The Dallas Bible Theological Institute

The following are the service arrangements for Dr. Joseph Ellzey’s mother. Join us in praying for him and the family.

With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Joseph Ellzey and his family in the passing of his beloved mother. During moments like these, words never feel sufficient, but we stand together as a faith community offering our unwavering support, prayers, and love.

We are praying that the God of all comfort will surround Dr. Ellzey and his family with peace, strength, and the assurance of His presence in the days ahead.

Service arrangements will be shared as more information becomes available. We ask our faculty, staff, students, and extended DBTI community to continue lifting the Ellzey family in prayer.

From the DBTI Family 🤍

Black History in Dallas | Faith. Education. Legacy.

In the early 1940s, what would become the Dallas Bible Theological Institute began as the Open Door Mission, founded by Rev. Rodger W. Wynn. His ministry was deeply rooted in action. He preached the gospel on street corners, ministered in jails, and served the sick and the poor across Dallas.

Early on, Rev. Wynn recognized a critical gap. Black ministers needed formal theological training that honored both faith and calling. With the support of the National Baptist Convention and an appeal to the Southern Baptist Convention, funds were raised to purchase a building dedicated to ministry training. That building became the Open Door Mission.

The property was first deeded to the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board and later transferred to the Dallas Baptist Association to serve as a training center for Black ministers. The school operated under a joint board representing both Baptist conventions, with Rev. Wynn appointed as its first director.

Leadership later passed to Rev. Marvin C. Griffin, a historic figure in his own right. Though his tenure lasted just over a year before he accepted the pastorate of First Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, his legacy is profound. Rev. Griffin became the first African American graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and went on to serve as a respected pastor and civic leader.

This is more than institutional history.
It is a story of courage, collaboration, and commitment to educating Black leaders for gospel-centered impact.

We are grateful to have one of our own faculty as a consistent contributor to Christian thought. May you be encouraged during the holidays to keep Christ central.

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Equip: Our hope during the holidays Kendall Lyons encourages Christians to consider where they place their hope.

We honored all four living Past Presidents this week, however, Past President Dr. Johnnie Bradley was unable to attend. So Chairman Kedrick D. Holiday attended worship at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he present a Presidential Honor Award. It was also great seeing several DBTI alumni in the building.

We celebrate all of our leaders, both past and present! We are DBTI strong!

DBTI celebrated and honored our Living Legends at the Dallas Baptist Association African American Christmas Banquet. The living past Presidents of Dallas Bible Theological Institute: Pastor Alfred Brown, Dr. Chris Simmons, Dr. Leon Moore were presented a plaque for having laid a foundation through their tireless efforts to ensure sound biblical knowledge is available to everyone. Because of our rich past, our future is bright!

You are personally invited! Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of DBTI are invited to the African American Church Christmas Banquet hosted by DBA & DBU. We will be able to honor and recognize the labor and sacrifice of each of our living past presidents. You can show your support by registering for a ticket to attend here: https://www.dba.net/christmasbanquet/

Please join us in welcoming Naomi Scott to the DBTI Family as our newest Board Member. We are grateful for the godly leadership that guides our school in making stronger disciples for Christ.

🎄✨ Celebrate What God Has Done! ✨🎄

All year long, we’ve seen God move powerfully among our African American churches—lives transformed, leaders strengthened, and communities united in Christ! 🙌🏾

DBTI will be honoring the past living presidents of DBTI. We hope you will join us in this historic moment.

Join us for our African American Church Christmas Banquet as we give thanks and celebrate together! 🕊️
📅 Register today at https://www.dba.net/christmasbanquet/ & purchase a table for your church — let’s make this a night of joy, worship, and gratitude.

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3 ❤️