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Purpose and Vision

Purpose

The Resounding Joy Biblical Institute exists to provide structured biblical education and ministry training that equips believers to understand the Word of God, grow spiritually, and serve effectively in the church and the community. The institute is committed to training ministers, teachers, and church leaders who are biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and prepared to advance the Kingdom of God through preaching, teaching, leadership, and service.

Vision

The vision of the Resounding Joy Biblical Institute is to raise up a generation of biblically trained ministers, teachers, and church leaders who are able to rightly divide the Word of Truth, lead with integrity, disciple others, and impact their communities through Christ-centered leadership.

Our goal is to develop:

  • Faithful preachers of the Gospel
  • Skilled teachers of Scripture
  • Effective church leaders
  • Compassionate servants of the community
  • Mission and Core Values

    Mission Statement

    The mission of the Resounding Joy Biblical Institute is to equip believers with biblical knowledge, spiritual formation, and practical ministry skills through systematic teaching, leadership development, and hands-on ministry training.

    Core Values 

    The institute will operate according to the following values:

    Biblical Authority

    The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.

    Spiritual Formation

    Students are encouraged to grow spiritually through prayer, worship, and obedience.

    Ministry Preparation

    Education must prepare students for real ministry work.

    Leadership Development

    The institute seeks to develop leaders who will serve the church and community.

    Kingdom Impact

    Training is intended to expand the work of God’s Kingdom.

    Chancellor/Founder and Dean of Academics Studies

    Dr. Curtis G. Mathews

    Founder, President & Academic Dean Resounding Joy Bible Institute

    Registrar

    Donna B. Mathews

    Manages enrollment, records, and transcripts.
Faculty / Instructors Teach courses and mentor students. Advisory Board Provides guidance for program development.

    STRATEGIC POSITIONING STATEMENT

    “Dr. Curtis G. Mathews brings over 42 years of ministry experience, supported by advanced theological training and a strong foundation in organizational leadership, business administration, and instructional development.”

    Full Academic Profile

    Elder Curtis G. Mathews

  • Doctor of Christian Education
    Living Water Biblical Institute and Seminary — Petersburg, VA
  • Master of Divinity
    Trinity Southern University — Dallas, TX
  • Master of Divinity Program (Graduate Study)
    Virginia Union University School of Theology — Richmond, VA
  • Bachelor of Arts — Business Administration
    Computer Information Systems Concentration
Saint Leo University — Fort Lee, VA (GPA: 3.5)
  • Associate of Applied Science — Applied Management
    Central Texas College — Killeen, TX
  • Associate of Applied Science — Acquisition & Contract Management
    Strayer University — Chesterfield, VA (GPA: 4.0)
  • “Dr. Curtis G. Mathews brings over 42 years of ministry experience, supported by advanced theological training and a strong academic foundation in business administration, management, and organizational leadership. His combined expertise uniquely equips him to lead both the spiritual and administrative development of Resounding Joy Biblical Institute.”

    Dr. Curtis G. Mathews
    Founder & President
    Resounding Joy Biblical Institute

    Dr. Curtis G. Mathews is a seasoned ministry leader, educator, and administrator with over 42 years of dedicated service in the Gospel ministry. He is the Founder and President of Resounding Joy Biblical Institute, where he provides visionary leadership in the development of ministers, teachers, and church leaders for effective Christian service.
    Dr. Mathews holds a Doctor of Christian Education from Living Water Biblical Institute and Seminary in Petersburg, Virginia. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity Southern University in Dallas, Texas, and completed additional graduate theological studies in the Master of Divinity program at Virginia Union University School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia. His theological training has equipped him with a deep understanding of biblical doctrine, pastoral ministry, and Christian education.
    In addition to his theological education, Dr. Mathews brings a strong foundation in organizational leadership and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from Saint Leo University, as well as Associate of Applied Science degrees in Applied Management from Central Texas College and Acquisition and Contract Management from Strayer University. This unique combination of ministry and business education enables him to effectively lead both the spiritual and operational aspects of institutional development.
    Throughout his ministry, Dr. Mathews has served in multiple leadership roles, including Senior Pastor, Executive Minister, Elder, Instructor, and Dean of a Bible Institute. He has faithfully preached the Gospel, taught biblical principles, mentored emerging leaders, and provided pastoral care to individuals and families in a variety of ministry contexts, including local churches and correctional institutions.
    As an educator, Dr. Mathews has taught courses in biblical theology and ministry training at the college level, helping to equip students for both academic excellence and practical ministry. His passion for teaching is rooted in his commitment to raising up leaders who are biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and ministry-ready.
    Dr. Mathews’ leadership philosophy is grounded in the principles of servant leadership, spiritual integrity, and leadership development. He is deeply committed to equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, character, and skills necessary to fulfill their calling in ministry and to impact their communities for Christ. Under his leadership, Resounding Joy Biblical Institute is committed to providing structured, biblically sound, and practical training designed to prepare students for effective service in the church and beyond.
    Dr. Mathews continues to serve with a passion for God’s Word, a heart for people, and a vision to see lives transformed through sound teaching and empowered leadership.

     Programs Offered

    Certificate in Biblical Studies

    Certificate in Biblical Studies

    6–8 courses

    Duration: 1 year

    Focus:

  • Biblical foundations
  • Basic theology
  • Christian growth
  • Diploma in Ministry Leadership

    12–16 courses

    Duration: 2 years

    Focus:

  • Ministry development
  • Leadership
  • preaching and teaching
  • Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry

    18–24 courses

    Duration: 3 years

    Focus:

  • advanced biblical studies
  • pastoral leadership
  • ministry training
  • Curriculum Structure

    Year 1 – Biblical Foundations

    Courses include:

    Old Testament Survey
    Overview of the history, themes, and theology of the Old Testament.
    New Testament Survey
    Study of the life of Christ, the early church, and apostolic writings.
    Introduction to Theology
    Basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
    Spiritual Disciplines
    Prayer, fasting, meditation, and spiritual growth.
    Hermeneutics (Bible Interpretation)
    Principles for interpreting Scripture correctly.
    Christian Character and Discipleship
    Developing Christlike character.

    Year 2 – Ministry Development

    Courses include:​

    Introduction to Preaching (Preaching 101)
    Foundations of sermon preparation and delivery.
    Homiletics (Preaching Methods)
    Advanced principles of preaching.
    Evangelism and Outreach
    Sharing the Gospel and reaching communities.
    Church Leadership
    Biblical principles for leading ministry.
    Pastoral Care
    Ministering to people in times of crisis, illness, and grief.
    Christian Ethics
    Applying biblical principles to modern life.

    Year 3 – Advanced Ministry

    Courses include:​

    Biblical Theology
    Understanding the Bible as one unified story.
    Church History
    The development of Christianity through the centuries.
    Apologetics
    Defending the Christian faith.
    Missions and Global Evangelism
    The church’s mission to the world.
    Ministry Administration
    Managing church operations and programs.
    Leadership Development
    Developing leaders within the church.
    Ministry Practicum
    Hands-on ministry training.

    Course Format

    Class Length

    8-10 weeks

    Class time

    2 hours per session

    Class Schedule

    Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Saturday 10:00 AM -12:00 PM

    Format

    In-Person, Online, Hybrid

    Begin Your Journey

    Our Doors are open to all who are called. The admission process
    is simple and welcoming.

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Complete an application form
    • Provide a pastoral recommendation (optional)
    • Demonstrate a commitment to Christian growth
    • There are no strict academic requirements for the certificate program.

    Faculty Expectations

    Instructors must:

    • Teach biblically sound doctrine
    • Prepare lesson plans
    • Mentor students
    • Maintain academic integrity

    Graduation Requirements

    Certificate in Biblical Studies

    Students must:

    • Complete required courses
    • Maintain satisfactory attendance
    • Pass course assignments

    Diploma in Ministry Leadership

    Students must:

    • Complete required courses
    • Participate in ministry practicum
    • Complete a final ministry project

    Graduation Ceremony

    Students who complete the program will receive:

    • Certificate in Biblical Studies
    • Diploma in Ministry Leadership
    • Advanced Diploma in Christian Ministry

    Graduation will take place during a annual ceremony

     Academic Calendar

    Fall Semester

    September – November

    Spring Semester

    February – April

    Summer Session

    June – July

    Student Expectations

    Students are expected to:

    • Attend classes regularly
    • Complete assignments
    • Participate in ministry activities
    • Demonstrate Christian character

    Affordable Ministry Education

    We believe financail barrieres should never stand between you and your calling. Our pricing is designed to be accessible.

    $25

    Application fee

    One-time fee to begin your enrollment process.

    Payment can be made by cash, check, money order and CashApp $Mmin2

    $125

    Per class

    One-time fee to begin your enrollment process.

    Payment can be made by cash, check, money order and CashApp $Mmin2

    Or churches may sponsor students.

    Many institutes also offer scholarships or ministry discounts.