Would you recommend this school?

[John of Japan]

__________ Bible Institute. Less Bible Instruction for Less Money! Apply today and receive a discount.

Can’t legally call itself a college because the state government says they don’t meet the academic requirements. (This is not the same as accreditation.) It offers a four year diploma (not allowed to call it a degree).

Dr. Joe Bigshot is the founder and president. He has pastored for 8 years since graduating from a Bible college in Alabama. He never went to seminary (he calls it “Semetary”), but has an honorary doctorate which he makes sure to use as much as possible.

Mrs. Bigshot, Joe’s wife, got a BA in homemaking at a secular college, but is famous for her book on Bible versions, which she lectures on (preaches) at churches.

Dr. Bill Masterly—Has a BA from Podunk Bible College in W. Virginia. Went to a mission field in Asia for four years—couldn’t learn the language. Got an MA and PhD from an Internet website that requires you to read 3 books and report on them for an MA, and 5 books plus reports for the PhD. He teaches theology and missions.

Mr. Sam Thundereyes pastored for two years after getting his two-year Associates Degree at a Bible college. That church fired him, but now he is trying to plant a church while teaching theology at the school.

Jim Justastudent is still working on his diploma at the school, but the administration is so impressed with him that they hired him to teach before he graduates. He’s known for “winning to Christ” an average of 80 people every month with his patented “Pray What I Say” method of soul winning. He brags a lot about his personal Bible study method.

Dr. John “KJB” Lovetheword has a DD (those are always honorary) from a well-known KJVO sister college. He is the sole resident prof for the school’s “seminary” branch. Once attended a meeting of Bible college profs but felt out of place. “Bunch of modern translation hypocrites!” He is the registered Bible scholar of the institution.

 

[John of Japan]

By the way, none of this is theoretical. I've seen all of it! And now we have a self-proclaimed "Bible scholar" right here on the BB!! It doesn't get any better than this!

I actually had a layman once before come into my office and call himself a Bible scholar. He had worked in two different Charismatic ministries (and they don't usually study the Bible), but had spent a few years in jail, where he had gotten serious about the Bible. However, he couldn't even name the books of the Bible in order! After coming here, he abandoned his self-proclaimed "scholar" status, and began to learn the Bible in earnest. We study the Bible together for an hour every Tuesday, then play chess together. He has come a long way since his self-proclaimed "Bible scholar" days.

 

[Salty]

John - Thanks for proclaiming me a Bible Scholar! I learned the Books of the Bible when I started AWANA many years ago.
(we were club # 166!)

 

[John of Japan]

John - Thanks for proclaiming me a Bible Scholar! I learned the Books of the Bible when I started AWANA many years ago.
(we were club # 166!)

I'm very happy for you!

 

[Armchair Apologist]

By the way, none of this is theoretical. I've seen all of it! And now we have a self-proclaimed "Bible scholar" right here on the BB!! It doesn't get any better than this!

I actually had a layman once before come into my office and call himself a Bible scholar. He had worked in two different Charismatic ministries (and they don't usually study the Bible), but had spent a few years in jail, where he had gotten serious about the Bible. However, he couldn't even name the books of the Bible in order! After coming here, he abandoned his self-proclaimed "scholar" status, and began to learn the Bible in earnest. We study the Bible together for an hour every Tuesday, then play chess together. He has come a long way since his self-proclaimed "Bible scholar" days.

Hmmm, I wonder to whom all this was directed?

Actually, much of this describes the "Back Room Bible Institute" that I had experienced back in the late 80s.

I still have the diploma on my wall. In all fairness, they did call it a "Certificate of Graduation" rather than a diploma or "degree."

An IFB Bible College (well-known and nationally prominent) evaluated my coursework and said I could use these credits and graduate with a BA degree in three semesters. I did not mention this prior coursework at all with the Seminary I have attended.

 

[Jerome]

Notice that "Baptist" isn't mentioned even once in that long OP description.
They could be Holy Rollers, ChurchaChrist, or who knows what!

 

[John of Japan]

Hmmm, I wonder to whom all this was directed?

Actually, much of this describes the "Back Room Bible Institute" that I had experienced back in the late 80s.

I still have the diploma on my wall. In all fairness, they did call it a "Certificate of Graduation" rather than a diploma or "degree."

An IFB Bible College (well-known and nationally prominent) evaluated my coursework and said I could use these credits and graduate with a BA degree in three semesters. I did not mention this prior coursework at all with the Seminary I have attended.

Aw, didn't mention it to the seminary?

What seminary (if you're comfortable with saying)? My son got his PhD at Southeastern under David Alan Black--a wonderful Greek scholar with a deep burden for missions. He also took classes under Kostenberger.

I got my BA at Tennessee Temple back in 1976 when it had some great teachers, but the curriculum was pretty haphazard. My next school was the Tokyo School of the Japanese Language, which I loved. I eventually got my MA from Maranatha, which is accredited, and am doing a DMin there. So I have been blessed with my education.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Aw, didn't mention it to the seminary?

What seminary (if you're comfortable with saying)? My son got his PhD at Southeastern under David Alan Black--a wonderful Greek scholar with a deep burden for missions. He also took classes under Kostenberger.

I got my BA at Tennessee Temple back in 1976 when it had some great teachers, but the curriculum was pretty haphazard. My next school was the Tokyo School of the Japanese Language, which I loved. I eventually got my MA from Maranatha, which is accredited, and am doing a DMin there. So I have been blessed with my education.

I got my "Bible Institute Degree" from Lighthouse Bible Institute in San Diego, CA while I was on active duty in the Navy. I was part of their very first graduating class in 1989. Doug Fisher was pastor or Lighthouse Baptist Church at time and I still have a great deal of respect for him. There have been graduates who have gone on to become pastors and missionaries: some of which I am still in contact with.

The IFB College I am speaking of is West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA and is what I would probably regard as the "Premier" college of the IFB-KJVO crowd these days (and actually accredited). I was a member of Lancaster Baptist at the time and they had just opened the college and was in the process of enrolling but decided I didn't truly fit with their "Culture" so I opted for a secular degree instead - BS Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

I was driving a truck for a while during Covid (and after being laid off from the corporate world) and would often run through Shreveport, LA passing by Louisiana Baptist University on I-20 and something kept nagging me that I ought to look into it and finish the Bible training I had set out to do. I had gone through a divorce and was remarried so being "damaged goods," I believe being a pastor or missionary is not on the table but God had brought me back to a wonderful Filipina lady I knew (and wanted to marry) when I was in the Navy. God used her to bring me back to the Lord (and vice-versa). After talking to the Seminary Dean, I decided that it would be very much doable and quite affordable so I enrolled in their Master of Theological Studies program. My work from the Bible Institute preceded even my bachelor degree so that would be quite funny if they accepted them as credits towards a Master level degree! Perhaps I wouldn't (or shouldn't) have too much respect for them if they did?

Anyway, I am walking next week for my Master of Theological Studies at Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary. The Seminary Dean is Dr. Jay Walker and I remember being discouraged and trying to drop out citing the fact that I had been divorced but he told me he had been divorced/remarried and was pastoring as well (go figure). He keeps telling me that I ought to pursue my PhD but I feel rather old for it at this time. I am planning on teaching Systematic Theology and Apologetics at the undergrad level in the Philippines (and elsewhere) and if someone offers me a "free-ride" in a PhD program, I may look into it.

 

[John of Japan]

I got my "Bible Institute Degree" from Lighthouse Bible Institute in San Diego, CA while I was on active duty in the Navy. I was part of their very first graduating class in 1989. Doug Fisher was pastor or Lighthouse Baptist Church at time and I still have a great deal of respect for him. There have been graduates who have gone on to become pastors and missionaries: some of which I am still in contact with.

I meant to comment on this post, but couldn't find where I had put it. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

I'd be the last in the world to criticize a Bible institute, since I taught in one for years in Japan. Also, my Dad taught in a couple. (Preached for 60 years before Alzheimer's got him.)

The IFB College I am speaking of is West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA and is what I would probably regard as the "Premier" college of the IFB-KJVO crowd these days (and actually accredited). I was a member of Lancaster Baptist at the time and they had just opened the college and was in the process of enrolling but decided I didn't truly fit with their "Culture" so I opted for a secular degree instead - BS Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

I've heard good things about that college, but never been there or met the President.

I was driving a truck for a while during Covid (and after being laid off from the corporate world) and would often run through Shreveport, LA passing by Louisiana Baptist University on I-20 and something kept nagging me that I ought to look into it and finish the Bible training I had set out to do. I had gone through a divorce and was remarried so being "damaged goods," I believe being a pastor or missionary is not on the table but God had brought me back to a wonderful Filipina lady I knew (and wanted to marry) when I was in the Navy. God used her to bring me back to the Lord (and vice-versa). After talking to the Seminary Dean, I decided that it would be very much doable and quite affordable so I enrolled in their Master of Theological Studies program. My work from the Bible Institute preceded even my bachelor degree so that would be quite funny if they accepted them as credits towards a Master level degree! Perhaps I wouldn't (or shouldn't) have too much respect for them if they did?

The main thing is to do God's will, whatever it is. I've got former students all over the world, but also some who simply work a secular job. And I'd be the last to tell anyone to be a missionary like I was unless they are clearly called. It's a stress-filled life anywhere in the world. Knew a guy in Japan planting a church after language school. He was amazed that I said I'd been called to Japan. Said he was there "because of the Great Commission." Long story, but the stress got to his heart, which became enlarged. The doctor said to get out of Japan or his heart would kill him.

Anyway, I am walking next week for my Master of Theological Studies at Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary. The Seminary Dean is Dr. Jay Walker and I remember being discouraged and trying to drop out citing the fact that I had been divorced but he told me he had been divorced/remarried and was pastoring as well (go figure). He keeps telling me that I ought to pursue my PhD but I feel rather old for it at this time. I am planning on teaching Systematic Theology and Apologetics at the undergrad level in the Philippines (and elsewhere) and if someone offers me a "free-ride" in a PhD program, I may look into it.

Congratulations! That's a great degree, and a difficult effort. I have a friend who worked with the deaf in the Philippines for many years. Had to retire because of health issues in him and his wife.

There is such a huge need for Christian educators in all the mission fields. Your ThM will be very welcome there and highly respected. But you might want to look into a DMin. Just took a DMin class on "Preaching Prophetic Literature," and it was great! I still have to do the post-class project, which I worked a little on this morning. The prof, a well-published PhD scholar, was clear that this was a doctoral level course, and treated us just as well as he would PhD guys. Very tough class.

And I'm 74, so forget that about being "too old" for a doctorate.

 

[Salty]

And I'm 74, so forget that about being "too old" for a doctorate.

So when you are 75 - then you would be too old?

 

[Marooncat79]

I went to a fundamentalist seminary and completed roughly 60 hrs of an MDIV- i need preaching Greek II and History and another 2!or so classes

I am old enough that ai am done and am good w it

My dream was Japan (theological education and church planting/evangelism) but God had other plans

Currently too involved in working and Ministry (mostly Africa, some India) to worry about finishing anything but life -and that well

I am honored to have been a part of Gods economy (my Hebrew/OT prof) who actually spent many years in Japan

There is nothing like teaching and helping men who just a year or so ago had almost no hope for either Bibles, books nor any semblance of theological education, and that while not perfect is better than what they ever imagined.

Its a crazy tide guys/gals

 

[John of Japan]

So when you are 75 - then you would be too old?

Well, if you're going to get a doctorate, make sure you get it done by age 75, no later! If I get the class I need in September, I'll finish the classwork, then do the dissertation by graduation next year--God willin' and the creek don't rise!

 

[John of Japan]

I went to a fundamentalist seminary and completed roughly 60 hrs of an MDIV- i need preaching Greek II and History and another 2!or so classes

I am old enough that ai am done and am good w it

My dream was Japan (theological education and church planting/evangelism) but God had other plans

Currently too involved in working and Ministry (mostly Africa, some India) to worry about finishing anything but life -and that well

I am honored to have been a part of Gods economy (my Hebrew/OT prof) who actually spent many years in Japan

There is nothing like teaching and helping men who just a year or so ago had almost no hope for either Bibles, books nor any semblance of theological education, and that while not perfect is better than what they ever imagined.

Its a crazy tide guys/gals

Amen! Awesome, and a very important ministry. What's the name of your Hebrew/OT prof? David Hesselgrave, maybe? He spent 10 years in Japan and came back to teach.

By the way, I had 40 credits of MA level when I applied for the DMin. The standard without an MDiv (mine was an MA) is 60 credits to be accepted for the DMin. So I did 20 more MA level, and got into the program at Maranatha Baptist Seminaryu So you could do the DMin if it would be a help in your ministry.

 

[John of Japan]

Something interesting about Dr. John “KJB” Lovetheword's Doctor of Divinity. It was evidently a genuine academic degree back in the day, but things changed in the 19th century. I'm reading the biography of Jonathan Goble, the first Baptist missionary to Japan. It talks about the DD back in the mid 1800s as an honorary degree. Supposedly only about 100 Baptists in the US had the DD at that time. Goble harshly criticized the degree as being fake!

 

[Marooncat79]

Amen! Awesome, and a very important ministry. What's the name of your Hebrew/OT prof? David Hesselgrave, maybe? He spent 10 years in Japan and came back to teach.

By the way, I had 40 credits of MA level when I applied for the DMin. The standard without an MDiv (mine was an MA) is 60 credits to be accepted for the DMin. So I did 20 more MA level, and got into the program at Maranatha Baptist Seminaryu So you could do the DMin if it would be a help in your ministry.

His name was TV Farris aka corky when he was in the AF

He was a tail gunner on a B17. Had a reputation which was not a christian

After the war, was converted College, Seminary, pastor, Missionary. Hokaido and Honshu. Spent at least 13 yrs there.

Came back to US. Was a pilot. Plane went down in Sonoran desert in late 60s while on a missions trip to central America - spoke 5-6 languages. Crawled for 3 days across desert. Broken back, broken legs and ankles and used 2 canes. They finally found him in desert almost dead

Crazy thing

It was the 1st day of school in Aug 1987, a first day student asked

“Dr Farris, im confused”

He steps back

Im sorry, i thought this was OT introduction, not Hebrew 101.

Dr Farris was very blunt as in sir, of you would sit down and listen, you might just learn something in this class

Last time i ever saw the student

 

[Marooncat79]

Amen! Awesome, and a very important ministry. What's the name of your Hebrew/OT prof? David Hesselgrave, maybe? He spent 10 years in Japan and came back to teach.

By the way, I had 40 credits of MA level when I applied for the DMin. The standard without an MDiv (mine was an MA) is 60 credits to be accepted for the DMin. So I did 20 more MA level, and got into the program at Maranatha Baptist Seminaryu So you could do the DMin if it would be a help in your ministry.

Thanks man.

I am in the backgrounds now

No need for it. I only teach by writing abtilces, sharing articles and sending them books.

Besides, God knows the last thing in the world I need is more ego

 

[Marooncat79]

I am a lot like John in that i do not believe in a “bad” school per se; however, some simply do not need to exist due to heresy and not taking it seriously enough to having a robust curriculum.

I am not saying overly challenging, but enough classes and rich enough to encourage true theological engagement. I do send fairly deep reading materials to them.

Its amazing, what God does when you send 20 books to a pastor in Africa or help in another way

They are just as capable of learning good theology as us here in the good ole USA.

We have to rethink missions in America. Period.

Examples $120 means 20 Bibles in Swahili

$100 means 10 Bibles in Somali

$200 feeds 20 pastors 3 meals per day for 20 pastors at the pastors college in Malawi. Pretty cheap huh

$60 buys food for 10 days for a pastor in the Gambia

$35 or so is enough for a months worth of cellphone data for him to teach 10 Bible classes per week for a month in Kenya

We need to learn to engage national pastors

 

[Marooncat79]

Most of the guys I deal with have 1 Bible or maybe even 1 NT in a church typically owned by the pastor.

So they are super grateful for anything they receive.

Its amazing to hear how when church members receive 4-5 more Bibles they immediately start inviting people over 3-4 times per week to read the Bible aloud together.

When people receive Bibles or Pastors receive books they cry out how much God has blessed them

Pastors are growing, churches are growing numerically and in spiritual understanding

We are truly living in Acts Chapter 6,781-89. Believe it or not

 

[John of Japan]

His name was TV Farris aka corky when he was in the AF

He was a tail gunner on a B17. Had a reputation which was not a christian

After the war, was converted College, Seminary, pastor, Missionary. Hokaido and Honshu. Spent at least 13 yrs there.

So, part of the "greatest generation" of missionaries. I did not know him, but our "senior missionary" Jim Norton probably did. He went over in 1952 and was there for more than 40 years.

We ministered in Yokohama for 13 years after language school, then Hokkaido for 16 years.

Came back to US. Was a pilot. Plane went down in Sonoran desert in late 60s while on a missions trip to central America - spoke 5-6 languages. Crawled for 3 days across desert. Broken back, broken legs and ankles and used 2 canes. They finally found him in desert almost dead

Crazy thing

A real man and missionary!

It was the 1st day of school in Aug 1987, a first day student asked

“Dr Farris, im confused”

He steps back

Im sorry, i thought this was OT introduction, not Hebrew 101.

Dr Farris was very blunt as in sir, of you would sit down and listen, you might just learn something in this class

Last time i ever saw the student

I've had students like this.

 

[John of Japan]

Most of the guys I deal with have 1 Bible or maybe even 1 NT in a church typically owned by the pastor.

So they are super grateful for anything they receive.

Its amazing to hear how when church members receive 4-5 more Bibles they immediately start inviting people over 3-4 times per week to read the Bible aloud together.

When people receive Bibles or Pastors receive books they cry out how much God has blessed them

Pastors are growing, churches are growing numerically and in spiritual understanding

We are truly living in Acts Chapter 6,781-89. Believe it or not

That's a great ministry.