Heritage

Nearly a century ago immigrant Lutherans in the American Midwest felt a need for a theological institution dedicated to the education of lay people. A group of Augustana (Swedish) Lutherans, following an impulse in their home country, Sweden, gathered to found the Lutheran Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. From the first graduating class of ten in 1921 came six women who became missionaries to China. Lutherans of other backgrounds soon joined in support of the work. In the middle of the century, the Minnesota school launched three additional schools. One of these was begun in southern California in 1950 under the leadership of a gifted Bible teacher, the Rev. Maynard Force. Other pioneer faculty included Theodore Hax, Edwin Petrusson, and Luverne Tengbom.

The purpose of the school is to provide a place where students can set aside a period for intensive Bible study, that they might be strengthened in their faith in Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit into effective service according to the will of God.

While much has changed since the early part of the 20th century, the need for a deeper knowledge of God's will and direction through a study of the Scriptures is greater than ever. Apart from the life, teaching, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, both history and life's purpose remain an enigma.

In a changing world, LBI continues its rich heritage by offering a systematic and intensive two-year Bible study curriculum leading to a Diploma in Biblical Studies. Our students continue to find it a solid building block for life and work