Pittsburgh Layman's Bible Institute

Brief History

The Pittsburgh Laymen’s Bible Institute (PLBI) was the vision of Dr. William R. Glaze, who sought to transform the urban community through Bible-based education. The education of teachers and counselors began in 1974, using a three-year curriculum studying premarital, marital, family, and emotional needs and the Bible. Before the Institute was formally founded in 2001, Bethany Church had a significant number of well-educated faculty, certified by the National Association of Biblical Counselors. The Church also had built an educational facility with 16 classrooms, offices, a bookstore, and a computer lab.

Mission

The mission statement of PLBI is to support the urban church community by increasing its capacity to carry out ministry and to offer Biblical training to transform lives. PLBI has a strong, active board, a constitution, good facilities, and financial strength. The courses are all accredited by Christian Research and Development or the Evangelistic Training Association. All faculty are certified by these associations. The Institute is well organized academically. It offers certificates in Standard Church Ministries and the Foundational Church.