Bible Institute of South Africa

In the early part of this century theological education in South Africa was only available in the universities. In the 1920's three evangelical ministers were concerned with the loose commitment to the gospel in the theological departments of the day. With this in mind they wished to endow a theological professorship at one of the South African universities. However, because of the prevailing liberal theological influence, their wish was frustrated. Undaunted, they determined to establish a college where the evangelical doctrines of the Word of God would be taught.

Consequently, in 1923, they founded the Bible Institute of South Africa at Mowbray in the Cape Peninsula. Their intention was to create academic training of a high quality in order to provide the Church in South Africa with men and women equipped to meet the challenge of our century.

Throughout its history, the Institute has always been interdenominational, with churches and institutions favouring its non-denominational character. It has trained or contributed towards the training of evangelical ministers for most of the South African denominations e.g. the Assemblies of God, the Baptists, the Brethren, the Church of England in South Africa, the Church of the Province of South Africa, the Dutch Reformed, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and other African Churches. Missionaries, too, have gone out to serve on foreign fields in most of the well-known missionary societies.

Immediately prior to World War II the Institute moved to Kalk Bay, where from small beginnings it has developed into the present extensive campus. Its programmes enjoy local and international academic recognition at the degree level. This now includes honours and masters degrees. The original intention of the founders has therefore been fulfilled.

View two of BISA's earliest journals.