Indiana Baptist Institute of Theology and Missions

First Day of Classes

2011-08-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Fall Semester began with our new format of virtual classes on line. For the most part things went well but there were a few hiccups. That is to be expected when you venture into new territory. Overall however, both the students and faculty see this as a workable solution and one that affords greater opportunities for those who wish to go to a seminary in our work without having to move or relocate. The classes are held every Tuesday from 8 am to 8 pm. Please pray for the school as we continue to make this transition. With gas reaching close to $ 4.00 at times, we see this as a cost effective way of having school that provides the closest format to a traditional classroom setting.

The Coming School Year 2011 - 2012

2011-07-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

This year brings many changes. We are going to a real-time virtual classroom setting using Cisco's Webex. This gives us the opportunity to broaden both our student and faculty pools. We have students who state that they will return now that the travel time and associated costs have been eliminated by this transition. We also have added qualified faculty from various parts of the country to help meet the need for faculty. There will be more information to follow in our IBI Newsletter.

The class schedule will remain the same, but classes themselves will be on the web. Students who preregister and are paid up for the semester, will receive a link for their classes. They will also need access to high speed internet and are responsible for purchasing their books and supplies. For more information, preregistration forms or catalogs you can contact the office at 765.649.3805.

The IBI rally will be on August 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Faith in Greenwood, Indiana. Brother Steve Maxie and Faith have been our gracious host of the rally since its beginning. This rally will also serve as our preregistration event. After the rally, there will be refreshments and a time of fellowship. Classes will begin on August 16th.

On another note, the website for the school is currently down. We hope to get it back on line during the fall semester. There will be an associated cost to this transition by the School, so please keep supporting us through your prayers and financial giving.

Semester Break 2010

2010-12-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Finals are over and now comes the time for grading them and coming out with final grades. Both faculty and students look forward to some time off from school. God has certainly blessed our school with faithful supporters, a faithful and dedicated faculty, and a student body willing to come each week and learn more about what the ministry is all about; either as it relates to the objective of God's Word or the practical application toward ministry experience.

We have seen the ordination of some of our students over the past two years. One former student has surrendered to planting a church in our state, while two others are currently pastoring churches in Indiana. Praise God! God has graciously answered our prayers and confirmed our vision and purpose.

Our vision for a school in Indiana was to have a place where men who surrendered to preach could come and get training and education that would equip them to do the work of ministry. And although the school is relatively new, five years now, we have already seen answers to prayer to see the vision become a reality. In addition to students who are serving the Lord in our state, we also have present and former faculty members who are on the mission field in various parts of the world. We appreciate their dedication as well as the part they played in helping to establish our school. May God continue to bless the efforts of those involved with Indiana Baptist Institute. May there be many souls saved as a result of her influence and may all the glory and praise be to God.

Home Stretch for Fall 2010

2010-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

Students and faculty are in the home stretch of the semester. Both are ready for the break. We are thankful for those who faithfully support the work and are excited at what God is doing in our state. There have been two men who have made verbal commitments to being in school at the beginning of the Spring Semester. God continues to call men into His Kingdom work and they are responding. We are thankful that God is also sending them our way.

We have one student, Dan Dye, that was recently been ordained and has accepted the pastorate of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Marion, Indiana. I am encouraged at the number of young men that are not only enrolled in school, but actively involved in ministry at the local church level. I look forward to seeing what God will do through them as they surrender and avail themselves to Him. Please continue to pray for the students and faculty, that they might finish well and be rested up for the Spring Semester.

October 2010

2010-10-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

In life there are often great blessings that are sometimes salted with bittersweet events. While we have retained most of our students seeing little attrition over the year, we have had to say goodbye to Pastor Tony Hansen. His wife was a part-time student at the school. Pastor Steve Maxie, who pastors Faith Baptist Church in Greenwood, Indiana, has consented to take over those classes. That means that there was a smooth transition and we didn't loose any class time. I am humbled and awed at the sacrifices our faculty makes in coming to teach those God is using in His kingdom work. These are dedicated men who love the Lord and want to be a part of what God is doing in Indiana and the surrounding areas.

I am also appreciative of the churches where these men serve, as well as our supporting churches who make it possible to purchase the books and equipment needed to make it possible to equip the faculty and student with the tools to make their education all it can be while keeping the cost to the student down.

Pictured are just some of our faculty and students. We have two others who are making every effort to join our student body next semester. Pray that they will be able to work things out with their employers to have Tuesday off so that they can attend classes.

September 2010

2010-09-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

We had our IBI Rally August 31st which was well attended. We were blessed to have pastors from our state present as well as some from outside the state. The seminar focused on the mission field that is Indiana. Brother Scott Bourland presented mission points of emphasis with the prayer and intent that we might all catch a vision of the potential for our state. We also watched a video that presented that potential.(http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7G776LNX) Out of the 6.4 million people who live in our state, only 41% claim a faith affiliation. Of this group, only 5% claim to be baptist. That means that 1/2 to 2/3 or more of our fellow Hoosiers, are evangelical Christians; those who have personally confessed their sins and need of a Savior and trusted in Jesus Christ. The potential is great, and the need for church planting is not for tomorrow, but today. IBI is dedicated to preparing the men God is calling to be those who will catch the vision to go into an area of our state; to reach the lost of Indiana for Christ. Will you help us?

August 2010 Fall Semester News

2010-08-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

We began with a total of 14 students; Four are part-time and the rest are full time students. There are four freshmen, three of which are new to the school. We also have a verbal commitment from 2 others who are new prospective students as well as verbal commitments to return by 2 former students. God is blessing the school, and we are excited about all that God is doing in our state. Our prayer is that there will be souls saved, churches planted and a world impacted for the gospel of Christ due to the efforts of the churches, pastors and students involved with IBI. We are also very appreciative of the support that the school has received both from within the state and Arkansas and Louisiana. We are also most thankful for the Lord who has been so gracious in blessing the efforts of His servants. Please continue to remember the students and faculty in prayer.

Fall Semester 2010

2010-06-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

We finished the school year at the end of May, and look forward to the summer break. Summer is always busy with associational meetings, summer camp, Vacation Bible Schools and Short Term Mission Trips. We pray that all our faculty and students enjoy a blessed summer with souls saved and Kingdom impact made upon the lives of those they to whom they minister.

We have 3 good prospects for the coming year; new first time students as well as a three former students looking to get back in order to finish their education. We are still in need of qualified faculty to help with the class load so please make this a matter of prayer.

We are thankful for the supporters that have faithfully and prayerfully partnered with us to make IBI not just a possibility, but a reality. May God continue to bless our efforts as we reach and teach those men God calls into pastoral ministry. We pray too for the Christian men and women who come to sharpen their knowledge and abilities in order to teach in their local church. God is Awesome and we are continually praising Him for all He is doing through IBI.

Spring Semester 2010

2010-02-05T05:12:00.000-08:00

A quick snapshot before class at IBI. This Spring Semester we have 12 students attending; nine fulltime and 3 part-time. The interest and support for the school has been growing over the years. We are extreemly humbled and thankful for the financial support and words of encouragement we have received. There are other men who have expressed an interest on coming in the near future. Some of these men are past students who desire to return to complete their education. There are also others God has called into the ministry that have been contacted. The greatest need beyond that of new students, is faculty. Please make this a matter of prayer. IBI and Landmark are thankful for those men who have volunteered their time as well as the churches that have allowed them to take part. Our vision for the school is motivated by our vision for Indiana and this region of the country. We have already seen students begin to staff needs in the churches within the state. Please continue to keep us before the Lord as we strive to train men for the work God has called them to fulfill.

Fall 2009 Semester News

2009-09-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Our Fall semester began in August with 16 students. Of these students, three are freshman and five are part time students. Some who have attended in the past are hoping that within the year or by fall of next year, they will be able to come back to finish their education. We have some who are praying about attending in the Spring or Fall of next year.

Brother Scott Bourland, pastor of Landmark of Indianapolis, was one of the men who helped to start the school. He is back in the state and is now helping in the classroom. We are not yet able to teach a full fourth year schedule. Our heart's desire is to have enough staffing next year to help us finalize our curriculum. I have spoken with other men who may be in a better position to help as teachers next year.

We appreciate the support and encouragement that we get from the churches in our area. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to drop us a line and we will get in touch with you.

November Report

2008-12-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

We saw the ordination of two of our students this past month. Brother Nate Lowe was ordained to the pastoral ministryand pastors New Hope Baptist Church in Kokomo, Indiana.Brother Joe Dorsey was also ordained to the pastoral ministry and pastors First Landmark of Marion, Indiana. Both of these young men have attended IBI since the beginning and are now pastors in our state. We praise God that He continues to bless us in this area.

Four new potential students are on the horizon for next year! It is always a blessing to her that the interest in our school continues to grow. These four men live within two hours of our school and are considering enrolling in the fall of 2009. Please continue to pray for these men who are making IBI their school of choice for Christian Education and training.

We are also blessed to have pastors in our area who are willing to come help out when a faculty member is out do to pastoral obligations or illness. We appreciate their willingness and dedication to help as well as the sacrifice of their time and energy to travle to Anderson.

Often we are asked if we offer any corses for laypeople. We strive to make our evening courses those that would benefit those laypeople who desire to broaden their knowledge of God's Word. We strive to do all we can to equip each student for service within their local church. We welcome each one and are dedicated to equip them for service so that they can fulfill their place of service and calling.

October Report

2008-11-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

Junior Student Alan Schoeff is the ordained to the Pastoral Ministry. He serves as missionary to Sheridan Indiana. He is one of the three men ordained this past semester to works in Indiana.

Part of our vision in planting this school was to see pastors stay in our area for education and to see churches planted in our state. Praise God He is honoring this vision and that we are seeing the fruit of our labor.

I want to express my appreciation for all who have supported the work financially as well as with their prayers. A few of our students are being used on a regular basis for pulpit supply in our region. My appreciation also for the students who collected funds to give gifts of appreciation to the faculty. I too would like to add my thanks and appreciation to the men who faithfully and sacrificially give of their time to be a part of the faculty and vision at Indiana Baptist Institute. We could not do what we do without their dedication and the support of their churches as well.

Some churches are contacting us to setup regular monthly times for a student to come and preach for them. Faculty members are also sharing in the responsibilities to visit churches in our area to promote the school. If you would like more information about setting up an appointment, please contact our office. We are also looking for host churches to allow our students to serve in the summer to fulfill their practicum.

July Report

2008-08-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Exciting things are happening at IBI. God has truly blessed the efforts of the school. We've picked up new supporters, and of this writing have seven new students committed to come with one to interview as a potential student the latter part of this week. Students are used on a regular basis. Three students have begun new roles as pastors or missionaries since the summer break within the state. Two of our students feel that God is calling them to the foreign field. We are excited as we see God using these students to further His Kingdom work.

We also have new faculty on board to help with the course loads. They are Adam Johnson, David and Michael Pack and Pastor Tony Hansen. Brother Adam Johnson is our music and worship leader at LBC and holds a Ma. from Yale. He has completed all his course work for his Doctorate from Ball State in Performance Trombone. He is currently writing his disertation and will be teaching a course on music and worship. David and Michael Pack each possess a Master's Degree in Computer Software Engineering from George Mason University; a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science; and a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Heritage Baptist Institute of Ministry. Pastor Hansen has his Bachelors of Theology from Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pastor Steve Maxie is returning as well this year to teach. I appreciate each of our faculty members who have dedicated themselves to equip those God has called into His kingdom work.

Classess begin on August 19th. Please continue to lift up the school in prayer. Financial contributions are also welcome. Perhaps you might consider a designated offering toward helping a student with the costs associated with attending IBI.

If you would like more information or have one of our faculty come to present the school to your church, please contact us at 765.649.3805

June 2008 Newsletter

2008-07-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

We appreciate all who partner with us in prayer, encouragement and financial support. We pray that more churches embrace the vision and purpose of our school to teach God’s truths and equip God’s men and people. Our aim is to equip the student with a conservative Biblical education while fostering a progressive approach in methodologies and outreach. Although we focus on the men God calls into pastoral ministry or missions, we also equip laymen as well.

We are also thankful for the faithful faculty that comes each year at personal cost of time and travel. This year we are hoping to reimburse the traveling expenses of the faculty. Would your church be willing to help in this area of cost?

Praise God! There are four new students for the fall. There are also another two young men who are thinking about beginning this year. Perhaps your church would consider helping out with a scholarship to cover tuition or the cost of books for a students this year. All are affected by the economy and rising fuel costs. Our students travel to school and forego a day of work in order to take classes at IBI.

Summer is always a time when church calendars are full of activities. And that holds true for Landmark Baptist Church as well. In spite of the busy schedule, we are preparing for the 2008/2009 school year. The greatest need currently is for more qualified men to come on board as faculty members. With each year, the class load increases as we offer more courses toward our degree program. Please pray with us as we seek out those men to join our faculty at IBI.

Our IBI rally is going to be held at Faith Baptist Church in Greenwood, Indiana. Brother Steve Maxie is the host pastor. The rally will be August 8th at 7:00 pm. We will take up a special offering for IBI. We covet your prayers.

May 2008 Newsletter

2008-05-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Finals are finished and the students have left for the summer. The faculty is getting final grades together and preparing for the classes for the fall. We will be adding a music class for this fall semester. Brother Adam Johnson, will be teaching this class for the school. He holds a masters degree in music and is currently working on his doctorate. He also serves as the worship leader at Landmark Baptist Church.

Other area pastors have been contacted about teaching this coming year and are seriously praying about joining the faculty. We have two firm commitments for first year students as well as expressed interests by others to attend IBI next fall. This means that there will be courses offered for 1st year through 3rd year. God is truly blessing with students, and area pastors are also sharing the burden and vision for a school here in Indiana.

Needs:

Prayer - We can't do this work without God's help and direction.
Teachers and Students are the future of this work. We need both dedicated students and faculty.
Monthly Support is always needed and appreciated.
Gas Gift Cards or Designated Fuel Offering: Our faculty currently is serving without any compensation and have thus far refused to accept anything for their work from the general fund. Some of these men are driving over an hour to volunteer their time and effort.
One of our new incoming freshman has had all his expenses covered for the coming year by his church. Perphaps there are others that will follow their lead.

Landmark appreciates all those who faithfully support this work. Our desire is to teach and equip faithful men to minister and serve in God's Churches.

Pastor Gary Woodring

2008 IBI School Rally and Registration

2008-05-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

The annual IBI School Rally will be hosted again by Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Greenwood, Indiana. We thank Pastor Steve Maxie and his church family for their faithful support of the school and willingness to host the rally.

We will be taking up a special offering for the school as well as taking pre-registrations for the 2008 - 2009 school term.

DATE: August 8th, 2008
PLACE: Faith Baptist Church
1640 Fry Road
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
TIME: 7:00 p.m.

May 2008 Report

2008-05-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

School is coming to a close as we finish up the semester. We are thankful for the churches that have been faithful to support the work through their prayers as well as financial monthly giving. Some have also allowed their pastors to come and teach in the classroom. Without these faithful men who make up our faculty, we couldn't do the work. My thanks to them as well as their respective church families.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Indiana Missionary Baptist Churches voted to send their annual offering to Indiana Baptist Institute. Truly the vision for a school in our state is shared by the churches of Indiana. Our prayer is that more churches in the American Baptist Association will partner with us as we seek to establish a strong school in our state.

School wouldn't be possible without the students. I am thankful for the time that these men have taken to come and learn about God's Word and be equipped for ministry in one of the Lord's New Testament Churches. There are strong commitments of new students planning to attend in the fall.

Perhaps there are churches or individuals that would be willing to give toward helping with student tuition or books. Annual tuition runs $550 for students holding membership in an ABA affiliated church or mission. For non-ABA the cost is $1,050. This covers registration and tuition. Books are an additional cost. Would you sponsor a student for the coming year and help us to educate, equip, enable and encourage those God has called to the work? It is our belief that God is doing and will do a great work in our state. We are poised at a time that is full of potential to see many works planted in our state. But it will take the commitment, sacrifice and dedication of God's churches and people, those like you, to see it come to fruition. Let's work together for God's glory and Kingdom!

Gary Woodring
Sponsoring Pastor

2008-02-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is Jason Servizzi, our newest student. Jason is anxious to learn. We appreciate the men in our regional area who are willing to answer God's call. Please pray for both our faculty and student body.

Back online...

2008-02-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

We took care of the problem and the school site is back up and running. We appreciate your patience. We are looking into making the site more proactive for the future with interactive options. We'll keep you informed.

Website Down

2008-02-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

When we went to our school website, we found that it was down. We are doing all we can to expidite things to get back up and running. In the meantime, should you have any questions or needs, please don't hesitate to call us.

2008-02-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

One of our students is Alan Schoeff. He is the bi-vocational youth pastor at Columbus Baptist Church in Columbus, Indiana. He is married and has three teenage children (Renee – 19, Katie – 17, and Wesley – 15). He and his wife, Julie, have worked with the young people at CBC for the past five years. In the spring of 2005 Alan surrendered to the ministry and CBC called him as their youth pastor in the fall of that year. He is currently enrolled in his second year of seminary at the Indiana Baptist Institute of Theologies and Missions. Alan has a heart for missions and is currently planning the fourth short term mission trip in as many years for the CBC family.

They're Back!

2008-01-24T10:30:00.001-08:00

Students and Faculty returned for the spring term... all of them. We also rejoice over the addition of a new full time student who has enrolled for the spring semester. We praise God for the determined dedication of these men. Pray that we will stay focused and on task as we take on the classes for Spring.

We want again to thank all of our sister churches and supporters who have partnered with us and embraced the vision of a school in our state. Please continue to pray that more will enroll for classes and that we will also have the faculty members to reach the need.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Information is available on our website.

Spring Classes

2008-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

The Spring Semester classes will begin on January 22 at 8:00 a.m. Our faculty and students have had the winter break and are looking forward to the new semester. We ask that you continue to pray for the students as well as the faculty. We ask also that you pray for new students for the next school year, as well as faculty and supporting churches to continue to fulfill God's purposes and vision Indiana Baptist Institute.

We will be trying this forum as a means to inform and communicate what God is doing for the school and students.