Tabernacle Baptist College


Tabernacle Baptist College is an independent, fundamental, Baptist college in Greenville, South Carolina, offering undergraduate degrees in Bible and Elementary Education among others. Graduate degrees are also offered in Theology and others through the External Studies arm of the college. The school is designed to train even those who, late in life, often do not have the educational background to enroll in a liberal arts college, or do not desire a liberal arts education, but want to pursue a practical Christian training program.

History

Tabernacle Baptist College was founded in 1963 as a ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church. The college was originally named Tabernacle Baptist Institute and founded by its first president, Harold B. Sightler. The school was founded in order to train those who are not of typical college age and yet have not yet attained the educational background to enroll in a liberal arts college or don't desire a liberal arts education. In more recent years, the school has broadened its target audience to include younger students as well as those who aren't necessarily interested in a 4-year degree but desire further biblical training. After Dr. Sightler's death in 1995, Dr. W. Melvin Aiken became president by virtue of his becoming pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church. After Dr. Aiken's retirement in November, 2016, Dr. Joel W. Logan was called as pastor in December, 2016.
The College requires its students and faculty to affirm its Articles of Faith and to abide by very conservative rules of conduct as outlined in its catalog and other materials. The college classes are held at night to allow students to work in the day and attend school in the evening. Many students have found this to be a great advantage. The Faculty of Tabernacle is composed of local pastors and missionaries who have labored in service of the Lord Jesus Christ for many years.

Accreditation

Tabernacle Baptist College is not accredited by any recognized higher education accreditation body. Therefore, its degrees and certificates may not be acceptable to employers or other institutions, and use of degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions. Tabernacle says its lack of accreditation is by choice in an effort for it not be under the control and oversight of an outside organization.