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Follow Jesus.
Make History.

A paradigm-shifting Bible and missions college in Nashville, TN.

Our mission: developing spiritually mature, competent professionals for global impact.

A Christian College Experience
Patterned after Jesus’ Model of Discipleship.

best bible college

Know the Bible

You’ll never feel confident serving God if you don’t know His Word. We’ll help you make sense of the Bible so you can make sense of your life.

Bible Missions college

Join a Like-Minded Community

Your desire to serve God makes you rare, but it shouldn’t make you lonely. Go deep with friends who share your heart for God and your desire to change the world.

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Leave Equipped for Service

Don’t leave college full of information but lacking the skills to do anything with it. Graduate our program with a set of skills you’ve honed through real-world experience.

Programs

You can’t carry out God’s mission if you don’t know what he wants. The Bible is the basis of our programs, and we never want to change that.

At The Institute, every class incorporates the Bible. The undergrad program will walk you through almost the entire canon (60 of 66 books)!

OUR

Associates

A.A. in Biblical Foundations

Bachelors

B.A. in Biblical Studies
B.A. in Community Development (Missions)

Masters

M.A. in Biblical Leadership
M.S. in Missiological Entrepreneuralism

20+ Occupational
Focuses

You’re more than a student. We’re more than a school…

At The Institute we know that you want to be more than just a college student. You want to be someone who pleases God and makes a difference. To do that you need knowledge, skills, and a like-minded community. Here’s the problem: private Christian colleges can be expensive and still not offer a distinctly biblical education. This leaves you feeling unsure and confused, like a Christian education may not be worth it, when other options seem easier. Read more

The Institute’s innovative
debt-prevention model helps you graduate free to serve Jesus.

Since 2004, 100% of Institute students have graduated our Bible college with zero school debt.

96% of them are still active in ministry and
missions ten years after graduation.

US Student college debt

—The College Board

*Institute statistics calculated from years 2007-2021.

What People Are Saying

  • “The Institute for G.O.D. is built on a solid foundation of biblical knowledge and practical service. This is more than an academic institution; it is connecting students to communities in need. Emphasizing helpful knowledge, this community of teachers and administrators are holistic practitioners of learning, serving, and relating through a biblical Christian worldview. I wholeheartedly recommend the Institute for G.O.D. to anyone seeking to know God, His ways, and His purposes for their life.”

    — John Henry, Founder & CEO, YWAM Converge

  • “Having over two decades of experience as an accreditation consultant, I have been enriched by viewing the mission and vision of many colleges. None have impressed me more than the Institute for G.O.D. The curriculum, the fieldwork, the understanding of things God wants to accomplish in the world are beyond what I normally expect. This school is not merely building its own kingdom. With a visionary founder such as Gregg Garner, it is no surprise that the school is so cutting edge in what it trains students to accomplish.”

    —Dr. David Agron, President of Agron & Associates, Managing Editor of Christian Academia Magazine

  • “Working with the Institute for G.O.D. professionally, I continue to be impressed by both their compassion and integrity. They are a thriving ministry whose mission to help the marginalized is not just spoken in words—it’s met with solid action both locally and internationally. As a part of broader ministry, the investment of Institute graduates in the local community is evident. You can see firsthand the impact they’ve had, and the ongoing support they continue to extend to those in need. They live out their mission every day.”

    —Patty Riva, President of Riva Marketing and Events

  • “I have had the privilege of knowing the Institute founder and many leaders and teachers over the years. I have seen firsthand their commitment to Christian teaching and principles. The diversity of the school and ministry makes it a fertile teaching ground for students of all races and backgrounds.”

    —Kenneth Forte, President, General Manager & Co-Owner of WDKN 101.5 The One FM

How Do We Compare?

  • Graduation Rate

    Compared to 68% National Average at Private Colleges

    Graduation rates are calculated upon students graduating the program within 150% of program length. (For example, students who enroll in a four year program have six years to graduate to be included in this rate.)

    *Based on students who enrolled in Fall 2017.

  • Freshmen Retention Rate

    Compared to 76.5% National Average

    Retention rates calculate the percentage of students who enter college as freshmen and return the following year as sophomores.

    *Based on 8 students in the 2023 freshmen class.

  • Job Placement Rate

    Compared to National Average of 86%

    Placement rates are the percentage of students who receive a job offer related to their education within three months of graduation with a bachelor's degree.

    *Based on 2023 graduates.

  • Acceptance Rate

    An acceptance rate is based on the number of applications received versus the number of applications accepted.

  • 15:1 Student: Professor Ratio

    The Institute for GOD has an average
    Student: Professor ratio if of 15:1.

  • Students Receiving Financial Aid

    100% of Institute students receive some form of financial aid. For incoming freshmen, the average aid package was $16,631 (covering the full cost of tuition). Estimate your aid HERE.

Book A Call

Upcoming events

  • Fall Preview Day

    November 6 2024

    Join us for the second Preview Day of the 24-25 academic year! Prospective students and their parents are welcome to join us for chapel, tour the school, and learn more about The Institute,

    save your spot!

  • Spring Preview Day

    March 26

    Join us for our Spring Preview Day of the 24-25 academic year! Prospective students and their parents are welcome to join us for chapel, tour the school, and learn more about The Institute,

    sign up!

Institute News

Featured
5 Things to Look for in a Bible School
Choosing A College, Academics
5 Things to Look for in a Bible School
Choosing A College, Academics

Choosing a Bible college is a bold and often misunderstood decision, but it's important to find one that truly challenges and equips you for both ministry and personal spiritual growth. This blog highlights key aspects to look for in a Bible school, from rigorous academics and a healthy community to meaningful ministry opportunities and inspiring professors, ensuring your education aligns with your faith and future.

Read More →
Choosing A College, Academics
Comparing Bible Programs in Tennessee Colleges
Academics
Comparing Bible Programs in Tennessee Colleges
Academics

This blog compares Bible programs at several Tennessee colleges, focusing on the depth of biblical education offered. Highlighting how the Institute for G.O.D.'s program stands apart, providing an unmatched level of direct engagement with scripture, practical ministry experience, and a strong emphasis on learning the Bible itself, rather than just about it.

Read More →
Academics
President Garner’s Opening Sermon for the Year
Student Life, Academics
President Garner’s Opening Sermon for the Year
Student Life, Academics

To top off our Welcome Week events, President Gregg Garner spoke at the first chapel of the term, urging students towards the seriousness of discipleship, out of 2 Timothy 2. Here’s a summary of the discussion. In today’s fast-paced world, where media often shapes our perception of reality, it's crucial to revisit the foundations of our beliefs and the essence of education, particularly in religious contexts. 

Read More →
Student Life, Academics
Why Summer Internship Completely Changed My Bible School Experience
Student Perspectives, Summer Internship
Why Summer Internship Completely Changed My Bible School Experience
Student Perspectives, Summer Internship

Gabriella shares about her experience as a participant in the Summer Internship program this year and how this experience changed her experience in school.

Read More →
Student Perspectives, Summer Internship

 Here’s How to Get on Board.

1. Request More Info

1. Request More Info
2. Chat With Professors or Students

2. Chat With Professors or Students
3. Visit Us in Nashville

3. Visit Us in Nashville
4. Apply to our College

4. Apply to our College