Follow Jesus.
Make History

A paradigm-shifting Bible and missions college in Nashville, TN.

Our mission: developing spiritually mature, competent professionals for global impact.

A Christian College Experience
Patterned after Jesus’ Model of Discipleship.

Know the Bible

You’ll never feel confident serving God if you don’t know His Word. We’ll help you make sense of the Bible so you can make sense of your life.

Request info

Join a Like-Minded Community

Your desire to serve God makes you rare, but it shouldn’t make you lonely. Go deep with friends who share your heart for God and your desire to change the world.

Schedule A visit

Leave Equipped for Service

Don’t leave college full of information but lacking the skills to do anything with it. Graduate our program with a set of skills you’ve honed through real-world experience.

Apply Now

Programs

You can’t carry out God’s mission if you don’t know what he wants. The Bible is the basis of our programs, and we never want to change that.

At The Institute, every class incorporates the Bible. The undergrad program will walk you through almost the entire canon (60 of 66 books)!

INSTITUTE

Bachelors

B.A. in Biblical Studies
B.A. in Community Development (Missions)

Masters

M.A. in Biblical Leadership
M.S. in Missiological Entrepreneuralism

20+ Occupational
Focuses

You’re more than a student. We’re more than a school…

At The Institute we know that you want to be more than just a college student. You want to be someone who pleases God and makes a difference. To do that you need knowledge, skills, and a like-minded community. Here’s the problem: private Christian colleges can be expensive and still not offer a distinctly biblical education. This leaves you feeling unsure and confused, like a Christian education may not be worth it, when other options seem easier. Read more

The Institute’s innovative
debt-prevention model helps you graduate free to serve Jesus.

Since 2004, 100% of Institute students have graduated from our Bible college with zero school debt.

96% of them are still active in ministry and missions ten years after graduation.

—The College Board

Schedule a call

*Institute statistics calculated from years 2007-2023.

What People Are Saying

“The Institute for GOD is built on a solid foundation of biblical knowledge and practical service. This is more than an academic institution; it is connecting students to communities in need. Emphasizing helpful knowledge, this community of teachers and administrators are holistic practitioners of learning, serving, and relating through a biblical Christian worldview. I wholeheartedly recommend the Institute for G.O.D. to anyone seeking to know God, His ways, and His purposes for their life.”
— John Henry, Founder & CEO, YWAM Converge
The Bridge Ministry is so blessed to have Institute students serve with us weekly! The students have such integrity, and are so fun to spend time with, that our entire staff celebrates when we know they are on the way! They always show up with a smile and an eagerness to serve. Many have even prayed for us staff members when we have gone through a difficult season. They truly feel like family to us!

Melody Ramsay, Volunteer Coordinator, The Bridge Ministry, Nashville
“Having over two decades of experience as an accreditation consultant, I have been enriched by viewing the mission and vision of many colleges. None have impressed me more than the Institute for G.O.D. The curriculum, the fieldwork, the understanding of things God wants to accomplish in the world are beyond what I normally expect. This school is not merely building its own kingdom. With a visionary founder such as Gregg Garner, it is no surprise that the school is so cutting edge in what it trains students to accomplish.”
—Dr. David Agron, President of Agron & Associates, Managing Editor of Christian Academia Magazine
“Working with the Institute for G.O.D. professionally, I continue to be impressed by both their compassion and integrity. They are a thriving ministry whose mission to help the marginalized is not just spoken in words—it’s met with solid action both locally and internationally. As a part of the broader ministry, the investment of Institute graduates in the local community is evident. You can see firsthand the impact they’ve had, and the ongoing support they continue to extend to those in need. They live out their mission every day.”
—Patty Riva, President of Riva Marketing and Events
“I have had the privilege of knowing the Institute founder and many leaders and teachers over the years. I have seen firsthand their commitment to Christian teaching and principles. The diversity of the school and ministry makes it a fertile teaching ground for students of all races and backgrounds.”
—Kenneth Forte, President, General Manager & Co-Owner of WDKN 101.5 The One FM

Events for Prospectives

Fall Preview Day

November 6 2024
Join us for the second Preview Day of the 24-25 academic year! Prospective students and their parents are welcome to join us for chapel, tour the school, and learn more about The Institute,

save your spot!
Spring Preview Day

March 26
Join us for our Spring Preview Day of the 24-25 academic year! Prospective students and their parents are welcome to join us for chapel, tour the school, and learn more about The Institute,

sign up!

How Do We Compare?

Students Receiving Financial Aid

100% of Institute students receive some form of financial aid. For incoming freshmen, the average aid package was $16,631 (covering the full cost of tuition). Estimate your aid HERE.
Job Placement Rate

Compared to National Average of 86%
Placement rates are the percentage of students who receive a job offer related to their education within three months of graduation with a bachelor's degree.
*Based on 2023 graduates.
Graduation Rate

Compared to 68% National Average at Private Colleges
Graduation rates are calculated upon students graduating the program within 150% of program length. (For example, students who enroll in a four year program have six years to graduate to be included in this rate.)

*Based on students who enrolled in Fall 2017.
Freshmen Retention Rate

Compared to 76.5% National Average
Retention rates calculate the percentage of students who enter college as freshmen and return the following year as sophomores.
*Based on 8 students in the 2023 freshmen class.
Acceptance Rate

An acceptance rate is based on the number of applications received versus the number of applications accepted.