The Dallas Bible Theological Institute Story
A Story of Faith That Refused to Fade
A Calling Born in a Divided World (1940s)
In the early 1940s, while the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II, a different kind of battle was being fought on the streets of Dallas.
Not with weapons—
but with faith, compassion, and conviction.
Rev. Rodger W. Wynn stepped into jails, onto sidewalks, and into hospital rooms carrying a simple but powerful message: hope in Christ. At a time when America itself was segregated and unequal, his ministry focused on those often overlooked—the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.
But Rev. Wynn saw something deeper:
The harvest was plentiful—but the laborers were few.
So what began as the Open Door Mission became something revolutionary:
a vision to train leaders who could transform communities.
With support from the National Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board, a building was secured—an act of faith during an era when opportunities were limited. It was later deeded to the Dallas Baptist Association to be a ministry training center for Black ministers.
This wasn’t just a school.
It was access.
It was dignity.
It was a door opening.
Rev. Marvin C. Griffin, became the next Director and made history by becoming Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s first African American graduate. He was a longtime past and trailblazing civic leader.
Rising Against the Current (1950s)
The 1950s in America were marked by tension and transformation. In 1954, the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education declared segregation in public education unconstitutional—challenging long-standing racial barriers.
But even before that ruling reshaped the nation…
This school was already living out that vision.
In 1951, Dean D. Edwin Johnson stepped into leadership with only 15 students—but with a bold belief that education should reach those excluded from traditional systems.
In the early 20th century, institutions like Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary began extending theological education beyond campus walls through what became known as the Seminary Extension movement. This innovation made it possible for everyday pastors, workers, and leaders—many of whom were bi-vocational—to receive biblical training without leaving their communities.
At the same time, Bishop College stood as a pillar of African American education and leadership development, equipping generations of ministers, educators, and change agents across Texas and the nation.
But in 1951, something remarkable happened.
Out of a burden for both access and unity, the Inter-Racial Baptist Fellowship Institute was formed—emerging from the Open Door Mission and shaped through collaboration with Southern Baptist Seminary Extension, Bishop College, and the Dallas Baptist Ministers’ Union. At a time when segregation defined much of American life, this institute dared to create a space where men and women of different racial backgrounds could study Scripture side by side.
Classes were held on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. The curriculum was rigorous. The mission was clear:
to train those called by God—especially those overlooked or underserved—without compromise.
This was more than a school.
It was a statement.
A statement that:
Calling matters more than circumstance
Truth should be accessible to all
The Church is strongest when it reflects the unity of Christ
Building During the Movement (1960s)
The 1960s brought the fire of the Civil Rights Movement—a nationwide push for justice, dignity, and equality.
In the midst of marches, protests, and change…
The school continued building
In 1963, the same year as the March on Washington, Dean Johnson united six Baptist bodies to construct a permanent home at 1212 Third Avenue.
A chapel.
Classrooms
A place to prepare leaders for a changing world.
While the nation debated equality, this institution was already equipping leaders to live it out.
By the time of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the school had already spent years modeling unity in Christ.
A Legacy That Carried a Name (1950–1969)
For nearly two decades, Dean Johnson led with unwavering devotion.
His work transformed a small training center into a nationally recognized institution for ministry preparation.
In honor of his impact, the school was renamed: D. Edwin Johnson Baptist Institute
Succeeding Dean Johnson in 1969 was Rev. Harvey L. Hollmon. The school continued to strive. Dean Hollmon served admirably for nine years. He resigned in spring 1978 due to a lack
of community support. The school remained closed for approximately one year.
When the Doors Closed… But the Vision Didn’t (1978–1979)
Every great story faces a breaking point. In 1978, amid economic pressures and declining support, the school closed its doors.
For many, that would have been the end. But not this story.
In 1979—during a time of national economic struggle marked by the 1970s energy crisis—a group of pastors refused to let the mission die.
Led by Rev. J. R. Allen, they raised $10,326.26.
It was enough.
Enough to reopen
Enough to rebuild
Enough to prove that vision outlives obstacles
Rebuilding, Expanding, Enduring (1980s–2000s)
Through new leadership, the school grew again:
D. Edwin Johnson Baptist Institute was reopened in the spring of 1979. Rev. T. E. Brown was elected and served as Dean from 1979 to 1982 with an enrollment of fifty-one students.
Succeeding Rev. Brown was Rev. L. E. Robertson, who served faithfully until his death in October 1983.
Enrollment climbed to 100 students under Dr. Fred C. Parker, who served for seven years.
1991: Great improvements in school administration and curriculum were made under Chris Simmons
1996: Satellite campuses launched under Rev. Hardin L. Ward at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Garland and St. John Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas
Succeeding Rev. Ward was Rev. Alfred J. Brown. Rev. Brown, who strengthened the preaching curriculum and served from 2007 to 2011. Succeeding Rev. Brown was Rev. Willie Range, who served from 2011 to 2012.
All while the world rapidly changed through the Digital Revolution
Yet one thing remained constant: The mission to train leaders for ministry.
A New Name for a New Era (2012–2021)
In 2012, the institution embraced a name that reflected both its heritage and its future:
Dallas Bible Theological Institute
The school would later relocate from its Robert Cullum Blvd address to 9780 Ferguson Road in Dallas, Texas. The school’s leadership staff was reorganized to include the Office of the
President, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, and Registrar. Dr. Johnnie Bradley was elected president in January 2013.
Under Dr. Johnnie Bradley:
Debts were eliminated
Structure was strengthened
Campuses expanded
This was not survival. This was renewal.
Leading into challenging times (2022–2025)
In 2022, Dr. Leon Moore stepped into leadership, passionate about reclaiming the mission as a ‘Great Commission’ school and strengthening systems and processes around online learning opportunities in a world still recovering from the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A time when:
Churches were rethinking ministry
Education was being reimagined
Communities needed hope more than ever
And once again—
Many challenges impacted the school.
This institution stood ready and has navigated the storms, and God has guided it faithfully into the leadership of our newly elected president.
In 2025, Dr. Marlow D. McGuire began his tenure as interim president by ushering the school into 40 days of prayer, implementing innovative initiatives, forging renewed partnerships, and establishing a vision for a bright future. He will formally be installed as the next president of DBTI on May 7th, 2026.
This is not just a timeline or a historical account. It is a testimony of God's grace
A story of:
Faith in the face of segregation
Unity in divided times
Resilience through closure and challenges
Vision that keeps expanding across generations
And Now… The Next Chapter Is Yours
This story is still being written.
Whether you are:
Called to preach
Called to serve
Called to lead
Or simply called to grow
There is a place for you here!