About VBI
Here at Victorious Bible Institute - VBI our multifaceted approach to learning, coupled with the use of technology, ensures that students from around the globe have the best experience as they refine their spiritual lens and delve deep into theological knowledge. Our slogan for learning is, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
The Establishmentarian
Bishop Dr. Raymond L. Berger Sr., born on December 28, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, stands as a distinguished religious leader and the visionary founder of what is now known as the Victorious Bible Institute (VBI). Guided in his early years by Bishop Randolph A. Carr, Berger embarked on his spiritual journey at a young age, beginning as a Sunday School teacher at just 11 years old. Although he initially dreamed of becoming an attorney, his true calling led him to a life devoted to ministry.
After graduating from Northside High School in Virginia in 1960, Berger pursued higher education at Brooklyn College and the Manhattan Bible Institute, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors. The establishment of the Bible school in 2010 marked a pivotal moment, offering individuals access to formal religious education and broadening the reach of spiritual learning.
Bishop Berger's pastoral career began in 1974 in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he dedicated 48 years of service, eventually earning the title of Pastor Emeritus. His elevation to Bishop in 1996 and the founding of the Victorious Apostolic Churches in 2004 highlight his impactful leadership. Known affectionately as "The Hood Bishop," Berger is revered as a mentor and advisor to pastors across the nation and actively participated with the Concerned Black Clergy.
He shares his life and ministry with his wife, Evangelist Tanzella Calloway Berger, and is blessed with a large family, including four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His life motto, "A church in the heart of the city with the people of the city in its heart," encapsulates his unwavering commitment to community and faith.
Our Accreditation
Victorious Bible Institute (VBI) is a faith-based institution of higher learning dedicated to religious education. Originally established as VAC Bible College in 2008 by Bishop Dr. Reymond L. Berger, Sr., the institute was founded to address the need for an affordable Bible school in the northeastern United States.
Understanding the importance of solid knowledge and formal teachings rooted in the Word of God, Bishop Berger recognized the growing necessity to train those entrusted to his leadership and those aspiring to serve in ministry. Through divine providence, Bishop Berger, Sr. met Bishop Dr. Collin Cawley of Mt. Zion Apostolic Church in Toronto, Canada, facilitated by Bishop Dr. Lloyd E. Russell. This connection led him to Dr. Joe Nelson, the Founder and International President of Parkersburg Bible College (PBC) in West Virginia, through which they obtained accreditation. Under Dr. Nelson's guidance, Bishop Berger, Sr. and his team diligently developed the curriculum, establishing the program as a satellite of PBC with its own autonomy, credentials, and degree program approvals.
In November 2024, under the charter of Chancellor D. Romeo Hall, President of the VOTAM Theological Academy, VAC and VOTAM schools were skillfully merged and rebranded as Victorious Bible Institute (VBI). This merger opened new avenues for outreach, allowing the institution to serve a broader audience and expand programs aimed at empowering kingdom believers, particularly those called to serve in ministry.
Institution Formation
VBI - Victorious Bible Institute is a faith-based religious institution of higher learning. Victorious Bible Institute formally known as VAC Bible College was established in 2008 after Presiding Bishop Dr. Reymond L. Berger, Sr. founder of the Victorious Apolstolic Churches saw the need to have an affordable bible school in the north east region of the states. A studio man, he knew the value of having a good knowledge and formal teachings grounded in the Word of God. And so, as the organization grew, the more he saw the importance of training those who The Lord had given him to preside over and those who wanted to serve in ministry. The Lord allowed Bishop Berger, Sr. to meet Bishop, Dr. Collin Cawley of Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, Toronto Canada through Bishop Dr. Lloyd E. Russell, who introduced him to Dr. Joe Nelson Founder and International President of Parkersburg Bible College (PBC) in West Virginia, whose charter they were accredited through.
Under the guidance of Dr. Nelson, Bishop Breger, Sr. and his team worked tirelessly behind the scenes building the curriculum under the hospice of PBC as a satellite program with its own autonomy and credentials and degree programs approval from PBC.
In November 2024 under the charter of Chancellor D. Romeo Hall, President of the VOTAM Theological Academy, VAC Bible College and VOTAM Theological Academy were skilfully merged and rebranded Victorious Bible Institute (VBI). The merger of the two Christian educational institutes opened new opportunities for the schools to reach a wider cross-section of people, and expand on programs that further empower kingdom believers, especially those who serve or desire to serve in kingdom ministries.
Need Assistance?
Email: dean@vbitheology.com
Phone: (443)695-2639
