In thousands of villages around the world, believers love the Lord Jesus but have never had the chance to study the Bible carefully. The nearest Bible college is far away. The cost is out of reach. And so the Church grows wide but not deep.
At Revelation Bible College & Seminary, we believe the answer is not only to train students, but to train students who will train others. Our vision is that, after they are equipped, our graduates will start Bible schools in their own villages and churches. This article is a practical guide on how to start a Bible school, step by step.
Why Start a Bible School in Your Village?
Paul gave Timothy a simple plan for the growth of the Church: “the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). That is four generations in one verse: Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and others.
A village Bible school puts that verse into practice. One trained teacher can open the Scriptures to a small group. That group can teach their families, lead Sunday schools and strengthen their church. In time, some of them will teach others in the next village.
Step 1: Begin With Prayer and Your Church
A Bible school is a work of God, so begin by asking Him for direction. Then talk to your pastor and church leaders. A Bible school should serve the local church, not compete with it. Ask for their blessing, their counsel and their prayers, and agree together on what you will teach and who will be responsible.
Step 2: Be Trained Yourself
You cannot give what you have not received. Before you teach others, make sure you are growing in your own knowledge of the Word. Revelation Bible College & Seminary offers seven programmes, from the Certificate in Christian Ministry to the Doctor of Ministry, all 100% online and 100% tuition-free. See them on our Academic Programs page.
Many people begin with the Certificate in Christian Ministry and keep studying while they start teaching a small class. Pastors who want deeper preparation can consider the Master of Divinity or, for experienced ministers, the Doctor of Ministry.
Step 3: Gather a Small First Class
Do not wait for a large crowd. Jesus began with twelve. Look for a few faithful believers who are hungry for the Word and willing to commit to regular study: Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, elders, and young people who sense a call to ministry.
Agree together on what you expect: attendance every week, reading between classes, and a willingness to share what they learn with others.
Step 4: Choose What to Teach
Make the Bible itself the main textbook. A good first year covers the foundations. Our own Certificate in Christian Ministry includes these subjects, and they make a helpful outline:
- Christian Foundations
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- The Life of Christ
- Old Testament Survey
- Evangelism and Discipleship
- Prayer and Spiritual Life
- Practical Ministry Skills
- Sermon Preparation and Preaching
Keep your teaching faithful to Scripture and to the historic Christian faith. Our Statement of Faith sets out the beliefs that guide our own teaching.
Step 5: Find a Place and a Time
You do not need a building to start a Bible school. A church hall, a home, a school classroom or a shaded place in the village can all serve. What matters most is a regular time. Choose a day and hour that suits farmers, workers and mothers in your village, and keep to it faithfully.
Step 6: Teach People to Teach
The goal of a village Bible school is not only knowledge, but multiplication. Give your students simple ways to pass on what they learn:
- Ask each student to teach the week’s lesson to their family.
- Let older students help lead Sunday school or a home Bible study.
- Give students the chance to prepare and preach a short message.
When students begin teaching, they learn the Word even better, and the school starts to multiply.
Step 7: Keep It Free and Keep It Faithful
Jesus said, “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Wherever possible, keep your Bible school free, so that no believer is turned away because they are poor. Keep simple records of who attends and what has been taught, and stay accountable to your church leaders.
How to Start a Bible College in Your Church
For pastors, a Bible school can grow out of the life of the church. Start with one evening class for church workers. As teachers are trained, add a second class. Over time, a weekly class can become a structured Bible school with a yearly plan, a group of trained teachers and students who go on to further study.
Encourage your best students to continue their own training online. Students from many nations already study with us, from Pakistan to Africa and beyond. Read A Free Online Bible College for Pastors in Africa and A Tuition-Free Bible College for International Students.
Common Challenges and How to Face Them
Few Books
Start with the Bible. Where printed books are scarce, a teacher who has studied well can teach from the Scriptures and simple notes.
Students Who Cannot Read Well
Read the Bible aloud, teach through stories, and use repetition and memorisation. Many people learn the Word deeply by hearing it.
Discouragement
Some weeks few people will come. Keep going. “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to start a Bible school?
You need to know the Word of God well and have the support of your church. Formal training helps greatly, which is why we encourage every Bible school teacher to keep studying. Revelation Bible College & Seminary offers free online programmes from the Certificate to the Doctorate.
Can I start a Bible school in my church?
Yes. Begin with your pastor’s blessing, one regular class and a few faithful students, and let it grow from there.
What should I teach first?
Begin with the foundations: Christian foundations, the life of Christ, an Old Testament survey, evangelism and discipleship, prayer, and preaching.
How much does it cost to start a Bible school?
Very little. You need a Bible, a place to meet, a regular time and a faithful teacher. We encourage you to keep your school free.
Can my students study at Revelation Bible College too?
Yes. Any believer can apply at https://www.revelationbiblecollege.com/apply-now/. All programmes are 100% online and 100% tuition-free.
How can I contact Revelation Bible College about my plans?
We would be glad to hear from you. Please write to us through our Contact page.
Know God. Make HIM Known. Start with the few God has given you, and trust Him for the many.