Our Vision
Leaders unleashed . . . Churches empowered . . . People transformed.
Our Mission
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary develops Kingdom-minded leaders for the church and the world by offering accessible and affordable educational programs that integrate spirited inquiry, transformative reflection and practical know-how.
History
Begun in 1955, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary (formerly MB Biblical Seminary) has grown to be a solid, innovative and globally known theological institution, offering an M.Div. degree as well as M.A. degrees in marriage family therapy (MFT), Christian ministries (MACM), OT, NT, theology and urban mission. The seminary takes local, regional and global context seriously, preparing ethnically and denominationally diverse leaders from Anabaptist and non-Anabaptist traditions for transformational ministry in their current or future situations.
Our Roots
The seminary originated in a mandate from the 1948 convention of North American Mennonite Brethren Churches, and was established and opened by the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Churches in September 1955. In 1975, Canadian Mennonite Brethren became partners and joint owners of the seminary.
It was founded as a response to different theological currents and sociological changes in the church and larger culture. In the words of former president J.B. Toews, “The seminary was born in 1955 because of the vision of the church for trained leadership that could lead wisely, theologically, and above all, biblically in a society that was rushing madly after the gods of learning and mammon.” Mennonite Brethren leaders saw a need for a leadership training consistent with an anabaptist-evangelical perspective. They recognized the strategic role of church leadership in shaping the identity, unity and direction of a people facing rapid cultural and theological change. The need for godly and discerning Christian leaders is even greater today than it was when the seminary was founded.
Location
Located in Fresno, CA, the seminary benefits from a living laboratory in which dramatic social challenges have led to the creation of innovative and collaborative ministry relationships and vision. These have caught the attention of leadership across the United States.
Situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno is a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and the Pacific Ocean.
Centers
- Center for Community Transformation (CCT): our students experience a ministry of shalom as they master the skill sets of shalom.
- Center for Anabaptist Studies: others gain appreciation for the historic strengths of Anabaptist tradition.
- Pacific Counseling Center: provides profoundly effective therapy in partnership with local school districts and faith-based and secular agencies, as well as in our outpatient centers.
Accreditation
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
Student Experience
"A seminary education is important because it allows you to be in this posture of learning and it allows you to serve your community."
-Rocio Claros
Faculty
Our faculty combines academic excellence, dynamic Christian faith, and a strong commitment to warm and personal relationships. They bring many years of teaching and ministry experience in several cultures to their service, and invest themselves generously in student’s lives and growth.
We welcome you to join our community as a future ministry leader, pastor, Bible professor or therapist.
