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:
- 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.
The curriculum sheet identifies the courses for this program. Biblical Studies (AA) Curriculum Sheet
For the course descriptions related to this program, see the courses section of the catalog.
Program Director:
Samuel Harbin, DMin
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 (BA, 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:
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