Biblical Studies

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

Build your education on the firm foundation of scripture.

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Earn your Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies at LBC

Dive Deeper into the Word.

Now is the perfect time to further your education by studying the Bible. Whether you’re preparing to enter into ministry, missions, or simply desire to know God and His word more fully, our associate’s degree in biblical studies will help you become prepared.

This degree option is designed for students who want two years of biblical education, along with the opportunity for specific concentrations with the addition of 12 elective credits.

Why Should You Earn Your Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies at LBC?

Perfect for those looking for a biblical education in conjunction with professional training in another field.
Equips students with foundational knowledge of the Bible and Christian history.
Learn from experienced pastors, ministers and scholars who have dedicated their lives to teaching the truths of the scriptures.

Your Journey

Program Credits: 61

Locations: Lancaster

Degree

Associates of Arts in Biblical Studies

Internships
Here are some examples of internships completed by students in the past.

Intern at a Local Church
Intern at a Local Non-profit
Intern at a Local Christian School

Options

Traditional
Online & Evening (Adult Education)
Available as Minor

Transfer Students

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 3:16

A Closer Look: Biblical Studies

Featured Alumnus: Tony Shetter (’98)

Tony Shetter is both an alumnus of LBC and current faculty member. “Biblical higher education is important for the proper handling of God’s Word.” said Shetter, “And I’m thrilled to be a part of what’s happening at Lancaster Bible College.”

Meet the Faculty

Samuel Harbin, DMin

Professor, Chair of Bible & Theology Department

“I want my students to deeply appreciate the importance of the gospel for every aspect of their life and ministry.” — Dr. Harbin

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Samuel Harbin, DMin

Professor, Chair of Bible & Theology Department

sharbin@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5442

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. Sam and his wife, Elaine, have three grown sons and two grandchildren. They reside in Manheim, PA.

Publications

“The Office of Deacon in the Local Church,” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 2:2 (Fall 1986): 22-28.
“The Emerging Church: A Journey Back to the Future,” Frontline Magazine, July-August 2005:37-39.
“Transformed Hearts, Transformed Homes: An Imaginative Dramatic Narrative Sermon for Father’s Day,” Preaching Journal (online edition), (May-June 2007).

Education

DMin, Dallas Theological Seminary,
MDiv, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary,
BA, Indiana Baptist College, Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Indiana Hoosiers basketball, playing stringed instruments, woodworking, hunting

Verse

“Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Col. 1:28)

Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD

Professor and MABS Director

“It is my great joy to know Christ and to minister His Word to others for His glory.” — Dr. Finkbeiner

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Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD

Professor and MABS Director

dfinkbeiner@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5372

Dr. Doug Finkbeiner and his wife Sheri have been married for 32 years and have 6 children between the ages of 20 and 29. Doug has 13 years of pastoral experience and speaks extensively at churches and conferences. In 1997 Doug became a full-time professor at Calvary Baptist Seminary and began teaching in the area of New Testament and Practical Theology. In 2014 Doug became a full-time professor at Lancaster Bible College, where he teaches primarily in the area of the New Testament at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. He especially enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate students how to interpret and communicate the Bible. He has completed four graduate degrees-- a Master of Divinity from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1985), a Master of Theology from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1989), a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary (1995), and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (2010). While his doctoral degree at Denver Seminary focused on preaching, his doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania focused on Early Judaism and Early Christianity.

Publications

“An Examination of ‘Make Disciples of All Nations’ (Part 1): Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 7:1 (1991): 12-42.
“An Examination of ‘Make Disciples of All Nations’ (Part 2),” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 7:2 (1991): 1-10.
“Variety in Worship: ‘Innovation, not Accommodation,’” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 9:2 (1993): 17-25.
“An Analysis of the Structure of Proverbs 28-29,” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 11:2 (1995): 1-14.
“Peeling Away the Layers,” Frontline Magazine, November/December 2007, 16-17.
Review of The Samaritans in Flavius Josephus, by Reinhard Pummer, in Journal of the American Oriental Society, 2011 (131.1), 8-9.
“Think about it: A call to engage with our culture through thoughtful evaluation,” Echo Magazine, Summer, 2017.

Education

PhD, University of Pennsylvania
DMin, Denver Seminary
ThM, Calvary Baptist Seminary
MDiv, Calvary Baptist Seminary

Verse

Phil. 3:10

Daniel Carver, PhD

Assistant Professor of Bible & Theology

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Daniel Carver, PhD

Assistant Professor of Bible & Theology

dcarver@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5444

Daniel E. Carver (Ph.D., Catholic University of America) teaches Biblical Hebrew and a variety of Old Testament courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Carver is passionate about studying and teaching the Bible and biblical languages. His areas of greatest interest are the philological and linguistic study of biblical and ancient Semitic languages, biblical and ancient Near Eastern prophecy, biblical poetry, and biblical theology. He has published articles on biblical and other ancient Semitic languages and is currently working on a book that interfaces the study of prophecy in its original contexts with careful study of the language of the prophets. Dr. Carver and his wife have four sons. They are part of Calvary Church of Lancaster and enjoy exercising, spending time, and reading together.

Education

PhD, The Catholic University of America, Semitic Languages and Literature
MA, The Catholic University of America, Semitic Languages and Literature
MA, Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary, Bible
BS, Lancaster Bible College, Biblical Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: basketball, soccer, chopping wood, and camping.

Verse

Phil. 3:7-9a “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (ESV)

Mark Farnham, PhD

Professor, MA in Christian Apologetics Program Director

“We will only be able to fulfill our calling to always be prepared to make a defense for the reason for the hope within us if we diligently devote ourselves to preparation.” — Dr. Farnham

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Mark Farnham, PhD

Professor, MA in Christian Apologetics Program Director

mfarnham@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5553

Dr. Mark Farnham has been teaching for over twenty years at the undergraduate and seminary level. He was born and raised in western Connecticut and met his wife in high school. After seminary, he led the revitalization of an urban church in New London, Conn., for seven years as the senior pastor. Since that time, he has taught Apologetics, Systematic Theology, Philosophy, Ethics and Church History. He is also the Founder and Director of Apologetics for the Church, a local church training ministry dedicated to equipping the average church member to effectively defend and share the Christian faith. He earned the PhD in Apologetics from Westminster Theological Seminary and a ThM in New Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a kidney-transplant recipient and cancer-survivor and is especially interested in the field of medical ethics. His publications include Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian (Deep River, 2019), Talking About Ethics: A Conversational Approach to Moral Dilemmas (Kregel, 2021) and the high school and church curriculum, Approachable Apologetics: Sharing and Defending Your Faith (Positive Action for Christ, 2022). He blogs at www.apologeticsforthechurch.org.

Education

PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary, Apologetics
ThM, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, New Testament
MDiv, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Pastoral Ministry
BA, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Hiking, fishing, travel, history, New England sports teams

Verse

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV)

Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Professor of Bible & Theology, Faculty Athletic Representative

“Theology is critical because God’s goal for his children is conformity to Christ and one of God’s chief means of transforming us into the image of Christ is knowledge of the truths of Scripture.” — Dr. Gregory

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Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Professor of Bible & Theology, Faculty Athletic Representative

ggregory@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5367

Gordon is a 1982 Bachelors Degree graduate of LBC in Pastoral Studies who went on to earn his Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1986 and his Doctorate of Theology from the University of South Africa in 2004. He served as a missionary in South Africa doing church planting from 1988-2000 and teaching and administrating at a Bible College from 1999-2005. He then returned to LBC as Undergraduate Dean from 2006-2010. Since 2010 he has served in the Bible & Theology Department, mainly teaching Theology courses. He has also led Journey Teams to South Africa, enjoys mentoring students, and is the college's NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Gordon married his wife Beth in 1982 and they have four grown children (three of whom are or soon will be LBC grads) and two grandchildren. Beth also graduated from LBC with a Bachelors Degree in Missions and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Gordon is also involved in his local church as an elder, adult Sunday School teacher, former chairman of the missions committee, plus mentoring missionaries-in-training and engaged couples. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, sports, and doing word and number puzzles.

Education

D.Th., University of South Africa, Missiology
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, Systematic Theology
B.S., Lancaster Bible College, Bible/Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Play squash, watching sports, walking, reading, number & word puzzles

Verse

Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Cor. 3:18

Victor Jacobs, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

“I want my students to learn to fix their gaze on our Risen Savior, even as they deepen their understanding of His word.” — Dr. Jacobs

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Victor Jacobs, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

vjacobs@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5441

Victor S. Jacobs is a faculty member of the Bible and Theology Department at Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary and Graduate School and has been teaching for almost twenty years. Fifteen of those years were spent at Cairn University. Victor teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate (seminary) levels on such topics as the Trinity, hermeneutics, Biblical Greek, and the Gospels. He serves as an ordained minister at his local church. He is married with two children, and resides in southern New Jersey.

Publications:

“Arthrous Occurrence and Function in the Pauline Corpus.” New York: Edwin Mellen Press (August 2010) (Book Publication)
“The Desires of Your Heart.” PBU Today (now Cairn Magazine; Spring 2008) (Magazine Publication)
“The Christian’s Heavenly Perspective.” PBU Today (now Cairn Magazine; Spring 2011) (Magazine Publication)

Education

PhD, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, New Testament Textual Criticism
ThM, Biblical Theological Seminary, Biblical Hebrew & Aramaic
MS, Cairn University, Biblical Studies
BS, Chadwick University, Business Administration
AS, New England College of Finance

Fun Fact

Hobbies: reading, travel, exercise

Verse

2 Corinthians 3.18

Joe Kim, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

“I want my students to know that learning doesn’t end in the classroom – it is where it begins.” — Dr. Kim

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Timothy Nicholls, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

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Tony Shetter, PhD

Assistant Professor

“Biblical higher education is important for the proper handling of God’s Word.” – Dr. Shetter

Read Bio

John Soden, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

“My motivation for teaching can best be summarized by Paul’s words in Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (ESV). — Dr. Soden

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John Soden, PhD

Professor of Bible & Theology

jsoden@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5382

John Soden was blessed to grow up in a pastor’s family and trusted Christ at an early age. Desiring from high school to serve the kingdom in some full-time capacity, John attended Biola University (BS in Physical Science, 1978), followed by Dallas Theological seminary (ThM, 1983, and PhD, 1989, both in Semitics and Old Testament Studies). After nearly 10 years of pastoral ministry in rural Colorado, God brought John, his wife Janet, and their three children to Lancaster to train men and women for service to the kingdom. John has been teaching at Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary since the fall of 1998. His mission, in the words of Paul, is to “proclaim [Christ], warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). The pastorate was a wonderful experience for the Sodens and was very difficult to leave, but teaching has always been a passion and a pleasure. John has the privilege of teaching and serving on the elder board of his local church, as well as teaching and preaching in Lancaster and across the globe. His teaching on both the undergraduate and graduate levels has included various aspects of Old Testament studies, Hebrew, hermeneutics, and even preaching. In 2012 he published In the Beginning…We Misunderstood with Kregel. John loves playing games with his family, traveling, everything outdoors, playing his guitar, and taking students of all ages to Israel for touring and archaeology. With their three children and one grandchild grown and scattered, John and his wife Janet live close to the college in Lancaster, PA.

Publications

"Concordism." "Cosmology, Biblical." "Death." "Eden." "Ronald Numbers." In Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science, edited by Paul Copan, Tremper Longman, Christopher L. Reese and Michael G. Strauss: Zondervan, 2017.
Review of Adam, Eve and the Devil, by Marjo Korpel and Johannes de Moor (Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2014), Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 5.1 (2016): 82-85.
“From the Dust: Creating Adam in Historical Context,” Bibliotheca Sacra 172 (January-March 2015): 3-11
In the Beginning . . We Misunderstood: Interpreting Genesis 1 in Its Original Context. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2012. (With Johnny V. Miller)
"Samson: The Image of Israel’s Loyalties in Judges."Evangelical Journal 26/2 (2008): 65-78.
“How Do We Assess the Lives We Encounter?” President’s Perspective, winter 2003.
“The Use of Psalm 45:7-8 (6-7) in Hebrews 1:8-9,” Exegesis and Exposition; 1987.

Education

PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary, Semitics and Old Testament Studies
ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary, Semitics and old Testament Studies
BS, Biola University, Physical Science; Minor: Mathematical Science

Fun Fact

Hobbies: outdoor sports and activities, squash, travel, gardening, games with my family

Verse

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 (ESV)

Sample Course Outline

BIB 105 – Biblical Hermeneutics

This course is an introduction to the principles and practice of interpreting the Bible using the historical-grammatical-rhetorical method of interpretation. The course introduces students to key principles related to this method and then provides guidelines for applying these principles to determine the author’s originally intended meaning. Students learn how to integrate electronic tools into the process. The course concludes with suggestions on how to determine the relevance of these original thoughts to our own lives.

THE 105 – Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies

This course introduces students to theological and biblical thinking and studies. The course focuses on issues of methodology and approach (historically referred to as prolegomena). The doctrine of Scripture (bibliology) also receives attention. Students are introduced to major schools of theology and biblical interpretation both of the past and also the present.

BIB 103 – Creation & Covenants: OT I

This course surveys the books of the Pentateuch placing special emphasis on biblical beginnings and the development of the covenants as foundational for God’s working in the rest of Scripture. Attention is given to background matters, and critical and theological issues.

BIB 104 – Israel’s Life & Literature: OT II

This course surveys the Historical books of the Old Testament from Joshua to Esther. Visibility is given to the poetic and prophetic books as they intersect Israel’s history. Attention is given to background matters, and critical and theological issues.

BIB 204 – Early Church: NT II

This course traces the development of the Church from its inception to the end of the 1st century AD. Particular attention is given to the growth and development of the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts, the exposition of the Book of Acts, and the historical contexts and themes of the New Testament writings.

THE 224 – Christian Narrative II: Redemption

The course explores the relationship of God to humanity from the vantage point of redemption (soteriology), looking at the incarnation, the atonement, and the doctrine of regeneration (christology and pneumatology). The course also explores the new community of the redeemed, the church (ecclesiology). The future dimension of redemption, entailing the events of the last days (eschatology), receives attention.

THE 323 – Christianity & Culture

Attention is given to the church’s interaction with culture, the events of the recent past that have shaped current horizons, to challenges facing the contemporary church, and to trends concerning the church in the near future. While exploring American Christianity, the course also looks at the global church. Analyses of the recent past, present, and near future focus on the church’s interaction with culture.

BNT – Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective

The NT Exegetical electives will provide guided practice in the exegesis of New Testament epistles. These courses will be coordinated with THE 224 (Christian Narrative II), which is a co requisite, providing students with the experience of moving from text to theological conclusions and helping them to integrate Bible study with theological study.

See the catalog for details

Featured Courses

LBC 101 - Engaging Faith & Life

An open book with a grassy field beyond.

The purpose of this course is to challenge the student to discover the intersection of personal faith with a biblical worldview. The course examines the biblical narrative to identify God’s character and activity in the world. Definitions of worldview are explored, as are universal themes of life such as origin and identity. Students engage the biblical principles that enhance and promote personal awareness and spiritual growth. Interactive group setting and practices will help the student develop skills in community life, discipleship, and evangelism.

THE 223 - Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall

This course explores the relationship of God to humanity from the vantage point of creation and fall. Attention is given to the nature, character, and work of God (trinitarinism) in creating and governing the universe, especially in his special relationship to humanity, creatures bearing the image of God (anthropology). Further attention is given to the issue of sin (hamartiology).

Careers and Jobs in Biblical Studies

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Biblical Studies

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

Earn your Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies at LBC

Why Should You Earn Your Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies at LBC?

Your Journey

A Closer Look: Biblical Studies

Featured Alumnus: Tony Shetter (’98)

Meet the Faculty

Samuel Harbin, DMin

Publications

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD

Publications

Education

Verse

Daniel Carver, PhD

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Mark Farnham, PhD

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Victor Jacobs, PhD

Publications:

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Joe Kim, PhD

Publications:

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Timothy Nicholls, PhD

Education

Fun Fact

Tony Shetter, PhD

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

John Soden, PhD

Publications

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Sample Course Outline

BIB 105 – Biblical Hermeneutics

THE 105 – Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies

BIB 103 – Creation & Covenants: OT I

BIB 104 – Israel’s Life & Literature: OT II

BIB 204 – Early Church: NT II

THE 224 – Christian Narrative II: Redemption

THE 323 – Christianity & Culture

BNT – Bible New Testament Exegetical Elective

Featured Courses

LBC 101 - Engaging Faith & Life

THE 223 - Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall

Careers and Jobs in Biblical Studies

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