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 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
BIB 106 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
THE 105 | Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies | 3 |
BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
THE 320 | Christianity 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 101 | Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric | 3 |
LAN 104 | Public 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 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
HUM 422 | Christian Perspectives | 3 |
PHI 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
Major Electives (42 credits)
BSI 301 | Bible Ministry Internship I | 0 |
BSI 302 | Bible Ministry Internship II | 0 |
BSI 400 | Cross-Cultural Experience | 0 |
BSI 401 | Bible Ministry Internship III | 0 |
BSI 402 | Bible 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)
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
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