The Full Gospel Bible Seminary

The Full Gospel Bible Seminary had its origins in the evangelistic ministry of the Pentecostal movement in Thailand, with roots tracing back to 1946 when Rev. Verner Raassina and Mrs. Hanna Raassina pioneered gospel work in the country. Over time, missionaries from other nations joined the effort, giving rise to the idea of establishing a formal institution to systematically train and develop ministers of God. However, during the initial phase, this concept could not yet be tangibly realized due to resource and funding constraints.

Approximately 14 years later, short-term Bible training seminars began across various local churches, with the first official training taking place in 1950 in Lom Sak District, Phetchabun Province. Later, Rev. Don Price, along with missionaries from the United States, played a crucial role in campaigning for funds to establish a permanent institution. This effort led to the purchase of the first plot of land in 1960 and the initial development in Setthakit Village, Bang Khae District, Bangkok, which subsequently became the campus of the Full Gospel Bible School.

During the early stages of operation, the seminary constructed a two-story academic building and admitted male students exclusively. Educational opportunities were later expanded to include female students. The initial curriculum focused primarily on evangelism, comprising three main subjects: Evangelism, the Holy Spirit, and Pastoral Ministry. At this early stage, no certificates were awarded to graduates.

In 1970, the institution changed its name to “Full Gospel Center” and enhanced its curriculum to be more rigorous. Although instruction was conducted for one term per year, additional courses were added, establishing a continuous 3-year study program. Later in 1975, additional buildings were constructed and the curriculum was updated to meet standards consistent with other Bible schools in Thailand. This enabled graduates to pursue higher education at other advanced institutions and accommodated the steadily growing student body.

In the early 1990s, the institution revised its curriculum to upgrade its status to a college level. In 1992, it officially changed its name to “The Full Gospel Bible Seminary” under the Full Gospel Church in Thailand. The year 2000 marked an important milestone as the seminary celebrated its 40th anniversary, reflecting its entry into a new millennium of theological education.

In 2006, amid global changes, technology, and evolving knowledge, the seminary took a progressive step by partnering with Global University (GU) to elevate its educational standards to an international level and secure academic accreditation. Graduates received degrees from GU alongside local diplomas. The campus expanded through classroom additions and the construction of the Paul Building to support institutional growth.

In 2011, The Full Gospel Bible Seminary (Setthakit Village campus) ceased operations due to various obstacles and limitations. However, in 2020, the Executive Board of the Full Gospel Organization in Thailand approved Region 4 Church in Chiang Mai to initiate a Bible ministry in the form of a mobile classroom, designated as “Chiang Mai Full Gospel Bible Seminary.” The program operates through online, on-site, hybrid, and distance-learning formats.

Chiang Mai Full Gospel Bible Seminary maintains the original vision and target: to serve as a hub for learning the Bible and related fields to develop ministers of the Full Gospel Organization in all dimensions—academically, spiritually, morally, and through practical ministry experience. This empowers them to serve local churches and society effectively. Admission is open to leaders and ministers under the Full Gospel Organization in Thailand, as well as interested members of the general public.

List of Directors of The Full Gospel Bible Seminary (FGBS), 1960–2011

• Rev. Jouko Enkonen (1960–1963)
• Rev. Verner Raassina (1963–1967 and 1978–1980)
• Rev. Elias Gola (1967–1972)
• Rev. Aarno Halmenkivi (1972–1978 and 1988–1991)
• Rev. Dr. Jouko Ruohomäki (1981–1985)
• Rev. Dr. Hannu Grönroos (1985–1988)
• Rev. Jay Siler (1991–1992)
• Rev. Sompong Chanmeethet (1994–1996)
• Rev. Lea Minalainen Oumae (1996–1998)
• Rev. Jarmo Sarni (1999–2003)
• Rev. Seppo Toronen (2003–2006)
• Rev. Dr. Prathum Charoenrup (2006–2011)
  Director of Chiang Mai Full Gospel Bible Seminary
• 13. Rev. Dr. Santisuk Thamwavornkul (2020–Present)