Basic Life Principles

Timeless truths for our lives and relationships

Five Life Roles

Understanding basic roles we fulfill in our relationships throughout life

Articles

Thought-provoking articles on practical topics

Character Qualities

Being conformed to the likeness of Christ

Matters of Life & Death

Reverencing and Reflecting the Words and Ways of God

Life Questions

Biblical answers to life’s biggest questions

Commands of Christ

Pursuing the heart of the Great Commission

Podcast

Weekly discussions on the Commands of Christ

Videos

Engaging presentations on important life lessons

Family Events

Fun & fellowship around the Word of God

Discipleship Opportunities

Cultivate personal & spiritual growth

Character Curriculum

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum for children

Embassy Media

On-demand media library

Study Materials

Resources for individual or small group study

All Events

Calendar of upcoming events

About IBLP

Christ-centered discipleship for individuals and families

News & Reports

Updates from ministry around the globe

Alumni: Share Your Story

We’d love to hear from you!

Our mission

Christ-centered discipleship for individuals and families

Who we are

What began in 1961 as a local youth outreach in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs has grown into an international, nonprofit ministry. Since its inception, the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) has sought to teach the wisdom and truth of Scripture as the foundation of every area of life.

IBLP is a non-denominational Christian organization with a focus on affirming God’s Word and its principles which are vital to one’s daily walk with Christ. Throughout its history, IBLP conducted citywide Seminars (Basic, Advanced, Anger Resolution, and Pastors’ and Christian Leaders’ Seminars ) throughout America and abroad. In addition to the seminars, these Biblical principles were taught through many different means, including a home education program, the Advanced Training Institute (1984–2021).

Biblical discipleship for personal and spiritual growth is continued today through conferences, student programs, online messages, printed materials, and more. The global scope of the Great Commission has continued to propel IBLP’s ministries and public services, both in the United States and internationally. IBLP’s Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all peoples, teaching those who believe to walk in obedience to Christ’s commands and apply His ways in everyday decisions.

Ways We Serve

Life-changing Events

Conferences, retreats, and programs for you and your family that cultivate personal and spiritual growth

Trusted Teaching

Valuable tools, including messages and printed materials, that center every sphere of life on God’s Word

Ministry Outreach

Fulfilling the Great Commission through discipleship, service, and ministry around the globe

Our mission is Christ-centered discipleship for individuals and families by providing resources and events that empower them to impact the globe for Christ.

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Canada

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United States

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Mexico

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Romania

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Russia

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Ukraine

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Taiwan

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Malaysia

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Singapore

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Indonesia

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South Korea

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Australia

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New Zealand

United States

Canada
Mexico
Romania
Russia
Ukraine

Taiwan

Malaysia
Singapore

Indonesia

South Korea

Australia

New Zealand

Our History

Key Milestones in Ministry

Founded in 1961 on the Word of God and the firm belief that it is sufficient for every area of life

Core Beliefs
& Leadership

Statement of Faith

IBLP affirms the cardinal doctrines of Scripture that have been defended by historic statements of faith. These include the divine inspiration of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the original sin nature of man, the atonement for sin by Christ’s shed blood, and justification by faith in Jesus as the Christ. This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith and doctrine. The Bible itself is the source of all that we believe.

Board of Directors

IBLP appreciates the leadership provided by its Board of Directors. The diversity of backgrounds and strengths, combined with a shared passion for God and commitment to Him, make this group a dynamic team. They are able to provide accountability and wise counsel for the direction of the IBLP ministry.

about

Tim Levendusky did not learn about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until he was a graduate student at Slippery Rock University, where in his dorm room he gave his life to the Lord. He attended the Detroit Basic Seminar in 1985 while living in Toledo, Ohio. Later during his time as a professor of Physical Education at Southern Methodist University, Tim began volunteering at the local IBLP office. Tim has served at IBLP training centers in Dallas and Oklahoma City, and in the countries of Taiwan, Mongolia, Australia, Romania, and South Korea. Tim’s stated life purpose is “to build the Word of God into my life, and into the lives of others around me, so that we can be salt and light to a needy world.” Tim and his wife Angie have one son, Josiah, and they currently reside at the IBLP Headquarters in Big Sandy, Texas, where Tim is serving as President.

about

Tim Levendusky did not learn about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until he was a graduate student at Slippery Rock University, where in his dorm room he gave his life to the Lord. He attended the Detroit Basic Seminar in 1985 while living in Toledo, Ohio. Later during his time as a professor of Physical Education at Southern Methodist University, Tim began volunteering at the local IBLP office. Tim has served at IBLP training centers in Dallas and Oklahoma City, and in the countries of Taiwan, Mongolia, Australia, Romania, and South Korea. Tim’s stated life purpose is “to build the Word of God into my life, and into the lives of others around me, so that we can be salt and light to a needy world.” Tim and his wife Angie have one son, Josiah, and they currently reside at the IBLP Headquarters in Big Sandy, Texas, where Tim is serving as President.

about

Tim Levendusky did not learn about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until he was a graduate student at Slippery Rock University, where in his dorm room he gave his life to the Lord. He attended the Detroit Basic Seminar in 1985 while living in Toledo, Ohio. Later during his time as a professor of Physical Education at Southern Methodist University, Tim began volunteering at the local IBLP office. Tim has served at IBLP training centers in Dallas and Oklahoma City, and in the countries of Taiwan, Mongolia, Australia, Romania, and South Korea. Tim’s stated life purpose is “to build the Word of God into my life, and into the lives of others around me, so that we can be salt and light to a needy world.” Tim and his wife Angie have one son, Josiah, and they currently reside at the IBLP Headquarters in Big Sandy, Texas, where Tim is serving as President.

about

Gil Bates and his wife Kelly have been blessed with 19 precious children. Gil and Kelly will admit they are not a perfect family, and they readily acknowledge that any successes experienced in their family are a result of God’s grace and the investments of many others the Lord has brought into their lives. Gil has helped many with his practical wisdom on marriage and training up sons and daughters for the Lord. He also shares many personal testimonies about God answering prayer and giving diligence, creativity, and patience in providing for his large family. Gil currently owns a tree service business and pastors a church in East Tennessee.

about

Gil Bates and his wife Kelly have been blessed with 19 precious children. Gil and Kelly will admit they are not a perfect family, and they readily acknowledge that any successes experienced in their family are a result of God’s grace and the investments of many others the Lord has brought into their lives. Gil has helped many with his practical wisdom on marriage and training up sons and daughters for the Lord. He also shares many personal testimonies about God answering prayer and giving diligence, creativity, and patience in providing for his large family. Gil currently owns a tree service business and pastors a church in East Tennessee.

about

Gil Bates and his wife Kelly have been blessed with 19 precious children. Gil and Kelly will admit they are not a perfect family, and they readily acknowledge that any successes experienced in their family are a result of God’s grace and the investments of many others the Lord has brought into their lives. Gil has helped many with his practical wisdom on marriage and training up sons and daughters for the Lord. He also shares many personal testimonies about God answering prayer and giving diligence, creativity, and patience in providing for his large family. Gil currently owns a tree service business and pastors a church in East Tennessee.

about

David York is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Trinity Divinity School. In 1984 his family was one of the original 102 pilot families in the ATI home education program. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda, and they have eight children and more than a dozen grandchildren. Pastor York has been faithfully serving his church since 1992. His many experiences in life and ministry have prepared him to bring important aspects of counsel and guidance to the Board.

about

David York is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Trinity Divinity School. In 1984 his family was one of the original 102 pilot families in the ATI home education program. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda, and they have eight children and more than a dozen grandchildren. Pastor York has been faithfully serving his church since 1992. His many experiences in life and ministry have prepared him to bring important aspects of counsel and guidance to the Board.

about

David York is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Trinity Divinity School. In 1984 his family was one of the original 102 pilot families in the ATI home education program. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda, and they have eight children and more than a dozen grandchildren. Pastor York has been faithfully serving his church since 1992. His many experiences in life and ministry have prepared him to bring important aspects of counsel and guidance to the Board.

about

John Bechtle has served the Lord in Bible teaching at the college level for several decades, teaching for various Bible colleges and directing the ministry of The Telos Institute International. He and his wife Peggy have three children and five grandchildren. He is actively involved in his local church as a member of the board and as part of the music ministry. John earned a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. The Bechtles reside in Indiana.

about

John Bechtle has served the Lord in Bible teaching at the college level for several decades, teaching for various Bible colleges and directing the ministry of The Telos Institute International. He and his wife Peggy have three children and five grandchildren. He is actively involved in his local church as a member of the board and as part of the music ministry. John earned a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. The Bechtles reside in Indiana.

about

John Bechtle has served the Lord in Bible teaching at the college level for several decades, teaching for various Bible colleges and directing the ministry of The Telos Institute International. He and his wife Peggy have three children and five grandchildren. He is actively involved in his local church as a member of the board and as part of the music ministry. John earned a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. The Bechtles reside in Indiana.

Financial Guidelines

One of the most powerful demonstrations of God’s power and working in the Church, His people, and the IBLP ministry is His supernatural provision of funds in answer to prayer—often the exact amount needed and at the very time needed!

Since its inception, the Institute in Basic Life Principles has maintained the following three financial guidelines:

  1. Trust God to provide operating funds rather than soliciting contributions.
  2. Do not borrow money or start projects without sufficient funds in hand.
  3. Return gifts that donors have indicated as tithes, encouraging them instead to reserve those tithes for their local church.

Visit Us

IBLP ministry is based out of Big Sandy, Texas. The 2,250-acre campus is home to programs and events focused on discipleship and equipping others to live out their Christian faith, as well as the International ALERT Academy. The campus features dormitories, a 650-seat dining hall, classrooms, chapel, 340-seat auditorium, airstrip, aircraft hangar, campground, lake, canoes, 400-meter track, rappelling/climbing tower, obstacle course, low ropes course, indoor gymnasium, baseball diamonds, soccer field, sand volleyball courts, and miles of wooded trails.

Explore our unique campus during a scheduled event, community night, or request to volunteer wherever the ministry may have a need!

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