The History of IBP

Greater Europe Mission entered Portugal in 1971 with the goal of establishing a Bible Institute where Christians could learn the essentials of God's Word and receive training in evangelism and church growth.

Their first step was a program called biblical education by extension. Centers were established across the country. GEM missionaries, aided by a few national pastors, conducted regular classes for lay leaders and young people. Finally, after years of groundwork, the Portuguese Bible Institute (PBI), a resident school, was established in the fall of 1974 near Lisbon. Eventually an association was formed: Association for Evangelical Education, which is the legal entity that includes the Portuguese Bible Institute.