From Student to Academic Dean: Dr. AlKhouri’s Inspiring Story

From Student to Academic Dean: Dr. AlKhouri’s Inspiring Story

Dr. Yousef AlKhouri’s journey to becoming the new Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College is one of determination, faith, and dedication. From his early years in Gaza to his new role as a leader in Bethlehem, his story reflects both the challenges and triumphs of following a calling to serve.

From Gaza to Bethlehem: A Life-Changing Journey

Dr. AlKhouri was born and raised in Gaza, where he spent much of his early life questioning his faith. “During my university years in Gaza, I felt distant from my Christian faith because of Christian Zionism,” he explains. Witnessing the Israeli occupation, with its checkpoints, land confiscations, and suffering, left him asking hard questions about how God could side with such oppression.

In 2007, he moved to Bethlehem, a decision that changed his life. His plans to complete his law degree, which he had begun at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, fell apart due to credit transfer issues. At a friend’s suggestion, he applied to Bethlehem Bible College and enrolled in the BA in Biblical Studies program. Little did he know this choice would deeply influence his life.

Finding Answers and Renewed Faith

A turning point in Dr. AlKhouri’s journey came during a lecture by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, where he talked about bringing together the Christian faith and Palestinian identity. “He helped me understand how I could love God deeply while rejecting the idea that God supports injustice,” Dr. AlKhouri recalls. “Through this lecture, he showed me how to reconcile my Christian faith with my Palestinian identity. It was a life-changing moment that made me love my faith, the Bible, and Jesus even more. That’s when I knew this was the path I wanted to take.”

Overcoming Challenges

Growing up in Gaza was incredibly difficult. “It felt like living in a concentration camp,” Dr. AlKhouri shares. Movement was always controlled by the Israeli occupation, even for something as simple as traveling to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. These struggles gave him a deep understanding of the challenges many of his students face today. They also help him answer their questions and guide them through their own difficulties.

A Broad Perspective on Faith

Dr. AlKhouri’s childhood in Gaza exposed him to a variety of Christian traditions. He studied at a Latin school, served in an Orthodox church, and learned English at a Baptist church. These experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the diversity within the Christian faith and shaped his open-minded approach to theology.

A Journey of Learning and Teaching

Dr. AlKhouri pursued a Master’s degree in Divinity, focusing on Theology and Missions at Alliance Theological Seminary in the United States. In 2018, he returned to Palestine and rejoined Bethlehem Bible College as a faculty member. His deep passion for both learning and teaching motivated him to further his studies, earning a Ph.D. from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

In January 2025, Dr. AlKhouri stepped into the role of Academic Dean at Bethlehem Bible College. Reflecting on this new chapter, he says, “It’s a great responsibility and an honor to continue the legacy of leaders like Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and others who have laid the foundation for where I stand today.”

A Vision for the Future

Dr. AlKhouri’s vision for Bethlehem Bible College includes developing curricula and programs focusing on trauma counseling for students. “Given the circumstances of living in a war zone, future leaders and theologians need to heal to serve their communities effectively,” he explains.

He also plans to modernize education by integrating technology and encouraging Christian content creators. Additionally, he wants to shift from traditional teaching methods to a more student-focused approach. “I want to help students discover their identity, grow in faith, practice holistic ministry, and learn to reject injustice in all its forms,” he says.

 A Message to His Students

Dr. AlKhouri offers hope and encouragement to students facing difficult circumstances: “Bethlehem Bible College will always be a safe haven where you can grow, learn, and discover your purpose and calling,” he promises.

As he leads Bethlehem Bible College into this new chapter, Dr. AlKhouri’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how faith and education can transform lives. From a young man in Gaza searching for answers to a leader guiding future generations, his story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of faith.