“The need for gospel centered, biblically anchored, and sound theological training is at an all time high in the islands. The global pandemic has exposed the fruit of bad theology on an almost daily basis. This has been seen in unbiblical reactions, newspaper exegesis, and shallow theological responses rampant in the islands. Churches need well trained leaders, now more than ever.

Knowing Chris Bruno’s character, and having been trained and mentored by him, I can say from experience that his leadership in this area would be an a huge leap in the right direction toward spiritual health in Hawaii.”

“I know believers and pastors in Hawaii who are excited for ministry but need the theological grounding to balance things out. They know theological training will help them articulate the Gospel and will inform their practices, but they can’t afford to move away from the islands. There are two men in my church right now that I’m going to recommend to take the classes from Bethlehem College & Seminary.”

“Jesus loves His church in Hawaii and so we pray that He would raise up pastors who have been well trained theologically in the context of local church ministry. We desperately need and enthusiastically welcome biblical and godly seminaries who share God’s heart for Hawaii. That is why I passionately support Chris Bruno and BCS’ efforts to bring theologically sound and relationally robust training here for the the local church in Hawaii.”

“One of the greatest needs for the islands of Hawaii is to have sound biblical theological training for God’s people. This need is at the heart of Chris Bruno’s mission here in the islands and I’m excited to see the Church thrive, unbelievers saved, and God glorified through it.”

“Ever since we moved to Hawai’i over 5 years ago, we couldn’t help but notice the lack of good theological education and training for future local leaders. Being actively involved with university campus ministry, I would always be looking for various options to recommend local students that want to pursue full-time ministry as a vocation. I am so glad that Chris is trying to give the islands a solid and reliable option grounded in good biblical teaching here in Hawai’i.

Additionally, after hearing about the many needs for good solid teaching in the Pacific Islands, our church, City Church of Honolulu, is eager to partner with Chris in meeting that need! We are very excited about this new endeavor and we pray that you will be too!”

"I am delighted that the Board of Bethlehem College and Seminary has approved an extension site on Oahu beginning in 2021. Solid biblical and theological training is such a great need for pastors and ministry leaders in the Islands. I am especially happy that Dr. Chris Bruno will be leading this program in the Islands. Chris has the training, experience, passion and skill to do an excellent job. The BCS evening curriculum is perfect for working men and women who want to be better equipped in biblical theology and discipleship. I encourage every Christian leader to seriously consider this wonderful opportunity."

“Hawaii’s beauty is reflective of our Almighty King’s deep creative work. This beauty is then both physical and intentional. Hawaii is in desperate need of a people who can speak to this divine intention with a matching depth — as those who drink deeply from the well of the beautiful and creative Word of God. Dr. Chris Bruno is perfectly equipped to form such a people.”

"I was born and raised in Hawaii. I love this place and its people. But in order to get a solid biblical and theological education, we had to move away, which unfortunately is the case for most locals. And because of Hawaii’s cost of living and the plethora of ministry opportunities on the mainland, many of our future leaders do not return. This results in our churches having to hire ministry leaders from outside Hawaii with very few sticking around long-term. This has been an ongoing problem for decades and cannot cultivate long-term church health. On top of all that, the need for greater biblical and theological fidelity within our churches and pulpits cannot be overstated.

Chris is a dear friend of mine and his partnership with Training Leaders International as well as Bethlehem College and Seminary will provide a significant boost to our efforts here. Chris also shares our vision to see Hawaii serve as a strategic hub for training church leaders and pastors across the South Pacific and Pacific Rim.”

“Because Hawaii is so far away from a lot of good theological institutions, and because cost of living is so high here, many desire good training but settle for lesser. There are several good churches on island, but it is difficult for pastors in those churches to give the kind of time needed to train other pastors in depth.

I believe Chris Bruno and his work with Training Leaders International/Bethlehem College and Seminary will help fill those exact voids. His godly character, his extraordinary theological mind, and his deep love for Hawaii and the Pacific are a great combination for the Kingdom in these islands.”