SHBI offers six (6) semesters of class instruction over a 3-year cycle. Our courses are offered mostly in the evenings during the fall and spring (late August to mid-December and early January to mid-May). Classes are usually held at 5:40, 7:00 and 8:20 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and at 7:00 on Wednesday evenings (no 5:40 course on Thursdays). There is an occasional daytime course. Each course at SHBI meets only once a week, making it easier for people who drive from a distance.

Homework and examinations are given. However a student may also audit a course without homework and tests. Course grades are recorded and a student may request a transcript of his classes. An SHBI completion certificate is given for completing 36 or more courses.

A new student may begin at the beginning of any semester. Only a few of our courses require a prerequisite course. Our teaching is at a college level. However since we are not accredited, we can admit a student who is not a high school graduate as long as the student can do the class work.

There is no tuition charge for any of our courses. In classroom courses we do suggest a $20 donation per course to help cover the cost of paper handouts in the class.  If a person cannot afford this, they may register anyway.  We don't want anyone to miss a course for financial reasons. The student may also make other voluntary contributions to the institute if he or she chooses, but this is not required in order to take courses. We do ask the student to pay our cost for textbooks used in some courses.

SHBI offers training for personal Christian growth and lay ministry as well as for career ministry. Our courses are open to all people regardless of race, nationality, sex, or religious belief. Our Biblical position is evangelical. We are Christ-centered and Bible-based. Our studies are offered in a non-denominational spirit. We have students from many denominational backgrounds. We always treat students with love and respect regardless of religious background.

Though we discuss many topics as we meet them in scripture, our focus is on the great central truths of the Bible. A student does not have to agree with teachers or other students on every controversial issue in order to be welcome at SHBI. We have a passion for uniting believers around the cross of Christ and the fundamental teachings of the word of God. One of the best things about SHBI is the common devotion to Christ and his teachings in spite of racial, cultural and other worldly differences.

You may bring to class whatever translation or version of the Bible you are accustomed to. We will often compare translations as we study. You will receive extensive study handouts in many of our classes. We will inform you of any textbooks required.

Opening date for our fall classes is August 24, 2009. Latecomers can do make-up work up to a point. Ask us for a registration form or register for a course when you first come to class. Contact SHBI for more information. Telephones: (281)990-8899, (281)990-8898 or (800)584-1431. Postal address: 14325 Crescent Landing, Houston TX 77062-2178. E-mail: shbi@shbi.org (or shbi@pdq.net).