HISTORY

Housed in a rented two-story building on a sliding hill in New Lucban Subdivision, Carantes Hill, Baguio City, Bethel Bible Institute was founded on August 1, 1941 - the first Bible School of the Assemblies of God in the Philippines. There were twelve students. Except for one Filipino, all the faculty members were Americans. The school was closed when the war broke out on December 8, 1941.

After liberation, Bethel Bible Institute was reopened on June 2, 1946 in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan under the leadership of Rev. Rudy C. Esperanza who was part of the original faculty in Baguio. Twenty students held classes in the local Assembly of God church. Sunday street meetings were held in a nearby barrio and at the end of the school year a church was built by the converts themselves.

Bethel moved to its present location in Malinta, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila (Polo, Bulacan then) in August 1948 after months of searching and negotiating for a suitable property. The name of the school was changed to Bethel Bible Institute and Seminary. There were 33 students who began classes on August 5, 1948 in nipa huts. Under old army tents the students ate, studied, and had chapel. On Thanksgiving Day, 24 November 1948 the three (3) hectare campus and the humble plant were dedicated to the Lord. Fourteen pioneers were the first graduates, on April, 1949.

Bethel became a charter member of PABATS in 1967. In 1985, a curriculum change was introduced to enable Bethel to grant the Bachelor of Christian Ministries degree. The name was changed to Bethel Bible College. In 1988, when FEAST (APTS) moved to Baguio, all the facilities of the FEAST Administrative Building were turned to Bethel Bible College. In June 1986, the classes of the Extension Program started in Cubao. In the past, there were extension classes conducted off and on, but since 1986, the Extension Program has steadily grown. In 1989, six graduates received the certificate in Biblical Studies. This was the first Batch of Graduates from the Extension to join commencement exercises. As of 1999 Bethel is offering three Bachelor of Christian Ministries; Pastoral Leadership, Missions and Christian Education.

Graduates of Bethel are occupying positions of leadership in the General District Councils of the Assemblies of God, pastoring churches, serving as crosscultural missionaries, Christian Education Directors in local churches, Music directors, Administrators in church-related preschools, Bible school administrators and teachers.