Training to Change the World

One of our goals at Indian Life Ministries is to make you aware of ministries and organizations through which Indigenous Christians are reaching others. This issue, we're pleased to introduce you to Indian Bible College (www.indianbible.org), based in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Director of Admissions, Daniel Esplin.

Can you tell us a little bit about Indian Bible College? What is the history? What is the purpose?

Indian Bible College exists to disciple and educate Indigenous Native Christians for biblical ministry and spiritual leadership to their people and the world. For over 200 years, Native and First Nations people have been the mission field, but our vision is to see the Native/First Nations church rise up to become a mighty missions force.

Indian Bible College was founded in 1958 by Dr. Gordon Fraiser. You might not know Dr. Gordon Fraiser but you might know his relative-the well known Jim Elliot. Jim Elliot was an American missionary to the indigenous people in South America. Elliot was one of five people killed during Operation Auca, an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador. When Dr. Fraiser learned of Elliot's death, he began to have a burden for Native people in America. In 1958, Dr. Fraiser started a Bible study with four Navajo men around his kitchen table, and Dr. Fraiser knew we needed to train Indigenous Native people to reach their own with the Gospel.

Tell us a little bit about the classes? What are they like? Are they on-site or on-line?

Indian Bible College has a wide range of classes from basic theology, Christian family, Old and New Testament survey, to introduction to missions and personal evangelism and biblical communications. Many of the classes are offered in-person on our campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, but we offer some online classes throughout the semester on Tuesday evenings. Your first class is tuition-free so many online students take advantage of this opportunity to learn from their home.

What kind of degrees can people earn?

We offer three programs at Indian Bible College-Certificate of Biblical Studies (33 credits), Associate of Biblical Studies (63 credits), and the Bachelor of Biblical Studies (120 credits). The CBS gives students the foundations of the faith and grounding in the Word of God. Many students who want to grow in their faith and learn basic leadership skills often earn the CBS. The ABS trains students for ministry influence in local church or para-church settings. Associate graduates work very effectively in Christian service. The BBS prepares students for Chrisian leadership in full-time ministry. Graduates of the BBS are in high demand in Native churches and ministries and have many leadership options.

What kind of students do you encourage to apply? Who is the ideal candidate? Can someone come to the college if they've earned a degree somewhere else?

Since 1958, we have had 57 different tribes study at Indian Bible College from the United States, Canada, and South America. Our focus is discipling and educating Native/First Nations people, but we have had non-native students study at IBC who have an Indigenous ministry focus. We have had students transfer to Indian Bible College from other Bible colleges. Indian Bible College became nationally accredited in February 2021, so we can accept transfer credits from many Bible colleges, and students can apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or some tribal scholarships.

How many students are in the graduating classes?

Indian Bible College has 30–40 students per year and we usually have 15–20 students receiving certificates or degrees during graduation.

Is this program just for people who want to go into full-time ministry, or is it also valuable for lay people?

We have students at Indian Bible College who are preparing for full-time ministry as a youth pastor or pastor of a church, but we also have students who just want to grow in their faith and pursue other vocational goals. Indian Bible College prepares Native/First Nations people for every situation whether they are called to full-time ministry or not.

Is there anything that makes this program distinctive from a non-Indigenous Bible college?

Indian Bible College is unique because we are culturally sensitive to the needs of Native/First Nations people inside and outside the classroom. Our approach to mentoring and education is tailor-made for the Native audience.

The Native Masculinity Collaborative Class is a great example of our uniqueness because we discuss the obstacles Native/First Nations men face and solutions that are unique to each culture. This class looks to help young Native men to embrace their roles and responsibilities by looking to Jesus as the model for manhood.

Not only is Indian Bible College preparing students biblically but, also, to help students walk through healing and trauma. Many Native/First Nations people have experienced abuse whether physical, verbal, sexual, or neglect, and we strive to help students begin the healing process as a way to be a better leader in the end. We are not just a Bible college giving students the knowledge and information about the Word of God, but we are after helping each student become transformed more into the image of Christ.

How many people have gone through IBC?

Since 1958, we have had over 250 graduates from 57 different tribes.

Are you a graduate of IBC? How have you found it to be beneficial in your own life?

I am a 2005 BBS graduate of Indian Bible College. I became a youth pastor after graduating from IBC and the training I received at Indian Bible College was valuable in building a successful youth ministry on the Navajo Nation. I learned vital skills, which have made me a better teacher, mentor, and leader.

How do you envision IBC helping Native Americans or First Nations people changing their worlds?

In training and equipping students at Indian Bible College, our vision is to see Native America and First Nations people cease to be the mission field and the Native church to become a mighty missions force. God is opening up doors for Indigenous people not only in our community but also all over the world. The unreached peoples of this world are tribal and indigenous people and we believe Native and First Nations people can be the ones to reach the world and finish the Great Commission.