What is SBS?

Just over 30 years ago, the Lord spoke to Loren Cunningham that YWAM needed a school that focused solely on the Bible, and studied all 66 books in nine months. At that time there were no schools inside or outside of YWAM that did this. In 1981, the first SBS was born right here in beautiful Kona, Hawaii, and we have been running them ever since!

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Why SBS?

Through the years we have heard the testimony of hundreds of students that have taken the SBS. Our SBS graduates speak of how knowing the Bible gave them a solid foundation for their life and the ministry to which they are called. As Christians, we need to know what we believe, and why we believe it. This is why a Biblical foundation is essential. Learning the word of God for ourselves establishes this solid foundation for whatever we do in life. There is no other way to gain such a thorough understanding of the whole Bible in such a short time span. Those who have taken the SBS can honestly say that it is indeed a great school! This school will equip you for whatever lies ahead, whether you are called to a full-time Christian ministry or to a regular job back home.

Why Kona?

The reach of SBS Kona students stretches beyond the traditional classroom. Our SBS program offers students the opportunity to learn through field trips, community outreaches, intercession and worship. Our staff is committed to mentoring our students. One on one discipleship and small groups are a part of the SBS curriculum. During the SBS our students will have the opportunity to learn from respected Bible scholars, Old Testament archaeologists, New Testament historians, and a wide variety of Bible teachers passionate for seeing God's Word brought to the nations. Our lectures will help students come to a better understanding of the Word and its historical settings, which in turn will help unlock a whole new depth of insight during their own personal study. Our students typically spend 40 or more hours per week immersing themselves in the Word, and studying for themselves all the truths that God has given us through the Bible. The great cultural diversity of our campus is another blessing of doing SBS in Kona, here you will be exposed to many cultures and interact with people from different nationalities.

Outreach

Our goal in SBS is to equip our students to study God's Word for themselves and then to give it out to others. After the students complete nine months of intense study they have the opportunity to share with others the riches of God's Word. An optional eight to twelve week outreach is offered to all SBS students who want to take the opportunity to practice what they have learned and pass on these skills and principles to others. Most of our SBS outreaches go to Asia or the South Pacific nations, and focus on teaching the Bible and inductive Bible study skills to new believers, churches, pastors, or anyone willing to listen.

Which SBS is right for you?

School of Biblical Studies I, II, III or Chronological School of Biblical Studies

• SBS I, II, III

The SBS is offered in a series of three-month phases. The phases must be taken sequentially, though they can be taken at different times. It is recommended that all three phases be done back to back.

SBS I begins with a three-week seminar which introduces the principles of inductive Bible study. All of the New Testament books except Matthew, John, the epistles of John and Revelation are covered in this quarter.

SBS II begins  with the gospel and epistles of John and then proceed to the Old Testament historical narratives (Genesis through Samuel) and end with the poetic books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon).  SBS I is a pre-requisite for SBS II

SBS III completes  the study of the Old Testament's historical narratives (Kings through Esther). Then continues with prophetic books ending with Revelation and Matthew. SBS II is a pre-requisite for SBS III

• Chronological SBS

Unlike almost every other SBS in the world, here in Kona during our September SBS we will be studying the Bible chronologically. We will start with Genesis, and continue our study through the Old Testament chronologically first before moving to the New Testament. We will see God's plan of the redemption of mankind unfold as He continues to pursue and interact with each successive generation. We will feel the anticipation and hope in the coming Messiah as we study through the prophecies of the Prophets. Then with a greater understanding of the Old Testament we will dive into the Gospel of Matthew to see how our Messiah has fulfilled the Old Testament! We will have a more profound appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and a greater love for Jesus our Savior. We will then continue through all the books of the New Testament as they were written, culminating with a deeper understanding of the victory of Jesus in the book of Revelation!

The Chronological School of Biblical Studies is a nine month school which trains students in Inductive Bible Study. When you apply for the CSBS you are embarking on a 9 month journey through the Bible, starting with Genesis and going all the way through Revelation. The course consists of 3 phases with a short break between phases and followed by an optional outreach phase

Pre-requisites

Completion of the YWAM-DTS (Discipleship Training School and Field Assignment -- IDS 701/702) or YWAM-CDTS (Crossroads Discipleship Training School -- IDS 703/704).

Credits

Thirty-six (36) semester-equivalent credits will be earned upon successful completion of the School of Biblical Studies I, II, III (CCM 311/312/313). These credits may be applied to a U of N degree program or transferred partially or fully to some other colleges and universities.

School fees and dates

CSBS is offered every year starting in September.  SBS I is offered in April, SBS II is offered in July, SBS III is offered in September every year.  For exact dates please see the Course Schedule or contact the Admissions Office (808) 326-4433. School fees include tuition, supplies, housing and meals.

What others have said

As A seminary professor, with almost 30 years teaching and leadership in accredited theological education, I know of no better undergraduate preparation in Bible than the basic SBS syllabus. My SBS students, both in Europe and North America, have consistently exhibited the highest motivation, while the inductive method of instruction has guaranteed them a familiarity with the text which is the envy of most seminarians"

Carl E. Armerding, B.D. Ph. D, Academic director" Carl E. Armerding, BA, BD, MA, PHD, is a distinguished Old Testament scholar who served as a founding faculty member and second president of Regent College. He is emeritus professor, Schloss Mittersill Study Centre (Austria) and senior fellow of Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Author of The Old Testament and Criticism and several commentaries, he co-edited A Guide to Biblical Prophecy and edited Evangelicals and Liberation

Come and take your SBS here in Kona! We set high standards for students both academically and in discipleship, and challenge their way of thinking and approaching the Bible!

Inquiries

For SBS related questions and information please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or speak to us at (808) 326-4462

Application

Access application materials here.