Bible Institute trains students for ministry

Dr. Harold Willmington, dean of LBI, explained.

Willmington, the founder of LBI, started the institute as part ofthe Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1972 with only 52 students. Over the years the institute grew and maintained a student enrollment of approximately 150 each year.

But in 1985 enrollment dropped to less than 65 stu-

JEFFS.SMITH dents.The causes for this decrease were multiple, but the main factor was the direct result of the birth of the Liberty Home Bible Institute, a correspondence course through LU.

The decision to reopen the institute began with Willmington, who felt that the institute could be effective once again in training people for pastoral ministry. As a result, LBI reopened in the fall of 1992 with more than 60 students enrolled.

Theinstituteofferspastoral students a certificate program under the auspices of the Liberty BaptistTheological Seminary.

The institute courses include two years of intensive teaching from five areas of instruction. The framing also includes two years of seminars and symposiums that include topics such as "How to organize a local church Bible institute" and "How to develop a visitation program."

By Pamela Walck

t Gasten Master of DivinityMaster of Arts inLiberty BibleLiberty Bible CounselingInstituteInstitute

Philip GermerothBo b Gheor Gh eDaniel Gherma n Master of DivinityMaster of DivinityMaster of Divinity

Jae-Shook Gh oMichelle Gorma nJeffrey GrayDavid Green Master of Arts inGraduat