History
How Precept Ministries Began
Jack Arthur and his wife, Kay, founded Precept Ministries in 1970. Kay and the ministry staff of writers produce a number of different Bible study series. These unique inductive studies have been developed from years of diligent study and teaching experience, and are being used in nearly 185 countries and 70 languages, to help establish people in God’s Word.
Precept Ministries accomplishes their mission and vision by offering Inductive Bible Studies, Training Workshops and conferences and events for men, women and students. When people study the Bible for themselves and apply what they have learned they will see God at work in their life.
In the late 60s, a missionary couple suffered medical problems and returned home to Chattanooga. Little did they know that God finally had them right where He wanted them. Jack Arthur became the Station Manager for a Christian radio station. And Kay Arthur started a Bible study for teenagers in their living room. By 1970, the teens were meeting in a barn they had cleaned out and patched up themselves.
Soon adults were coming, too. And it was obvious that an expanded ministry center needed to be constructed. That's when Jack left his radio career and became President and leader of this flourishing new organization. Today, Precept Ministries International reaches around the world into over 100 countries. It's hard to believe that all this could come from a ministry that once met in a barn. But then again, our Lord's ministry began in a manger.
Precept Philippines
In 1991 the Niviera couple, who had learned about Precept Ministries in Indonesia, invited Mr. Jim Bird of Precept Ministries International based in the United States to come over and introduce Precept. When Mr. Bird came a workshop was held during which 300 people attended. It was hoped that classes would be started after the workshop but because only very few people were interested the hope was not materialized. After 2 years another workshop was held. The workshop was divided into two levels, Level 1 and 2. For Level 1 about 100 people attended. In Level 2 60 people attended. But again the same thing happened. No classes were opened after the workshop. As far as we know only Pastor Bob Lagman, his wife Cris and Pastor Rey were the only ones Leading small Bible Study groups using Precept Upon Precept materials. When Mr. Jim Bird left Precept Ministries International the ministry in the Philippines was left without a someone to oversee.
In 1997 or 1998 Mr. Bob Vereen, also from the US, came over to check out what’s happening. After that there was 1 or 2 years gap. Then finally, Mr. Bob Vereen came back and announced that they would like to re-establish Precept Ministries Philippines. Mr. Martin Lauraya was chosen to head the ministry but had to leave after 2 years. After Mr. Lauraya had gone Mr. Bob Lagman who is currently based in Cagayan De Oro city was tasked to keep the ministry afloat.
About this time a dear sister by the name of Mrs. Lucy Dy heard the teachings of Kay Arthur on the radio while she was in the US. She liked immensely what she heard and when she came back to the Philippines she immediately began the task of sourcing and purchasing Precept Upon Precept Bible study materials. In 2001 she opened up her house in Quezon City for Bible study and invited people who share the same passion for Precept to lead and study. By 2005 between 3-5 Precept Bible Study groups were held every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon. Through her efforts and enthusiasm and with the invaluable help of her Bible Study Leaders, many Bible Study groups using Precept materials sprung up in the different parts of Metro Manila.
In 2004 Mrs. Lucy Dy and some Precept leaders went to Hong Kong to attend Kay Arthur’s workshop. They met Kay and invited her to come to the Philippines. In January of 2005, Kay sent her 2 Ambassadors-at-Large Bob and Diane Vereen to conduct a 4-day workshops at the Christian Bible Church of the Philippines in Quezon City. We thank God that the workshops were successful. Hundreds of people attended and many were impacted by what they learned about the Inductive Study method.
By the grace of God and through the generosity of Mrs. Lucy Dy, her son Mr. Frederick Dy and her daughter Ms. Anastacia Dy, in May of 2005 the office of Precept Ministries International of the Philippine Islands, headed by its General Manager Ms. Natalie Tan, was officially set up at the 3rd Floor of the Security Bank building on Ortigas Avenue in Greenhills, San Juan City. After a few years, the office was transferred to its current location at 191 Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.
Since then God has continued to expand the ministry of Precept Ministries International of the Philippine Islands through the raising up of more Precept leaders and the opening of more Bible study classes in different parts of the country. To Him be all the glory!