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July 1, 2026
Launching Out Into the Deep: Bible Training Institute Reports
July 1, 2026
Launching Out Into the Deep: Bible Training Institute Reports
The Church of God conducted Bible Training Institute in fourteen countries and will conduct three more schools before the conclusion of the 2025-2026 Assembly year. Brother Horton was honored to attend seven of the schools and reports that each was a blessed gathering for all who attended.
The following reports are from some of the schools around the world this year. Make plans to attend a Bible Training Institute school in your area next year!
Cleveland, TN
Toby Fearer, First Term
Although my experience at Bible Training Institute is difficult to put into words, I will try my best to share my testimony of how it has forever impacted my life. As a child, I remember hearing such powerful stories from those who went to BTI that I thought everyone would want to go—even me. Yet, for some reason that I don’t understand, I was intimidated into not attending. However, God laid it on my heart before last year’s Assembly to attend BTI this year.
During the Evangelism program at the last Assembly, the Lord moved mightily to fill me with the Holy Ghost, a blessing I had sought for quite some time. Immediately afterward, I felt a very strong calling from God, but I was not certain what it meant. I prayed and fasted for clarity all the way leading up to this year’s school. Now, I had heard how the Holy Ghost would sometimes sweep through the classes at BTI, and I thought that was incredible, but what stood out the most to me was the anointed teaching and the emphasis on learning the truth of what the Bible says. I had come ready to learn, and I was not disappointed. Every class every day seemed as if it had been written just for me, and it was through these classes that God spoke and gave me clarity on the calling He was placing on my life.
BTI is an encounter I wish every Christian, not just members of the Church, could experience. Every part of it, from the classes and services to the rich fellowship, was an encouragement like no other. I would encourage anyone and everyone to go because if you are looking to grow closer to God and His Church, you will not leave disappointed.
Madison Adkins, Second Term
As the Second Term BTI class, we are neither newbies nor are we preparing for a graduation ceremony, but we are thankful for this time together as we continue our studies in the Word of God to become better equipped for our personal ministries in the kingdom and the Church. Our relationships with one another have grown, and our unity has been bolstered. The spiritual maturity our class carries is quite inspiring, and we are thankful for how each one of us sharpens each other’s iron (Proverbs 27:17). We have laughed, we have cried, we have rejoiced, and we have worshipped in the joy of the Lord!
One day, we decided as a class to fast and pray for needs that have been on our hearts. We all stayed in our classroom during our lunch break and went to our knees in prayer and supplication before the Lord (Philippians 4:6). It truly was beautiful, and we were all encouraged in our time of seeking God for guidance, direction, and answered requests.
Two in our class accepted the call into the ministry; one feeling the Lord’s call to teach the Word of God and one feeling the call to preach the Word of God! We have had seven baptized in water to renew their conscience with the Lord.
The classes have truly been Spirit-filled, and we thank the Lord for how much we’ve felt Him throughout this Bible Training Institute. We are leaving this year, going home to our fields of labor, equipped and ready to launch out into the deep!
Sara Tyler, Third Term
Wow! What can I say about BTI 2026? Each class was full of information that we will all take home and use to help us in our respective ministries. Every teacher brought FANTASTIC classes for us to glean from, and they were all ready for any questions that were presented. Hearing personal stories from each teacher was so edifying, to say the least. We were blessed to have good times of prayer in class as well. There were also Spirit-filled services throughout the week with powerful preaching that we will be feasting on for a very long time. Each message spoke to us in different ways and challenged us to better “Launch Out Into The Deep” and win souls to the Lord! Many (including myself) were talking about the unity that was felt throughout the entire school. It truly felt like a big family gathering.
One service night, when the altar call was given, I went to pray. I did not necessarily have anything weighing on me, but I wanted to go to the altar. I began praying for my local church, myself, and other things. Then I felt the Lord prompt me to pray for my lost loved ones. I had been praying for them weekly already, but the Lord showed me that I had lost the burden for them. I began to ask God to restore the burden for them again, and He did! Not long after praying, I overheard Brother Rob Montgomery calling out the names of some of my family who have strayed. I felt like it was God confirming to me that He would answer my prayers! As I was talking with my husband about the service, he shared with me his testimony of what he was praying, and it was almost exactly what I did.
I am so thankful for BTI and the unity that we all felt! And I am looking forward to LPD! Make plans now to go next year! You will not regret it!
Steele Williams, Leadership Pastoral Development
My wife and I feel truly blessed to have attended the LPD class at the Cleveland, Tennessee BTI, where we received deeper teaching on the operations of the Church and effective ministry. This experience stirred within me a greater appreciation for the gifts and helps God has placed in His Church, along with a renewed desire to use them faithfully. I also gained a clearer understanding of the importance of Church business and how it supports the work of God.
Most importantly, I am reminded of the vital need to stay closely connected to God through daily devotion and prayer. If I am to help guide others toward heaven, I must first cultivate a strong, consistent relationship with Him myself.
During BTI, we took part in a practice marriage ceremony, and we had the joy of dedicating our 16-year-old “baby” boy. We were also blessed to assist with the Communion and Feet Washing service. In addition, three of our classmates were baptized in water. To God be the glory!
Each morning, we started with wonderful devotions, and we had inspiring evening services that encouraged us to clear away spiritual debris in our “nets,” step out of our comfort zones on the shore, and go into the deeper water where we depend only on God. The anointed messages also reminded us to obediently let down our nets, trusting God to move even if we feel tired and hopeless.
BTI is truly an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Spending two weeks in the presence of God and surrounded by brothers and sisters in the Lord is both refreshing and inspiring. It is, without a doubt, a small glimpse of the joy and unity we will one day experience in heaven.
West Coast, USA
Jason Prince, Overseer of California
We enjoyed a blessed time at West Coast BTI this year. We had 57 students in attendance, representing 4 states—California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Minnesota—and 3 countries—Mexico, England, and Canada. We were also thankful to celebrate 11 graduates this year. In addition, we were fortunate to host LPD, with many ministers from across California attending. It was a wonderful opportunity for learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth together.
With the General BTI theme, “Launching Out Into the Deep,” we were challenged during our devotions to consider the type of ship we are on spiritually. Are we lounging, or are we launching? It was a timely reminder that God is calling us to move deeper in our walk with Him and in His purpose for our lives. There was great fellowship among the brethren, and many spiritual blessings were received from the Lord throughout this school.
We thank everyone who attended and helped make this year a success. Make plans now to join us next year and allow us to learn of Him together!
Uganda
Makoha Francis Agati, Overseer of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi
What a blessing for the leaders from Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to travel to Uganda for Bible Training Institute training, which took place from April 9-12, 2026, at Frontiers Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.
Glory and honor go to the Lord for our teaching guests, Bishop Paul Horton and Bishop Colin Shuler. Their teaching lessons were from the Leadership Pastoral Development training course, which included Administration, Financial Management, Auxiliaries, Church Doctrine, and many others. Through these lessons, our leaders were rekindled in their hearts and received the teachings with gladness! We had 23 delegates who attended the BTI, finished the training, and were given certificates of completion.
We want to thank our teachers, our General Overseer, and all who helped to make this training possible. We had two nonmembers who also attended the training, and we are getting testimonies that they love the doctrine of the Church! The world is ready for the gospel, and the time is now to teach it. We pray that the Lord provides for more training in many more countries so they can get to know the doctrine of His Church. We are also getting testimonies from our Church leaders who attended the BTI, saying that they were blessed more than they expected! Thanks to those who gave and keep giving to support the work of BTI. Thank the Lord that through this BTI, our leaders were equipped by the teaching of His Word, which is a helpful tool to teach others inside and outside the Church.
Kenya
Renison Mbogo, Overseer of Kenya
Praise the Lord for the Bible Training Institute conducted in Kenya during the month of October 2025. The four teachers were Brother Luis Bañuelos (World Language Secretary), Brother Stuart Brown (Church of Prophecy Marker Association General Coordinator), Brother Joshua Nyamhuka (National Overseer of Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), and Renison Mbogo Ngurukiri (National Overseer of Kenya). We were joined by two pastors from western Kenya (from another organization) who, while here at this BTI, received the Bible teaching with great joy and, at the end of the school, joined themselves by covenant to The Church of God!
We had a wonderful time during this BTI under the leadership of Brother Bañuelos and Brother Brown, and Brother Mbogo and Brother Nyamhuka gave the support needed.
India (Tamil Nadu State)
W.S. Vedha, Overseer of Tamil Nadu State India
It is with great joy and gratitude to God that I take this opportunity to share the wonderful blessings we received through the BTI School that was conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, December 3-7, 2025. Approximately 30 Church pastors and 20 Church elders participated in this five-day intensive training program. The school was led by Bishop Paul Horton and his dedicated team, who faithfully taught biblical principles of Doctrine, Church administration, and organization. Their teaching was firmly rooted in Scripture and provided practical guidance for effective ministry leadership.
Throughout the training, participants gained valuable insights into many aspects of Church governance, leadership responsibilities, and organizational structure. However, one of the most impactful areas of instruction was the biblical approach to financial management within the Church. The sessions on handling Church finances, managing God’s resources, budgeting, accountability, transparency, and the proper use of offerings deeply touched the hearts of all who attended. Many pastors testified that these teachings opened their eyes to the importance of stewarding God’s resources faithfully and responsibly. In many independent churches throughout Tamil Nadu, structured financial management practices have not always been emphasized. As a result, this BTI School provided much-needed instruction and practical tools that can help our churches strengthen their administration and maintain integrity in ministry. Participants learned that biblical stewardship is not merely an organizational necessity but an act of worship and obedience to God.
The fellowship among pastors and Church leaders was another great blessing. The training created opportunities for sharing experiences, discussing ministry challenges, and encouraging one another in the work of the Lord. The atmosphere was filled with unity, learning, and spiritual growth. The impact of this school has extended far beyond the five days of training. Pastors and elders returned to their churches with renewed vision, greater confidence, and practical strategies to improve Church administration while remaining faithful to biblical principles.
As we reflect on this valuable experience, we eagerly look forward to hosting BTI again in Tamil Nadu in the coming years. There is a growing hunger among our pastors and Church elders to learn more deeply, develop stronger leadership skills, and become even greater blessings to the congregations they serve.
We express our sincere appreciation to Bishop Paul Horton and Bishop Colin Shuler for their commitment, sacrifice, and faithful ministry. Their investment in our leaders is helping strengthen local churches and advance God’s kingdom throughout Tamil Nadu.
May the Lord continue to bless the BTI ministry abundantly, and may many more Church leaders be equipped for effective and faithful service in the years ahead.
Argentina
Antonio Digan, Overseer of Argentina
With great joy and deep gratitude to God, General Headquarters, and to the BTI General Coordinator, Bishop Paul Horton, for the approval and financial help received, we can testify that from January 2-7, 2026, an enriching Bible school was held in our country.
The students from different local churches had the opportunity to deepen their identity as The Church of God, delving into the doctrine and growing their knowledge of the objectives, function, and operation of the Church as a divine institution here on earth. A total of 32 students participated, with 15 in First Term, 6 in Second Term, and 11 in Third Term.
Each day of study, devotions, and services was marked by the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the communion of the saints, and their desire to possess all possible tools to serve our Lord with excellence and a renewed vision of expansion. As a result of this time of consecration, 5 were sanctified, 1 was divinely healed, and 3 were baptized in water—experiences that filled those present with joy and showed that God’s transforming work is still operating in these last days.
