Bible college

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A Bible college is an institution of higher education in which the course of study specializes in biblical studies. This curriculum differs from the focus on academic programs of Christian liberal arts colleges or research universities, which may include, but are not limited to, biblical studies. Bible colleges are also primarily undergraduate, exclude the study of philosophy and systematic theology, and focus on lay education, differentiating them from seminaries. Bible colleges are associated primarily with evangelical Protestant denominations[1]. Their primary purpose is to prepare people for roles in Christian ministry.[2] The Bible-centered curriculum is typically supplemented by structured programs of Christian service. [3]

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The origins of the bible college movement are in the late 19th century Bible institute movement.[4] The first Bible schools in North America were founded by A.B. Simpson (Nyack College in 1882) of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and D.L. Moody (Moody Bible Institute in 1887). Many were established as a conservative reaction against "liberal" established theological colleges and seminaries.[2]

Bible colleges generally confer certificates, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees, most often in Biblical studies and Christian ministry. Some Bible colleges offer supplementary training or degree programs in ministry-related areas that also have secular application, such as Christian education, and Church music. Others have established their own seminaries and graduate divisions.

Many bible colleges in the United States and Canada that offer intercollegiate athletic programs are members of the National Christian College Athletic Association or the Association of Christian College Athletics.

The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) accredits many bible colleges.

Some Bible colleges and institutes operate without conventional educational accreditation or government licensing. These institutions typically claim exemption due to the religious nature of their programs, that involving an outside agency in this capacity would compromise their missions. Dr. Paul Chappell, founder and president of West Coast Baptist College explained the basis for his refusal to seek accreditation for that school, writing: "The local church should have no approving agency over its ministry. I believe this position to be consistent with the Scriptures and with our Baptist distinctives... A study of history would reveal that educational institutions begin to waver when they become more interested in what the world thinks of them than what God insists upon. ...For the accredited college, the approval of an accrediting agency becomes its 'life’s blood.' ...It is my firm conviction that the 'life blood' of a Christian college should be nothing other than the living Word of God itself."[5]

The Association for Biblical Higher Education claims that "there are more than 1,200 Bible schools and colleges in the United States and Canada," and that Bible colleges produce "a large percentage of North American evangelical missionaries and serve as a primary training center for local church leadership."[6] Another source claims that "More than fifty per cent of all Protestant missionaries in the world today are graduates of the Bible Colleges."[7]

  1. ^ The Canadian Encyclopedia lists the largest affiliated denominations as Mennonites, Pentecostals, Holiness movement churches, Baptists, The Church of Christ, Church of God, the Missionary Church, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. See Bible Schools, in The Canadian Encyclopedia (3rd page in online version of article)
  2. ^ a b Bible Schools, in The Canadian Encyclopedia (1st page in online version of article)
  3. ^ Bible Schools, in The Canadian Encyclopedia (3rd page in online version of article)
  4. ^ History: Biblical Higher Education, American Association of Bible Colleges website (accessed November 19, 2007)
  5. ^ WCBC website page on Accreditation: Liberal Arts Studies and the Local Church Bible College
  6. ^ ABHE History
  7. ^ SPABC History

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