History

Short History and Summary of

Gatewood Theological Institute and Seminary (GTIS)

formerly

Bethesda Theological Institute and Seminary (BTIS)

Short History

Bethesda Theological Institute and Seminary was founded and began providing educational instruction in 2005.  The school was officially incorporated in the state of Texas in December 2016.  BTIS was organized with the goal of providing educational programs that provide a rigorous academic regimen while delivering practical knowledge that benefit students who are searching for personal growth, and those who feel a call to serve in any Christian setting.  As a professional Christian institution, we strive to glorify God by training and preparing students to go into the world and preach/teach the gospel.  

BTIS started as a Seminary Extension Center with the Southern Baptist Convention.  There were four professors with Bishop R. Ray Gatewood as the Center Director.  The first class to graduate was in 2009, and since that date, BTIS has successfully completed 10 graduating classes.    

Accreditation and Membership

GTIS is a subsidiary of Bethesda Fellowship Ministries.  It operates as an independent Seminary Extension Center with a Board of Regents as an Advisory Board and is accredited by the Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries (AICCS).  GTIS is a nondenominational accelerated learning institution that is committed to teaching the Scriptures in an evangelical framework.  The school admits those who give evidence of being born again or those who are interested in learning about the born-again experience.  At GTIS, the cultivation of the spiritual life is inseparably fused with the scholarly study of biblical and related subjects.  This is designed to prepare students to communicate the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Courses offered through this institution are authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.  

Name Change

In January of 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the name change for the school and it became officially incorporated in the state of Texas on January 12, 2023 as Gatewood Theological Institute and Seminary.  Since that time, the school has adopted an official seal, the mascot of the “Sentinel” and a school alma mater.   

GTIS is a nondenominational educational institution that is committed to teaching the Scriptures in an evangelical framework.  At GTIS, the cultivation of the spiritual life is inseparably fused with the scholarly study of biblical and related subjects.  This is designed to prepare students to communicate the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

GTIS Alma Mata

Lyrics by Lakeita Lyles

Arrangement by Kirsten Gatewood-Peters

Music by Robert Cockfield Jr.

Verse 1

Upon the hill where wisdom stands,

With steadfast hearts and faithful hands,

We walk the path where truth is bright,

Guided by His holy light.

Chorus

Gatewood strong, our banner high,

Sentinels, we stand with pride.

Faith and knowledge, side by side,

Forever we are yours.

Verse 2

Through trials fierce and seasons vast,

Our foundation firm will last.

With hearts prepared, we rise to go,

To serve, to teach, to love and grow.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge

Called to serve, to lead, to be,

A beacon for eternity.

Through every storm, through joy and strife,

GTIS—our guiding light!

Final Chorus

Gatewood strong, our banner high,

Sentinels, we stand with pride.

Faith and knowledge, side by side,

Forever we are yours.

This alma mater embodies GTIS’s commitment to academic rigor, spiritual growth, and service, while honoring the Sentinel, a symbol of vigilance and faithfulness.

Alma Mater was officially revealed in 2025