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Discover flexible audit options at The Bible Seminary. Tailor your theological education, explore Bible courses, and customize your spiritual growth journey. Find the perfect path for deepening your understanding of the Scriptures with our customizable audit programs Register Today! Audit a course At The Bible Seminary, auditing a course offers a unique opportunity to enrich your understanding of Biblical studies. For a fee of $435 per course, auditors can choose to attend classes in-person, participate live online, asynchronous, or a hybrid format that blends all options. Participants receive access to course materials and are encouraged to join discussions and ask questions, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. This opportunity is ideal for lifelong learners, clergy seeking continuing education, or anyone passionate about learning God's word. A TBS Audit student has the option to audit a course for personal enjoyment or do the work (test & assignments), bank it if they decide to migrate into a graduate program at a later time.

The history of The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas from 1996 til present time. History 1996 Original Vision The passion for a vibrant Bible-based, Christ-centered, mission-focused training center for church laity and professional ministers began in the life and ministry of Dr. Jim Leggett, founder and senior pastor of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas. Part of the church’s founding vision in 1996 included eventually creating a school offering seminary-level training to laity and initially visualized as a "Growth Institute." 2008 Bible Institute The original idea evolved into a “Bible Institute” under the leadership of Grace Fellowship UMC Teaching Pastor, Paul Helbig – a former teacher and key leader at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, Texas. The church officially established a Bible Institute in 2008 to teach a series of lay courses covering all 66 books of the Bible. Classes were designed to be highly engaging and transformative, a joy and not a burden, taught by seminary-trained, credentialed instructors, and more intensive than typical Bible studies, but not quite as intense as a full-level seminary class. The original Bible Institute courses included Bible Study Methods, three Old Testament and three New Testament classes, and one missions class. Each course was one semester in length, and students generally met one night per week throughout a semester. 2009 Exploration and Planning Several key Grace Fellowship members began working diligently with Dr. Leggett and others to develop a graduate school as a separate, non-denominational, charitable, educational organization. The team selected a name – The Bible Seminary – and worked to establish bylaws, a Board of Trustees, core values, doctrines, ethos, financial support, incorporation in the state of Texas, institutional policies, and a program track for a three-year Master of Divinity degree aimed at attracting full-time, residential students. These tasks were completed or advanced significantly under the leadership of seminary Board Chair, Dan Dunham, and seminary Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Rick McCalip. 2010 Founding The Bible Seminary The Bible Seminary became officially registered as Domestic Non-Profit Corporation in the state of Texas in Feburary 2010, and an IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Institution of Higher Education in August 2010. The new Board officially named Dr. Jim Leggett President of The Bible Seminary, and hosted a fundraiser at Grace Fellowship in which more than 260 church members and friends committed in excess of $1,100,000 to help launch the seminary. 2011 Organization The Board launched a nationwide search for an Executive Vice-President/Provost. Dr. K. Lynn Lewis – a dynamic professional with more than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneurial businessman, educator, fundraiser, and ministry leader – began serving TBS in July 2011. TBS received an exemption for its Master of Divinity program by the Texas Workforce Commission in March 2011, received a similar exemption from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in May 2011, officially transferred the Bible Institute from Grace Fellowship UMC to The Bible Seminary in July 2011, and began publicizing and recruiting students for a new, 32-course, 96-hour Master of Divinity graduate school program scheduled to launch the next fall. The first ten Bible Certificate students completed their course of study in December 2011, four years after taking their first class. 2012 First Graduate Class The graduate program launched with 12 inaugural students on September 4, 2012. Faculty included Dr. Lewis, Professor Helbig, and select adjunct professors. TBS received approval for Affiliate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) in April 2012 which lasted until ABHE ended their affiliation program in July 2021. 2013 Growth The seminary began offering an expanded slate of classes and options for both the Bible Certificate and Master of Divinity programs, as well as a Biblical Leadership Series of monthly seminars on various topics. 2014 Transitions Founding President, Dr. Jim Leggett, transitioned to a new role at the seminary in January 2014, and the Board of Trustees selected Dr. K. Lynn Lewis to serve as the new President. The seminary then launched a nationwide search for a new Provost (Chief Academic Officer), and in October 2014, Dr. Steve Adamson – a seasoned corporate and academic manager with worldwide experience – became the seminary’s new Provost. 2015 First Graduate Degrees TBS formally established a Master of Arts program, and developed a Dual Degree Completion option enabling those without a completed bachelor’s degree to enroll at TBS and graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Seven Master of Divinity and one Master of Arts received the first-ever TBS graduate degrees on May 17, 2015. TBS added a Licensed Professional program in September 2015 enabling those without a bachelor’s degree to obtain core TBS graduate level education. The Bible Certificate program added Spanish language classes and received approval by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in November 2015 to provide continuing education units for K-12 Christian education teachers. 2016 Initial Expansion The seminary began expanding course offerings into the northwest Houston region in association with churches and ministries in that area. By the end of the year, founding Professor Paul Helbig switched from full-time TBS employment to full-time disability leave due to health complications. 2017 Additional Staff, Growth, and Recognition The seminary hired a new Provost with 36 years of experience serving professionally as a pastor, principal, superintendent, professor, Development Director, teacher, coach, archaeologist, and more – Dr. Scott Stripling. TBS also hired a new full-time faculty member with an extensive background worldwide in educational administration, research, and teaching – Dr. Douglas Petrovich. TBS also implemented major revisions to the Bible Certificate program, added the “Bible Panorama” Bible Certificate course and “Biblical Archaeology” graduate course, and added new teaching sites in southwest Houston and in Luling, Texas. In December, TBS received recognition by the Knowledge Review as one of the "10 Most Preferred Divinity Schools for Religious Studies 2017." 2018 New Majors Added TBS added four defined Master of Arts majors ranging from 48 to 60-credit hours, including Master of Arts in Biblical History and Archaeology (60-credit hours), Master of Arts in Biblical Languages and Culture (54-credit hours), Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (60-credit hours), and Master of Arts in Church History and Theology (48-credit hours). The Board also approved a reduction in the hours required to complete a Master of Divinity from 96-credit hours to 84-credit hours, as well as revised the Licensed Professional program requirements from 8 courses to 9 courses totaling 18-credit hours. 2019 Candidacy Status The Bible Seminary became a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) by achieving Candidate Status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on April 16, 2019. Dr. Paul Nyquist, former President of Moody Bible Institute, joined the TBS administration full-time through 2019 as Dean of Graduate programs and Professor of Biblical Preaching, Leadership, and Theology. He moved to Adjunct Professor status in January 2020. 2020 - 2023 Accreditation, Programs, and Personnel In January 2020, following Dr. Nyquist’s change from full-time to adjunct status, TBS named Dr. Doug Petrovich Dean of the Graduate Programs and Mrs. Carousel Pieterse Director of the Bible Certificate Program. In October 2020, TBS renamed the “Licensed Professional” program the “Vocational Ministry Certificate” program, and earned Accredited Status with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). In 2021, TBS received approval from TRACS to offer Distance Education and became a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). In 2022, four concentrations were added to the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies: Biblical Leadership, Christian Education, Media Production, and Missions. TBS also added a publishing division, Nehemiah Press; launched the Archaological Studies Institute; and hired Dr. Israel Steinmetz as Dean of Graduate Programs and Associate Professor of Practical Theology. In 2023, the former non-degree Bible Certificate and Vocational Ministry Certificate programs were converted into a non-degree Certificate of Theological Studies.

Adjunct Professor < Back Previous Next Dr. Melissa Davis Adjunct Professor Dr. Melissa Davis is passionate about equipping men and women to be able to interpret and apply God's living Word in their lives and ministry. She has served in church and parachurch ministries for over 15 years in Canada, the United States, and overseas. She has served as an Associate Pastor, Pastor of Discipleship, director of Adult Education, Elder, and worship team member. Since 2017, she’s worked alongside several ministries in East Africa to train and equip pastors and church leaders in the areas of the Bible, theology, discipleship, and spiritual formation. She earned her M.Div from ACTS Seminary in Langley, BC, and her Ph.D. at Regent University. She and her husband, Mac, live in Virginia Beach with their German Shepherd, Tori. They are puppy raisers with Blue Path Service Dogs, an organization that raises, trains, and places service dogs with children with an autism diagnosis.

Purpose Certificate of Theological Studies <<< back Apply The Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS) is a 9-course, 27-hour non-degree credit program that offers vital educational experiences beneficial for anyone serving or who wants to serve in biblically-based, Christ-centered ministry leadership. The curriculum includes 7 CORE graduate courses common among all TBS degree programs, plus 2 ELECTIVE courses selected from any other available options. Fundamental skills and topics studied include hermeneutics, church history and theology, ministry leadership, public speaking/teaching, and spiritual formation, as well as a survey of all 66 books of the Bible and in-depth studies of numerous biblical books. Non-degree students are billed at the Audit rate per course (equivalent to the tuition cost of 1-credit hour). However, CTS students also have the option to earn 3-hour, graded credit by paying full course tuition and fees, attending and participating in course sessions, submitting all assignments, exams, and projects. Earned credit hours can be applied toward a graduate degree program should they desire to do so. Program Objectives 1. The student will understand all 66 Bible books and major movements and personalities in church history. 2. The student will gain confidence in his or her teaching and/or preaching skills. 3. The student will develop ministry skills in counseling and leadership. Learning Outcomes 1. The student will demonstrate a knowledge of the thematic, chronological, and geographical flow of the entire Bible through the SFM 500 final exam. 2. The student will demonstrate the ability to teach/preach expository and thematic messages as evidenced by assessed classroom speaking assignments. 3. The student will demonstrate a knowledge of counseling and leadership skills through final exams/projects in PAS 501 and PAS 511. Frequency of Offering CTS students are eligible to take any TBS graduate course. TBS generally offers at least one CORE course every semester at each location where graduate courses are offered. Students can take more than one course per semester, without needing to follow the sequence. Students may take their two elective courses at any point. There are no prerequisites for this program. CORE Courses (all 7 required, 3-hour credit per class) ⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods - Esther, Obadiah, Mark ⚫ THE 501: Theology I - Genesis (or THE 502, THE 503, or THE 504) ⚫ THE 510: Church History I - Luke, Acts ⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I - Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations ⚫ PAS 511: Pastor-Leader I - Ruth, Samuel, Kings ⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I - Isaiah ⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry - Bible Panorama CORE hours = 21 ELECTIVE Courses (two required, 3-hour credit per class) ⚫ (Any other TBS graduate course) ⚫ (Any other TBS graduate course) ELECTIVE hours = 6 CTS Total = 9 courses, 27-credit hours Purpose Program Objectives Learning Outcomes Classes & Electives Program Objectives Learning Outcomes Classes & Electives

8519bcfa-6a45-4d96-98e2-0f243d12c7d8 < Back Previous Next Refund Policy This policy describes the conditions upon which refunds of tuition and fees paid to the seminary by a student or on behalf of a student may be issued for students who withdraw from The Bible Seminary classes. Refunds will generally be returned to the original Payee(s) on record. For withdrawal (NORMAL schedule) • Prior to the first day of the semester – Full tuition and fees refund, less a 5% administrative fee. • On or up to 10 calendar days after the first day of the semester – Refund of 90% of the tuition paid; no refund of fees. • After 10 calendar days after the first day of the semester, but not later than 30 calendar days after the first day of the semester – Refund of 50% of the tuition paid; no refund of fees. • After 30 calendar days after the first day of class – No refund.Special provision for withdrawal of PART-TIME students taking a special or intensive class not concordant with the standard semester schedule. For withdrawal (SPECIAL schedule) • Prior to the first day of the class – Full tuition and fees refund, less a 5% administrative fee. • On or up to 1 calendar day after the first day of the class – Refund of 75% of the tuition paid; no refund of fees. • On or up to 2 calendar days after the first day of class – Refund of 50% of the tuition paid; no refund of fees. • On or up to 3 calendar days after the first day of class – Refund of 25% of the tuition paid; no refund of fees. • On or after 4 calendar days after the first day of class – No refund.Hardship and other circumstances may necessitate special consideration of refunds, at the discretion of the Provost. In no case will scholarship funds credited to a student’s account be repaid to a student upon withdrawal. These unused scholarship funds will be redirected back into the seminary scholarship fund for use by other students.

Business Manager < Back Previous Next Yamile Soto Business Manager Yami has a professional background working as Senior Financial Accountant at Opportune LLC in Houston (2016-19), Accounting Manager at Element Materials Technology in Houston (2014-16), and Controller/Operations Manager at Superior Foods in Miami, Florida (1995-2014). A native of Miami, Florida, she has three children – Jesus , Alyette and Dalilah – and is married to Omar Soto. Her multi-cultural background includes a Hispanic mother, Lebanese grandmother and Palestinian Christian grandfather (born in Bethlehem, Israel) who migrated to Cuba during World War II and then to Miami. She speaks English and Spanish fluently. Bachelor of Accounting (2008), Florida Gulf Coast University Master of Accounting (2015), Liberty University Certificate of Theological Studies (2025), The Bible Seminary

Courses Apply Today Biblical History and Archaeology Biblical Languages and Cultures Biblical Leadership - Concentration Biblical Studies Christian Education - Concentration Churh History and Theology Graduate Courses <<< back Biblical History and Archaeology The purpose of the MABHA is to offer students opportunities to study under recognized leaders in archaeology and related fields. Students strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible; learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge critical for serving in professional ministry leadership; and experientially explore basic archaeological history, theories, and methodologies. Biblical Languages and Culture The purpose of the MABLC is to offer students opportunities to study all 66 books of the Bible strategically and comprehensively, learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge critical for serving in professional ministry leadership, and experientially explore and practice ministry skills related to in-depth knowledge of biblical languages and culture. Biblical Leadership - MA Concentration for business, government, and other executive professionals, as well as professional and volunteer ministry leaders. Biblical Studies The purpose of the MABS program is to offer students opportunities to strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible, learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge critical for serving in professional ministry leadership, and experientially explore and practice a broad range of ministry skills. In addition to the general degree option, the following four concentrations are available: Christian Education - MA Concentration for Christian school administrators and teachers, most likely those teaching in private schools but available to any educator interested in leading/teaching from a strong biblical worldview. Church History and Theology The purpose of this program is to offer MACHT students opportunities to study all 66 books of the Bible strategically and comprehensively, learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge critical for serving in professional ministry leadership, and experientially explore and practice ministry skills related to in-depth knowledge of church history and theology. Dual Degree Completion The Dual Degree Completion (DDC) program allows students with an Associate’s degree (or equivalent), coursework toward an unfinished undergraduate degree, and life experiences that may count toward college credit to enroll in The Bible Seminary on a degree track culminating in both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students who successfully complete this program earn a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS), and either a companion Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree as described elsewhere in this catalog. The BACS incorporates previous college coursework (such as a 60-credit hour Associate’s degree), prior learning assessments, additional college studies, and TBS core graduate courses that can serve as dual bachelor/master credits. Master of Divinity The purpose of the MDiv program is to integrate an in-depth study of the Bible with the standard historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for ministry in the 21st century. The program includes 28 CORE graduate courses (84-credit hours) designed to teach all 66 books of the Bible over a three-year course of study. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Master of Divinity degree. The program is available for FULL-TIME students (registered for 9 or more credit hours per semester), PART-TIME students, and auditors. Media Production - MA Concentration for employees or volunteers leading or working in various areas of media production or publishing in businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, etc. Missions - MA Concentration for persons interested in preparation for working in foreign missions. Dual Degree Completion Master of Divinity Media Production - Concentration Missions - Concentration Biblical History and Archaeology Biblical Languages and Cultures Biblical Leadership - Concentration Biblical Studies Christian Education - Concentration Churh History and Theology Dual Degree Completion Master of Divinity Media Production - Concentration Missions - Concentration

< Back Clayton Van Huss JJJ Museum Assistant Director, TBS Student Services Coordinator, TBS Student Associate of Arts (1995), The Academy of Arts Christian College Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Radio, Television, and Film (2013), East Tennessee State University Master of Arts in Biblical History and Archaeology ( in process ), The Bible Seminary Born on the island of Okinawa, Japan and raised in communities across the U.S. during his father’s military service until they settled in northeast Tennessee, Clayton holds a B.A. in Theatre from East Tennessee State University with a minor in Radio, Television, and Film. He also earned an A.A. in Dramatic Production from The Academy of Arts Christian College located in Taylors, South Carolina. Clayton recently worked with Refuge Media to produce several Christian films, including The Brothers' Christmas, 1517 The Flame Rekindled, Born in a Stable, and Goodwill to Men. He is now following the path given by the Lord to The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas where he is working toward an M.A. in Biblical History & Archaeology. Previous Next

< Back Zero Carbon World This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

Join The Bible Seminary’s Call to Adventure building a experiential campus with a seminary, archaeology museum, and living history park for generations to come. The Lord's call to adventure is a lifelong journey. Over the past 15 years, The Bible Seminary has successfully established accredited degree programs rooted in scripture. We are currently planning for future academic and discipleship training facilities, programs, and resources. Our vision includes establishing an experiential campus combining seminary facilities with a biblical archaeology museum and archaeological park serving students and visitors locally and globally and in-person and online. Donate Today Pledge Student Stories Campaign Goals Future Campus Concept *Conceptual Rendering ACADEMIC FACILITIES Classrooms, library, bookstore, coffee shop, offices, production, reception, and storage. ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK Interactive excavation with dig stations, plus a Roman road, city gate and wall, garden, Hebrew Tabernacle, Israelite 4-room house, Jewish Synagogue, Roman theatre, mikvah, olive press, threshing floor, and well. MUSEUM Indoor exhibits and venue spaces hosting community classes, tours, and workshops. MARKET SHOPS AND STUDIOS An art studio, bakery, carpentry and fabric shops, money changer, olive press, pottery, scriptorium with parchment, and mosaic tile shop. Student stories Play Video Play Video 02:08 Play Video Play Video 08:33 Play Video Play Video 02:45 Play Video Play Video 02:35 Play Video Play Video 01:34 Play Video Play Video 01:04 Play Video Play Video 10:31 Play Video Play Video 02:12 Student Stories The videos currently featured were taken from other initiatives and repurposed to share as part of the Call to Adventure Campaign. Goals Campaign Goals 7.5 M Facilities: new campus, museum, and archaeological park. 4.0 M Operations: annual TBS expenses for FYE 2026–2028. 3.5 M Endowment Fund: faculty chairs, scholarships, and other. 15.0 M Total Campaign Goal.

Dive deeper into the world of archaeology with The Archaeological Studies Institute (ASI) Learn More page. Discover educational resources, courses, and insights that will enhance your understanding of ancient civilizations and artifacts. Start your archaeological journey today! [object Object]

1 < Back Previous Next Campus Main Campus in Katy, Texas TBS administrative offices, Classroom 270, libraries, and JJJ Museum are located in proximity to the 80-acre Great Southwest Equestrian Center and 30-acre Grace Fellowship Church campus. Remote Instructional Locations In addition to the main campus, TBS offers educational opportunities at various remote instructional locations. Churches, ministries, and others can utilize their own facilities to offer TBS programming to their own communities. Rather than focusing on a single centralized campus, TBS partners with others to bring high quality, bible-based, Christ-centered theological education to local regional areas. We believe the world is our campus, and your community can serve as a classroom for study and apprenticeship. Retention