International Studies Overview

The Sunset Church of Christ has been in the ministry training business since 1962. It all started with Cline Paden and a Spanish school of preaching. By the mid-1990s the school was a major force in preparing preachers for the English speaking world. However, it became increasingly apparent that bringing international students to Texas was not the best way to train non-English speaking students for ministry.

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Thus was born the International Studies Division with a vision of training able spokesmen of the Word in their own language, in their own culture, in their own environment, and therefore, in their own country. Not only is this 10 times more cost effective but experience has shown that the majority of foreign students coming to the United States to study stay in the United States instead of returning to their native countries.

Under the leadership of Dr. Truman Scott, the International Studies Division has grown from its humble beginnings in South America and Europe to a partnership of 26 schools on 5 continents in the short span of 10 years.

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Partner schools are classified as Applicant, Associate, or Branch schools depending on their relationship with Sunset International Bible Institute at the current time. This relationship changes over time depending on local circumstances and needs. Branch schools are fully managed by Sunset with a goal of developing indigenous faculty, directorship, and financial stability at which time they move to Associate status with Sunset providing only such mentoring and help as is needed.

The future for the International Studies Division looks bright as a steady stream of existing and potential schools consider applying for partnership. The need is tremendous, the opportunities are manifold, and the resources are stretched tight waiting for the Lord of Harvest and faithful brethren to provide.