Biblical Studies Major (BABS)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Major: Biblical Studies
Major Mission: The 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:
- Evidence a solid overview of ministry in conjunction with their biblical studies major.
- Articulate their personal philosophy of ministry in accord with a biblical worldview.
- 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
Biblical Studies Major Curriculum
Freshman 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 |
| SOC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| LAN 104 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
LIT ____
| LIT Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
MAT ____
| MAT Core | 3 |
____ ____
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
| PHI 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| CSV 201 | Christian Service I | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| CSV 202 | Christian Service II | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Junior Year
Fall Semester
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| BSI 301 | Bible Ministry Internship I | 0 |
BOT ____
| Bible Old Testament Exegetical Elective | 3 |
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI____ Science with Lab 4 credits | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
BNT ____
| Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective | 3 |
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
HIS ____
| HIS Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
____ ____
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| BSI 302 | Bible Ministry Internship II | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Senior Year
Fall Semester
THE ____
| Theology Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Arts & Sciences Elective (300 Level) | 3 |
____ ____
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| BSI 401 | Bible Ministry Internship III | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
THE 320
| | |
| HUM 422 | Christian Perspectives | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
____ ____
| Major Elective | 3 |
| BSI 400 | Cross-Cultural Experience | 0 |
| BSI 402 | Bible Ministry Internship IV | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |