About Grace Bible College
Graduating Godly Individuals prepared to serve Christ in Church and Society
Grace Bible College seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program which emphasizes the integration of biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation. This emphasis pervades the entire campus as the College strives to cultivate a caring learning community where Jesus Christ is exalted and students are equipped for serving the needs of church and society.
Each degree program at Grace Bible College consists of three major components: general education courses, biblical and theological studies, and a vocational major.
In each area of study, students are exposed to essential concepts and skills, further equipped through instruction and significant learning experiences, and then empowered as graduates to utilize this knowledge and skills in their future employment and service. In keeping with its mission to graduate godly individuals prepared to serve God in church and society, the College strives for educational outcomes that embody its commitment to the intellectual, vocational, and spiritual growth of its students. These outcomes include the following:
- Knowing – Students will increase their knowledge of God’s word since this is foundational for all contained in Christian character. While God’s word is given as special revelation, we also understand the need to grasp God’s general revelation through creation which leads students to pursue a broad understanding of humanity. In a world of competing truth claims, students must be able to think critically and creatively as they acquire knowledge needed for life and work.
- Increasing Knowledge of God’s Word: ability to increasingly understanding the Bible as God’s Word reveled to man throughout history
- Understanding of Humanity: an expanding awareness and appreciation of humanity’s social, emotional, historical, ethical, and physical development
- Critical and Creative Thinking: ability to understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate concepts and beliefs as well as formulate clear expressions of one’s own concepts and beliefs.
- Knowledge Acquisition: the ability to locate, evaluate and benefit from information needed to navigate life and work
- Being – Students will be people of strong character able to apply God’s Word to their lives from the foundation of a Christian worldview resulting in behavior which is ethically sound and relationships which honor God.
- Applying the Word of God to life: the ability to correctly understand God’s Word and the principles from which we draw guidance and wisdom for the questions of life
- Christian Worldview: an understanding of God’s creation, the sinfulness of mankind, and the outworking of God’s redemptive plan through human history.
- Ethical Sound Behavior: the ability to recognize difficult life situations and make right and just choices based on ethical standards and the Word of God
- God Honoring Relationships: ability to engage people in relationships which admonish and edify all parties for the glory of God
- Doing – In their course of study students will develop the skills needed for living and working in the world. This will necessitate strong communication skills and an ability to work with others in a variety of situations. Students will also develop their own life skills.
- Communication Skills: the ability to communicate effectively in oral, written, and culturally relevant forms
- Work with Others: the ability to accomplish tasks and assignments as part of a larger effort than one’s self
- Life Skills: the ability to manage one’s personal life as a steward of God’s gift
- Serving – Students will develop a heart of compassion and concern for others demonstrated through service to Church and society.
- Concern for Others: understanding that God has created all people in his image and values them
- Service of Others: giving of one’s time, talents and energy for the betterment of others in the Church and in Society
It is the transformation in the lives of its students in these key areas that ultimately define the educational mission of GBC, as it seeks to attract men and women interested in making an eternal impact and then equip them with the knowledge, skills, and character to dynamically change the world around them for the glory of God.
Class Highlights
- Experienced and highly rated faculty
- A stimulating academic environment
- Cohort groups of 12-22 students provide maximum interaction and support
- Cohorts meet one night per week in an efficient, accelerated program
- Students from a variety of workplaces and cultural backgrounds
- Blend of active learning & theory
- Internships provide hands-on experience
- Mentoring to help students identify their calling
Prior Learning Assessment
In the Adult and Online Course of Study at Grace Bible College, the opportunity to submit a portfolio for assessment of prior learning is one of several options available to students to earn college credits. The philosophy behind assessing credit for prior learning is as follows: Adults have had many experiences in life from which learning has taken place. These experiences involve professional experience and proficiency acquired outside the classroom. The goal is to validate and document those experiences that have learning outcomes at the college level.
Financial Aid: Adult Professional Studies
To receive financial aid, Adult Professional Studies students are required to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Adult students must to be enrolled in at least 12 units per semester in order to be eligible for full Financial Aid funding from the Department of Education.
By filing the FAFSA, adult students may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, and Stafford loans. Adult students are only eligible for Federal and State aid, plus any outside scholarships. Due to discounted tuition costs, traditional institutional scholarships are not offered to adult students.
FAQ’s
Who would benefit from this program?
The Leadership and Ministry program is for people who want to fulfill a call to ministry. It prepares graduates for vocational or lay leadership in churches or church-related organizations and in the marketplace. We believe anyone seeking a life of ministry should be serious enough to pursue as associate’s and a bachelor’s degree to prepare for that ministry.
What careers could a graduate from this program pursue?
Graduates become youth pastors, pastors, worship leaders and teachers, or work at a variety of Christian non-profit organizations. We also prepare students for greater effectiveness as lay leaders and godly leadership in the marketplace and to continue their education in graduate school.
Outside of advancing in my vocational career, what else could I do with this degree?
Students interested in serving their home church will become better equipped for roles as elders, Bible study teachers, ministry leaders and a host of other layperson roles necessary to the local body of Christ.
Do I need to be in church leadership in order to pursue this program?
No. The program is intended to further prepare people for service to Christ. Those currently in leadership will get a better handle on what they already do. Those who are not will start the journey to become the Christian leader God intends them to be.
What is the approach to Scripture?
Grace Bible College believes the Scriptures are God’s Inspired Word and are understood in their literal and plan grammatical sense. God’s revelation is progressive in nature and understood to have specific application to a people and time as well as general application for all, including today.
Since Christians from many different denominations study in this program, how are theological differences addressed in the classroom?
Although Grace Bible College has a clear doctrinal statement as a college, professors are considerate of the variety of students and encourage interaction between each student and challenge each adult learner to share their personal beliefs on the Scriptures in a healthy considerate dialogue.
How is theology integrated into practical application?
Students practice in the field what they learn in the classroom. We want students to think deeply about the Bible, engage in rigorous theological reflection, draw conclusions through practical ministry.
How qualified are the faculty?
Very! Faculty are chosen on the basis of their academic credentials and scholarly work, ministry experience, compatibility with Grace Bible College and their passion for teaching. Our faculty have earned doctorates (either the Ph.D. or the D.Min.) or master’s degrees in their areas of instruction. They are directly connected to the life of the church, either in pastoral roles or meaningful lay ministries. Many come to the classroom with years of experience, giving their teaching added relevance.
