There is a lot more to the Great Commission than baptizing people into Christ. Jesus also told His disciples to teach “…them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20 NIV) In addition, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV)
In light of those directives, Lee Turner along with Warren Bell and Archie Word, Sr. founded the Northwest School of Evangelists in Portland, OR back in 1952. The school eventually was renamed to Northwest College of the Bible. It still exists and is still preparing the next generations to lead in the church. All of the instructors actively lead in the local churches, so the training they give is rooted in actual experience.
A couple of years ago the College asked Jonathan to become one of their instructors. This was a tremendous honor as his father Lee was one of the founders. So far Jonathan has taught two courses – one on the Gospel of John, the other on the Old Testament books of history from Joshua through 2nd Samuel. In the Spring Semester of 2026, Jonathan will teach another class on the Old Testament books of 1st Kings through Esther.
Since the class will be taught via Zoom, students may participate even if they do not live in the Portland area. To register please visit the College website at https://northwestcollegeofthebible.org. The cost for the course is only $15 in addition to the textbook. Jonathan wrote the textbook, Lessons From the Old Testament Books of History, volume 2. It is available from Amazon.