Rev. Ernest L. Mays
Truth. Training. Transformation.
The College of Biblical Studies (CBS) began as a burden in the heart of the late Rev. Ernest L. Mays. He sensed that large segments of the local Christian community were functioning without trained leaders.
This was especially true within the inner-city minority groups. Out of this concern, Houston Bible & Vocational Institute, now CBS, was incorporated in 1976. William Thomas, Jr. and Rev. Joe Wall assisted in the development of a multi-racial, interdenominational board, which began working to make the school a reality. Within a short time, a decision was made to focus on biblical and theological training because they believed there were already adequate resources for vocational training in the area.
During its 40-plus years of history, CBS has grown in its academic curriculum from offering a few credit and non-credit courses to today’s offerings of associate and bachelor's degrees and Bible certificates.
CBS initially offered classes at the KHCB radio facilities located off the Southwest Freeway at Kirby. In 1994, a two-acre campus (18,000 sq. ft. in three buildings) located near Hillcroft and the Southwest Freeway was purchased. Today, CBS serves students online and in three locations – Houston, Indianapolis, and Ft. Wayne.
In 1976, Dr. Mays first envisioned an institution of higher learning whose primary focus was to provide biblical and theological education for inner-city minority pastors and lay leaders. To date, over 26,000 multi-ethnic students have been equipped by the teaching ministry of the College of Biblical Studies.
In July 2012, God called Dr. William Blocker to the presidency to provide leadership to CBS in the pursuit of furthering its impact on families, churches and communities. In 2013, CBS was granted membership into the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and was reaffirmed in its national accreditation with Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). With Dr. Blocker’s leadership, CBS continues to expand our educational offerings.
In 2019, Crossroads Bible College merged with CBS (see details below).