Since 1871, Bethlehem Baptist Church has been committed to training and sending its people into the ministry of God’s word as pastors, missionaries, Christian workers, and countless church, community, and business leaders of all kinds. During the 1980s and 1990s, we expressed that commitment by developing a lay institute and training center, an apprenticeship program for ministerial candidates, and a Nurture Program for missionary candidates.
In 1998, these programs became The Bethlehem Institute, which graduated ten classes from its seminary-level program. Many of those graduates are now serving as pastors, church planters, missionaries, college or seminary professors, and parachurch workers on university campuses and in the inner city. Some of our graduates have gone on to Ph.D. programs at prestigious schools such as Boston University, Cambridge, Durham, Harvard, London School of Theology, Oxford, St. Andrews, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, University of Minnesota, and Wheaton College.
In 2009, The Bethlehem Institute transitioned into Bethlehem College & Seminary. In August 2009, we brought our first cohort of students into the newly launched Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program. In Fall 2010, we began our associate and bachelor degree programs, offering two- and four-year college degrees for the first time. In 2011, Bethlehem College & Seminary held its first graduation. In February 2015, Bethlehem College & Seminary reached another milestone by receiving accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
We now have over 200 current students, and over 400 alumni who are serving Christ all over the world. The Lord has given us a vision for the nations and is providing opportunities for us to bring our Christ-exalting, God-glorifying education to bear on the quest to fulfill the Great Commission. We thank the Lord for his goodness and grace upon the ministry of Bethlehem College & Seminary.