Department of Bible & Theology
The purpose of the Department of Bible & Theology is to equip Christian men and women for life and ministry through the instruction of the Bible, theology, and proper hermeneutics.
To accomplish this purpose, the department prepares students to know the Bible through a course on the science of Bible study (hermeneutics), Bible survey courses and theology courses
Because Bible and biblical worldview learning is at the center of what we do, students should have the best tools available to study God's Word. While not required, the purchase of the Logos Bible Software is encouraged as an aid to required research in the Bible & Theology courses. Logos provides an efficient, time-saving alternative to traditional library-based methods of study. Additional cost savings are recognized through the inclusion of required textbooks in the digital library within Logos. Students interested in purchasing the software can contact the chair of the Bible & Theology department for assistance.
Department Objectives:
Students will:
1. Articulate a basic knowledge of Scripture and theology.
2. Apply a valid hermeneutical method of research skills in biblical interpretation.
3. Demonstrate an exegetically sound, biblically informed, historically and culturally sensitive theological method.
4. Appraise differing biblical, theological, cultural, and historical views.
5. Formulate a biblical worldview demonstrated in life and ministry.
6. Exhibit sensitivity to the global community in biblical and theological dialogue.
7. Display a commitment to grow scripturally and theologically.
Department Chair:
Samuel L. 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 (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.