NO MORE PROFITABLE THING:
REGIONAL BIBLE SCHOOLS
David G. Roebuck
THE 1937 BIBLE TRAINING School catalog included an announcement of “Our Other Bible Schools.” Descriptions of schools in Florida, North Dakota, and Maine reflected the Church of God’s commitment to preparation for ministry and Christian service. With the success of BTS, it was natural to explore ways to provide educational opportunities in other locations. Among these early opportunities were short-term regional Bible schools—some of which developed into Bible colleges.
In Appleton, Maine, a short-term school in 1934 proceeded from the state convention. A report noted, “There are many precious young people in the State of Maine who would like to go to our good Bible School in Cleveland, Tenn., who are financially unable to do so.” Recognizing this need, Overseer H.W. Poteat scheduled six weeks of musical training, along with daily Bible instruction. U.D. Miller from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, taught music and superintended the school of 41 students, while Alva Mae McClure taught Bible. Miller recalled that when he arrived in Appleton on Sunday, July 8, the sounds of prayer in the dormitory immediately attracted his attention. He wrote, “While we knew that many prayers were going up to the throne of God for the school, the very atmosphere just seemed to be hallowed by the prayers of these dear young saints.”
Spiritual, as well as academic, results were an important outcome for the students. The schedule included nightly evangelistic services, and “every student was saved at the end of the term and all but four were filled with the Holy Ghost.” Alva Mae McClure, with the assistance of Sister Hamilton, led the services the first three weeks, and Eugene M. Bryant, the final three weeks. Miller wrote about Bryant, “His messages were like Sister McClure’s, uncompromising with the world and the devil and the results were wonderful.” Miller also lauded the academic results of the school, “Nearly all of the students were able to take their part in singing and sing by note.” Later named the New England Bible and Music School, summer instruction at Appleton continued for several years with a 1941 report listing the cost as “only $35 for board and tuition for six weeks beginning July 4.”
A similar summer Bible school began on the campground in Wimauma, Florida, in 1935 following that state’s June camp meeting. The six-week program included Bible, music, and singing classes for 93 students. J.H. Walker from BTS in Cleveland served as superintendent, B.C. Robinson taught music, and Mrs. E.L. Moore provided instruction in English and piano. At the conclusion of classes, students asked that the “school be continued each year, believing God will be pleased.” State Overseer E.W. Robinson added, “the school closed with enough money in the treasury to pay all the bills with a balance to pay for some library books and other incidentals for another term.” In succeeding years, administration and faculty from BTS were often part of the school, and course offerings expanded.
Other states and regions followed similar models, including Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, as well as the Northwest and Pacific Northwest regions.
In Appleton, Maine, a short-term school in 1934 proceeded from the state convention. A report noted, “There are many precious young people in the State of Maine who would like to go to our good Bible School in Cleveland, Tenn., who are financially unable to do so.” Recognizing this need, Overseer H.W. Poteat scheduled six weeks of musical training, along with daily Bible instruction. U.D. Miller from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, taught music and superintended the school of 41 students, while Alva Mae McClure taught Bible. Miller recalled that when he arrived in Appleton on Sunday, July 8, the sounds of prayer in the dormitory immediately attracted his attention. He wrote, “While we knew that many prayers were going up to the throne of God for the school, the very atmosphere just seemed to be hallowed by the prayers of these dear young saints.”
Spiritual, as well as academic, results were an important outcome for the students. The schedule included nightly evangelistic services, and “every student was saved at the end of the term and all but four were filled with the Holy Ghost.” Alva Mae McClure, with the assistance of Sister Hamilton, led the services the first three weeks, and Eugene M. Bryant, the final three weeks. Miller wrote about Bryant, “His messages were like Sister McClure’s, uncompromising with the world and the devil and the results were wonderful.” Miller also lauded the academic results of the school, “Nearly all of the students were able to take their part in singing and sing by note.” Later named the New England Bible and Music School, summer instruction at Appleton continued for several years with a 1941 report listing the cost as “only $35 for board and tuition for six weeks beginning July 4.”
A similar summer Bible school began on the campground in Wimauma, Florida, in 1935 following that state’s June camp meeting. The six-week program included Bible, music, and singing classes for 93 students. J.H. Walker from BTS in Cleveland served as superintendent, B.C. Robinson taught music, and Mrs. E.L. Moore provided instruction in English and piano. At the conclusion of classes, students asked that the “school be continued each year, believing God will be pleased.” State Overseer E.W. Robinson added, “the school closed with enough money in the treasury to pay all the bills with a balance to pay for some library books and other incidentals for another term.” In succeeding years, administration and faculty from BTS were often part of the school, and course offerings expanded.
Other states and regions followed similar models, including Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, as well as the Northwest and Pacific Northwest regions.
A School in the Northwest
One of the earliest short-term Bible schools was in Lemmon, South Dakota, where Frank W. Lemons became pastor in 1933. With its success, Overseer Paul H. Walker recognized the value of a school in his region and asked the 1934 General Assembly for permission to establish a permanent school. Delegates approved the school to be under the direction of the general and state overseers.
Superintendent Lemons wrote to Church of God Evangel readers about the first regular term, which began in January 1935: “The Northwest Bible and Music Academy is no longer a dreamer’s air castle, but a real institution of learning—not a proposed project as yet untried, for its first term, a very successful one, has become history.” Seventy-five students from Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada attended that first term. Evangel readers might have been surprised at Overseer Walker’s report that student nationalities included “Canadians, Americans, Norwegians, Swedes, Russians, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, and Irish, but we are one great family.”
Margaret Walker, wife of Paul H. Walker reported, “We spent six weeks filled with the studying of prophecy, the missionary journeys of Paul, Bible doctrine, music, public speaking, voice, and other subjects…. [I am] only sorry that the school term was not longer.” Music instructor Owel Denson commented, “I have never seen a class that learned any quicker than this one, and the best of all, the Lord was with us.”
That fall, the school relocated to a recently purchased campground in Minot, North Dakota. Eighty-seven students attended the twelve-week second term, and Superintendent Lemons reflected, “These students are convinced that to those contemplating a life of service in the ministry of soul-saving, no more profitable thing can be done than to invest a little time and money for training in Bible School.” Noting the many places of ministry students were serving, Overseer Walker wrote, “As a result of their going into these new fields and remote districts, a number have been saved, and the Church of God in the great Northwest has made the greatest progress this year of any previous year in its history.” Although the school returned to Lemmon from 1937 to 1948, Minot became its permanent home.
By 1956, Northwest had established a college division, inaugurated an Associate of Arts program, and adopted the name Northwest Bible College. Five years later, the Church of God Executive Council granted approval for a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Bible, and Northwest granted its first B.A. degree in 1963. In 1966, the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges granted associate membership, with full membership awarded in 1974. Northwest added a bachelor’s degree in music in 1972 and a program in elementary education for Christian day schools in 1981.
Regional overseers served as president from 1935 until 1964, after which the Board of Directors selected presidents. Their first choice for full-time president was Laud O. Vaught, who had already been part of Northwest for 12 years. Following Vaught’s tenure (1964–1980), Edward L. Williams (1980–1982), Donald M. Walker (1982–1986), and Franklin Huwe (1986–1987) served as presidents until the school closed on June 1, 1987.
One of the earliest short-term Bible schools was in Lemmon, South Dakota, where Frank W. Lemons became pastor in 1933. With its success, Overseer Paul H. Walker recognized the value of a school in his region and asked the 1934 General Assembly for permission to establish a permanent school. Delegates approved the school to be under the direction of the general and state overseers.
Superintendent Lemons wrote to Church of God Evangel readers about the first regular term, which began in January 1935: “The Northwest Bible and Music Academy is no longer a dreamer’s air castle, but a real institution of learning—not a proposed project as yet untried, for its first term, a very successful one, has become history.” Seventy-five students from Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada attended that first term. Evangel readers might have been surprised at Overseer Walker’s report that student nationalities included “Canadians, Americans, Norwegians, Swedes, Russians, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, and Irish, but we are one great family.”
Margaret Walker, wife of Paul H. Walker reported, “We spent six weeks filled with the studying of prophecy, the missionary journeys of Paul, Bible doctrine, music, public speaking, voice, and other subjects…. [I am] only sorry that the school term was not longer.” Music instructor Owel Denson commented, “I have never seen a class that learned any quicker than this one, and the best of all, the Lord was with us.”
That fall, the school relocated to a recently purchased campground in Minot, North Dakota. Eighty-seven students attended the twelve-week second term, and Superintendent Lemons reflected, “These students are convinced that to those contemplating a life of service in the ministry of soul-saving, no more profitable thing can be done than to invest a little time and money for training in Bible School.” Noting the many places of ministry students were serving, Overseer Walker wrote, “As a result of their going into these new fields and remote districts, a number have been saved, and the Church of God in the great Northwest has made the greatest progress this year of any previous year in its history.” Although the school returned to Lemmon from 1937 to 1948, Minot became its permanent home.
By 1956, Northwest had established a college division, inaugurated an Associate of Arts program, and adopted the name Northwest Bible College. Five years later, the Church of God Executive Council granted approval for a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Bible, and Northwest granted its first B.A. degree in 1963. In 1966, the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges granted associate membership, with full membership awarded in 1974. Northwest added a bachelor’s degree in music in 1972 and a program in elementary education for Christian day schools in 1981.
Regional overseers served as president from 1935 until 1964, after which the Board of Directors selected presidents. Their first choice for full-time president was Laud O. Vaught, who had already been part of Northwest for 12 years. Following Vaught’s tenure (1964–1980), Edward L. Williams (1980–1982), Donald M. Walker (1982–1986), and Franklin Huwe (1986–1987) served as presidents until the school closed on June 1, 1987.
Across the Border
Nine students from Saskatchewan, Canada, attended the first term of Northwest Bible and Music Academy in 1935. Yet, the challenges of traveling 700 miles in northern winters raised the desire of Canadian leaders and students to establish a training center north of the U.S. border. Twenty-six students met in Consul, Saskatchewan, Canada, in the fall of 1936 to begin South Saskatchewan Bible Training School under the leadership of J.W. Bruce.
Later renamed International Bible College (IBC), the school relocated to Robsart, Moose Jaw, Estevan, and then back to Moose Jaw, where it dedicated a newly constructed campus on April 6, 1963. While in Estevan, IBC had operated a campus farm with a dairy herd in order to keep student costs to a minimum. By 1948, programs included a four-year high school, as well as the Bible School Department. Many reports credited IBC as a significant factor in the growth of the Church of God in Western Canada. Leaders included Alex Allan, Ralph Brostrom, Cheryl Busse, Lyndon Cramer, Harold F. Douglas, Harry B. Lane, Darrell L. Lindsay, M.G. McLuhan, William Pospisil, J.B. Reesor, Robert J. Reesor, Philip Siggelkow, and J.A. Stephens, among others.
The High School Department closed in 1970, with IBC reopening in 1971 with only a college program, which became a member of the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges. IBC closed on April 30, 2012.
Nine students from Saskatchewan, Canada, attended the first term of Northwest Bible and Music Academy in 1935. Yet, the challenges of traveling 700 miles in northern winters raised the desire of Canadian leaders and students to establish a training center north of the U.S. border. Twenty-six students met in Consul, Saskatchewan, Canada, in the fall of 1936 to begin South Saskatchewan Bible Training School under the leadership of J.W. Bruce.
Later renamed International Bible College (IBC), the school relocated to Robsart, Moose Jaw, Estevan, and then back to Moose Jaw, where it dedicated a newly constructed campus on April 6, 1963. While in Estevan, IBC had operated a campus farm with a dairy herd in order to keep student costs to a minimum. By 1948, programs included a four-year high school, as well as the Bible School Department. Many reports credited IBC as a significant factor in the growth of the Church of God in Western Canada. Leaders included Alex Allan, Ralph Brostrom, Cheryl Busse, Lyndon Cramer, Harold F. Douglas, Harry B. Lane, Darrell L. Lindsay, M.G. McLuhan, William Pospisil, J.B. Reesor, Robert J. Reesor, Philip Siggelkow, and J.A. Stephens, among others.
The High School Department closed in 1970, with IBC reopening in 1971 with only a college program, which became a member of the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges. IBC closed on April 30, 2012.
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East Coast Bible College
The Church of God in North Carolina offered their first four-week summer Bible school in 1938. In 1948, State Overseer E.W. Williams and State Youth director E.C. Thomas resurrected the school with the campground in Charlotte becoming home the next year. The success of North Carolina’s summer Bible and music schools encouraged ministers meeting in early 1975 to consider establishing a regional Bible institute to serve the needs of students desiring a traditional Bible college curriculum. The proposal included construction of a multipurpose building on the campground to provide facilities for the school, executive offices of the Church of God in North Carolina, and camp meetings, as well as other ministry activities.
East Coast Bible College opened with 125 students in September 1976. George D. Voorhis was the first president, with the State Council serving as its Board of Directors. Later presidents included Henry J. Smith, Ronald D. Martin, A. Lawrence Leonhardt, and T. David Sustar.
Initially offering a two-year associate’s degree, ministers agreed to offer a bachelor’s degree in early 1978. The college also applied for accreditation with the American Association of Bible Colleges in 1978, which granted candidate status in 1980 and accreditation in 1985. ECBC received candidate status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1985, and full SACS accreditation in 1990.
Faced with the necessity of selling the Charlotte campus due to the nearby international airport, ministers in Western North Carolina voted to transition ECBC into a Lee University-sponsored training center in 1999. This Lee University Charlotte Center served students until 2017, when it merged with the university’s online program. At that time, Lee University President Paul Conn noted, “We are in a rapidly evolving educational environment, and I applaud the vision of the leaders in Western North Carolina for their willingness to change with the times in delivering college courses.”
The Church of God in North Carolina offered their first four-week summer Bible school in 1938. In 1948, State Overseer E.W. Williams and State Youth director E.C. Thomas resurrected the school with the campground in Charlotte becoming home the next year. The success of North Carolina’s summer Bible and music schools encouraged ministers meeting in early 1975 to consider establishing a regional Bible institute to serve the needs of students desiring a traditional Bible college curriculum. The proposal included construction of a multipurpose building on the campground to provide facilities for the school, executive offices of the Church of God in North Carolina, and camp meetings, as well as other ministry activities.
East Coast Bible College opened with 125 students in September 1976. George D. Voorhis was the first president, with the State Council serving as its Board of Directors. Later presidents included Henry J. Smith, Ronald D. Martin, A. Lawrence Leonhardt, and T. David Sustar.
Initially offering a two-year associate’s degree, ministers agreed to offer a bachelor’s degree in early 1978. The college also applied for accreditation with the American Association of Bible Colleges in 1978, which granted candidate status in 1980 and accreditation in 1985. ECBC received candidate status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1985, and full SACS accreditation in 1990.
Faced with the necessity of selling the Charlotte campus due to the nearby international airport, ministers in Western North Carolina voted to transition ECBC into a Lee University-sponsored training center in 1999. This Lee University Charlotte Center served students until 2017, when it merged with the university’s online program. At that time, Lee University President Paul Conn noted, “We are in a rapidly evolving educational environment, and I applaud the vision of the leaders in Western North Carolina for their willingness to change with the times in delivering college courses.”
Institutos Bíblicos Regionales
Los líderes de la denominación crearon oportunidades educativas para alcanzar diversos sectores en varias regiones. Muchos estados y regiones ofrecieron institutos bíblicos, talleres musicales y formación ministerial. Su enfoque es la formación espiritual y el aprendizaje académico. El superintendente Paul H. Walker estableció la Academia de Biblia y Música del Noroeste en la ciudad de Lemon, en el estado de Dakota del Sur en el 1935, la que más tarde llegó a conocerse como el Colegio Bíblico Universitario del Noroeste en la ciudad de Minot, en Dakota del Norte. Esta institución comenzó con un programa sólido para los estudiantes de secundaria, pero se convirtió en una universidad con grados asociados y de bachillerato. En esta misma línea, en el 1936 fue fundado el Colegio Bíblico Universitario Internacional en la ciudad de Consul, en la provincia de Saskatchewan, Canadá; el Colegio Bíblico Universitario de la Costa Oeste fue fundado en la ciudad de Yakima, en el estado de Washington en el 1944; y el Colegio Bíblico Universitario del Este fue fundado en el 1975 en la ciudad de Charlotte, en Carolina del Norte. Otras instituciones fueron establecidas para alcanzar sectores culturales tales como negros, hispanos e indígenas. Entre estas se encuentran el Instituto Bíblico Indígena de la ciudad de Gallup, en el estado de Nuevo México, el cual continúa funcionando. Ministerios Educacionales Hispanos de los Estados Unidos ha asumido la capacitación de los ministros hispanos. Nuevas demandas y cambios en los sistemas de enseñanzas han afectado la educación superior dentro de la Iglesia de Dios, por lo que la mayoría de estos centros han sido clausurados en pro de la educación en las artes liberales, el estudio en línea o la preparación ministerial. |
TRAINING HISPANIC PASTORS
As the Hispanic population increased in the United States, church leaders recognized the need for a school offering courses in the Spanish language. They appointed James M. Beaty to establish the Spanish Institute of Ministry in Houston, Texas. A career missionary and educator, Beaty served as president of SIM from 1974 to 1980. His wife, Virginia, gave oversight to the kitchen, developed a library, and taught in the classroom. Seventeen students enrolled in the first class in 1975, and church planting around Houston was an important part of the hands-on experience students gained.
In 1980, Beaty became academic dean of the Church of God School of Theology and Esdras Betancourt followed him as SIM president. SIM amalgamated with West Coast Christian College in 1983. For two years, classes were taught in English and Spanish so that Spanish-speaking students might prepare for classes in English. Esdras Betancourt served as academic dean and director of the Hispanic Division of WCCC. When West Coast closed, the Hispanic Institute of Ministry emerged in Dallas, Texas, in 1994, with Isaías Robles as president. Following Robles, José Montañez and Rodolfo Girón served as presidents. The school transitioned into USA Hispanic Education by 2006. |
Into the Future
Shifting demands, increased costs, and changing delivery systems have radically transformed today’s ministerial preparation and development. Increased transportation makes attending college a long distance from home less challenging, while new forms of delivery in our digitally connected world make it possible for students to enroll without relocating. Lee University, Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and several international Church of God schools now offer a wide variety of traditional and online or synchronous delivery degrees and programs. Additionally, new programs and locations continue to emerge to provide focused ministerial preparation in numerous locations. Examples include the Arizona School of Ministry in Phoenix, the Indian Bible Institute, and the Canadian School of Ministry. Many of these utilize Church of God School of Ministry curriculum and resources.
Shifting demands, increased costs, and changing delivery systems have radically transformed today’s ministerial preparation and development. Increased transportation makes attending college a long distance from home less challenging, while new forms of delivery in our digitally connected world make it possible for students to enroll without relocating. Lee University, Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and several international Church of God schools now offer a wide variety of traditional and online or synchronous delivery degrees and programs. Additionally, new programs and locations continue to emerge to provide focused ministerial preparation in numerous locations. Examples include the Arizona School of Ministry in Phoenix, the Indian Bible Institute, and the Canadian School of Ministry. Many of these utilize Church of God School of Ministry curriculum and resources.
David G. Roebuck, Ph.D. is director of the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center, Church of God Historian,
and Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity at Lee University.
and Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity at Lee University.