Presidents Welcome
Thank you for your interest in International Bible Center Now, more than ever, IBC is the place! IBC has a program to prepare you for your life’s calling... for the mission field or for evangelistic, pastoral or lay ministry. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS SUMMARYIBC’s program of study in the discipline of ministry leadership is in biblical studies with concentrations in pastoral ministry and missions. DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIESIn biblical studies there are two options -- the two-year Certificate of Biblical Studies and the four-year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies. Certificate of Biblical StudiesThe Certificate of Biblical Studies program requires the student to earn 64-semester hours of credit, including four field education credits, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. It is possible to complete the program during two years of studies. The student will complete 37 hours of biblical and theological studies, 13 hours of professional studies and 14 hours of general studies. The student must select a concentration in ministry (religious education) or missions to complete the program. Because this program constitutes the first two years of the four-year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies program, it is considered prerequisite for advancement into the four-year program. The studies offered in the Certificate of Biblical Studies are composed of lower division study courses, i.e., first digit of the course number is a 0, 1 or 2. Diploma of Advanced Biblical StudiesThe Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies is a four-year program of study. It requires the student to earn at least 128-semester hours of credit (includes completion of the prerequisite Certificate of Biblical Studies) while majoring in Bible and theology courses (a minimum of 67 hours). Thirty hours must be accomplished in general education studies, in addition to 31 hours in professional studies. This program contains concentrations in ministry and missions application. The student will choose a concentration of studies from the Division of Professional Studies in either ministry or missions' courses. Ministry Concentration is a minor field of study focusing on skills for leadership in pastoral ministry (senior, assistant or departmental pastor), in evangelism or parachurch ministry. Missions Concentration is minor field of study focusing on skills for leadership in all types of missions applications. English as a Second LanguageClick Here for information about the ESL Program at IBC. Life At IBCStudent life at IBC affords opportunities for spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development. One of the most important areas of consideration is the student’s spiritual life; therefore, the spiritual element is present in dormitory meetings, picnics, athletic events, social functions and in each student’s Christian service ministry assignment. IBC students are challenged to serve God and to study His Word. Church LifeALL students must faithfully attend and participate in the services of a local church. For the first two years at IBC, students outside the city are expected to connect with International Bible Church. ChapelChapel is part of the curriculum at IBC. Students and faculty alike often are inspired and challenged by the diverse ministries, Christian leaders and missionaries who share their global experiences in ministry. The preaching, testimonies and worship historically have exerted an influence in the lives of students. IBC alumni who currently fill active roles in ministry and missionary service often trace their call to Christian service to an IBC chapel service. Daily PrayerIt is the conviction of the president that one of the most important activities in the life of a Christian is his/her devotional time. Personal prayer, as well as corporate prayer, is an integral part of student life. Students, faculty and staff meet daily to pray and seek the Lord and each class begins with prayer. In addition, a weekly prayer time is set aside for unreached people groups, missionaries and nations of the world. Social LifeIBC considers the social life of its students essential in developing Christian character and poise. Dormitory, family community and campuswide socials are organized throughout the year in an effort to present a balanced program of social activities. Friendships formed while at IBC often develop into lifelong relationships. Dormitory Organization and LifeAffordable dormitory housing is provided for single students. Each dormitory is supervised by its respective men’s or women’s dean. The deans serve a dual role of manager/minister. Each dean is available for counseling and prayer with the students. Weekly dorm meetings are designed to cover issues relating to dorm life, but more importantly, afford students the opportunity to minister to each other’s individual needs under the leadership of the dormitory dean. IBC believes that responsibility begins in the home and that the dorm is home while attending IBC. Everyone pitches in. Each dorm student will be assigned chores that will take approximately an hour per week (in addition to the TRIP hours). There also is daily room inspection, so rooms are expected to be clean. Family Community LifeThe family community provides a protected environment for its residents and is convenient to IBC’s library, main office, classrooms and additional campus facilities. AthleticsCollege athletics promote good recreation and physical health. IBC’s gymnasium is available to IBC students who wish to play volleyball or basketball for physical exercise. The gym also includes an exercise area. Wireless InternetFiltered Wireless Internet is avalible it students at various locations around campus Admission InformationAdmissions criteria are inseparably linked with the ultimate purpose of a school. International Bible Center desires to admit students whose character, motivation and abilities are in accord with its program. IBC seeks men and women whose primary aim in life is to glorify the Lord and to proclaim the Good News. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIAEvaluation of the application particularly centers in the following four areas:
To Apply, Click Here for the Application Form (PDF)
Financial Aid and AssistanceInternational Bible Center offers two financial assistance plans to full-time students: International StudentsInternational Bible Center is authorized to enroll non-immigrant alien students. In keeping with guidelines set forth by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, IBC requires international students to complete the same admissions process as any other student.
In addition, international students are required to supply the following:
English as a Second LanguageClick Here for information about the ESL Program at IBC. HistoryAN UNUSUAL SCHOOLLocated on one of the highest hills in northwest San Antonio is the 10-acre International Bible Center campus. IBC was started as International Bible College when World War II temporarily halted the pioneer missionary work of its founder, Leonard W. Coote. Having established a Bible training school in Ikoma, Japan, the Lord challenged his heart to build a Bible training center in the United States. His son, David B. Coote, was president for 49 years before retiring in 1995. President David W. Cook continues the vision today. FOCUSIBC specializes in Bible education and Christian service training. The ordinary purpose of a Bible college is to offer intensive instruction in God’s Word, so that by the time of graduation the student will have a thorough understanding of the Bible, combined with the ability to effectively apply its truth under the leadership and enduement of the Holy Spirit. Its major offerings are within the Bible, strongly implemented by practical disciplines. Bible courses are further supplemented by basic courses in the general studies, designed to apply Bible knowledge to a life of Christian service. INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTBecause International Bible Center was founded by a missionary with a worldwide vision, every means possible is developed to foster this purpose. During the school year, many outstanding missionary and evangelistic speakers come to the chapel to speak. An annual missions trip is scheduled for upperclassmen. In the spring, students attend a week-long missionary conference sponsored by a local church. RECOGNITIONS AND ASSOCIATIONSInternational Bible Center is:
IBC has close working relationships with several ministerial and church fellowships. These include:
International Bible Center is not authorized by the State of Texas to grant degrees and is not accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the State of Texas. TestimoniesRichard and Fonda HaysIn August 1973, Fonda and I called ahead and asked Brother David that if there was no housing available, could we pitch our tent on the lawn. Since that time, Brother David has called us: Abraham and Sarah. And so began our Journey Jason KingThere are a few places where a person can be trained for actual ministry and International Bible Center happens to be one of them. IBC was instrumental in my assignment and calling as it prepared me to face whatever I have faced or will face in the future as I serve the Kingdom of God. This school has touched every aspect of my walk; from my biblical and spiritual foundation to my personal life. Each course was not only taught practically but they also imparted into my life ministry principles and a passion and love to see the gospel preached throughout the world. I know that wherever I minister I will draw from a deep well that began at International Bible Center”. Ashish J. NaiduIBC's faithful vision to train and equip people for God centered and Christ exalting ministry has been a great testimony over the decades. I aquired a deep appreciation for God's Word, theology, and church histrory as an IBC student preparing for ministry. It was through the venue of IBC that God opened doors for further studies abroad, where I earned a terminal degree in theology. I thank God for the wisdom, insight, and the practical focus of the instructors under whom I studied the Bible. And now, as a seminary professor at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, I am passing on what I learned at IBC: training the next generation of leaders from all over the world to glorify God in faithful service to our Lord Jesus Christ and His church. Marcela PradoIBC not only provided me with the training and education that I was looking for, but it also helped me discover hidden talents I didn't know I had. One of the most valuable things that I got from IBC was the interaction with other international students and their different cultures; it was an enriching experience to my personal life as it helped to broaden my view of the need for missions in the world. I thank God for the anointed group of people that instructed me during these unforgettable four years. Dan Tomasik“VISION”. When I think of IBC, the word “VISION” automatically comes to my mind. Why? Because one of the best things that IBC helped me to get in the course of the four years of study is the vision. Oh, yes there were excellent classes and teachers, there were people from many different countries, cultures and languages that I fell in love with, there were also many challenges and maybe even some problems. Coming from a different country, in the beginning I had difficulty understanding the language (English) and the culture. Did I want to go home after my 1st year? Oh, yes. But the vision kept me there. Dot DelarosaIBC has given me the confidence that I needed in ministry. As a minister I needed that knowledge that can only come from study, wisdom, insight, understanding, and of course the Holy Spirit. I am forever thankful to IBC and its staff for all their help. Everyone is a huge happy family and I have never felt anything but love, openness, understanding, compassion and a true home. I have long lasting relationships to this day. I praise God for the availability, help, prayers and strength that I received from all of my professors, pastors and friends. It's so important not only to have a calling in your life but it is equally as important to have the knowledge to back it up and that knowledge can only come from going to a place like IBC. I loved going there and continue to thank the Lord for the growth, prayers friends and guidance that I received during my time there. |
