The Presidential Legacy Scholarship

In Honor of Ministers of the Gospel, Darlene T. McGuire, Major McGuire IV, and Dr. Charles E. Booth

For students called to faithful ministry, spiritual perseverance, servant leadership, and the proclamation of the Gospel across generations.

Legacy Bio

The Presidential Legacy Scholarship is established in loving memory of three family members of our president and faithful servants whose lives reflected devotion to Christ, commitment to the Church, and enduring impact through ministry.

Darlene T. McGuire embodied steadfast faith, encouragement, compassion, and spiritual strength. Through her life and witness, she modeled sacrificial love, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God. 1951 - 2012

Major McGuire IV served as a minister of the Gospel with dedication and conviction, leaving a legacy of faithfulness, integrity, and commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God through ministry and service. 1992 - 2026

Dr. Charles E. Booth, renowned preacher, pastor, and prophetic voice, faithfully proclaimed the Gospel with power, wisdom, and clarity. His ministry inspired generations through biblical preaching, courageous leadership, and a deep passion for the Church of Jesus Christ. 1947 - 2019

Together, their lives represent a multigenerational legacy of faith, preaching, discipleship, encouragement, and service. This scholarship exists to support and inspire future leaders who are called to carry the Gospel forward with conviction, humility, and spiritual courage.

Biblical Character Connection

Timothy — The Faithful Successor
A young minister strengthened through spiritual mentorship, sincere faith, and a calling to boldly proclaim the truth of God’s Word.

Scripture Verse

“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2

Presidential Vision Statement

The Presidential Legacy Scholarship reflects the belief that the future of the Church is strengthened when faithful leaders are developed, encouraged, and equipped for ministry. Through this scholarship, Dallas Bible Theological Institute honors the enduring witness of those who poured their lives into the Gospel and invests in a new generation committed to biblical truth, spiritual formation, servant leadership, and Kingdom advancement.

Scholarship Award:

The Presidential Legacy Scholarship provides:

• Full tuition coverage for one academic school year

• Leadership development opportunities

• Spiritual mentorship and ministry encouragement

• Recognition as a Presidential Scholar

The Dr. D. Edwin Johnson / Ezra the Scribe Scholarship
For students pursuing biblical teaching, theology, or pastoral ministry.

Legacy Bio:
Dr. David Edwin Johnson served nearly twenty years with distinction at DBTI, from 1950 to 1969. He devoted his life to the growth and influence of this strategic institution. Under his visionary leadership, the school became nationally known for preparing ministers and church leaders to be proactive witnesses for the gospel. In recognition of his sacrificial work, and upon recommendation of the faculty and board, the institution was renamed the D. Edwin Johnson Baptist Institute during his tenure.

Biblical Character Connection:
Ezra the Scribe — A faithful teacher and reformer who devoted himself to the study, practice, and teaching of God’s Word.

Scripture Verse:
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”
— Ezra 7:10

Scholarship Award:

The Dr. D. Edwin Johnson Scholarship provides:

• partial 50% tuition coverage for one academic school year

• Leadership development opportunities

• Spiritual mentorship and ministry encouragement

• Recognition as a Presidential Scholar

The Dr. Billy Bell / Philip the Evangelist Scholarship
For students called to sound doctrine, evangelism, and public proclamation of the faith.

Legacy Bio:
Dr. Billy Bell served as a faculty member at DBTI and a consultant for the Dallas Baptist Association. Known for his unwavering commitment to sound biblical theology, he was a passionate teacher of the doctrines of the Christian faith. Dr. Bell modeled a life grounded in truth, shaped by the Scriptures, and fueled by a desire to see others rooted in biblical understanding.

Biblical Character Connection:
Philip the Evangelist — Bold, Spirit-led, and deeply committed to spreading the Gospel and grounding others in truth.

Scripture Verse:
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.”
— Acts 8:35

Scholarship Award:

The Dr. Billy Bell Scholarship provides:

• partial 50% tuition coverage for one academic school year

• Leadership development opportunities

• Spiritual mentorship and ministry encouragement

• Recognition as a Presidential Scholar

The Dr. Gerald Davis / Nehemiah the Rebuilder Scholarship
For students preparing for leadership in church ministry, community engagement, and transformational outreach.

Legacy Bio:
Dr. Gerald Davis served as a dedicated faculty member at DBTI and a champion for service in the local church. He excelled in community outreach and engagement, leading with a servant’s heart and a passion for building bridges between theological training and practical ministry. His life and teaching continue to inspire those called to love the church and reach the community.

Biblical Character Connection:
Nehemiah the Rebuilder — A visionary and servant-leader who rebuilt communities through prayer, courage, and commitment to God’s mission.

Scripture Verse:
“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me… And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.'”
— Nehemiah 2:18

Scholarship Award:

The Dr. Gerald Davis Scholarship provides:

• partial 50% tuition coverage for one academic school year

• Leadership development opportunities

• Spiritual mentorship and ministry encouragement

• Recognition as a Presidential Scholar

Scholarship Purpose:

This scholarship supports students preparing for:

• Pastoral Ministry

• Biblical Teaching

• Evangelism

• Church Leadership

• Community Outreach

• Christian Service and Discipleship

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Profess faith in Jesus Christ

• Demonstrate a commitment to Christian character and ministry

• Be accepted or enrolled at Dallas Bible Theological Institute

• Submit all required application materials by the deadline

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress and conduct

• Expressed financial hardship

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Completed Scholarship Application

• Personal Testimony of Salvation and Calling to Ministry

• Ministry Resume or Summary of Ministry Involvement

• One Recommendation Letter from a Pastor or Ministry Leader

• Short Essay (500–750 words):
  “How do you believe God is calling you to impact the Church and community through ministry?”

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Spiritual maturity

• Sense of calling

• Leadership potential

• Commitment to biblical truth

• Ministry involvement

• Academic readiness

• Financial