NEW NAME: BANGKOK BIBLE SEMINARY
The Bangkok Bible College (B.B.C.) began with the concern of many, both Thai and missionaries, to spread the Gospel throughout Thailand. In 1970 nationals and foreign missionaries saw the vision of a Bible College in Bangkok and began praying and seeking God’s will.
When the College opened its doors in 1971, the population of Thailand was about 40 million, one in 1000 people were Christians. Bible exposition was almost unheard of in the churches, and Sunday schools rarely included classes for adults.
The school began with four men and one woman as fulltime students. Thai and missionary personnel assisted by teaching part-time. Enrollment has grown significantly over the years.
This college is the largest full-time theological(graduate) training center in Bangkok. The Bangkok Bible College and seminary is interdenominational, and for all Christians in Thailand. It is centered around the historical, conservative theological disciplines of the Christian faith.
The Bangkok Bible College (B.B.C.) began with the concern of many, both Thai and missionaries, to spread the Gospel throughout Thailand. In 1970 nationals and foreign missionaries saw the vision of a Bible College in Bangkok and began praying and seeking God’s will.
When the College opened its doors in 1971, the population of Thailand was about 40 million, one in 1000 people were Christians. Bible exposition was almost unheard of in the churches, and Sunday schools rarely included classes for adults.
The school began with four men and one woman as fulltime students. Thai and missionary personnel assisted by teaching part-time. Enrollment has grown significantly over the years.
This college is the largest full-time theological(graduate) training center in Bangkok. The Bangkok Bible College and seminary is interdenominational, and for all Christians in Thailand. It is centered around the historical, conservative theological disciplines of the Christian faith.
Significant Challenges:
At that time, there were probably no more than five men with the equivalent of a high school education, in all of Thailand, studying to prepare themselves for the ministry.
- One group of a 130 churches were being served by 30 pastors.
- Another church group with a theological training center established for over 25 years had produced few men in the ministry.
- The Christian public was not very concerned about the need for training pastors because they had only seen that higher level training had produced some liberal pastors and not many became Bible teachers and pastors who fulfilled their ministry.
Further Expansion:
- Today the enrollment is 200 students per term.
- There is a need for upgrading the facility to expand classes.
- There is a need to add space for accommodating staff and volunteers
- A church growth resource center has been initiated to assist in church planning.
- Contact Acharn Manoch Jangmook Dr. Thira Janepiriyaprayoon for further information.
The Bangkok Bible Seminary has a place of study called the Bangkok Christian Library. Its started with a donation of Dr. Henry Breidenthal’s personal library.
It was gradually built up and organized in 1977. We now have a collection of over 40,000 volumes both in English and in Thai.
The library has a special collection of commentaries, dictionaries and encyclopedias. It also has section for missions, Christian education, and pastoral theology books.
BBS Curriculum:
- Bachelor of Theology: Four year program plus one year of church internship which provides undergraduates with a solid foundation for ministry.
- Master of Ministry: A modular program for pastors who have been in ministry several years and want to sharpen their skills in pastoral leadership and develop abilities for more effective Christian service.
- Master of Biblical Studies: A two-year program of theological studies for students who have been called into the ministry.
- Master of Divinity: A three-year program of theological studies for students who have been called into the ministry. Concentrations in Christian Education, Pastoral Theology, and missions are offered.
- Master of Theology: Program is being planned. It will be modular and include theological studies which build on the foundation provided by the Master of Divinity program. This program will prepare students for teaching in theological institutions.
