biblical studies
"I was taking
jazz studies at another local college when I started to feel that something was missing from my experience. CBC was the perfect fit - a close
community that's helped me understand God's love in a personal way and discover a deeper calling in my life. I never thought I'd be passionate about
Old Testament theology but the class has really fueled my passion for Scripture and truth. I'm about to study Hebrew, followed by a three week trip
to take a course at Jerusalem University College in Israel."
Steve Kim, Port Moody BC, Biblical Studies
Welcome to the Biblical Studies page! While some educational programs
advertise themselves as "practical" and others as "theoretical", Columbia's Biblical Studies program is FOUNDATIONAL. In this program, you will
become familiar with the greatest of all resources that a Christian has--the Bible as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Studying this resource will
help you build a foundation for all the rest of your life's ambitions and vocation.
At Columbia, biblical studies is not separate from life but rather intricately connected with it. How does the Bible
speak to justice and violence issues in our world? How does the Bible speak to critical issues of climate change? How does the Bible speak to the
issues of spiritual brokenness? Columbia's Biblical Studies program is not firstly about giving you a job skill but neither is it primarily
theoretical. We study the Bible first of all to build a firm foundation for our lives so that we have a place to stand. Archimedes spoke in relation
to the power of a lever: "If you give me a lever and a firm place to stand, I can move the world." We believe that the Bible provides Christians with
a firm place to stand and a huge vision to change the world.
Students who come to Columbia will be asked to study the Bible with energy and passion in order to have these words
incribed into their very being. The Bible is not a dead book but a vehicle for God to speak life and power into our lives and into our world.
Biblical studies is not for the faint of heart--it invites us to commitment, to discipline, and to worship!
If you are interested in this kind of foundation building--come and join us at Columbia!
Columbia's Biblical Studies Program has recently gone through some exciting revisions. Students who intend to stay for
the full four year BA program now have the opportunity to select an "Emphasis" that fits their abilities and interests. Follow the links below to see
what that could mean for you.
What can you expect to get out of our Biblical Studies program? Click on the Links Below.
2 Year DIPLOMA in Biblical Studies
4 Year BACHELOR OF ARTS
What do our students have to say about this program?
This program was just what I was looking for, because I don't know what the future holds for me yet, but I want to
have a firm biblical foundation for when I discover what it is that God is calling me to do. This program is perfect for anyone, and will help
prepare people for a life of discipleship and help students to gain a greater understanding of the Bible and who God is.
Andrew Clark
Biblical Studies Diploma
"My experience at Columbia Bible College prepared me very well for my seminary training. I will always be grateful for
the enthusiastic guidance of several professors who fostered in me a deep passion for studying the Bible. My biblical knowledge vastly improved, and
my critical thinking skills were sharpened to the high level that is necessary to be successful at a seminary. All of this greatly enhanced my
theological understandings, and increased my awareness of what it means to be an Evangelical-Anabaptist. As well, living on campus four years allowed
me to appreciate the community emphasis present at CBC to the fullest, and enabled me opportunities to grow and contribute as a leader. Choosing
Columbia for my undergraduate degree was an excellent choice that provided me with the solid foundation I needed to pursue higher levels of
education, particularly in the areas of ministry and biblical scholarship."
Nate Tiessen - Biblical Studies BA
My time at CBC was incredible. I can honestly say that they have been the best years of my life. Currently, I am in
Israel as a graduate student studying at Jerusalem University College, majoring in biblical history and geography. Very early in my time here, I was
able to see the influence that the biblical studies program at Columbia had on me. I felt very equpped to step into a higher academic level with
regards to issues at hand. The various faculty members at CBC exposed me to the serious realities of biblical study. I was pushed and encouraged to
move beyond ignorance, yet to still maintain the core of belief that makes me a Christian. I was taught to try to understand the Bible, as well as
life itself, the way that God wants me to understand it. This, along with the rigorous academic work, has made the jump to graduate work a very
manageable challenge." Kurtis Peters Biblical Studies BA
I really enjoyed getting to know the Bible in a more in depth way, through this program. The Biblical studies program
has changed me, and impacted my life because I understand a lot more about the Bible now, than I did before I came to CBC. As for the future, I do
not know yet what God has planned for me, I know that whatever I do, I will have Biblical knowledge to share with others.
Anali Taylor
Biblical Studies Diploma
The program has broadened my perspective incredibly concerning my knowledge of the Bible, and ignited in me a love for
knowledge and a desire and passion to study the Bible further. The growth that has taken place in my life is almost immeasurable, and it has only
fueled my desire for further growth. I plan to continue my education at Regent in fall of 2006, in order to further my investigation of this
wonderful and transformative book.
Juliana J. Fruhling - Biblical Studies BA
Where are our grads now?
Kurtis Peters, BA in Biblical Studies 2007 - Working on a Masters degree from Jerusalem University College in
Israel
Nate Tiessen, BA in Biblical Studies 2006 - Finishing a Masters of Arts from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA
with a special emphasis on the Old Testament
Andrew Klager, BA in Biblical Studies, 2003 Finishing Grad Studies from McMaster
Theological Seminary in Hamilton, ON and teaching as a sessional instructor at Columbia
Dan Ferguson, BA in Biblical Studies, 2003 Area
supervisor for Langley Youth for Christ in Langley, BC
Shaun Wick, BA in Biblical Studies, 2001 Associate Pastor at Vanderhoof Gospel
Chapel in Vanderhoof, BC
For an expanded list of grad job placements, click here.
