- What is so distinctive about Grizzly Bible Institute?
- What is the history of Grizzly Bible Institute?
- Does GBI have a board?
- Is GBI viable? That is, will young adults come to GBI?
- What kind of reception is GBI receiving around the world?
- Can GBI classes be audited?
- Why the topical nature in classes before launching into the study of particular Bible books?
- Why is GBI so influenced by materials written by John Piper?
- Why use the controversial term, “Christian Hedonism”?
- What about older students?
- Will GBI be too overwhelming for most students?
- Will GBI students need a car while attending the Institute?
- What method of fundraising does GBI employ?
- Will GBI teach only one theological perspective?
- Will foreign students be able to attend GBI?
(Note: Please email us if you have additional questions.)
1. What is so distinctive about Grizzly Bible Institute?
While GBI emulates noteworthy aspects from other one year Bible Institutes (i.e. one week class modules, outdoor activities, missions trip, low cost), what sets GBI apart is our theology, discipleship emphasis, and homework structure. The theological distinctives are crystal clear on this website. Please email us if you need further clarifications. In addition, discipleship is not merely theoretical to us. We really want to do it and to do it well. Finally, our homework assignments will not be typical. GBI students will not be exerting lots of effort in writing research papers or in preparing for tests. Their time will be primarily spent in learning by other methods.
2. What is the history of Grizzly Bible Institute?
The visionary of GBI, Ben Davis, has been involved with young adult ministry for the last decade, primarily in the northwest
Yes. However, at the current time, GBI is in a time of transition. As a result, there are vacancies on the GBI board. The board will have a maximum of five members. We are working diligently to complete the board in the very near future. Please let us know if you would be interested in this very important, but non-time consuming position. If so, we would be glad to send you a board member profile. To be sure, the board will be very indispensable regarding the big decisions that will have to be made in the future.
4. Is GBI viable? That is, will young adults come to GBI?
Yes! To be sure, there will not be thousands upon thousands of young adults lining up at the doors. GBI is not for every professing young adult Christian. On the other hand, there are a minority of young adult Christians who will find GBI a breath of fresh air in the midst of superficial American evangelicalism. To confirm this, we have already received a good number of inquiries from interested applicants.
5. What kind of reception is GBI receiving around the world?
We have been very pleased so far at the interest among individuals from around the world. They have definitely observed that GBI is special. We are convinced that we will garner even more enthusiasm for GBI as the word of our existence spreads to more people.
6. Can GBI classes be audited?
Yes. While the entire program cannot be audited, individual modules will be available for audit. A small fee will be assessed for those participating through this means.
7. Why the topical nature in classes before launching into the study of particular Bible books?
The first six weeks in the GBI curriculum are designed to introduce the students to essential realities & themes that will serve as an umbrella for the remainder of the school year. We will then launch into the study of specific books of the authoritative Word of God to determine if, indeed, those realities & themes are oozing out from the actual words of Scripture. If not, the student should disregard all or some of that vision of God and the Christian life. If it indeed oozes from Scripture, then the student will have confidence that such topics like “Christian Hedonism” and “The Absolute Sovereignty of God” are rooted deeply in Scripture.
8. Why is GBI so influenced by materials written by John Piper?
We make no apologies for GBI being somewhat top heavy with the writings of John Piper. We, at Grizzly Bible Institute, desire to commend to the students the coherent, consistent, and comprehensive model of God, salvation, the Christian life, missions, etc., which is heralded by John Piper. We believe, at the present time, John Piper is one of the most articulate and earnest spokesman for the glories of Jesus Christ and the necessity of delighting in God. At the same time, we do not accept his word uncritically. At every turn, we will surely test everything in relation to the authoritative and sufficient Word of God. In addition, as can be seen from the GBI curriculum, we will be reading from a variety of other authors, especially from past generations. (Note: while GBI has contacts with individuals at
9. Why use the controversial term, "Christian Hedonism"?
Because we wholeheartedly embrace it! While we do not see any reason to avoid using such a valid term, we will not require the students to employ it if they are uncomfortable with it. For those in the Christian community who dislike the phrase, "Christian Hedonism," we suspect they reject all or some of the realities that it stands for. Whether you like or dislike the phrase, you are hard-pressed to reject the Biblical realities behind the term. The Bible is overwhelmingly clear that we should passionately seek the fullness of our joy in God, through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit.
10. What about older students?
GBI is mainly geared toward 18-25 year old students. Nevertheless, we will evaluate on an individual basis the possibility of admitting older students. For older singles, it would primarily come down to whether they can live in close proximity to people much younger than themselves.
11. Will GBI be too overwhelming for most students?
We do not think so. Our goal will not be to unload lots of raw data to the students. There are other settings that are more suitable for that goal. Rather, our goal is to commend the big ideas that are above all else, giving meaning to all else, and guiding all else. Lord willing, the students can then fill in the blanks for the rest of their life using the paradigm that we will labor to cultivate in them. In order to accomplish this goal, we will not be assigning huge research papers or giving comprehensive tests.
12. Will GBI students need a car while attending the Institute?
While a car would be a nice amenity to have while attending GBI, it is not an absolute necessity. For those who do not possess this means of transportation, the staff of GBI will make sure they are transported to all the activities required by the Institute.
13. What method of fundraising does GBI employ?
GBI is intentionally not overly aggressive in the raising of funds. We simply are spreading the word of GBI to as many people as possible without constantly soliciting contributions. If God then prompts such people to give financial resources, then we will be helped and God will receive all the credit.
14. Will GBI teach only one theological perspective?
While Grizzly Bible Institute enthusiastically embraces specific theological convictions as seen on the Five Claws of Grizzly Theology and the Statement of Faith links on this website, we will certainly strive to present other theologies in an accurate and respectful manner. Lord willing, GBI graduates will be careful thinkers as they depart the Institute and plunge into the marketplace of theologies within the Christian community.
15. Will foreign students be able to attend GBI?
GBI is extremely stoked about the prospect of having students from around the world coming to the Institute. It is our desire to represent on a small level, all the peoples for whom Christ has redeemed through His blood. However, at the present time, we are not able to accept applications from foreign students. When GBI gets the green light from the government, then we will begin this exciting new phase for the Institute.
