WE SEEK TO EQUIP ARAB BELIEVERS WITH A DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURES, RESULTING IN TRANSFORMATION AT BOTH THE STUDENTS’ PERSONAL AND MINISTRY LEVELS.
Overview
Are you passionate about seeing the Kingdom expanded in the midst of the tumultuous times that the Middle East encounters readily? Are you interested in seeing a transformation of a region that is often portrayed through the lens of brokenness and war?
Here at Bethlehem Bible College, we are keenly aware of the importance of sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in this region. We have recently developed an entirely online-based Biblical Studies Program in Arabic, which allows Arabs from all over the world to access our material and enroll in our classes with a click of a button. We believe wholeheartedly that this is part of our calling to train people to serve Christ around the world.
Large numbers of people in the region are coming to Christ, but have few resources to help them dive deeper in their faith and ministries. Our main focus with the Online Diploma Program in Biblical Studies is to help our students dig deeper in God’s Word, and attain a depth of knowledge in Scriptures and Theology that will allow them to thrive in their ministry and calling. The Church is growing in number, but there is often a depth that is missing after one names Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our aim in launching this specialized program is to bring depth to those who are involved in the ministry of the Word or have a strong calling for it, whether through evangelism, discipleship, preaching or teaching.
Curriculum
At its core, the curriculum being taught is centered around the Bible. Developed by professors of Theology at Bethlehem Bible College in collaboration with the Middle East Association for Theological Education (MEATE), this Bible-centric curriculum sets the foundation upon which the various ministries of Word, including teaching, preaching, evangelism, and discipleship can thrive. The program consists of 18 courses. Thirteen of these courses are in Biblical Studies, and 5 cover various topics pertaining to church history, comparative religion, and Christian life and ministry. By the end of the program, the student should have grown not only in their faith, but also in their ministry of the Word of God.
Our Students
Launched in September of 2016, the Diploma in Online Biblical Studies Program currently has more than fifty students enrolled. Many of the students are receiving their training for ministry through our program, and are already involved in the ministries of evangelism, discipleship, church planting, preaching, and teaching in their communities. Our students represent more than ten different Arab nationalities, and live in fourteen different countries across the world, in the Middle East, North Africa, East Asia, Europe, and North America.
The program consists of (38) courses.
The courses are categorized as follows:
OLD TESTAMENT – 5 COURSES
NEW TESTAMENT – 5 COURSES
BIBLICAL STUDIES – 3 COURSES
OTHERS – 5 COURSES
This will be updated soon
Each academic year is divided into three terms. In each term, a number of courses is offered, and students can register for any course they need while keeping in consideration the sequence of some courses.
Generally speaking, students are recommended to register in 2 or 3 courses per term. Full time study of the program (3 courses per term) would insure that the student would finish the program in two years. Through part time study (average of 2 courses per term), the student would finish the program in 3 years.
With the completion of the program’s courses successfully, the student will receive a diploma certificate in Biblical Studies from Bethlehem Bible College. Students also have the option to study in the program for personal reasons without pursuing a diploma certificate, and will instead receive a transcript for the courses they completed successfully.
FULL TIME
The following table shows the recommended division of courses for the full-time study plan. On average, students would enroll in 3 courses per term, where each course would require around 6 to 8 of study hours per week (a total of 18-24 hours of weekly study).
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
SURVEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT | 3 |
SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT | 3 |
CHURCH HISTORY | 3 |
Second Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
CANON OF THE BIBLE | 3 |
GENESIS | 3 |
CHRISTIAN LIFE | 3 |
Third Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
HISTORICAL BOOKS | 3 |
LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS | 3 |
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY | 3 |
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES | 3 |
WISDOM AND POETRY BOOKS | 3 |
COMPARATIVE RELIGION (ISLAM) | 3 |
Second Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
PROPHETIC BOOKS | 3 |
THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | 3 |
MISSIOLOGY | 3 |
Third Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
REVELATION | 3 |
BIBLICAL THEOLOGY | 3 |
HERMENEUTICS AND EXEGESIS | 3 |
PART TIME
The following table shows the recommended division of courses for the part-time study plan. On average students would take 2 courses per term, where each course would require around 6 to 8 hours of study hours per week (a total of 12-16 hours of weekly study).
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
SURVEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT | 3 |
SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT | 3 |
Second Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
GENESIS | 3 |
CHRISTIAN LIFE | 3 |
Third Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
HISTORICAL BOOKS | 3 |
LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS | 3 |
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
WISDOM AND POETRY BOOKS | 3 |
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES | 3 |
Second Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
PROPHETIC BOOKS | 3 |
THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS | 3 |
Third Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
REVELATION | 3 |
BIBLICAL THEOLOGY | 3 |
THIRD YEAR
First Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
CHURCH HISTORY | 3 |
COMPARATIVE RELIGION (ISLAM) | 3 |
Second Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
CANON OF THE BIBLE | 3 |
MISSIOLOGY | 3 |
Third Semester
COURSE | CREDIT HOURS |
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY | 3 |
HERMENEUTICS AND EXEGESIS | 3 |
Number |
Course name |
Credits |
1 | Biblical Geography and Archeology | 3 CH |
2 | The Christian Thought and Theology in the Palestinian Context | 3 CH |
3 | The Reformation and the Evangelical Movement | 3 CH |
4 | The church today: Reality and Challenges | 3 CH |
5 | The History of Palestine | 3 CH |
6 | The Gospel of John | 3 CH |
7 | The Five Books of Moses | 3 CH |
8 | The Christian Worship | 3 CH |
9 | The Christian Leadership | 3 CH |
10 | The Christian Counseling and Pastoral Ministry | 3 CH |
11 | The Art of Preaching | 3 CH |
12 | Christian Apologetics | 3 CH |
13 | Contemporary Christian Issues | 3 CH |
14 | Contemporary Christian Churches | 3 CH |
15 | Elective Courses | 9 CH |
16 | Introduction to Seminar Writing | 1 CH |
17 | The Presentation of the Seminar | 6 CH |
In a diligent effort to make the material offered in this course accessible to our students across the world, the entirety of the program is online. Our instructors provide readings, locally produced video lectures, learning activities, forum discussions and live video conferencing to make the program as engaging and impactful as possible. At the core, the desire of our professors and instructors in this program is to create a space where students can further their knowledge of the Scripture, but also be connected to a community of believers that will walk alongside them through their own faith journey. This online community also provides pastoral care with regular calls and check-ins, as this is the only Christian community some of your students have.
Due to the variation of backgrounds and work settings that our students come from, we offer two different study modes for most of our courses to help accommodate for those that may not be able to comply with a traditional academic time-frame.
Interactive Study Mode: Students begin their study alongside their classmates at the designated time, and finish the course in about 14-15 weeks. Courses are generally divided into 10 lessons, whereas the student is given a week to finish the requirements of each lesson (around 7 hours of study per week). Each course includes a midterm (or more), and a final exam. This study method is interactive in the sense that the students engage with each other through discussion forums and video conferences.
Independent Study Mode: This study mode gives the students the flexibility to study at their own pace. A course is usually divided into two or three parts over a longer period of time (around 17 weeks). This option is ideal for those who cannot commit to the weekly study because of familial or vocational obligations. At the same time, the student loses the ability to engage with his classmates through discussion forums and video conferences. Opportunities for direct conversations with the instructors are always available, however.
Bahjat Khader
The head of the online Online Programs in Biblical Studies. Attained his Master’s in Divinity from the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. He is a licensed preacher through the Lutheran Diocese in Jordan and the Holy, and also a lecturer of Christian theology at Bethlehem Bible College.
Rev. Dr. Jack Sara
President of Bethlehem Bible College and a lecturer in Christian Life and Ministry. He holds a DMin in Missions and Cross-Cultural Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also served as a pastor for thirteen years at the Evangelical Alliance Church in Jerusalem.
Dr. Yohanna Katanacho
Academic Dean at Nazareth Evangelical College, and professor of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College. He holds a PhD from Trinity University in the United States. He has written many books including The Land of Christ and contributed to the Kairos Palestine Document.
Dr. Salim Munayer
Professor of Theology and Comparative Religion. He holds a Ph.D from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in England. He has written several articles and books including Through My Enemies Eyes.
Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac
Current Academic Dean and Assistant Professor at Bethlehem Bible College. He holds a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in England. He has published a number of academic articles in addition to his most recent book, From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth: A Christ-Centred Biblical Theology of the Promised Land.
Daniel Bannoura
Lecturer in Church History and Comparative Religion. He has a Master’s degrees in Theology from the London School of Theology, and a second Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago. His research interests include medieval philosophy, Arab Christian theology, and Christian-Muslim relations.
Anton Deik
Pierre Tannous
Current Dean of Student Affairs at Nazareth Evangelical College. He obtained his Master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Torch Trinity University in South Korea. He serves the Church of God in Haifa through preaching and teaching.
Grace Al-Zoughbi
Coordinator of the BA Biblical Studies Program at Bethlehem Bible College. She obtained her Master’s degree from the London School of Theology and is pursuing her doctorate at the South African College of Theology.
Program Duration
Full Time: 2 Years
Part Time: 3 Years
Number of Courses
38 Courses
Program Cost
The cost per student per course on the college is $750. However, in order to make the program feasible for our students, we offer each course for $99 per student. Still most of our students receive big discounts given their difficult circumstances, and only 10% of them are able to pay the full $99. We rely on friends and churches around the world to cover the bulk of our annual budget.
Get Involved
1. Pray for our online faculty and students.
2. Give towards student scholarships. A gift of $750 will cover the cost of enrolling an Arab student in one of our courses.
3. Share about the program. Help us reach out to new students and find new partners.
Contact
Bahjat Khader, Program Coordinator (b.khader@bethbc.edu)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
1. The student should fill in all required information in the application form.
2. The student should attach all required paperwork along with the application form.
3. The student should be holding a passing high school certificate.
4. The student should have been involved in ministry for at least two years
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Munir - Syrian living in Belgium
I believe I was led by the Holy Spirit and stirred by a sense of responsibility to preach and teach the Bible in my church communities in Antwerp, Belgium. It was my honor to enroll in the Online Diploma in Biblical Studies Program at Bethlehem Bible College. I was driven by a passion to study the Bible in a systematic and organized manner, and was eager to grow in my knowledge of the Bible, and come close to God through study and prayer. This has already started to come true in my life, as since I started studying in the program, my eyes were opened to biblical truths that helped my spiritual growth and understanding of God’s relationship with people. The Spirit of God also gave me understanding and wisdom of His word, that was reflected positively in my ministry, especially among non-believers.
Lama - Jordan
I decided to enroll in the Online Diploma in Biblical Studies program at a stage in my life where I felt that it was the time I get to know the Lord deeply, and to pursue a life filled with the Spirit. The Online Program requires a great deal of diligence, commitment, and careful reading and study. I found that the study material in the courses is comprehensive, accurate, interactive and informative. I was expecting this program to provide me with the theological, historical and cultural backgrounds of the Bible, but it gave me more than that. Through spending time daily studying the Word of God, my relationship with God has deepened and got more intimate in the truest sense. This study has made me pause to reflect on my life and my Christian values, through learning what the Lord desires for our lives. This gradually redefined my life’s priorities, and stirred in me new desires for ministry, patience and love for people around me. In short, this program is much more than mere study – it is a spiritual journey in which we more and more draw closer to the Lord each and every day.
Mira - Arab Country
Ever since my Savior found me, I have been living in the fold of His grace. I moved from darkness and slavery of reckless ideologies to the light of eternal life. His word has been my light and lantern, that He lit in my loins. I do not believe that there are limits to learn about God’s Word and His kingdom. I prayed in the Spirit that my Savior would hold my hand and lead me to His word until I reached a great blessing in my life, namely “Bethlehem Bible College”. My study in this college is based on the Bible of truth. Its educational program is comprehensive of all the basics and applications of the Christian life. The course content is structured with academic rigor and depth, yet presented in an encouraging and smooth manner. Further, the most incredible aspect of my study is the presence of first-rate staff, academics and pastors, who exert academic and theological aptitude that is supported by an attitude of humble and brotherly service that stems from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Abu Ayman – Arab Country
I was eager to know the Bible and to dig deeper into the Word of God. I used to pray asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, even though I didn’t have any knowledge about spiritual life, or how to pray or what to say. I was struggling as I wanted to share the Word of God with others, but lacked the necessary skills and knowledge to do that. Therefore, I looked for a place where I could learn the Bible, until I came across Bethlehem Bible College through searching on the internet, and enrolled in the Online Diploma in Biblical Studies Program. This program has equipped me with many things. Particularly, this program deepened my knowledge of God, strengthened my relationship with Christ, and taught me many spiritual disciplines, like prayer, fasting, evangelism, and much more.