Biblical Education for Effective Christian Ministry
A church-based graduate seminary that develops people for ministry — keeping costs low, allowing families to thrive, and providing the practical training that prepares you for a lifetime of faithful service.
Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) · VA-recognized institution
Glorifying God Through Biblical Education
Faith Bible Seminary is a graduate-level training institution designed to glorify God by equipping students with a biblical education for effective Christian ministry. We exist at the intersection of the academy and the local church — not as an afterthought, but as a foundational commitment.
Founded in 2007 by Faith Church of Lafayette, Indiana, FBS was born out of a desire to address three pressing concerns in traditional seminary education: the crushing cost of graduate theological training, the difficulty of completing degrees while supporting a family, and the lack of meaningful practical ministry experience during the seminary years.
"We're a church-based seminary that develops people for ministry in a way that keeps costs low, allows families to thrive, and provides practical training."
Two Pathways to Ministry
Whether you are called to pastoral leadership or biblical counseling, FBS offers a rigorous, practical, and affordable graduate education rooted in the local church.
Master of Divinity
The traditional degree for those called to ordained pastoral ministry. FBS's MDiv uniquely integrates three years of academic coursework with a paid, part-time internship at a local church — so you graduate with both a degree and real ministry experience.
- Greek & Hebrew language study
- 3-year integrated church internship
- Pastoral studies emphasis
- Low-cost, family-friendly model
- In-person (Lafayette) or distance learning
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
Designed to equip pastors, missionaries, and lay men and women as biblical counselors for Christ. The MABC combines experience and innovation with a flexible learning model — available with both residency and online components to serve students across the country.
- Flexible hybrid format (residency + online)
- ACBC-aligned curriculum
- Practical counseling supervision
- Equips pastors, missionaries & lay leaders
- Nationally recognized program
A Different Kind of Seminary
FBS was founded to address the three most pressing problems in seminary education today.
Radically Affordable
Seminary education should not leave graduates in crippling debt. FBS is heavily subsidized by Faith Church, keeping tuition among the lowest of any accredited seminary in the country. Graduate debt-free and ready to serve.
Family Flourishes
The FBS model is designed so that students can be present husbands, fathers, and community members throughout their training. Part-time academics combined with a local church internship means your family doesn't pay the price for your education.
Practical from Day One
Students don't just study ministry — they do ministry. The integrated internship model places every MDiv student in a local church for three to four days per week, ensuring that academic learning is immediately applied in real pastoral contexts.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:2
Academics and Ministry, Side by Side
The MDiv program's unique paradigm is built on a simple but powerful conviction: pastoral ministry is not simply an academic endeavor. At FBS, practical training is not an add-on — it is central to the entire educational experience.
Students commute to FBS or participate through live-distance learning for academic training one to two days per week.
A student known well by a local church is hired there as an intern, working in practical ministry three to four days per week.
The local church receives additional staff support and is actively involved in training men for ministry.
This model provides real integration of academics and practical ministry — graduating students who are ready to lead.
Taught by Practitioners
FBS faculty are not merely academics — they are active pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders who bring the classroom into contact with real church life.
Dr. Brent Aucoin
President, Faith Bible Seminary
Pastor of Seminary & Soul Care, Faith Church · ACBC Certified
Rob Green
MDiv Faculty
Pastor of Counseling & Congregational Care, Faith Church · ACBC Certified Counselor
Aaron Birk
MDiv Faculty
Pastor of Preaching & Vision, Faith Church · ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary
Matt Westhuis
MDiv Faculty
Pastor of Discipleship, Faith Church · MA, Faith Bible Seminary
Arthur David
MABC Faculty
Director of Biblical Counseling Training, Faith Church · ACBC Certified
Dr. Wagner
MABC Faculty
Professor of Biblical Counseling · PhD, Counseling, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Begin Your Journey
Admission requirements are based on prior academic training, character, and intended purpose for the education. Requirements differ between the MDiv and MABC programs — review each carefully before applying.
Review Program Requirements
Explore the MDiv or MABC program pages to understand admission criteria, curriculum, and scheduling.
Submit Your Application
Apply online through the FBS website. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required for both programs.
Interview & Evaluation
Prospective students will be evaluated on academic background, character references, and ministry calling.
Begin Your Training
Once accepted, you'll be integrated into the FBS community — academically, spiritually, and practically.
Tuition & Fees
FBS is heavily subsidized by Faith Church. Veterans benefits accepted. Please see the FBS website for the most current fee schedule.
Apply to Faith Bible SeminaryA Ministry of Faith Church, Lafayette
Faith Bible Seminary is not a freestanding institution — it is a ministry of Faith Church of Lafayette, Indiana. This is not incidental to who we are; it is foundational. The seminary exists because the congregation of Faith Church believed that a church-based seminary was a natural extension of what God had been doing through their ministry for decades.
Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries, a ministry of Faith Church, has trained over 12,000 men and women in biblical counseling. That legacy of practical, church-rooted training is the soil from which FBS grew — and it continues to shape everything we do.
Visit Faith Church Lafayette
We'd Love to Hear From You
Equip Yourself for a Lifetime of Faithful Ministry
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Take the first step toward a biblical education that will shape your ministry for decades to come.