Joyce C. Porcadilla-Rubia
The General Baptist Bible College, Inc. (GBBC) over the years has evolved from a small Bible school of 18 students to a multi-level educational institution. Moving towards where it is right now has been challenging as well as inspiring. While nobody perhaps in the past expected the GBBC to grow and expand towards this direction, the current reality is that in order for GBBC to be distinct in its offerings, we need to adapt to the fast changing landscape of basic education, theological, and ministerial training. We need to be proactive in responding to the demands and needs of our stakeholders and the different fields of missions and ministries. Therefore, we need to look into and maximize our physical, human and financial resources and adopt new initiatives to provide the necessary framework to motivate GBBC towards achieving its vision of becoming the premier institution for leadership development for Christian ministries and missions in the Philippines and around the world.
Having existed for more than 50 years now by the grace of God, the GBBC should continue to move forward and be ready to face the challenges and opportunities of globalization and integration among neighboring countries thus should intensify its efforts to produce graduates who are effective and efficient leaders and who are of Christ-like character. GBBC therefore, commits itself to equipping and developing leaders deeply rooted in the word of God and fully committed in making disciples of all nations.
However, with the current reality of this pandemic, GBBC, like any other educational institution, has been challenged by the new normal of learning delivery. To adapt to these changes and to become more relevant, the GBBC sees no other way to move forward but to first change and improve the total internal system and culture. However, the change must be planned and managed. Hence, the GBBC has been working on optimizing its digital presence and at the same time maximizing the use of the internet in this digital era to address all aspects of GBBC, specifically the following: Academic Program and Curriculum, Physical Resources and Facilities, Student Services, Governance and Administration, Human Resource Development, Research, Development and Extension.
This is a work in progress still but this is a significant step as it works towards realizing its vision to be the premier institution in leadership development and guided by our mission of providing quality Christian education and training to ultimately equip and develop leaders. This will help us further in strengthening our partnerships here and abroad to bring about growth and development in our respective ministries as General Baptist and as a body of Christ in the Philippines and around the world, answering to the mandate of making Jesus known and making disciples for Christ in and of all nations.