We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Tony V. Lewis . Check out our conversation below.
Dr. Tony V., we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me joy lately is getting back into music production. I’ve recently started producing again, and it’s been incredibly refreshing to dive back into creating beats, experimenting with new sounds, and rediscovering my creative flow. It’s been a great outlet and source of inspiration.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Tony V. Lewis, and I’m the Founder and President of Christian Bible Institute & Seminary (CBIS) and the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC). My passion has always been to equip believers for effective ministry, leadership, and personal transformation through education that’s both biblically grounded and practical.
What makes my work unique is the focus on training the whole person—spirit, mind, and purpose. At CBIS and NACC, we design programs that are flexible, affordable, and deeply rooted in Scripture, so that students around the world can grow spiritually while balancing ministry, work, and family life. I love seeing how our graduates go on to impact their churches and communities with what they’ve learned.
In addition to my work in education and counseling, I’m also an author and creative. I’ve written several books and devotionals that encourage spiritual growth and emotional healing. Recently, I’ve reignited another lifelong passion—music production. Getting back into the studio and creating music again has been incredibly refreshing. It allows me to express faith and creativity in new ways and reminds me that ministry can take many forms.
Ultimately, everything I do—whether teaching, writing, counseling, or producing music—is about one mission: helping others grow, heal, and discover their God-given purpose.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people, more often than not, is a lack of understanding, forgiveness, and humility. Pride, unspoken hurt, and unmet expectations can slowly create distance where there was once closeness. When we stop listening, stop extending grace, or begin keeping score instead of showing love, relationships begin to fracture.
But I also believe those same bonds can be restored through empathy, honesty, and forgiveness. Healing starts when we’re willing to have real conversations, admit our wrongs, and see others through the eyes of grace rather than judgment. Restoration requires intentional effort—but with God’s help, broken relationships can be made stronger than before.
At the heart of it, love still heals. When we choose love over ego, compassion over blame, and reconciliation over resentment, we reflect the very heart of God—and that’s where true restoration begins.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
In 1996, I attempted to launch a Bible school, but it was completely unsuccessful—no one enrolled. Not family, not friends, not even colleagues. Needless to say, the school never launched, and at that time, I felt like a complete failure.
For years, that experience lingered in my mind. When the idea to try again surfaced in 2008, I was hesitant. Thoughts of that earlier failure kept replaying—what if it happens again? But this time, I decided to move forward despite the fear. I realized that failure doesn’t define you; it refines you.
So, I took a leap of faith and launched Christian Bible Institute & Seminary. What once felt impossible has now become a thriving seminary impacting lives around the world. That experience completely changed my perspective on failure. I now see it not as a signal to stop, but as an opportunity to grow, learn, and trust God’s timing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. The public version of me is the real me. I’ve learned that it takes far too much energy to be two different people. Who I am in private is who I am in public—consistent, authentic, and transparent. I believe in living a life of integrity, where my character doesn’t shift depending on who’s watching. At the end of the day, authenticity brings peace. I’d rather be genuine and misunderstood than fake and celebrated.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m helping others. There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing that my words, actions, or efforts are making a difference in someone else’s life. Whether it’s offering guidance, encouragement, or simply being there to listen, serving others brings me a sense of purpose and calm that nothing else can. Helping people grow, heal, and move closer to who God created them to be—that’s when I feel truly at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://christianbibleinstitute.net/
- Instagram: drtvlewis
- Twitter: https://x.com/drtvlewis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTonyVLewis
