Articles - The Master's University Centennial

History
This is TMU

September 8, 2026 / Malia Keith

J. J. Rutherford Was the Financial Brain of LABTS

A young Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary found itself faced with severely mounting financial troubles as it entered 1940. Its resources did not allow for the completion of a seminary building on its property — an essential project, the failure of which would spell stagnation for the school. At this time, J. J. Rutherford (president of a bank in Vista, California) was elected to the seminary’s board in March of 1940.

September 6, 2023 / Mason Nesbitt

IBEX: A Classroom Unlike Any Other

In 1995, The Master's University launched the Israel Bible Extension (IBEX) program. Nearly 30 years later, TMU is the only Christian university with its own campus in the Promised Land, and the program continues to provide a uniquely immersive and Christ-centered experience for students. Here's a snapshot of the program's current leadership and what a semester at IBEX looks like today.

May 29, 2026 / A Man For All Seasons

John Stead: A Man For All Seasons

Few people in the last century have shaped The Master's University more fundamentally than Dr. John Stead. For more than 55 years, he has modeled what TMU is all about: grateful dependence on the Lord's faithfulness and an enduring love for His people.

January 27, 2026 / An Education Over Coffee

An Education Over Coffee

"The March" — one of TMU's longest-standing traditions — brings professors together from across campus for coffee and wide-ranging conversation. Over the last 50 years, it has grown not just into a context for friendships to form, but a venue where the history and heart of the University are passed down from one generation to the next.

December 6, 2022 / Mason Nesbitt and Kaelyn Peay

College Friendships that Stand the Test of Time

Many friendships formed at LABC, TMC, and TMU are still going strong today. Here are examples we hope you’ll find encouraging.

April 2021 /

John Melcon: On the Front Lines for Religious Liberty

As an attorney, TMU grad helps religious and nonprofit institutions navigate legislation threatening their freedoms.

June 2021 / Mason Nesbitt

Luke Norvell: A Talented Tenor

As he prepares to enter an elite opera program in the fall, Luke Norvell says TMU provided him with the vocal and spiritual training he needed.

June 4, 2021 / Dr. Abner Chou

The Absolute Urgency of Christian Higher Education

The relationships, habits, and ways of thinking formed in college set the trajectory for the rest of our lives. So why do we see choosing a college as a spiritually neutral decision? Dr. Abner Chou urges us to see the eternal impact of this choice.

February 17, 2020 / Dr. Abner Chou

The Absolute Necessity Of A Biblical Liberal Arts Degree

The liberal arts are more important than ever. In an increasingly anti-Christian society, they give us the discernment to stay true to Christ. Read more from TMU's president, Dr. Abner Chou.

September 2021 / Kaelyn Peay

Ruta Bloomfield: Harpsichord Hero

Dr. Bloomfield’s passion for music, art and a keyboard instrument that predates the piano has impacted countless students over the past three decades.

August 2021 / Mason Nesbitt

John Mosley: Man on a Mission

In 1996, God used a TMU mission trip to help prepare John Mosley for his role as head men’s basketball coach at East Los Angeles College.

July 2021 / Mason Nesbitt

Scott Mabs: A Refreshing Perspective

TMU grad Scott Mabs never planned on being the CEO of an organic fruit company. His goal was just to be faithful.

February 2022 / Dr. Abner Chou

An Absolute Commitment to Christ and Scripture

"Without Christ and Scripture, education categorically can't equip one to please Christ or make an eternal difference. Any erosion to Christ and Scripture causes education to fall dangerously short of its intended instruction and purpose." — Dr. Abner Chou

January 2022 / Kaelyn Peay

Johnson Mubiru: A Ministry Mindset

Johnson Mubiru came to TMU from Uganda in order to be equipped to return and serve his home country.

February 2022 / Mason Nesbitt

Stephanie Soares: The Comeback

After a season-ending injury in 2020, God reminded Stephanie Soares what it means to play basketball as an act of worship. Since then, she’s raised her game on and off the court.

Pages: 123