SIBI was established in 1962, and for many years was also known as the Sunset School of Preaching at Lubbock, Texas. Over the years, more than 4,000 certificates of graduation have been issued for several ministry disciplines. Among the graduates are over 2,000 gospel preachers and missionaries who have lived and ministered in the USA and 110 foreign nations. A 1987 survey revealed that SIBI graduates have been used by God to produce over 200,000 conversions, plant 1,500 congregations, train 3,500 preachers and appoint 1,650 elders.

In 1974, the Sunset School literally became a “school without walls” when the Sunset Extension School was started. The courses of the School were recorded and arranged for correspondence study. Through the last 44 years, thousands have enhanced their ministries by taking these courses. Some 150 students have received graduation certificates through this program.

The ministry training curriculum of SIBI is also available in a distance-learning program. Currently there are more than 360 Satellite Schools in 47 states and in 18 foreign countries. The International Studies Division of SIBI presently maintains relationships with 47 Ministry Training Schools in 31 countries, and is assisting additional schools that are in various stages of starting up. In South Asia, SIBI schools are present in South Korea, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. Courses are conducted in English, and translated into the local language. The school in Singapore is taught entirely in English.