Philosophy of Curriculum
Lancaster Bible College exists to educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving him in the Church and society. The curriculum is designed so that this purpose can be realized by each student who attends the college.
Word of God
The Bible is central in both the name and the curriculum at Lancaster Bible College. While the people of the world search for meaning to life and eternity, the Word of God remains the only solution. Jesus Christ, the Living Word, said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6). The Bible, the written Word, is the divinely inspired source for truth and instructions for living (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, the college believes the answer to the world's search is found in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. LBC is committed to preparing men and women who thoroughly know the Bible and live in accordance with its principles. Consequently, LBC | Capital is a Bible college with approximately 34 percent of the curriculum being centered in the study of God's Word through courses in the Department of Bible & Theology.
People
The college is preparing people to communicate to people. For this process to occur successfully, the student must know and understand people and the cultural context in which they live. This knowledge begins with self-understanding and then reaches to an understanding of others. LBC is a Bible college-a college committed to a knowledge and understanding of the entire person-physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. As a result, approximately 33 percent of the curriculum focuses on people and the world through course selections in the Department of Arts & Sciences.
Communication
Communication is the bridge between the Bible and the people of the world. The Word of God must be communicated. This is a mandate from God himself. Therefore, the College is committed to training effective communicators. Excellence in communication skills is essential for success in service for God. Thus, approximately 33 percent of the curriculum is devoted to professional education through the Departments of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Counseling & Social Work, Church & Ministry Leadership, Education, Health & Physical Education, and Music, Worship & Performing Arts. The college remains committed to seeing its graduates excel in service throughout the world.
Core Knowledge and Skills
LBC's Core Knowledge and Skills, along with the college's Mission and Vision, form the grid through which each department, and major filter their objectives. The entire curriculum is based on preparing graduates who:
- Demonstrate proficiency in knowing, interpreting, integrating, and applying the Scriptures.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and proficiency in acquiring, evaluating, communicating, and applying information.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of, and compassion toward cultures of the world.
- Develop the principles necessary for a biblical worldview resulting in a dynamic understanding of one's role in relation to God, self, and the world.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the knowledge and skills necessary for professional Christian ministry.
Curriculum Structure
Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School is structured according to the following academic departments:
- Department of Arts & Sciences
- Department of Bible & Theology
- Department of Business Administration
- Department of Church & Ministry Leadership
- Department of Counseling & Social Work
- Department of Education
- Department of Health & Physical Education
- Department of Music, Worship & Performing Arts
Outcomes Assessment
Lancaster Bible College is committed to ensuring that graduates are well prepared to serve in their chosen fields of study. To that end, the college has established an outcomes assessment plan for each one of the departments and majors. Simply put, outcomes assessment asks the question, "Through data collection, can LBC demonstrate that it is accomplishing what it says it wants to accomplish in a graduate's ministry preparation?" On the following pages, you will note department and major mission statements along with sets of objectives. These mission statements and objectives are assessed through the collection and analysis of data. Through outcomes assessment, the college is better able to ensure that it is achieving stated objectives.