The Biblical Leadership Institute, formerly Evangelical Seminary and University, will be offering some new classes in 2015 for anyone who wishes to increase his or her biblical understanding and church leadership abilities.
Dan Morris, who has been president of BLI since June, has served as a pastor and missionary for 50 years.
“BLI trains both men and women of all ages, maximizing their Christian growth for personal, family, career and professional service,” Morris said.
New courses will include: New Testament survey, Old Testament survey and Christian evidences. There will also be a track to train men and women who teach Bible study groups or Sunday school classes.
“We try to really lock in with local pastors and churches, and a lot of them want courses for Bible study teachers,” Morris said.
BLI partners with more than 40 local churches in various ways. Most are Baptist, but some are Methodist, Presbyterian and nondenominational.
Morris also hopes to expand BLI by reaching out to other faith-based institutions.
“We’re looking at developing partnerships with some of the larger seminaries and colleges in Florida. We really recognize that need more and more,” he said.
BLI offers diplomas, certifications and degrees. But, students can also audit courses to eliminate the pressures of testing and grades.
Scholarships are available for up to 70% of tuition costs. This is made possible by the institute’s “Pay It Forward” scholarship program.
To participate in the “Pay It Forward” program, members of the community donate a minimum of $25 a month for a year to be used for scholarships. Then, donors are able to take one course for free.
First Baptist Church allows BLI to use its building at 105 Baker St. for free, but other churches also offer space for courses taught remotely. Instructors include ministers, retired seminary professors and other professionals.
“This is probably one of the most creative approaches that we’ve seen in this type of education,” Morris said. Spring courses begin Jan. 12, 2015.
Spring 2015 Classes
Pastoral Letters
Christian-Creationist Biology
Public Speaking
Old Testament Survey
Old Testament Historical
Books
New Testament Prophecy
Introduction to Christian
Education
Christian Evidences
New Testament Survey
Prison Epistles
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.