Providence Bible College and The ological Seminary was founded in 1987. Originally known as the Whitfield Institute in Tidewater, Virginia the history of PBC&TS has been one of progressive development. In the desire to model itself after the ministry of George Whitfield, “that wherever a group of disciples will gather, leadership training is provided to build up God’s people,” the Institute emerged with a small group of students and mostly volunteer staff, bringing an innovative approach to providing local church members with excellent training.

The rapid growth of the Institute brought with it an enthusiasm for a more “structured” academic program. This led the directors to explore the possibilities of establishing a Christian liberal arts university here in Hampton Roads; thereby serving the community need for a solely Christian undergraduate program. This endeavor, however proved to be too extensive for the fledgling university and after much prayer and counsel, the directors concluded that God’s desire was that, rather than a university, what He wanted here was a good solid Bible college. In April 1987, Providence Bible College was established. It is established as a corporation under the regulations of the State of Virginia. It is recognized by the Virginia Council of Higher Education as a “Religious Institution” and is authorized to grant formal degrees in the areas that pertain to “Religion”. These degrees range from the certificate, two year Associate degree, four year Bachelors degree, through Masters and Doctorate. We do not grant academic degrees in the Arts or Sciences. We are a Bible college.

The college was determined by the IRS to be a non-profit 501 ( c) (3) organization in August 1990, and is exempt from federal income taxes.  

In 1995, Dr. Raymond W. Stiles, a local businessman, with a background in education and law, took over as President of Providence Bible College. He is building on the groundwork of past presidents Dr. P. Russell Berry and Dr. Harold Weston.

Dr. Raymond Stiles’ vision for the future of the college is exciting. Since becoming President, he has overseen the formation of the Distance Education program, the creation of the Graduate School, ACSI membership, VA approval and the development of the college logo.

PBC&TS is accredited with Transworld Accrediting Commission, an international accrediting agency overseeing the quality of education provided by smaller Christian colleges and seminaries. In 1995, Providence Bible College joined with ACSI – Association of Christian Schools International.

Providence Bible College and Theological Seminary is located in the City of Norfolk, Virginia, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and adjacent to the resort city of Virginia Beach. It has satellite campuses throughout Tidewater, including the cities of Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Portsmouth,  and Virginia Beach.