Our heart's desire is that everyone who enters the doors of Pacific Garden Mission will choose to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through the power of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, many come to Christ each year at the Old Lighthouse.

The next step is to help these new believers grow into mature, fruitful Christians and prepare them to impact their world for Jesus Christ. We do this through our Bible Education & Career Development Program. This PGM ministry includes the Resident Bible Program, The Old Lighthouse Bible Academy, educational instruction leading to a GED and, upon graduation, job placement.

Every new believer who desires to grow in the Word of God may volunteer to be enrolled. The first commitment is for a period of 60 days in the Bible Program. After that, another 60-day commitment in the Program is requested. When the 120 days have been successfully completed, and the student is willing to further commit to eight more months of study in the Old Lighthouse Bible Academy, an entrance exam is administered to measure the knowledge gained over the initial four-month period.

After taking the entrance exam, the student begins a more intensive study of the Word of God. At this point the educational phase of the Program consisting of English, Math, and Computer Basics is offered. Each student must attend all the classes that are required and be involved in a work assignment while residing at the Mission.

Bible courses include: Romans, John, Proverbs, Revelation, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Christian Character, Soul-winning, and Practical Truths. Students are also required to spend a minimum of one hour per week distributing Gospel tracts and witnessing. The Pacific Garden Mission distributes over 26,000 tracts each week.

Upon completion of eight months on the program, the Career Development course is begun. This course covers such phases as application and resume preparation, interview preparation and job search skills, occasionally with special speakers. After successfully completing this course and upon passing the final exam for Bible Academy studies, the student graduates from the Old Lighthouse Bible Academy and receives a diploma in Biblical Studies at a formal graduation ceremony.

Many graduates are placed with an outside employer who will offer a moderate wage and benefits. These cooperating employers have a close relationship with the Mission, so PGM will continue to be involved with each individual's placement, counseling and support easing the move from the Mission to the community environment. Each employer has made the commitment to aid the new employee until the adjustment back into a stable life-style, exhibiting consistent Christian character, is complete.
The PGM Choir is made up of men on the PGM Bible Program.
One area of work responsibility is serving the homeless.
Program men enjoy a delicious evening meal.
Men on the PGM Bible Program attend daily Bible Classes.

Some graduates follow the Lord's leading to work as a staff member at Pacific Garden Mission. The Mission assists with a place to live, food, clothing, a salary, and an area of work utilizing his or her skills for the glory of God. Anyone residing at the Mission is required to attend and be active in a local, fundamental, Bible-believing church. We strongly advise everyone to establish himself in community life which will enable him to experience the Christian support that God provides for His family.

Pacific Garden Mission's Biblical Education and Career Placement Program refuses no one! We do everything possible to aid, assist, and meet the needs of every individual who enters the Old Lighthouse.

What you should know about the PGM Bible Program

  • The PGM Bible Program averages about 150 enrollees. About 125 are men.
  • To enroll, the individual must have professed faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • Enrollees are assigned job duties somewhere in the Mission, some on the general work crew, others on security, and others in dormitories.
  • Enrollees receive weekly individual counseling by a PGM pastor or teacher.
  • Those who continue on in the Program for a year receive diplomas.
  • They attend as many as ten Bible classes each week, adding up to about 500 for the year.
  • After eight months on the Program, the focus turns to getting students ready to go out on their own. They can enroll in weekly advanced computer classes and even receive college credit. They receive GED (General Education Diploma) training to be better equipped when they leave. They go to Career Development sessions, where they learn interview and resume writing skills and such.