Peace River Bible Institute
At PRBI, we value Christ above all things. We exist because of Him, are transformed into His image by His power, and depend on His provision for life and service. Our heartfelt desire is to glorify Him through the ministry of PRBI. Building on Christ as our foundation, we value:
Biblical Training
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our task is to train you in the lifechanging principles of God’s Word so that wherever Christ leads you, you will be equipped to pass on those principles to others.
Authentic Relationships
You will experience a community where you are accepted, loved, and ministered to as a whole person. In community, we support and encourage one another in our shared goal of living for Christ.
Kingdom Service
Identifying, developing, and using the resources Christ has given you to offer effective kingdom service is your contribution to a broken and hurting world.
Strategic Partnerships
It is through strategic partnerships with Christ’s church locally and globally that your opportunity to impact the world is expanded and multiplied.
Student Outcomes
As you encounter Christ in the context of PRBI’s learning community, you will be invited to:
- nurture a healthy and ongoing relationship with Christ - pursue wholeness and holiness
- develop a biblically informed worldview
- acquire practical, relational, and ministry skills - enhance your ability to love the church and neighbour - discover a sense of your place in the church and the world
We look forward to welcoming you as a student!
Kim Cairns
HOW TO APPLY
Visit www.prbi.edu/apply and fill out the application. It only takes about 30 minutes!
Visit www.prbi.edu/AdmissionsPolicy for more information.
HOME SCHOOL INFO
PRBI welcomes homeschool students, in fact, one in every five PRBI students come from a homeschooling background!
For homeschool students without a diploma, please upload your most recent academic records in place of transcripts when completing your application.
Once your application is complete, you may be asked to provide additional documents. These could include an academic profile with your high school course listings, grades, and curriculum used; a letter of completion from your homeschool association; and a sample essay. Visit www.prbi.edu/homeschool for more details.
FOUNDATIONS CERTIFICATE (1 year)
The Foundations Certificate (30 credits) is designed to give you a foundation of biblical understanding and ministry skills. It gives you an introduction to academics and discipleship, and helps ignite a passion for seeing God’s kingdom advance here on earth. Following successful completion of this certificate, you can seamlessly continue into any of the other two, three, or four-year programs. Visit www.prbi.edu/courses for course descriptions.
Bible and Theology (12 credits):
- Foundations of the Christian Faith (3)
- Hermeneutics (3)
- Life of Christ (3)
- Old Testament I (3)
Applied Studies (11 credits):
- Christian Life Development (3)
- Evangelism (3)
- Field Education (1)
- Intro to College Academics (1)
- Kingdom Service (3)
General Studies (3 credits):
- Worldviews (3)
Undesignated Electives (4 credits)
REACH CERTIFICATE (1 year)
The Reach Certificate (32 credits) is designed to lead you into a deeper faith through study, personal application and practical hands-on experience that includes a one-month crosscultural mission experience at the end of the school year. Following successful completion of this certificate, you can seamlessly continue into any of the other two, three, or four-year programs. Visit www.prbi.edu/courses for course descriptions.
Bible and Theology (12 credits):
- Foundations of the Christian Faith (3)
- Hermeneutics (3)
- Life of Christ (3)
- Old Testament I (3)
Applied Studies (13 credits):
- Christian Life Development (3)
- Evangelism (3)
- Field Education (1)
- Intro to College Academics (1)
- Kingdom Service (3)
- Reach Mission Practicum (2)
General Studies (3 credits):
- Worldviews (3)
Undesignated Electives (4 credits)
ASSOCIATE OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES (2 years)
Our two-year diploma (60 credits) is designed to enhance your general understanding of the Bible and to build basic skills in ministry. It will benefit those interested in lay ministry in the church as well as those who will go on to further education. It may also provide the basic training for some vocational ministries. Visit www.prbi.edu/courses for course descriptions.
Bible and Theology (15 credits):
- Christian Apologetics (3)
- Foundations of the Christian Faith (3)
- Hermeneutics (3)
- Life of Christ (3)
- Old Testament I (3)
Undesignated Electives (20 credits)
General Studies (6 credits):
- People Helping (3)
- Worldviews (3)
Applied Studies (19 credits):
- Intro to College Academics (1)
- Christian Life Development (3)
- Evangelism (3)
- Kingdom Service (3)
- Public Speaking (3)
- The Disciple-Making Process (3)
- Field Education (3)
BACHELOR OF BIBLICAL STUDIES (3 years)
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree is a three-year program (90 credits) designed to deepen your understanding of the Bible and equip you with practical skills for service in a variety of ministry contexts. In addition, the BBS provides an excellent foundation for pursuing further education and vocations. This program also provides increased opportunities for discipleship and leadership training. Visit www.prbi.edu/courses for course descriptions.
Bible and Theology (30 credits):
- Christian Apologetics (3)
- Foundations of the Christian Faith (3)
- Hermeneutics (3)
- Life of Christ (3)
- Old Testament I (3)
- Advanced Exegesis (3)
- New Testament World (3)
- One Systematic Theology elective (3)
- One Old Testament elective (3)
- One New Testament elective (3)
Undesignated Electives (27 credits)
Applied Studies (24 credits):
- Intro to College Academics (1)
- Christian Life Development (3)
- Evangelism (3)
- Kingdom Service (3)
- Public Speaking (3)
- The Disciple-Making Process (3)
- Foundations of Leadership (3)
- Field Education (5)
General Studies (9 credits):
- People Helping (3)
- One Humanities elective (3)
- Worldviews (3)
BACHELOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (4 years)
Our four-year degree (122 credits) is designed to prepare you for church leadership or vocational ministry. This program offers opportunities for advanced and hands-on training in discipleship, leadership, and ministry. BRE students can pursue specializations in a variety of ministries, such as Cross Cultural Work, Pastoral Ministries, Youth Ministries, or Worship Arts. Visit www.prbi.edu/courses for course descriptions. The following courses are applicable to all BRE degrees regardless of specialization:
Bible and Theology (42 credits):
- Christian Apologetics (3)
- Foundations of the Christian Faith (3)
- Hermeneutics (3)
- Life of Christ (3)
- Old Testament I (3)
- Advanced Exegesis (3)
- New Testament World (3)
- Ethics (3)
- Two Systematic Theology electives (6)
- Two Old Testament electives (6)
- Two New Testament electives (6)
Undesignated Electives (20-32 credits)
General Studies (9 credits):
- People Helping (3)
- One Humanities elective (3)
- Worldviews (3)
Applied Studies (39 credits):
- Intro to College Academics (1)
- Christian Life Development (3)
- Evangelism (3)
- Kingdom Service (3)
- Worldviews (3)
- Public Speaking (3)
- The Disciple-Making Process (3)
- Foundations of Leadership (3)
- World Missions (3)
- Church History (3)
- Church Discipleship Strategies (3)
- Expository Preaching (3)
- Field Education (6)
- Internship (2) Generally completed between 3rd and 4th year
Specialization (Up to 12 credits)
PASTORAL MINISTRIES
MAJOR
The Pastoral Ministries Major is designed to prepare you for direct entry into pastoral ministry and is also a great preparation for seminary. This program will help you understand both the theory and practical aspects of church and pastoral ministry, as well as develop pastoral skills like discipleship, preaching, pastoral care and leadership. This program also has a Youth Pastor specialization for those interested.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC COURSES
- Greek Grammar I & II
- Practice of Congregational Ministry
- Pastoral Ministry Specialized Studies
MINISTRY STUDIES
MAJOR
The Ministry Studies Major is designed to prepare you for a variety of church, para-church, and community ministries. This is a highly flexible program that allows you the freedom to choose courses within specific areas of ministry interest (including specialization tracks in youth, theology, or worship) while still providing a solid foundation of widely transferable skills and principles for both ministry and further education.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC COURSES
This major is designed for maximum flexibility. You may choose to focus on a specific area or specialization, or you may opt for a more general cross-section of courses.
CROSS CULTURAL WORK SPECIALIZATION
This specialization equips you to engage meaningfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, both locally and globally. You will gain a deeper understanding of the global church, cultural diversity, and the significance of empowering local leaders. Cross-cultural ministry is not just international; it flourishes anywhere cultures interact. You will also develop practical skills in evangelism, discipleship, and service to share Christ.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC COURSES
- World Missions
- Contemporary Issues in Missions
- Cross Cultural Specialized Study
- Cross Cultural Internship
FAITH BASED ADDICTIONS TREATMENT SPECIALIZATION
I n cooperation with Rising Above Ministries, we have developed a specialization designed to equip you to help others break free of cycles of defeat. This 10-credit program is available both as a standalone certificate (for qualified students) and as a specialization for BRE students. Typically, we offer one 2-credit course per semester (not including internship).
LIVE ON CAMPUS where lifelong friendships are built. You share meals in the dining hall, enjoying healthy food and meaningful connection in a Christ-centred welcoming community.
SPORTS TEAMS compete in our local leagues. You can stay active through access to the fitness centre, gymnasium, and intramurals that build teamwork, discipline, and friendships.
PERFORMING ARTS TEAMS allow you to develop your gifts in music and drama through the Christmas Production, the Performing Arts Showcase, and a weeklong tour after graduation.
SMALL GROUPS meet to connect, serve, and encourage each other. You will make friends that will last a lifetime and grow in your faith while having real conversations about life and God’s Word together.
1, 2 We reserve the right to change these fees without prior notice.
3 This is the average cost of textbooks for our freshmen for the whole year.
4 $4,500 fundraising commitment which will be raised through a mission agency.
5 Sports team fees start at $300 but will vary according to each sport and its league fees.
6 This fee covers twelve 30-minute lessons over one semester. Cost is $400.00 for part-time students.
7 PRBI distributes $50,000+ in scholarships/bursaries every year. These are not entrance bursaries; you may apply for them during first semesters.
8Financial aid may be available to students who demonstrate financial need. Email operations@prbi.edu for more information. 9
LOCATION
PRBI sits in the quiet town of Sexsmith, right in the heart of the Peace Country. Life here is rural, relaxed, and surrounded by fields and open skies—a great place to grow in faith and community. Sexsmith has the basics you need, from rinks and trails to a few local restaurants. And when you want more, Grande Prairie is only 15 minutes away with shopping, coffee shops, and entertainment.
Grande Prairie
PRBI - SEXSMITH, AB