Christian workers in this area believed that a Bible Institute was needed to train those who had been reached with the Gospel so that they, in turn, could reach others (II Timothy 2:2). That basic purpose has not changed in over 70 years of Southland's existence. We attempt to give the earnest Christian a thorough knowledge of Biblical truth. The purpose for such study is fourfold:
1. to encourage
each student to be Christlike by a constant, conscious communion with the Lord
through His Word.
2. to enable him to lead others into a saving
experience of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. to prepare him to be a pillar of established Christian testimony in his local community.
4. to help train him in skills necessary for full-time service at home or abroad. In order to accomplish these goals, Southland offers courses of study which:
1. acquaint students with the truths of God's Word along with tools for self-directed study.
2. promote personal communion with the Lord Jesus Christ and application of His truth.
3. expose students to the techniques of effective ministry in a variety of settings.
4. provide students with skills necessary to effectively communicate God's truth to others. TRAINING THAT PREPARES FOR SERVICE
HISTORY
In September 1942, at the insistence of several missionaries of the mountain area, and under the leadership of Rev. and Mrs. S. Otteson, Southland Bible Institute came into being. The original campus was located seventeen miles southeast of Pikeville, KY on approximately eighty acres of mountain land. Christian workers had prayed for years that God would raise up a teaching ministry in this area. In answer to this prayer, God raised up a Bible Institute and a Home Missions program. The Southland Bible Institute was opened on September 17, 1945, with a full-time training program geared to training dedicated men and women to be workers for Christ both at home and abroad. After twenty years of a faithful and fruitful ministry, Rev. Otteson resigned as the President of the Institute and Rev. Raymond Childress, a graduate of 1949, was appointed President effective July 1, 1961. In May of 1973, Rev. Childress resigned and, after much prayer and
consideration, Rev. Arnold Cook, a graduate of 1949, was asked to assume the position. The school year of 1976-1977 was one of severe testing for Southland. On November 10, 1976, the ladies dorm and all its contents burned, including the radio and printing
equipment of the School. Pike County's flood in the spring of 1977 caused considerable damage to School property. The decision to relocate was made by the Board. After extensive investigation, the present site of Southland Bible Institute was selected, and with the sale of the old campus, was purchased. May 6, 1977, Rev. Ken Tuinstra was commissioned as the new President of Southland. Later that same year, Rev. Joseph Otteson was promoted to be with his Lord
(September 17). We began the decade of the 1990's with renewed vigor and dedication. In 1991, Rev. Arnold Adams was appointed President of the Institute providing a fresh vision of the role
of Southland in preparing men and women for service in God’s great harvest field. The Lord has blessed abundantly since the opening of Southland Bible Institute. He has supplied and added facilities to meet the needs of a growing student body, and we believe, that He will continue to make it possible for the
Institute to expand as the need arises. Southland's alumni are found in service on the foreign and home mission fields, in pastorates, and in the classroom. Several have taken further training before going into their sphere of Christian service. The men and women who have graduated from the school are living examples of what God is doing at Southland Bible Institute. LOCATION
Southland Bible Institute is located in the Tri-State region four miles from downtown Ashland, Kentucky. Ashland is readily accessible by car, bus, train, or airplane. The Southland campus is less than ten miles from Interstate 64, four miles from highway 23, and one mile from highway 60. The Tri-State Airport is only thirty minutes from the School; bus and train connections are fifteen minutes away. The TriState region offers a variety of work opportunities along with many scenic and recreational facilities.
