Our History
The story of BBSI, a manifestation of the grace of God and the love of His saints.
Founding and Early Years (1930-1948)
Since 1930, Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute (BBSI) located at Kaytikling, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal, has been training men and women for the gospel ministry. The school owes its origin largely to the evangelistic zeal and ministry vision of a medical doctor missionary, Dr. Raphael Clarke Thomas. He was a missionary of the Foreign Mission Society of the Northern Baptist Convention in the United States. However, due to the change of emphasis from evangelism to secular education and social services of his mission agency, Dr. Thomas and several other missionaries of like conviction severed their relationship with the mission. In 1928, he helped form an Independent Baptist Mission agency, eventually known as the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, Inc. (ABWE), whose officers are now in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
From Iloilo City in the Visayan Islands in 1930, Dr. Thomas moved to Manila to begin evangelistic work among students, which proved to be very fruitful through the conversion of many youth. Consequently, he saw the need for a Fundamental Baptist School where men and women might receive training in the Word of God. In that same year, he founded the Manila Evangelistic Institute (MEI) at Padre Faura corner Leon Guinto Street, Ermita, Manila. MEI continued its ministry until 1942 when World War II and the Japanese occupation of Manila forced the school to suspend operations. However, a total of 77 men and women graduated from the two-year and three-year courses of MEI during its twelve years of existence. These graduates spread the gospel throughout the city and in the provinces, resulting in several local churches being founded.
Post-War Revival and Expansion (1948-1960)
In 1948, the school resumed operations as an evening school under a new name, Baptist Bible Seminary. The following year, the school began offering a four-year course leading to a Bachelor of Theology (BTH) degree and a four-year course leading to a Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) degree, as well as a three-year co-educational Bible Institute course - Bible Institute Diploma (DIB). In view of the increase in enrollment, a new Seminary building was constructed in 1949, containing the men’s dormitory, dining hall, kitchen, library, and offices. Seven classrooms and an auditorium were added in the adjoining building of the First Baptist Church in Padre Faura, Manila, now Manila Baptist Church. Women students were housed in a nearby building rented for the purpose. Later, the name of the school was changed to Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute to recognize the growing Bible Institute department.
As BBSI grew, it became apparent that a new campus allowing for further expansion was needed. In 1959, a new campus site of nearly 18,000 square meters (less than 2 hectares) was purchased in Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal - east of the city of Manila. Construction began early in 1959, and a new campus was completed in February 1960 with a dedication service held the following month. The 1960-1961 school year marked the opening of the brand-new campus for classes.
Modern Developments and Continuing Growth (1960-Present)
Today, God’s faithfulness continues to flourish at BBSI. Old buildings were demolished, and God provided better ones. A new dining hall was erected in 2002 to replace the burnt old dining hall. Additionally, a new four-story building was completed in 2005 to cater to the need for new classrooms, offices, a boardroom, and a library. In 2012, a new men’s dormitory began construction and was completed in 2016, replacing the old dorm that men used for many decades. However, the old men’s dorm was renovated for the classrooms of the BBSI Christian Academy.
Furthermore, BBSI has been accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) since 2005, offering better and enhanced education for God-called men and women for faithful ministry avenues. The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) program began in 2014 to better equip Christian workers and pastors. No doubt, God is faithful in using generous Christians here and abroad for the expansion of BBSI and the effective development of students for the gospel ministry. When God calls, He enables, and when He guides, He provides.