Bill Gothard

Bill Gothard B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Institute in Basic Life Principles
Oak Brook, Illinois

Bill Gothard is founder and president of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to serving youth and families through God-ordained leaders.

After 15 years of working with inner-city gangs, church youth groups, high school clubs, youth camps, and families in crisis, Bill wrote his master’s thesis on a youth program that eventually led to seven Biblical, non-optional principles of life which, when followed, will result in harmonious relationships in all areas of life.

These principles are based on the commands of Christ and have now been taught for more than 40 years in seminars around the world. Millions of people have found lasting help from this 32-hour seminar. Today, third-generation families continue to report life-changing transformations from the truths they learned at Basic Seminars.

As a result of applying the principles taught in these seminars to practical needs, the Institute has been able to serve public schools, juvenile court systems, prisons, and business and community leaders. It has become an international organization with training centers in the United States and other countries.

The work of the Institute involves a home-education program, a law school, an accelerated learning program, and over 60 other ministries, including juvenile rehabilitation programs, two orphanages, and the Air Land Emergency Resource Team (ALERT). See related Web sites for more information on these programs.

Born November 2, 1934, Bill is the third of six children born to William and Carmen Gothard. His father was the general manager of an engineering firm and later served with various ministries, including Gideons International, where he was the executive director.

In 1964, Bill Gothard was ordained and commissioned for youth work.

When Bill was in the 5th grade, God brought him to an understanding of his need for a personal Savior through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Shortly after accepting Jesus as his Savior, he and his family joined a Biblically based church and grew in their appreciation for the authority of God’s Word.

At the age of 15, Bill dedicated his life to helping teenagers and their parents make wise decisions. In order to give his complete attention to this, he has postponed marriage.

In 1964, at the age of 30, Bill was ordained and commissioned for youth work.

Bill Gothard received his B.A. (1957) and M.A. (1961) degrees from Wheaton College and, a Ph.D. (2004) degree from Louisiana Baptist University.

For more information about Bill, read his “Life Chapters.”