Texas Baptist College was founded in 1982 by my father, Dr. Bob Gray, Sr. For legal and incorporation purposes, we have changed the name of this fine institution to Texas Independent Baptist Seminary & Schools.
The changing of the name came about as a result of trying to incorporate Texas Baptist College with the state of Texas. Incorporating Texas Baptist College was necessary for the purpose of retaining our SEVIS status. This highly coveted status allows us to accept foreign students into our institution. Part of the incorporation process uncovered the fact Texas Baptist College was not a name that could be legally incorporated in the state of Texas due to a law passed in 1965 prohibiting post-secondary institutions from using the name “College” unless that institution were willing to accept state accreditation. To remain legal, to retain our SEVIS status, and to remain true to our convictions of remaining independent, we have incorporated under the name Texas Independent Baptist Seminary & Schools.
Changing the name from College to Seminary may evoke an array of discussions and feelings. However, the word Seminary by true definition is “a college that prepares students to be priests, ministers, or rabbis.” However, because we are neither Catholic nor Jewish, Texas IBS will be a college that prepares students to be ministers or better yet old-fashioned men of God.
Although our name may have changed, our mission and purpose have not. We are committed to continue our more than thirty year history of training men and women for the work of the ministry. Our motto remains the same, “Training Soul-Winning Leaders.”
I am excited about the opportunity to train God-called men through the Seminary to have an in-depth knowledge of God’s Word. A man can earn his Associates’ of Theology degree (65 credit/1,040 clock hours) or Bachelors’ of Theology degree (128 credit hours/1,024 clock hours). We now offer master’s and doctorate’s programs in Theology (30 credit hours/360 clock hours).
In addition to the Seminary, we also have our Schools. Through the Schools a man or a lady can earn a Certificates of Church Office Administration (1024 clock hours), Certificate of Music Administration (1024 clock hours), Associates’ of Religious Education degree (61 credit hours/976 clock hours), Bachelor’s of Religious Education degree (128 credit hours/1024 clock hours). We now offer master’s and doctorate’s programs in Religious Education (30 credit hours/360 clock hours).
I am convinced that training men to be Pastors through the Seminary and training men and ladies as the support staff through the Schools is an unbeatable combination to reach the world with the Gospel and strengthen local independent Baptist churches.
As has been our tradition for over thirty years, we will take that classroom knowledge and combine it with practical ministry experience through the ministries of the Longview Baptist Temple. In addition to serving at the Longview Baptist Temple, we have connected with several churches in the area that allow our students to intern and gain hands on experience to prepare them for ministry work after graduation. Some of our students are in their fourth year as interns.
There is much to discuss concerning Texas IBS – from our annual mission trips, revivals, conferences, intramural sports, to our music recital, banquets, and so much more. Suffice it to say, I would encourage you to take a look at our new website TexasIBS.ORG.
In closing, if you are one of our alumni, please take the time to visit the alumni page on the new website. We want to keep in touch with you and build a relationship that will encourage our student body.
Please continue to pray as we keep old-time religion alive in Longview, TX!
Dr. Bob Gray II
Chancellor
Texas I.B.S.
http://texasibs.org