Biblical Studies Major (Two-Year Track) (BABS)

This two-year major is a flexible curriculum for students who have already earned an associate, bachelor, or RN degree and desire to further their education through the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. The following curriculum may need to be adjusted based on the nature of the prior degree.

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:

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

Biblical Studies Major Curriculum

First Year

Spring Semester

BIB 103	Creation & Covenants: OT I	3
BIB 104	Israel's Life & Literature: OT II	3
BIB 203	Life of Christ: NT I	3
THE 223	Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall	3
____ ____	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Second Year

Fall Semester

CSV 201	Christian Service I	0
BIB 204	Early Church: NT II	3
____ ____	Bible/Theology Focused Elective (BIB, BOT, BNT, THE)	3
BOT ____	Bible Old Testament Exegetical Elective	3
THE 224	Christian Narrative II: Redemption	3
____ ____	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Spring Semester

CSV 202	Christian Service II	0
BNT ____	Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective	3
____ ____	Bible/Theology Focused Elective (BIB, BOT, BNT, THE)	3
____ ____	Bible/Theology Focused Elective (BIB, BOT, BNT, THE)	3
THE 320
____ ____	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Electives

Electives may be taken from the major department or Arts & Sciences Department once the Registrar's Office has determined the nature of the degree being transferred.