Grace Bible Institute (GBI) is a new initiative of the Equip Ministry. GBI is committed to equipping believers with the knowledge and tools necessary to live out their faith in a meaningful and impactful way in today's world. In an engaging classroom environment, you will have access to Bible and theology coursework for the church-goer and will learn how to apply the teaching throughout your life.
This course is open to anyone who desires to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. Whether you’re a new believer seeking a solid foundation or a mature Christian looking to strengthen your knowledge of Bible Doctrines, this course will provide valuable insights and equip you for spiritual growth.
We will begin our first course, Introduction to Bible Doctrines, on Sunday, September 1 at 10:30 AM. The course will be held weekly until December 15 with a break on Sunday, November 24.
This course provides an in-depth examination of essential Christian doctrines as presented in Exploring Christian Theology Vol 1-3. [Exploring Christian Theology will be abbreviated ECL followed by the volume number and page number.] Through readings, discussions, and reflection, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational theological concepts and their implications for Christian belief and practice.
Classes will consist of engaging lectures, group discussions, and expert guest speakers from Dallas Theological Seminary as they apply to content. You can expect to receive a syllabus, have homework, and be given tests over the taught material to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
Introduction to Bible Doctrines will be limited to 25 students. Please register at the link below as soon as possible, or by August 25 at the latest.
These four courses can be completed in two years, culminating in a graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion.
What is the Grace Bible Institute (GBI)?
GBI is a graduate level adult education program focused on deepening knowledge of the Bible and theology through structured courses.
Why do we need GBI?
Without the continual transmission of faith from one generation to the next, the church will inevitably decline and die. The leadership of Grace Bible Church takes this duty with utmost seriousness and sobriety. In order to ensure that we are doing that, Grace Bible Church has a doctrinal statement. The Bible Doctrines course will be treated as an extended teaching on the doctrinal statement of GBC and will help place our beliefs in a protestant, evangelical, conservative understanding of Scripture. The Bible Doctrines course (Lord willing) will help equip GBC to understand, articulate, and defend our long held beliefs on Scripture, the Trinitarian God, Christ’s humanity and deity, the personhood of the Spirit, the nature and fall of humanity, the need for salvation, the church, sanctification, and end times.
What is the difference between an ABC class and a GBI class?
GBC is a church that is known for our deep teaching on Scripture. This is our heritage and we are honored to stand in that tradition of excellent Bible teachers. The GBI does not stand in place of excellent Bible teaching that happens through ABC classes or Sunday morning preaching. The GBI is a supplement to these excellent teachings in order to bring them all together and help our students to understand how all of these Bible Verses fit together to make a whole picture. There will be weekly homework, lecture, discussion, exams and projects that are a part of all GBI courses, this wholistic education plan will go beyond what attendees of ABC classes are expected to do every week.
Who can attend the courses at GBI?
The courses are open to youth and adults who are interested in learning more about the Bible and Theology. These courses are designed specifically for Grace Bible Church and do not require any prior knowledge or experience.
What are the attendance expectations?
Students will be allowed 3 absences for the semester. Anything beyond this number will have to be discussed with the professor for special allowances. Video recordings will be made available to students after each class in case they miss the lecture for that week.
What courses are offered at GBI, and when do they take place?
Courses cover topics like Bible Study Methods, Bible Doctrines, Christian living, and Bible Overview. They are offered in two 14-week semesters, starting in September for the Fall Semester and January for the Spring Semester.
Is there a cost to enroll in GBI courses?
The course costs $50/student (couples/Families are only $50).
How do I register for a course at GBI?
To register, click here.
What is the class format like (e.g., lectures, discussions)?
Classes will include lectures, discussions, and reading due before class.
What materials will I need for the courses?
Students will need a Bible and will be required to purchase textbooks for specific courses.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a course?
What is the duration of each course?
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the courses?
Optional (Not in email) How does GBI relate to Dallas Theological Seminary?
The Grace Bible Institute does not replace a higher education institution like Dallas Theological Seminary. Our hope is one day to become accredited through Dallas Theological Seminary and offer credit that can be transferred into DTS. We are also introducing GBC to excellent professors from DTS like Michael Svigel (Department chair of Theological Studies and prolific author in the area of theology) and Scott Horrell (world-renouned Trinitarian Scholar)