Shortly after Encompass was founded in 1900, a Scottish man named Hugh E. Alexander founded the Geneva Bible Institute in France. The two organizations were unrelated, but their similar visions have knitted them closer together over the past century. 

Alexander founded the institute in 1919. Shortly after, its first building was completed in Cologny, France (the heights of Geneva), which was where he first surrendered his life to God. Since then, countless classes have been held there, with more than 2,000 leaders trained. Encompass leaders in France estimate that over 20% of today’s Christian leaders in France have received training at the institute.

Today, the Bible Institute continues to offer a wide range of courses to the French-speaking world, providing church leaders with plenty of opportunities for continued education. The institute emphasizes gospel-centered training in both theory and practice, and brings together conservative denominations.

The institute’s training program is managed by a committee composed of several leaders in the world of missions, and several of Encompass’s people have been involved for years. Kevin Stauffer serves in the artistic field. Florent Varak and Paul Klawitter teach classes in various subjects. Thierry Mirone serves as both Chairman of the Board and a missions teacher. And most recently, Elise Klawitter has helped promote Encompass at missions events.

Naturally, Encompass’s informal yet blossoming partnership with the Geneva Bible Institute offers both parties plenty of benefits. For example, it has a couple of students who are currently preparing for an Encompass internship in Cameroon, while another of their students will soon be joining Encompass’s team in Central Asia for a few months.

We really value our relationship with the Geneva Bible Institute, and we’re excited to see how God continues using it to bring in a greater harvest for His Kingdom. As we both identify new needs in each of our fields, may we both support each other in going further together.

To learn more about the Geneva Bible Institute, visit ibg.cc.