About PCBIS
PCBIS is an online non-denominational biblical institution where the Bible is the main textbook. The qualities that distinguish this unique institution from all other institutions of biblical learning were set forth by God through its founder, Dr. Carrie A. Johnson. This distinction is seen as adults pursuing their degrees, diplomas, and certificates, and children earning the junior equivalents. Every course and program offered is rooted and grounded in Bible-centered curricula as found in the teachings of the 66 books of the Bible. These courses and programs are taught on four levels.
- Children (ages 0-5): Lessons consist of cartoon characters singing, rapping, and dancing the bible lessons. Theme: The B-I-B-L-E.
- Tweens (ages 6-12): Lessons consist of cartoon characters going on field trips to collect information, items, etc., and bring them back for discussion to learn the biblical meanings. Theme: I Am A Conqueror.
- Teens (ages 13-17): Lessons consist of journalists/newscasters who report Breaking News! Theme: Stir It Up!
- Adults are taught from class textbooks and the 66 books of the Bible.
The primary purpose of PCBIS is to help students understand and rely on the teachings of the Bible, by demystifying Scriptures and providing a systematic theological education for adults and children. Since its inception, PCBIS has firmly believed that children are the most important individuals in the community. Therefore, we must instill biblical principles in the minds and hearts of children at the earliest possible age.
At PCBIS, we pursue excellence in everything that we do, especially in training and equipping students to “rightly divide the Word of Truth”... and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you…(1 Peter 3:15).”
Teaching children the Word of God at an early age is not new. It originated with the Bible: “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children… (Deut. 6:7).
The world would be a better place if adults and children were given a sound, systematic theological education.
What We Believe
The Scriptures - We Believe:
The Godhead - We Believe:
SALVATION - We Believe:
Founded in 1997 by Carrie A. Johnson, the Parent-Child Bible Institute & Seminary is a non-denominational biblical institution. Originating in her 2,500-square-foot Brooklyn residence, the organization provides a systematic theological education for adults and children alike. Rooted in the 66 books of the Bible, we demystify Scripture, empowering adults and children alike to confidently navigate and apply its teachings as the core textbook of our institution. Students must be able to intelligently and scripturally defend what they believe about the scripture.
In 1999, PCBIS held its first commencement at Elim International Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY, featuring the late Archbishop Wilbur S. McKinley as keynote speaker. The graduating class of over 200 represented more than 20 families and included a remarkably diverse age range, with the youngest graduate being just 2.5 years old. Guided by our theme song, The Bible Stands, and our motto, The Pursuit of Excellence. This was a historic milestone for our community.
In 2004, Carrie relocated from New York to Tennille, Georgia, to care for her aging parents. She restarted PCBIS.
Marking another historic milestone for PCBIS, our first commencement in Georgia took place in 2006 at New Birth Christian Ministries in Tennille. Bishop J.D. Wiley of New Orleans served as the keynote speaker as PCBIS conferred its first degrees, a bachelor's and a doctorate.
Far from extinguishing her drive, Carrie's move to Albany reignited it, pushing her to relaunch PCBIS yet again. Including children in the “theological loop” is a new concept in church culture, and many do not believe children should be included in the “theological loop.” However, this did not stop Carrie from continuing her quest to produce Child Theologians. Due to a series of significant setbacks, the future of PCBIS was placed in serious jeopardy, threatening its very survival.
It wasn’t until the post-pandemic landscape shifted that Carrie saw her ultimate, unprecedented opportunity. Driven by an insatiable appetite to include children in the “theological loop” and help raise child theologians, she launched PCBIS as a 100% online biblical institution.
PCBIS has maintained since its inception that children are the most vital members of our community and should be educated in theology from the earliest possible age.
Before founding PCBIS, Carrie built an extensive background in biblical education. She spent over a decade teaching at various churches and conferences and spent five years as Dean of the Manhattan Bible School.
At PCBIS, theological education is a lifelong journey. We uniquely equip the whole family, offering rigorous academic pathways for adults and foundational, age-appropriate training that shapes children into confident young theologians. At PCBIS, the Bible is the anchor for every subject we teach. To earn a degree, students are required to study all 66 books of the Bible.
As PCBIS continues teaching the Scriptures found in the 66 books of the Bible, PCBIS also continues The Pursuit of Excellence.
Meet President Johnson
In August 1997, from the basement of her Brooklyn, New York home, Carrie A. Johnson started the Parent-Child Bible Institute & Seminary. At six years old, Carrie was driven by a single objective in Sunday School: a half-penny. Her pastor rewarded one for every correct answer. And Carrie made sure to win the most. Her goal? Motivated entirely by her dream of buying cookies and candies at the neighborhood store.
Consequently, while other children played, young Carrie (nicknamed Betty) focused on her Sunday School lessons, listening intently to the Pastor’s teachings. Ironically, her early motivation—a love of winning pennies in class—ignited her passion for the Word of God. This dedication peaked one Sunday when the Pastor announced, "There are no more pennies because Betty broke the bank!" At just 8 years old, her remarkable commitment led to her being chosen to teach the younger children.
Carrie earned multiple degrees—both academic and honorary—across several institutions, including Long Island and Tuskegee Universities, as well as Anchorage, Dallas, and Lighthouse Theological Seminaries. She also attended Pace University.
For more than thirty years, many have benefited from Carrie’s teaching, creativity, experience, and pragmatic approach to life. Her skills, talents, and knowledge helped many organizations, groups, and individuals successfully navigate the intricate pathway to their destiny.
Not everyone agreed that children belonged in the "theological loop," but that didn't deter Carrie from her quest to raise generations of young believers. She remained fiercely dedicated to developing and nurturing "Child Theologians,” a passion that first sparked in her childhood. Long before teaching in a traditional classroom, she would faithfully line up her Christmas dolls on the doorstep and teach them the Bible, making these her very first students.
While her name is absent from book covers, Carrie used her seminary textbooks to break down complex concepts, making them fun and understandable for children.
And since there were no theological textbooks for children, she wrote all PCBIS’s curriculum for Preschoolers, Tweens, and Teens.
For over 15 years, Carrie has hosted the Circle of Love Conference Call. Five days a week, she creates a welcoming space of prayer, song, and Bible study as she leads a community of callers, inspiring them to start their mornings rooted in faith.
Navigating a journey filled with detours and obstacles, Carrie proudly launched the 100% online Parent-Child Bible Institute & Seminary, giving all glory to God—and recognizing the unique opportunities presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The President Speaks (Transcript)
More than two decades ago, I envisioned a unique Bible institution where people could go and study the greatest book ever written, the Bible. I see both adults and children receiving a systematic theological education that fully equipped them to articulate what they believe about the Scriptures. The institution that I envisioned produces child theologians and is different from all other institutions of biblical instruction. Consequently, in August 1997, from the basement of my Brooklyn, N.Y. home, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I started The Parent-Child Bible Institute & Seminary.
The qualities that distinguish this institution from all other institutions of biblical instruction are evident in adults pursuing their certificates and degrees, and in children earning the junior equivalents. The Bible is our leading textbook. More than regular Bible study, and not to be confused with Sunday School, children enroll in the same courses and programs as adults, but at their intellectual levels, and earn junior degrees.
PCBIS believes children should be included in the ‘theological loop’ at the earliest possible age. This provides a strong, supportive, positive outlet. This is why all children’s classes/courses offered at PCBIS are FREE. Giving children a sound theological education at an early age equips them with the tools necessary to make healthy and wise choices. This increases the possibility of them not being caught up in violent crimes, substance abuse, delinquency, etc.
Due to the many challenges and setbacks, PCBIS was put on hold because including children in the “theological loop” was a new concept in church culture. Historically, and even today, many doubt that children belong in the 'Theological Loop.'"
However, this did not stop me from continuing my quest to produce Child Theologians.
In 2004, I relocated to Tennille, Georgia, to serve as the primary caregiver for my aging father. With permission from the pastor, I restarted PCBIS and continued until my dad’s death. I moved to Albany, Georgia, but I could not shake the desire to restart PCBIS.
Accordingly, I remodeled my Albany home to include a large room for teaching Bible classes. Again, because of challenges and setbacks, PCBIS was paused. It was not until the COVID pandemic that I saw an unprecedented opportunity. My insatiable appetite to include children in the ‘theological loop’ and desire to produce child theologians led me to launch PCBIS as a 100% online biblical institution.
Since the scope of this endeavor is so vast, I decided to roll it out in three phases.
Phase I Available Now consists of four COURSES for Children (ages 0-5), Tweens (ages 6-12), and Teens (ages 13-17). The website shows images and narratives for more than Phase I. However, only Phase I is fully active.
Phase II includes everything in Phase I plus free and for-pay courses for adults. Coming the 3rd Quarter (2026).
Phase III includes everything in Phases I and II, plus all courses and degrees offered in the Institute and Seminary. Coming 4th Quarter (2026).
Our mission/vision is to educate adults and children to inspire others to empower everyone to transform the world through the 66 books of the Bible.
PCBIS is launching a three-to six-month pilot program concurrent with the phased launch. This will allow volunteers to participate and receive the information necessary to make informed decisions before committing.
Please prayerfully consider reserving a spot in the pilot program to see if including our curriculum in your Sunday school program is feasible. You can also learn how children can earn credits towards a Junior Degree 52 weeks in the year.
I am excited, grateful, and honored to share this unique opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to listen.
To enroll in the pilot program and obtain additional information, contact us at info@pcbisedu.org
Carrie A. Johnson, PhD
President
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PCBIS does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national, or ethnic origin. All students are entitled to all the rights, privileges, educational opportunities, scholarships, etc.
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