Education Policy

Preamble

The BBFI exists to serve Baptist pastors and their churches as they fulfill the Great Commission. This policy defines BBFI’s relationship with seminaries, colleges, universities, and other training institutions to ensure alignment with its mission, doctrinal integrity, and operational standards. 

1. Educational Philosophy

 The educational philosophy of the BBFI is grounded in the following principles:

  • Biblical Authority: The foundation of all instruction is the Word of God, ensuring theological soundness and spiritual integrity.

  • Qualified Professors: Faculty members must demonstrate exemplary academic, spiritual, and practical qualifications, embodying the highest standards of Christian education.

  • Local Church Engagement: Students and faculty must actively participate in and support local church ministries, affirming the vital role of the local church in spiritual formation and biblical discipleship.

  • Practical Ministry Preparation: Academic programs shall equip students for effective service in real-world ministry contexts, encompassing both professional and lay ministry roles.

  • Evangelistic Vision: A commitment to evangelism, international missions, and church planting remains central, with programs designed to inspire and train leaders for these essential tasks.

  • Accountability: Partner institutions are expected to maintain transparency and compliance with all standards outlined in this policy.

2. Institutional Relationships

The BBFI recognizes and formalizes relationships exclusively with Partner Institutions, defined as domestic or international colleges, universities, seminaries, and other training institutions desiring an official affiliation with the BBFI.

Requirements for Partner Institutions:

  • Full agreement with the BBFI Articles of Faith.

  • Adherence to the most current version of the BBFI Education Policy.

  • Approval of the institution’s missions curriculum by the BBFI.

  • Submission of an annual compliance report to the BBFI Education Committee, including: academic catalog and course descriptions, enrollment, degrees offered, substantial changes, trustees, and fiscal report.

  • Participation in periodic peer review or evaluation by the BBFI Education Committee.

Privileges of Partner Institutions:

  • Formal recognition and promotion through BBFI publications and national meetings.

  • Access to financial support processed through the BBFI Mission Office.

  • Eligibility of mission graduates to meet educational requirements for BBFI missionary candidacy.

Legacy Partners:

 A special designation is reserved for those Partner Institutions that were founded by the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.

3. Education Committee 

The oversight of BBFI-affiliated education is entrusted to the BBFI Education Committee, under the leadership of the Second Vice President.

Responsibilities of the Education Committee:

  • Policy Development: Drafting, revising, and publishing the BBFI Education Policy, subject to approval by the BBFI Executive Committee, State Representatives, and National Fellowship.

  • Monitoring Compliance: Ensure partner institutions adhere to the BBFI Education Policy.

  • Leadership and Accountability: The Second Vice President presides over the Education Committee, providing oversight for all BBFI educational initiatives.

  • Advisory Role of Institutional Presidents: Presidents of partner institutions shall provide counsel and updates to the Education Committee on the operational and educational progress of their institutions.

  • Missions Curriculum Alignment: Missions curriculum must be in alignment with the BBFI Mission Policy. The Education Committee, in coordination with the Mission Office, is responsible for reviewing and approving this curriculum to ensure consistency between the Education Policy and the Mission Policy.

4. Articulation Agreements

To formalize the relationship between the BBFI and partner institutions, an articulation agreement must be established. This agreement shall outline the terms of partnership, including but not limited to: 

  • Compliance with the BBFI Articles of Faith and Education Policy.

  • Expectations for annual reporting, including compliance reports, fiscal reports, and academic standards.

  • Procedures for curriculum approval, particularly in missions and ministry-related programs.

  • A shared commitment to the Great Commission and alignment with BBFI’s mission and vision.

  • Renewal and review procedures to evaluate the institution’s adherence to the agreement and the BBFI’s ongoing support.

Additional Provisions:

  •  Renewal and Review Process: Articulation agreements will be reviewed and renewed on a recurring basis, typically every three to five years, to ensure the institution maintains compliance with BBFI standards and policies.

  • Dispute Resolution Clause: The articulation agreement shall include a mechanism for resolving disputes arising during the partnership. This may include mediation or arbitration under mutually agreed-upon terms.

  • Termination Clause: The agreement shall clearly define the conditions under which the partnership may be terminated by either party, ensuring transparency, fairness, and adequate notice.

The articulation agreement must be approved by the Education Committee and signed by both the Second Vice President (on behalf of the BBFI) and an authorized representative of the partner institution.

5. Institutional Standards

Partner institutions are required to demonstrate the following characteristics to maintain their affiliation with the BBFI:

  • Doctrinal Integrity: Programs and instruction must align unequivocally with the BBFI Articles of Faith, ensuring a biblical foundation across all disciplines.

  • Ministry Focus: Curricula shall prioritize local church ministry, evangelism, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

  • Operational Excellence: Institutions must exemplify ethical practices, institutional integrity, and biblical values in all operations.

  • Financial Accountability: Institutions must submit annual fiscal reviews.

  • Academic Credibility: Accreditation is not required. Institutions must maintain rigorous academic and training standards through qualified faculty, clearly defined learning objectives, and measurable outcomes.

Failure to uphold these standards will prompt immediate review, potentially resulting in probationary status or termination of the partnership.

6. Role in the Mission of the BBFI

Partner institutions serve as critical allies in the BBFI’s mission to advance the Gospel globally. By training leaders equipped for evangelism, discipleship, missions, and church planting, these institutions ensure the ongoing development of biblically sound, practically prepared, and spiritually mature leaders for the global church.

7. Requesting Partnership Status with the BBFI

Institutions seeking formal partnership with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International must initiate the process through a written request submitted to the BBFI Education Committee. This request should demonstrate the institution’s alignment with the BBFI’s doctrinal beliefs, educational philosophy, and commitment to the Great Commission. 

Process for Requesting Partnership Status:

  • Letter of Intent: Submit a formal letter to the Second Vice President of the BBFI expressing the institution’s desire to become a Partner Institution and its willingness to adhere to the BBFI Articles of Faith and Education Policy.

  • Preliminary Review: The Education Committee will conduct a preliminary review of the institution’s doctrinal statement, academic programs, leadership qualifications, financial practices, and overall mission alignment.

  • Formal Application: Following the preliminary review, the institution must submit a full application packet including:

    • Doctrinal Statement and Institutional Mission

    • Faculty Credentials and Leadership Bios

    • Academic Catalog and Program Descriptions

    • Most recent fiscal year report

    • Sample Missions Curriculum

  • Site Visit and Interview (if necessary): The Education Committee may request an on-site visit or virtual interview with institutional leaders to further evaluate the institution’s operations and alignment.

  • Committee Recommendation: Upon review of all materials, the Education Committee will vote on whether to recommend the institution for partnership status.

Final Approval: The recommendation will be forwarded to the BBFI Executive Committee for final approval. Upon approval, an articulation agreement will be drafted and signed by both parties.

Institutions approved for partnership will be publicly recognized at a BBFI National Meeting and included in BBFI communications as an official Partner Institution. 

Approved September 15, 2025, in Tyler, TX

Click here to download a PDF of the BBFI Education Policy