School of Lifelong Learning

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Kevin L. Oessenich, Ed.D., Dean

Bible Enrichment

School of Lifelong Learning
Preparing leaders to serve the church and its related ministries is the primary goal of the University. Most programs at the University lead to degrees that prepare graduates for professional ministry. Distinguished from these is the Bible Enrichment Program. This is a program that provides ten foundational courses (30 credits) in biblical and professional studies. This program has been designed to help applicants achieve personal goals that may include the following:

• Enhancement of skills for lay ministry in the church
• Attainment of a biblical foundation before enrollment in another professional school
• Preparation for a full-time support ministry in a para-church organization
• Enrichment for personal spiritual growth

The learning objectives of the program are as follows:

1. Students will gain a foundational knowledge of the Scriptures and major doctrines of the Christian faith.
2. Students will demonstrate the application of biblical truth to life.
3. Students will develop skills and abilities helpful for ministry in the local church
4. Students will appreciate the human and cultural diversity that exists within society and cultivate a value system that promotes healthy relationships

This is a 30-credit program that leads to a Bible certificate. It is offered on two campuses, in two different formats. On the Langhorne campus, the program can be completed in one year. Students enroll in traditional courses, most of which are taught in the School of Biblical Studies at the first and second year level. On the New Jersey Campus, located in Liberty Corner, the program is offered in a non-traditional format. To accommodate working adults, classes are scheduled in the evenings with each class meeting only once a week. A minimum of two years would be required to complete the program.

Advance Degree Completion Program

Larry Schmalbach, D.Litt., Director of Academic Services

Faculty

Jonathan Bosse, D.Min.
Cheryl A. Botbyl, M.S.
David Brewer, Th.M.
Kevin Cain, M.A.
Philip R. Cherry, Th.M.
Donald Cheyney, M.Div.
Gregg Garman, M.Ed.
David Gundrum, M.A.
David C. Hard, Ph.D.
David Hart, M.Div.
Michael Hughes, M.A.
Victor Jacobs, Th.M.
Randal Kemmerer, M.Div.
James Leary, D.Min.
Scott B. Leuz, M.S. 
David W. Loesser, M.Div. 
Renee Y. Mayk, M.Ed.
Pamela Milhouse, M.S.
Andrew Moore, M.S.
George L. Nichols, D.Min.
John Oliff, M.S.
Patricia L. Rahn, M.Ed.
Al C. Reilly, M.Div. 
Matthew Ristuccia, D.Min.
Shirley C. Ryan, M. Ed.
Gary E. Schnittjer, Ph.D.
Charles Sutton, Ph.D.
Sheryl A. Vasso, Ed.D.
Timothy Yoder, M.Div.

Purpose

The Advance Degree Completion Program exists to prepare men and women to serve in leadership positions. The goal of the program is to provide undergraduate education in Bible knowledge, Bible study methods, communication concepts and ministry application. The program aims to enable students to integrate their biblical and leadership education to serve in church and parachurch organizations.

The Advance Degree Completion Program has been developed to meet the needs of working adults who are at least 25 years old and have completed approximately two or more years of college credit. The ADVANCE curriculum is offered on the Langhorne campus, and at sites in Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, PA. The student attends class once a week for a 22-month period. Courses are taught in modules five weeks in length. During their academic experience, students are members of a continuing group in which an atmosphere of shared family, career and age interests develop.

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