Cornerstone Bible Institute

Cornerstone Bible Institute (CBI) is a church-integrated training center focused on developing leaders to impact the nations of the world for Christ. Recognizing that all of life is to be lived for Christ, we do not acknowledge a division between the sacred and the secular. Whether your vocation is in full-time church work, missionary work, or in the workplace , it is all considered ministry.   Paul was a tent-maker. Jesus was a carpenter. Abraham was a wealthy businessman as well as a great spiritual and political leader. Christian leadership and influence is needed in every arena of our society. At CBI, majors are offered to prepare Christians to effectively influence the business, professional, political, and other work places, as well as full-time church and missionary service.   The only hope for America is for Christ-centered leaders to be trained and commissioned to leadership roles throughout society. In a new innovative program, CBI uses the lamad teaching method. Lamad is a Hebrew word that means both "to teach" and "to learn." In the Hebrew mind, the teacher has not taught unless the student has learned.    Since all teaching and learning begins in the fear of the Lord, the goal is not to simply teach facts but to change lives. In the lamad method of learning, we are returning to the Hebraic concept of education that includes a personal encounter and response to God's revelation in preparing each student to fulfill their God-given destiny.  Since CBI is integrated into the life of the church, courses are offered in the local Cornerstone churches as needed. The curriculum is designed so that the local pastor or designated teacher in the local church can facilitate the classroom experience. Standards for the courses are set and monitored centrally at the main office where all student records are maintained. Requirements for admission into the CBI program include spiritual openness, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and a minimum age of 18. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis. CBI is recognized by the Virginia Council of Higher Education as exempt from the requirements of state approval, being that the primary purpose is to provide faith-based training. Associates and Bachelors degrees are offered in Applied Ministry. Both are two-year programs that include the School of Leaders. However, in order to receive a Bachelors degree, the graduate must hold a recognized Associates degree from another educational institution such as a two-year community college. A Masters Degree in Applied Ministry is awarded to those who complete all three years of training including the School of Leaders and a designated major. To receive a Masters degree, the graduate must hold a recognized Bachelors degree. Those without a Bachelors degree will be awarded an Advanced Associates Degree in Applied Ministry. Our desire is to work with each student to design a program that will fit his or her unique interest, calling, and destiny in God.