Biblical Studies Major (AABS)

This major is designed for individuals who want two years of biblical education coupled with the opportunity for a specific concentration.  The areas of concentration contain 12 elective credit hours which may be taken from any of the departments or a single concentration from one department.

Degree: Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

Major: Biblical Studies

 The Associate degree in Biblical Studies major exists to utilize an interdisciplinary approach whereby students may design a course of study that coincides with their academic interests and ministry preparation.

Major Outcomes - Students will:

1. Evidence a solid overview of ministry in conjunction with their biblical studies major.
2. Articulate their personal philosophy of ministry in accord with a biblical worldview.
3. Demonstrate godly character within the framework of a servant style of leadership.

Program Director:

Samuel Harbin, D.Min.

Sam Harbin is blessed to have been a follower of Jesus Christ since childhood, and brings more than 30 years of experience in pastoral and Christian higher education ministry to the classroom. He has served in a variety of roles, including assistant pastor, senior pastor, seminary chaplain and professor, and seminary president. His ministry has taken him throughout the United States and to seven countries internationally.

Sam holds degrees from Indiana Baptist College (B.A., 1982), Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1985), and Dallas Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, 2001). His doctoral studies focused on effective interpretation and communication of Old Testament narratives.

As chair of the Bible & Theology department, Sam enjoys leading his talented team to serve with excellence every program at Lancaster Bible College / Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Tasked with providing the biblical and theological content for every major, the Bible & Theology team seek to build growing believers who understand Scripture and know how to integrate biblical truth into life and service regardless of vocational calling.

Sam teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of hermeneutics, English Bible, and homiletics. He also maintains an active speaking and consulting ministry and particularly enjoys serving local churches who are in the pastoral search process. He holds pastoral counseling certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

A native of southern Indiana, Sam’s hobbies include following Indiana University “Hoosier” basketball, woodworking, bluegrass music, and playing several stringed instruments. Sam and his wife, Elaine, have three grown sons and four grandchildren. They reside in Manheim, PA.

Faculty List:

Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD

John Soden, PhD

Mark Farnham, PhD

Victor Jacobs, PhD

Tim Nicholls, PhD

Joseph Kim, PhD

Gordon Gregory, ThD

Dan Carver, PhD

Tony Shetter, PhD

Associate Degree in Biblical Studies Major Curriculum

First Year

Fall-Semester

LBC 100	Foundations Seminar	1
BIB 106	Interpreting the Bible	3
THE 105	Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies	3
LAN 101	College Composition and Research	3
LAN 104	Public Speaking	3
____ ____	Human Culture Elective	3
CSV 201	Christian Service I	0
Total Credit Hours:		15

Spring Semester

BIB 103	Creation & Covenants: OT I	3
BIB 104	Israel's Life & Literature: OT II	3
HIS/LIT ____	History or Literature Core (100/200 Level)	3
____ ____	Elective	3
____ ____	Elective	3
CSV 202	Christian Service II	0
Total Credit Hours:		15

Second Year

Fall Semester

BIB 203	Life of Christ: NT I	3
THE 223	Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall	3
____ ____	Arts & Sciences Elective	3
____ ____	Elective	3
____ ____	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		16

Spring Semester

BIB 204	Early Church: NT II	3
THE 224	Christian Narrative II: Redemption	3
___ ___	Science or Mathematics Core Course	3
____ ____	Elective	3
____ ____	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		16