Here are the highlights of the history of the Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development:
In 1972 Jeff Reed sought to develop his ministry gifts in the context of a local church ministry. Reed was directed in an ordered learning process by Pastor Jim Schierling of Ontario Baptist Church that was comparable to a seminary education but based in a substantial mentoring relationship and extensive ministry experience in a local church.
In 1975 Reed was commissioned by the elders of Ontario Bible Church (formerly Ontario Baptist Church, then Oakwood Road Church, now CityChurch of Ames-Des Moines) to develop resources that would allow others in the church to go through a similar process of being equipped for ministry that would be similar to his experience.
In 1986 BILD International (Biblical Institute of Leadership Development) was formalized to advance the philosophy of church-based theological education, provide resources to support church-based theological education efforts, and help network individuals and organizations doing church-based theological education.
In 2006 the Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development (hereafter called “Antioch School”) was established. It was a logical next step in the process of 30+ years of support for church-based theological education as we recognized changes in the higher education landscape. Accreditation agencies were increasingly focused on educational outcomes, which is an area of strength in our programs. The Antioch School gives us the opportunity to grant academic credentials that fit perfectly with the church-based leadership development programs of partners.
In 2010, the Antioch School received its initial accreditation from the Distance Education and Accrediting Commission (DEAC), formerly known as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).