David Lewis, the founder of NWBI, his wonderful wife, Tamra and awesome daughter, Angela.

Studying the deeper things of the Word has always been a priority for David.  From an early age, he sought out to know more about God and His Word than he was learning at church.  He knew that there was so much more wisdom and knowledge available than what the average Christian picks up in church and Sunday School.

It was not uncommon to find David with a study Bible or a Strong's concordance, doing word studies in the Word, and trying to make sure that the context was clear.  He often could be found "double-checking" the teachings that he heard; making sure that they lined up with the Word of God.

David took some courses from some small, church ran Bible Colleges, then moved on to online studies from major Christian schools.  He found that virtually every Bible College taught the party line doctrine of their home church or denomination.  Most did not even mention that there were views about certain passages other than what was in the lesson materials.

God started planting a seed inside David to create a school that does things differently...one that teaches ALL sides of an issue.  David's belief is that the Holy Spirit is the Teacher, and He will lead the students to the Truth.  To get to that Truth, David believes that a balance of teaching must be given to the student.  How can one let the Spirit of Truth reveal the Truth, when limited information is given?

The other requirement that the Lord laid on his heart was that the teachings should be low cost; even free.  After years and years of making payments on a student loan to attend a major Christian university, David was impressed by the Lord to design the school so that no one would have to go into debt to obtain a great education.

The seed nourished itself for several years.  In the meanwhile, David moved towards that goal in God's timing.  He was already an ordained Deacon in an American Baptist Church, and he decided that it was time to take the next step.  He requested a license from Marshall Baptist Church in Marshall, Indiana to preach the gospel.  That license was granted.

God moved the Lewis family to Vero Beach, Florida during this time, and the couple found themselves called to Vero Vineyard Christian Church.  David became first a Director, then an Elder at Vero Vineyard, and Tamra became the Children's Church Director.  They introduced the Alpha course to Vero Vineyard, and David preached a six-week series on Financial Stewardship.  Still, the idea of a free or inexpensive Bible College was in the back of David's mind.  He approached Pastor Tony Valentino of Vero Vineyard, who, after prayerful consideration, approved of the idea.

Vero Vineyard recognized David's calling to this ministry by granting him a pastoral license.  Shortly after the licensing, the church board approved New Wine Bible Institute as a valid ministry and mission of the church. After a time of service, Vero Vineyard ordained David to the gospel ministry, with NWBI recognized as his calling.

David, Tamra, and their daughter Angela continue to serve in several capacities at Vero Vineyard, fully supporting the pastoral work and ministry of the senior pastor, Tony Valentino, while continuing this ministry that God has laid on their heart.