General FAQs
What is the purpose of MGBI?
MGBI is a ministry training program designed to prepare Christians both practically and doctrinally for church planting efforts throughout Malaysia. The training will equip students to take on church roles such as Bible teachers, Sunday School teachers, elders, deacons, pastors and missionaries. We focus on teaching the Bible dispensationally, missionally, and in its proper context, while at the same time discerning how we ought to glorify God in our daily lives with newfound truth from His word. See also our Mission and Vision Statement.
What is the ultimate goal of MGBI?
MGBI was started with a vision for raising up a network of trained ministry leaders who will work together to establish gospel-centered, missional Bible churches across our great country. We offer more than a training program - we offer you the opportunity to be involved in a movement that will eternally impact generations to come in Malaysia. For these reasons, it is important that we have an environment where we get to know one another, and where we bond together around this shared vision.
Who should consider attending MGBI?
MGBI is specifically for those who want to prepare for teaching and leadership ministries in a local church or within a church planting movement. Therefore, applicants should already be reasonably mature Christians with at least some sense of the direction of their future ministry. For those just seeking some enrichment in their Bible knowledge, the Year 1 Program may be appropriate for you. However, after Year 1, the coursework is designed for those who have a clearer idea of their gifts and the ministry they feel led to fulfill.
What are the standards of enrollment at MGBI?
Applicants must be 18 years or older and must demonstrate a commitment to Christian service as testified by three references. Additionally, applicants should be comfortable studying in English, though every effort is made to support non-fluent English speakers. An interview process will take place to verify whether the program is a good fit for the applicant. Finally, accepted applicants will be required to show commitment to the program and its goals within Malaysia.
There are some fine seminaries and Bible schools in Malaysia. How is MGBI different from other schools and seminaries in Malaysia?
As far as we know, MGBI is a unique ministry in that it offers a full three-year formal Bible and ministry training program. The Bible is taught dispensationally in light of the distinct message revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ to the Apostle Paul for the current Dispensation of Grace (Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:1-11; Col. 1:25-27). MGBI has a workable and practical curriculum designed to give our students a solid understanding of the whole counsel of God and its importance in proper Bible interpretation. We seek a balanced approach to ministry and the ability to effectively preach and teach the Word of God. We not only teach the Bible, but we also teach our students how to study the Bible for themselves. All MGBI instructors are committed to the Word of God taught in context and have valuable ministry experience. Having a variety of instructors provides balance for our program. If you would like to use your life to make a difference for Christ, then MGBI is the place for you. If you are not sure of God’s calling on your life, you should consider the Year 1 program with the goal of being spiritually enriched and learn how to effectively serve God in whatever direction He leads you in life. Click here for a fuller explanation of How We Are Different
What does it mean that MGBI is a certificate/diploma program?
MGBI is an independent, college-level training program that offers certificates and other certifying documents that are endorsed by Things To Come Mission, Inc (TCM). Upon completion of a certification level, the student will receive an official diploma certificate from TCM, a well-respected organization with a long history of church planting in Southeast Asia. This certificate diploma (in conjunction with other eligibility requirements) would serve as the foundation for ministry qualifications within TCM and other organizations.
How does this differ from accreditation?
Accreditation means that an outside accrediting organization evaluates your programs to check whether they meet a set of standards. MGBI seeks no accreditation from any organization or association. MGBI is governed by a board of trustees that oversee the goals, integrity, and educational direction of the institute. Our choice not to pursue accreditation affords us more freedom in the selection of our faculty and instructors, helps to keep our tuition rates and costs low, and allows us to pursue the types of programs that are most beneficial for training individuals for ministry in Malaysia.
MGBI is in Penang. Do I have to live in Penang to attend?
While it is advantageous to live in Penang during your training, it is not required. Every effort is made to accommodate students in other parts of Malaysia via online platforms.
I don’t live in Malaysia at all. Can I attend MGBI?
Admission preference is given to students residing in Malaysia. This is in keeping with our desire to reach Malaysia with the gospel of God’s grace. Have Malaysians and permanent residents involved in this effort is our top priority. That said, if spots are available then those residing outside of Malaysia will be considered for admission.
I’m a busy professional but looking to transition into additional ministry roles? Will I have enough time to MGBI courses?
Like anything valuable, this type of training will take a solid commitment. There is no question that you can do this program while maintaining a professional life and family; in fact, we cater our schedule and classes around these types of students. However, you must be honest enough with yourself to know whether you can handle the extra daily load of coursework and readings. Coursework takes a minimum of 60-90 minutes per day on average.
Does MGBI offer correspondence courses?
No. Correspondence courses are meant to be completed independently through self-study and self-teaching. This is inconsistent with the goals of MGBI, which has a vision of creating an interdependent network of like-minded ministers to do the work of church planting throughout Malaysia. This interdependence is best achieved by personal interaction, mentoring, and practical training opportunities. Only by forging deep relationships among each other will we have the critical mass to achieve our Vision.
What programs do you offer?
We offer a three-year diploma program with certificates earned after each year. You can leave the program after one year, after two years, or you can finish the full three year program - it depends on what you want your future ministry to be. The Year 1 Program In Biblical Studies is designed to ground students in Bible literacy and Bible study methods so that the “big picture” of God’s word is clear to students. Our Year 2 Program in Church Leadership helps shape MGBI students as leaders in the local church, whether it be as teachers, pastors, elders, deacons or other positions. Finally, our Year 3 Program in Pastoral Ministry is a learning and service track that prepares pastors and missionaries to lead local churches and church planting efforts.
I want to take a class you offer but I don’t want to be enrolled in the year-long program. Is this allowed?
MGBI classes are taught in a certain order with the idea that course material builds upon itself as the year progresses. There are some courses, therefore, that have prerequisites and may not be taken without first completing those classes. Most of the Year 1 Program In Biblical Studies courses can be taken without being enrolled in the program. Ask your adviser which ones may be taken.
English is not my first language or I am not proficient in English. Is there language support for me?
The courses are all conducted in English and being fluent in English is an advantage. However, for developing English speakers we strive to have people in place to help support Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia speakers, though this is not a guarantee but rather a goal.
How is the ministry of MGBI supported financially?
MGBI is not-for-profit, has low overhead costs, and maintains a philosophy of keeping costs as low as possible for students. Tuition costs that students pay go towards paying some of the overhead costs, but most of these are paid for by outside donations to the school.
What qualifications do the faculty of MGBI possess?
MGBI faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Each faculty has a minimum of 15 years of experience in local church ministry and each has a Master’s Degree or higher. All of them have served extensively in church planting efforts and are committed to seeing the gospel of grace established in local churches throughout Malaysia.
What kind of legal entity is Malaysia Grace Bible Institute?
MGBI exists as a legal trust and is governed by a board of trustees whose job it is to act positively on behalf of beneficiaries (the students). MGBI is not-for-profit and resources held in trust are used solely for the enrichment of our students.
Admissions FAQs
What must I do to submit an application?
To start the process, please visit Application page. Note that this is only the first step; an interview process is also necessary to complete the application.
I’m a new Christian looking for some Bible training. Is this the right program for me?
It may or may not be. The three-year program is designed to provide training for those seeking to go into ministry. It is not specifically designed for those with general interest in Bible study, or for those who are “trying out the faith”. That said, the Year 1 Certificate is general enough for Bible enrichment seekers but Year 2 and Year 3 are really only for potential ministry workers who have a clear idea of what they want.
What are the costs to attend MGBI? Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee; you may apply for free. Tuition costs are collected simply to cover our expenses. Please see our Program Costs page for more details. Please also read our Philosophy of Financial Accountability.
I don’t have much money. Are there scholarships available?
Students who cannot afford the tuition are eligible for scholarships through Things To Come Mission’s Good Soldier Fund, a program designed to help support ministry training for those who cannot afford it. However, scholarships are only available to those who commit to a full-year training program. Ask MGBI administrators for more details.
I’ve already taken some of the classes required for the certificate. Can I omit those classes from my training?
For a small handful of Year 1classes this may be possible depending on the quality and depth of the previous coursework. Year 1 courses where previous credit may be applied include Bibliology, Bible History 1, and Bible History 2. This is at the sole discretion of the leadership of MGBI.
Coursework FAQs
How does the coursework differ from a seminary?
MGBI is a “streamlined” program designed to equip students with the ministry knowledge and skills they need to start in ministry - no more, no less. Like seminaries, MGBI has Bible and theology classes. But unlike seminaries, MGBI doesn’t offer classes on biblical languages, church history, philosophy and other electives. While these types of courses are edifying, MGBI expects that students can pick up elective course knowledge on their own as needed.
Am I required to have an internet connection?
Having regular internet access is important, especially if you are not located in Penang. Depending on the situation, some classes may only be offered online, in which case it will be necessary.
How do the classes work at MGBI?
Only one course is taught at a time and each course lasts either 6 weeks or 5 weeks. After two courses are completed successively, there is a one-week (quarterly) break. There is a three week break at Christmas/New Year before the start of a new academic year. See the Calendar for the 2021 course dates.
You say that every class has a practical component. How does that work?
Our core philosophy of training ministers revolves around three elements - Knowing, Being and Doing. MGBI provides opportunities in the coursework of every class for you to apply what you are learning in some setting - be it ministry or work or family. This relates to the Doing element. If you want to be a minister to others in the future, then today is the proving grounds!
How many hours a week do we meet? And how many hours will I have to devote to coursework?
Most classes meet 2-3 times per week depending on the subject and the format (in-person or online). Students should expect to devote 60-90 minutes per day to coursework.
What resources are available to students?
Students have access to Moodle, our course management platform, and can communicate with each other in forums and chats. MGBI has collected a large online library database of theology books that is available to students for free. Also, many, but not all, MGBI courses use textbooks that are freely available to students via agreements made with authors and publishers.
Do credits earned at MGBI transfer to other schools, colleges, and seminaries?
Like MGBI, other academic institutions exercise the right to either accept or decline previous coursework, thus MGBI makes no guarantee that credits or degrees earned through the institute will be accepted by other institutions of higher learning.