OUR HISTORY
LIFE Theological Seminary (LIFE), started as an open-air Bible school for the training of men and women for practical Christian ministry. The school was founded by Reverend and Mrs. Harold Curtis, American Foursquare missionaries to Nigeria, in 1955, at a rented space in King George Avenue, now Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba. The school later metamorphosed into a night Bible school shortly after the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria was inaugurated. Day classes were first held at the campus in Ikorodu in 1958, following Reverend Curtis' ingenuity and tenacity to see the school grow into a full-fledged Bible school in an ambient location.
Today, Curtis' mustard seed has grown to become a mighty tree that people from various walks of life are nesting on. The seminary has witnessed significant development in every aspect. About ten thousand students across various Christian denominations and countries (Ghana, DR Congo, Central Africa Republic, Togo, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.) in Africa have graduated from LIFE with certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral Degrees.
LIFE has study centers spread across many cities in Nigeria. Two of the seminary's satellite campuses, have now evolved into the status of a college of theology. These are LIFE Colleges of Theology in Aba and Abuja. The Seminary continues grow by leaps and bounds, making the mark of one of the foremost seminaries in Africa, and in strong alliances with global theological institutions in Africa and the world.
The term "Foursquare" refers to the fourfold ministry of Jesus Christ as Savior, Healer, Baptizer with Holy Spirit and soon Coming King. The extent of this ministry is international and interdenominational as believers heed Christ's call. LIFE Nigeria was named after L.I.F.E Bible College Los Angelos, established in 1923 with its initials representing Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism. LIFE is however open to all denominations.
Classes were first held at the present campus in Ikorodu in 1958. The Seminary remains indebted to contributors and visionaries who have sacrificed their time, efforts and finances to allow the development and expansion of the college to become a recognized leader in Christian leadership development in West Africa.
Objectives
The ultimate objective of Foursquare Gospel Church is the evangelization of the world. LIFE was therefore named with its initials representing Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism.
The Foursquare Gospel is not a sectarian message. Rather, it refers to the fourfold thrust of Jesus ministry as Savior. Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and soon Coming King. The term Foursquare' connotes "firm, straight forward, bold, without equivocation".
The Foursquare Gospel, then refers to a bold forthright declaration that Jesus is mankind's only Savior: He is the great physician, He willingly baptizes believers with the Holy Spirit; and He is coming back as reigning King.
The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the final goal of our program, and we advance toward that goal by graduating men and women who are:
Disciplined by serious training in the word of God. Humbled by an ever-deepening walk with God. Enlarged in Spirit by an expanding compassion for mankind; and Anointed from above by an inner and overflowing work of the Spirit of God.
Classes were first held at the present campus in Ikorodu in 1958. The Seminary remains indebted to contributors and visionaries who have sacrificed their time, efforts and finances to allow the development and expansion of the college to become a recognized leader in Christian leadership development in West Africa.
Fulfilling The Objectives
Translated into daily living and interpersonal action the objectives form a Christ - like personality in each student. The Holy Spirit of God makes each student sufficient to the challenges of meeting the spiritual, educational and vocational objectives of LIFE Through God's grace and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. LIFE seeks to graduate men and women who are;
Spiritually rooted in the Word and anointed by the Holy Spirit; Emotionally mature, balance, and processed by a sense of proportion. Socially gracious, compelling and sensitive. Intellectually thorough. Perceptive and aware: and Dispositionally humble, gentle, yet bold.
One's growth process during his/her college years is of crucial importance if he seeks the position of a qualified leader in the work of Jesus Christ. May God grant that the growth be into the fullness of the measure of the stature of His Son.
Vision
Admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect before Christ. (Col. 1:28 NIV)
Mission Statement
Raising Holy Spirit, fully and adequately equipped men and women for effective service to God, His Church and Humanity
Core Values
- Spirituality
- Excellence
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Competence