Mission of Spirit of Faith Bible Institute
SOFBI is an institution of higher learning that exists to bring glory to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ through the work of Holy Spirit. The mission of the SOFBI is to provide an exemplary education from a Biblical worldview, thereby developing Christian growth in aspiring servant-leaders, and preparing them for service locally and globally in pivotal ministries and professions that will transform society.
Comprehensive Christian Education And Spiritual Development
In response to a conscientious inward desire to advance men and women through an all-inclusive curriculum of the Word of God, the foundation of this institution was established. In 1995, Ministers Internship Program (MIP) was birthed by the Chancellor, Dr. Michael A. Freeman, who is also the Senior Pastor of the Spirit of Faith Christian Center. He was prompted by the Spirit of God and his love for the people of God to create a sequential educational prospectus for men and women who acknowledged a call of God on their lives. This vehicle of preparation was one of the tools to help facilitate the vision that God had given Dr. Freeman to meet the needs of the “whole man.”
The first classes were held in the auditorium of Anacostia High School, in the southeast corridor of Washington, DC. The participants, pastoral staff members, including the first lady of Spirit of Faith Christian Center, Dr. DeeDee, as well as others in leadership positions, received a formal invitation to attend. From September through June, a class of 68 students was taught by Dr. Freeman, Elder Barry Taylor and Pastor Rick Wooten, members of the pastoral staff, while the administrative staff comprised of four team leaders.
By 1997, the program expanded to three separate modules, MIP I, II, and III and Associate Pastor Kevin Adams was appointed as the Dean of MIP. In September 2003, the institution was renamed Spirit of Faith Bible Institute (SOFBI) and became a proud affiliate member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
Spirit of Faith Bible Institute (SOFBI), seeks to provide students with a thorough and comprehensive Christian education and the opportunity to develop a strong commitment and devotion to the Lord. SOFBI’s programs emphasize spiritual growth and development, as well as preparation for service. Classes always begin with prayer and students are always encouraged to begin and end their day with personal devotion and meditation. In addition, students demonstrate their spiritual growth and development by participating in the Student Ministry Practicum Program, which gives them an opportunity to apply the principles they have learned in class to real-life situations.
This program allows them to see their spiritual growth, as well as instilling in them a commitment to personal accountability. Throughout the academic year, special programs are held that promote spiritual growth in the lives of the students. In particular, the bi-annual SOFBI Chapel services are designed to exhort students in the Word of God. These services are led by ministry leaders and/or special guest speakers selected by the SOFBI Leadership Team. This time of exhortation and encouragement are held at Spirit of Faith Christian Center and broadcast privately to our students around the world.
Today, the faculty and administrative staff consists of SOFBI alumni and partners of SOFCC. To date, over 1,000 students have enrolled, and more than 400 diplomas have been conferred. SOFBI has more than a decade of experience in providing its training online, making its programs accessible worldwide and impacting every corner of the earth as a result.
As these and other programs and initiatives come into fruition, Spirit of Faith Bible Institute will continue to exemplify our motto: “Promoting the Spirit of Faith, Integrity, and Excellence”!
General Objectives
The students who graduate from SOFBI shall be able to:
- State unreservedly that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that it is the standard of faith in thought and action,
- Serve in their God-ordained assignments with excellence, integrity, and with a spirit of faith,
- Demonstrate that he/she has a basic knowledge of the Bible with the ability to lead people to the Lord by precept and example,
- Demonstrate a capacity for personal growth through individual assessment, reflection, and even the promise of discovery accompanied by an ability to think critically and creatively, drawing on information retrieval and analysis to solve problems,
- Give evidence of having been stimulated toward continued growth in biblical knowledge, student ministries, Christian citizenship, and scholarly competence as reflected in records which give comparative evidence of progress,
- Communicate ideas and information accurately, logically, and effectively in both written and oral form,
- Apply the teaching of Scripture in the shaping of a Biblical worldview for life and one’s chosen profession.
Core Values
Christ-Centeredness
SOFBI Institute has as its focal point the teachings, practices and person of Jesus Christ.
Faith
SOFBI embodies the concept of “the Just living by faith”, and therefore exemplifies a lifestyle governed by the Word of God which has, and will have, a transforming effect on society.
Excellence
SOFBI is recognized for its excellence in education, scholarship, service and workplace. Christ demands it and our constituents deserve nothing less.
Integrity
In all activities, SOFBI will display the highest level of integrity. Our bonds are based on trust; and we endeavor to maintain that trust with faculty, staff, students and others who interact with us.
Innovation
SOFBI will continue to be innovative in order to remain at the forefront of higher education, and will implement technological changes as the technological world demands it.