Living Faith School of Theology (LFSoT) was founded by Dr. A.L. Downing, the Senior Pastor of Living Faith Christian Center in Columbia, SC. He saw the need, not only for members of Living Faith   Christian Center to study, grow, and become proficient in their knowledge of the Word of God, but also for others around the world.

Living Faith School of Theology is a theologically accredited, educationally accountable institution of higher learning. Our educational programs are designed to help students grow in their faith as they prepare to follow the Lord in ministry. For this reason, LFSoT has chosen to be accredited by the Transworld Accrediting Commission International (TWACI).

Transworld is a professional, federally recognized, non-profit church educational organization whose philosophy is to demonstrate accountability to the consuming public for education obtained in non-traditional evangelical education institutions.

Transworld’s purpose is to promote academic excellence and accountability. They also provide  referral sources and consultations, if needed by their member institutions.

Living Faith School of Theology received its full accreditation in September 2017.

Since September 2017, two classes of master’s degree candidates in biblical studies have been enrolled in the LFSoT, with one graduating in the summer of 2020 and the other in the summer of 2021. We also had three doctoral students to graduate in 2024.

LFSoT also began training students in the Philippines in 2022. Since that time, twenty-two students received their Certificates in Biblical Studies in the Philippines. Currently, there are twelve students in the program with an anticipated graduation date of 2028.

Pastors James and Bridgette Vaught, missionaries over the church in the Philippines, are overseeing LFSoT-Philippines. Pastor Bridgette, currently a doctoral student, is one of several instructors on staff in the Philippines.

Online classes in the Philippines have been provided to Philippine students since the platform was founded in 2022. Online classes are conducted by Dr. A.L. Downing, Dr. Inza Downing, and Dr. Michelle Guider. Beginning in June 2026, a pilot program for self-paced studies will begin.

Here at the LFSoT, we strive to provide high-quality education and training for our students. Our esteemed professors hold Ph.D. degrees. They are: Dr. A.L. Downing (Founder), Dr. Inza Downing, Dr. Michelle Guider, Dr. William Woodard, and Dr. Darryl Hollowell. Our other instructors have Master’s Degrees.