Apr 2019); Accredited status (Oct 2020); and to offer Distance Education (Apr 2021)
Approved accredited member of Evangelical Council Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) (Sep 2019)
Approved member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (Dec 2021, Aug 2023)
PROGRAMS
Master of Divinity (84-credit hours)
Master of Arts (four majors ranging from 48 to 60-credit hours)
Dual Degree Completion (Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry in conjunction with a TBS MA or MDiv)
Certificate of Theological Studies (27-credit hours)
SPECIAL PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Distinctively clear Core Values (Lordship of Christ, Bible as fully true Word of God, Prayer, Unreached Peoples, The Local Church, Community, and Compassion), doctrine, and ethos statements
Holy Land Study Tour opportunity
Technological study and resource tools
Multiple experiential learning opportunities
Strong commitment to helping students graduate with ZERO ($0) seminary debt
UNIQUE FEATURES
All programs cover all 66 books of the Bible
Comprehensive, relevant education and training for 21st century leadership
Local mentoring and training opportunities throughout the graduate degree programs
Educational experiences in classrooms, on-site visits to regional locations and international locations, especially in Israel