This course is an introduction to the interpretation of the Bible, seeking to provide a historical perspective
and reliable principles with which to study, interpret, and apply Scripture.
3BC was organized in February 2009 by Pastor Billy Bell, Pastor of the New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church during a meeting with Dr. Michael Adams, President of Faith International Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Michael Adams suggested that we organize a school here in Texas and partner with Faith International Seminary. Pastor Bell asked Dr. Adams what he could name the school and Dr. Adams suggested BBBICC - Billy Bell Bible Institute College Courses.
Pastor Bell knew that members would be hesitant about enrolling in college courses with some having only graduated school with a GED. Pastor Anthony Pettus shared and sent the curriculum to Texas from a Bible class that he instituted at his church using a book called “Grasping God’s Word. A Hands-On approach to Reading, Interpreting and Applying the Bible.” Pastor Bell’s travel schedule was heavy at the conception of 3BC, so he held classes on the first and third Saturday of each month. Pastor Bell introduced it to New Pilgrim Rest membership and signed up over seventeen members for the first class.
As the school progressed through the “Grasping God’s Word” book, some left the class. Dr. Adams offered BBBICC 60 accredited hours through Faith Seminary. BBBICC has accreditation through Faith International Seminary. Our first graduation commencement was held in 2010 with thirteen students. Our Second commencement was held in 2011 with three students: In 2013 the graduating class held seven students: In 2014 there were seven students to graduate. In 2015 the graduating class held eight students. In 2017, we had ten students to graduate. In 2019 the graduating class had four students. The class of 2020 also held four graduates. There has been many changes during the tenure of 3BC.
Since the start in 2009 3BC has had over fifty plus students to graduate and some have gone on to pursue degrees from Faith International (now named Faith Evangelical). Nine out the fifty-four have enrolled in Faith International Seminary for their undergrad and graduate Degrees. In 2014 Ronay Delley, who graduated 3BC in 2011, received her Doctorate degree from Faith International Seminary. In 2017 Dr. Adams suggested that we change the name to 3BC. In 2019 Pastor Bell brought all the graduating classes back together to march on the Tenth Anniversary.
We are pleased to announce our expansion to having classes twice a week with four other superb instructors coming aboard. They are Dr. Frank Ray, Sr. (Nashville, TN), Pastor Anthony R. Pettus (Fort Wayne, IN), Dr. Carlton May (Lithonia, GA), ) and Pastor Thaddeus McCall (Ft. Worth, TX).
3BC Office of Administration will have Fatra Thomas serving as our Executive Director of School Administrator. Sarah Louise Bell serving as our Executive School Administrative Assistant and Minister Leo Davis serving as our Director of Student Accounts. In addition, we have Joyce Harrell serving as our Administrator of Student Affairs and Rev. Anzale Combs as our Public Relations Director.
2021 was a fabulous virtual experience and we look forward to 2022, and beyond, with great anticipation for 3BC & partnering again to equip individuals with the Word of God.