The Lord’s Outreach School is about to start its 28th year of classes in theology, counseling and other Biblically-based studies.  Dr. Russell J. Benoit is founder and president, and hosts classes online, in Lake Charles and in other cities throughout the United States, including Miami and Houston. The school is accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission International to assure the quality and accountability for Biblical education.

Benoit never planned to open a school. Or, get married again. But as Proverbs 16:1 says, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

He had just graduated from Rev. Don Johnson’s Lake Charles Bible College (now closed). Leona Benoit was on the board for the school and shook his hand to congratulate him.

 “Little did I know that she would end up being my wife,” Benoit said with a chuckle.  Together they pastor The Lord’s Outreach Worship Center in Lake Charles. They also shelter 60 to 70 homless people a day, women and children in the Potter’s House and men in the Lord’s Place – without any federal assistance.

“The United Way was going to offer us money for the shelter. If we accepted it, then we couldn’t tell the men and women in the shelter that they had to go to church. We thought that was more important than the money,” he said.

He was reluctant at first to start the School.

“I was holding Bible study at the church and attendance just kept growing,” Benoit said. When someone suggested I should start my own school, I didn’t think I was ready.

“Throughout the Bible there are examples of people who took things in their own hands that didn’t turn out according to God’s plan, Sara, for instance.” He prayed, “Lord, why are these people coming to me to teach them,” and the answer he received was, “because you’ve got something they need.”

He realized God had been preparing him, and it was clear to him that no matter how much he and others already knew about the Bible, there is always more to learn.

“You can read a verse today, and God will show you something in that verse that might make you see things in a completely different light depending on what’s going on in your life and your level of maturity in the spirit,” he said.

Some who have graduated from the Lord’s Outreach School of Theology have associate, bachelor and doctorate degrees, some only a high school diploma. Men and women are welcome. Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian and non denominational men and women have graduated from the Lord’s Outreach School. He doesn’t teach students to be religious; he teaches true religion, which is to love your neighbor, he said.

The Lord’s Outreach Worship Center, 401 S. Martin Luther King Highway was damaged by the 2020 hurricanes. However, materials are ready and construction on the rebuild will begin soon. Currently, worship services are being held at the school, located at 1218 Oak Park Blvd.

In 27 years, The Lord’s Outreach School has graduated over 5,000 students.