Why should I consider going to a Bible college?
Having a higher education is a valuable asset in many fields, including vocational, or full-time,
ministry. A Bible college education is designed to equip believers who are pursuing God’s call to
vocational ministry, but it can be beneficial for any believer. Here are a few reasons why one
should at least consider going to a Bible college:
One should consider going to Bible college because of the training in the Word he or she will
receive. Studying the Bible is, of course, the main emphasis in a Bible college, and the Bible
college student will learn various study methods, how to properly interpret a given passage, and
how to arrive at practical applications of God’s truth. The study of God’s Word is every
believer’s business. A good Bible college provides tools for the correct handling of “the word of
truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
A Bible college is a good source for any training in the Bible, even for those who do not wish to
pursue a four-year degree. Most Bible colleges offer one-year certificate programs in biblical
studies and two-year associate programs in a variety of subjects. Also, most Bible colleges allow
classes to be audited at low cost. For those who don’t need college credit, auditing a class can be
a great way for Sunday school teachers, pastors, or anyone interested in the Bible to increase
their knowledge with some formal training without a long-term commitment.
One should consider going to Bible college because of the ministry experience a Bible college
provides. As part of their mission to equip students for service, most Bible colleges recommend
or even require involvement in church-related Christian ministries. In their service, students
exercise their spiritual gifts and lend vital support to local churches, gaining valuable experience
in the process. In some cases, a student may even discover that vocational ministry is not for him
or her—an important discovery to make before graduation. One should consider going to Bible
college because such an institution fosters spiritual growth. Of course, spiritual growth is
possible anywhere, but a Bible college is in many ways a spiritual greenhouse. The faculty, staff,
students, and curriculum of a Bible college all share the same goal of glorifying Christ, and the
resulting milieu provides ample opportunity to flourish in one’s spiritual walk.
One should consider going to Bible college because of the training it provides in developing a
biblical worldview. The education one receives at a Bible college will come from a point of view
that upholds moral absolutes and human dignity, accepts the reality of the spiritual realm, and
points to Christ as the Redeemer. One should consider going to Bible college because it is a
place to readily find Christian role models. The faculty and staff of a Bible college typically
represent decades of learning and spiritual maturity. Finding a mentor who understands Christian
discipleship and is willing to share his or her insights is easy to do on a Bible college campus.
One should consider going to Bible college because graduates have a network of lifelong
Christian friends and ministry contacts. A Bible college graduate need never feel alone in the
ministry. Dozens of old friends, most of whom are also in ministry, are just a phone call or email
away. They supply a constant resource for advice, guidance, and encouragement in serving the
Lord. Attending a Bible college is not God’s will for everyone, and a formal degree is not a
prerequisite for serving the Lord. But the training a Bible college affords can be invaluable to
serious students of God’s Word and especially to those who are called to vocational ministry
roles.
Benefits of Going to Bible College.
Attending a Bible college can be a transformative experience, both spiritually and academically.
Here are five of many benefits that can be achieved by going to Bible college:
1. Deepening your relationship with God: Bible college provides an opportunity to study
the Word of God in depth, learn from experienced teachers and mentors, and grow in
your faith. You can develop a stronger relationship with God and gain a better
understanding of His will for your life.
2. Equipping yourself for ministry: Whether you feel called to pastoral ministry, missions
work, or any other form of ministry, Bible college can provide the training and resources
you need to succeed. You can learn practical skills and gain valuable experience that will
prepare you for a lifetime of service.
3. Connect into a community of believers: Bible college offers a unique opportunity to
build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your faith and passion for
ministry. You can form lifelong friendships and partnerships that will support and
encourage you throughout your journey.
4. Gaining a biblical Christian worldview: Studying the Bible and theology can provide a
framework for understanding the world around us and how to engage with it. You can
gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for humanity and how to live out your faith in
a meaningful way.
Why Choose a Christian College? Personal reflections
There are many factors that go into choosing a college: location, financial aid, availability of
majors, athletics, and the list goes on. But deciding if you want to go to a Christian Bible college
is a choice that shouldn’t stress you out. Both secular and Christian colleges can help you grow
in different ways. So if both are good options, which should you choose? Ultimately, the
decision is up to you – but we see great value in the Christian foundation and Biblical worldview
found at Christian colleges like Grace. Don’t just take our word for it. Who better to talk about a
Christ-centered education than our students, alumni, faculty, and staff? We asked them why they
chose to live, learn, and/or work at a Christian Bible college, and here are the four most common
reasons they gave.
?To Walk Alongside Others in Their Faith Journey
We know that ministry takes place inside and outside of the classroom. Our faculty and staff are
committed to encourage you in your faith and walk alongside you. Assistant Resident Director
(ARD) and 2022 Grace graduate Rachel Stiles said, “College is a time where people make their
faith their own, so I am passionate about walking with them in that.” Jack Goeglein, also an
ARD and 2022 Grace graduate, said, “God is everywhere, not just at a Christian college. But as a
student, I wanted to go into ministry, and a Christian college is literally meant to prepare you and
pour into you to give you that strong foundation for ministry.”
“I love that I can be authentic with my students and colleagues. I really feel we get to do life
together,” said Dr. Christy Hill, professor of spiritual formation and Women’s Ministries.
“Education really is holistic here because we are growing not only academically but also
spiritually. I think that at Grace College, the spiritual formation aspect covers some of the things
that we don’t always get to discuss at church. It makes the spiritual walk more tangible and real.”
To Live in Community
Whether you see a person every day or are meeting for the first time, you’ll find that Grace
students are quick to give a friendly smile or ask about your day. Our community will support
and encourage you wherever you’re at. “As a high school student, I experienced the polar
opposite of Grace’s community and hated it,” said Liz Palmer, RD of Alpha Hall. “I wanted to
be in an environment like this and I knew a lot of people who went here, so I knew I would have
a great community. Now, as a staff member, I wanted to come back because there’s something
nice about wanting to cultivate a similar experience for others.”
Current student Kylee Siers said she chose a Christian Bible college because of the “Christ
centered community, culture, and commitments.” Bailey Gagnon, ARD and 2022 Grace
graduate, said, “I value the ability and the relationships from talking about the Lord and the
Word to influencing how I love other people. We’re all working from a basis of love for God.”
To Get a Christ-Centered Education
Whether you are taking Bible classes or not, you will learn to look at your work through a
Christian viewpoint. Your professors will equip you to carry your Biblical ideals into your future
career as you consider the theology behind your classes. Student Ella Ruh said, “I wanted the
foundation of my college education to be from a worldview I agree with.”
“I knew that I would have love for Christ in common with most people,” student Izabella Burke
said. Dr. Tiberius Rata, associate dean of the School of Ministry Studies, said, “I love to see
students’ growth from their first year until graduation as they learn to love God more with their
heart and their mind. Colleagues here are like-minded like brothers and sisters who are united by
teaching future leaders. It’s my 18th year, and I love this school.”
To Grow Spiritually
The most common answer students gave to the question, “Why choose a Christian Bible
college?” was simply this: “To grow my faith.” As you live in community and get a Christ-
centered education, you will learn what faith means to you and will have opportunities to build
your faith and lean on God. Student Jazzmyne Swenson said, “I wanted to finally be in an
atmosphere that helped me grow in my faith, instead of shrinking in it.” “I wanted to be with
people who have the same beliefs and who will help me grow in my faith,” said student Catie
Marks.
Advantages of a Bible College
Gain confidence in your calling
We live in an information age; a world of thoughts, opinions, and personalities is never more
than a click away. With so many alternatives to choose from and so many voices competing for
your attention, you may not know exactly where you fit in or what your purpose is in this world.
Bible College helps instill within you a sense of calling. We are not created for something
greater, but for someone greater: ?God. You are a beautiful child of God and you have a purpose.
When you see yourself through His eyes, you will not have to look to others for purpose because
you already know.You can gain confidence in your faith through theological classes.
Understanding what you believe and why you believe it strengthens you to face opposition when
it comes.
?Grow your character
Employers are looking for people of character. Integrity, dependability, and passion are key
traits; but they aren’t the kind of things you’ll find on the curriculum of most colleges. Many
secular universities have reputations for partying and tardiness. Some employers think twice
before they hire a college student. “Are they really reliable?”When going to a Bible College it’s
a different ballgame. We are expected to have Christ’s attitude. At Manna U, as at many Bible
Colleges, character and a life of service are as important to students’ education as the coursework
itself. We set the bar high and because of our experience at the college we are able to live up to
it. Those attitudes of integrity and service are going to be treasured by your future employers
someday.
?Get deeper with God
Faith is what you lean on during finals. Faith is what gets you through obstacles in life. Faith is
what leads you and encourages you to persevere. Without a good relationship with God and a
strong foundation, how long will your faith last? Going to a Bible College encourages and feeds
your relationship with God. Pursuing a Bachelor in Divinity or Christian Leadership takes you
through classes that gives you a better understanding of God. Hermeneutics, Theology, and
Greek are only some of the classes that can give you a greater understanding of the Creator. With
daily interaction and studying you will grow in your relationship. Ultimately it is this
relationship that will bring you to your greatest potential and peace.
Does a Bible college environment offer more opportunities and rewards than a secular college?
These questions can best be answered with another question. Which institution provides the more
effective tool for being a servant of Christ? One of the key advantages of a Bible college
education lies in the fact that the graduates are more mature and experienced. The time spent
pursuing their education not only enables them to grow in knowledge and wisdom, but in
maturity. This will have a critical impact on their future ministry. Additionally, the individual
pursuing the ministry as a career may discover that becoming a pastor or pulpit minister isn’t for
him after all.
Second, and more obviously, a Bible college education forces students to delve more deeply into
God’s Word and the study of theology. Their experience in the classroom exposes them to more
and diverse insights and ideas that they otherwise may not have ever known. Correspondingly, it
enables them to further develop for themselves their own positions regarding certain key
doctrines of faith. This will prepare them to better confront controversial issues such as baptism,
predestination, suffering, evolution, and the like.
By becoming more steeped in the Word and more assured of their beliefs, the students’ faith and
commitment are strengthened. In other words, students become more confident of their faith,
enabling them to better deal with the sometimes difficult issues they will invariably face in the
church. Third, in many Bible colleges, students become familiar with others outside their
particular faith or denomination. This allows the students to see those ideas and beliefs that differ
from theirs and provides a whole new perspective. Such experiences will enable the students to
better adapt to relating with those of various religious communities.
Last, but not least, Bible colleges provide a great environment to learn. Though Bible colleges
teach subjects such as theology and church history, as well as the Bible itself, they provide the
students with the skills to dig into certain dimensions of spiritual growth and development that
may be unknown to them. Such an educational experience and environment provides the student
with the opportunities to realize a whole new and greater perception of the things of God. This,
in turn, enables the student to develop new sense of growth and maturity not only personally and
socially but, more importantly, spiritually.
