Spring 1988
Vision for a Bible School
Richard Forde, M.D. - Academic Dean
Pinecrest Bible Training Center

Twenty years ago, God spoke to Bro. Taylor concerning the establishing of a Bible school that would be somewhat different in its emphasis than other Bible colleges. This school was to be a school of the Spirit. One in which the focus would not be strictly on academic achievement, but would be centered, instead, on a personal knowledge of a personal Christ.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 states: "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he UNDERSTANDETH and KNOWETH ME,". God wants us to know Him and to understand His ways. There is a big difference between knowing about God and knowing Him in His manifest presence. In John 14:21-23, Jesus said: "... and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will MANIFEST Myself to him. The word MANIFEST speaks of a revelation to our natural senses. This is evidenced by the question Judas asked: "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us and not unto the world?". Jesus then answered: "If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

It was with this in view, that Pinecrest Bible Training Center was founded. Pinecrest is a Full Gospel Interdenominational Bible school emphasizing the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and training a people to know God, to know His manifest presence, to be rooted and grounded in His word, and to be led by His Spirit in their daily lives.

Pinecrest does not claim to be exclusive by any means, but we feel that it is not sufficient to only know the letter of the Word, but we must come to a personal knowledge of the "Living Word" Himself. God wants us to know Him. Jesus said: "My sheep know my voice." He also said: "He that hath an ear, let him hear." That hearing ear has to be cultivated, and this is the very heart of Pinecrest; to train a people with a sensitivity to the Spirit of God; a people who personally know their God.

It was by a miraculous intervention of God that the school buildings and property for the school became available. God had spoken very clearly to Bro. Taylor concerning the location of the school, and gave him a vision and an understanding of that which was upon the heart of God for this school, and so, in 1968, Pinecrest Bible Training Center was founded.

Today there are many, in all parts of the world, who have passed through these doors, and left with an impartation and a rich deposit of the Spirit of God in their lives. We thank God for the privilege of serving His people and for the fruit that has resulted.

We want to be of service to you, also. If you have any questions about the Bible School, please write to: Richard Forde, MD. - Academic Dean
Pinecrest Bible Training Center
Salisbury Center, New York 13454