We want to equip you to serve and lead in the context of the local church and Christian ministries! No matter how God is calling you to serve Him, understanding the importance of training is your first step toward a lifetime of healthy and effective ministry. St. Andrew’s Institute of Biblical Studies exists because the Great Commission is not complete! We are serious about making disciples who make disciples.
Over a two-year period, we provide a curriculum rich in biblical and practical training.
- Andrew’s Institute of Biblical Studies serves the community of Wears Valley Ranch, local churches, and other Christian ministries.
- Our two-year curriculum complements the Mentor program at Wears Valley Ranch, and provides a healthy pace for others who are also not full-time students.
- At St. Andrew’s Institute of Biblical Studies, we utilize two main ways to accomplish our mission: weekly classes and by-weekly cohorts.
*Note, one may choose to participate in classes or cohorts or both.
Classes
SAIBS offers four CORE Ministry Courses which rotate every two years in the Fall and Spring. During the Summer Semester, we offer courses specific to Men and Women. We partner with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in their EQUIP program. Up to 18 hours of credit are available through the two-year program. Mentor’s at WVR receive scholarships for credit hours through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Graduate) or through The College at Southeastern (Undergraduate). WVR Mentors can receive free, accredited theological training through SAIBS! Spread the word!
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |
| Fall | Biblical Counseling | Hermeneutics & Exposition |
| Spring | Personal Evangelism | Personal Discipleship |
| Summer | Pastoral Leadership (men) | Pastoral Care (men) |
| Ministry to Women (women) | Everyday Ministry (women) |
All SAIBS classes are free to attend/audit. Those auditing the class are encouraged by not required to complete class assignments. One does not need to be a student at Southeastern Seminary to participate in St. Andrew’s Institute, nor an employee of Wears Valley Ranch to participate. Anyone is allowed to apply. Speak with Dr. Jordan Branch or email saibs@wvr.org. Classes meet 3-4 times a month on a Sunday evening, 6:00pm–8:00pm.
Cohorts
During the Fall and Spring, there are about two cohort meetings per month (15-20 Meetings a year). The Cohorts will meet most first Friday Mornings of the month (6:30am–8:00am), and most third Friday Evenings of the month (6:00pm–9:00pm). For the morning cohorts, Men and Women are separate. For the evening cohorts, men and women are together.
These cohorts provide a more personal and discussion-based experience on the practical applications of ministry. We also plan to study through key passages in the Pauline and General epistles. Cohorts are a zero-preparation opportunity (no assignments given for cohorts).
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |
| Monthly Friday Morning | Pauline Epistles | General Epistles |
| Monthly Friday Evening | Ministry Case Studies | Ministry Case Studies |
Like the classes, one is not required to be a WVR employee to participate in the cohorts. Anyone is allowed to apply to participate in the cohorts. Again, speak with Dr. Jordan Branch or email saibs@wvr.org.
*Again, one may choose to participate in classes or cohorts or both.
Cost:
- Classes: See table for SEBTS Tuition rates.* Free to audit.
- Cohorts: Free
| Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Rate | ||||
| Class | Tuition (per credit hour) | Fees | Total | |
| Fall | $316 x 3 = $948 | $336 | $1,284 | |
| Spring | $316 x 3 = $948 | $336 | $1,284 | Year Total: |
| Summer | $316 x 3 = $948 | $86 | $1,034 | $3,602 |
| Non-SBC Rate | ||||
| Class | Tuition (per credit hour) | Fees | Total | |
| Fall | $633 x 3 = $1899 | $336 | $2,235 | |
| Spring | $633 x 3 = $1899 | $336 | $2,235 | Year Total: |
| Summer | $633 x 3 = $1899 | $86 | $1,985 | $6,455 |
*All WVR Mentors are eligible to receive up to $1,284 in scholarship for each SAIBS class!
Tentative SAIBS Schedule 2023/2024
| Fall | Date | Spring | Date | Summer | Date |
| 1 | August 28 | 1 | January 14 | 1 | May 14 |
| OFF | September 3 | 2 | January 21 | 2 | May 19 |
| 2 | September 10 | 3 | January 28 | OFF | May 26 |
| 3 | September 17 | 4 | February 4 (Online) | 3 | June 2 (Online) |
| 4 | September 24 | 5 | February 11 | 4 | June 9 |
| 5 | October 3 (Online) | 6 | February 18 | 5 | June 16 |
| 6 | October 8 | 7 | February 25 (Online) | 6 | June 23 |
| 7 | October 15 | OFF | March 3 | 7 | June 30 |
| 8 | October 22 | 8 | March 10 | 8 | July 7 (Online) |
| 9 | October 29 | 9 | March 17 | 9 | July 14 |
| 10 | November 5 (Online) | 10 | March 24 (Online) | 10 | July 21 |
| 11 | November 12 | 11 | March 31 | 11 | July 28 |
| OFF | November 19 | OFF | April 7 | 12 | August 4 (Online) |
| 12 | November 29 | 12 | April 14 | ||
Tentative SAIBS Cohort Start Date 2023:
- Friday Morning: September 1, 2023
- Friday Evening: September 15, 2023
St. Andrew’s Institute of Biblical Studies is directed by Dr. Jordan Branch. Dr. Branch has served as a Pastor, Church Planter, and Ministry Director in North Carolina, Colorado, and now Tennessee. He holds a MDiv and DMin from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Branch is married to Jessica and they have three children. He is a fan of great quotes, Braves Baseball, BBQ, and National Parks.
Dr. Jordan Branch
