2023-2024 Traditional Undergraduate Catalog

Biblical Studies (BABS)

Credential: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

Major: Biblical Studies

Certification/Licensure:  None

Location: Lancaster

Program Director:  Dr. Samuel Harbin

Program Mission Statement:  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.

Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, 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.

 

Experiential Learning:   Two years of Christian service experience (120 hours total) for students in the Biblical Studies program are designed to give students internship experience and exposure to a field of service to provide a context for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Students select and arrange for their internship at a location of their interest in consultation with their academic adviser and the Biblical Studies internship director.   

Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements

Curricular Structure

Credits

Bible & Theology Core Courses

42

Arts & Sciences Courses

37

Major Electives

42

LBC 100 Foundations Seminar

1

Christian Service CSV 201, CSV 202

0

Program Total

122

 

  

Bible & Theology Core Courses (42 credits)

BIB 103Creation & Covenants: OT I

3

BIB 104Israel's Life & Literature: OT II

3

BIB 106Interpreting the Bible

3

THE 105Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies

3

BIB 203Life of Christ: NT I

3

BIB 204Early Church: NT II

3

THE 223Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall

3

THE 224Christian Narrative II: Redemption

3

THE 320Christianity and Culture

3

BNT
New Testament Elective

3

BOT
Old Testament Elective

3

THE
Theology Elective

3

THE
Theology Elective

3

THE
Theology Elective

3

 

 

Arts & Sciences Courses (37 credits)

LAN 101Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric

3

LAN 104Public Speaking

3

LIT
Literature Core (100/200 Level)

3

HIS
History Core (100/200 Level)

3

SCI
Science Core (100/200 Level)

3

SCI
SCI Lab

1

MAT
Math Core (100/200 Level)

3

Arts & Sciences Course (300 level)

3

SOC 101/PSY 101General Psychology

3

HUM 422Christian Perspectives

3

PHI 201Introduction to Philosophy

3

Arts & Sciences Elective

3

Arts & Sciences Elective

3

 

 

Major Electives (42 credits)

BSI 301Bible Ministry Internship I

0

BSI 302Bible Ministry Internship II

0

BSI 400Cross-Cultural Experience

0

BSI 401Bible Ministry Internship III

0

BSI 402Bible Ministry Internship IV

0

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

Major Elective

3

 

 

LBC 100 (1 credit)

LBC 100Foundations Seminar

1

 

Christian Service (0 credit)

Christian Service provides an important part of the overall education program of the college. Its function is to assist students in experiencing various forms of practical ministry, proclaiming Christ by serving Him in the Church and society. CSV 201 and CSV 202
CSV 201Christian Service I

0

CSV 202Christian Service II

0

 

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 five grandchildren. They reside in Manheim, PA.

 

Faculty:

Dan Carver, PhD
Mark Farnham, PhD
Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD
Gordon Gregory, ThD
Joseph Kim, PhD
Tim Nicholls, PhD
Tony Shetter, PhD