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Find below a selection of comments from students at King's Evangelical Divinity School (formerly Midlands Bible College and Divinity School), both past and present, about their experiences studying with us.
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 I never would have been taught what ‘Biblical Interpretation’ was all about, if I had not taken this accredited degree level program. All the years that I have been in the Church I was taught and governed by theological subjective presuppositions. I was never taught how the Jews interpreted the Old Testament e.g. the two schools of Pharisees and their approach to interpretation of Scripture, such as ‘Middoth’, let alone Judaic-Christian biblical interpretation; the Patristic interpretation; medieval exegesis and hermeneutics and its development over the centuries to its present form, even to how we got the Bible with its final canonization of the Old and New Testament.
This program has without question strengthened my belief while enhancing my skills in evangelism and theological understanding. At least now I can witness having the confidence that I cannot only defend the Bible, but provide an appropriate theological interpretation of it. I thank God for this area of specialist theological training, which is rare. The academic tutors at this college provided outstanding academic and theological guidance which meant a lot to me. I was taught sound evaluative and critical analysis skills as it related to theology, while gaining invaluable knowledge.
I can honestly say very few tutors have ever given me that type of academic guidance that I needed which meant a lot to me. The Midland Bible College is a cut above the rest, being centered on their student needs and desires by providing sound academic guidance on subjects. That is why when people think about theological education, the first point of direction for me is the Midland Bible College without hesitation and reservation. The lectures, books and material are invaluable.
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— Kulwant Singh Boora (formerly from the UK, now residing in the US. Final stage of completing the Certificate in Biblical Hermeneutics.)
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I really thank the Lord for enabling me to do the KYB correspondence study. It has been a great blessing to me. Also I want to acknowledge all the good work that you and all our dear brothers and sisters at MBC have done; your good work in the Lord has enabled me to begin to know the Bible. When I first considered doing the KYB study I was unsure if I could do it, mainly because I'm not really an academic person. However as I started doing the KYB studies this concern proved to be unnecessary because the studies are presented in a way that makes it easy to follow and to do. I think the most challenging and rewarding part of the studies is writing the essays because this exercise really helps you to know your Bible in greater depth. Thank you again for all your help and keep up the good work.
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— Mark Steadman (recently completed the Knowing Your Bible programme).
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 I am delighted with the Midlands Bible College studies, and thoroughly recommend them to anyone interested in seriously studying the Bible. The modules I have taken have been a breath of fresh air - informative, stimulating and often challenging. Although there are a number of Bible Colleges in New Zealand, I have never found any offering this type of study: when I read the description I simply had to enrol, and have not been disappointed in my high expectations. The audio lectures on CD are excellent as they can be replayed in part or in full, and scheduled to fit my timeframe; email and telephone contact with the college is easy. I am looking forward to completing the Certificate in Biblical Hermaneutics, and commencing the Diploma.
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— Jenny Sheldon, Kaukapakapa, New Zealand (Undergraduate student)
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A fantastic college, not motivated by money but the desire to see individuals learn and progress in their relationship with Jesus.
Superb teaching, amazing website, all round brilliance: I've learned so much. I cannot recommend MBC highly enough!
Ian Hemmens, England
Undergraduate student studying Hermeneutics
I began studying the first Knowing Your Bible module last night. I just had to contact you and express my tremendous gratefulness for this opportunity that you and your staff have provided via the Internet. At the beginning, I was impressed by the professionalism, excellence and ease of navigating the website. After receiving many of the textbooks needed, I began listening to the first lecture on the Feasts and Festivals by Calvin Smith. I could hardly contain myself because I was so grateful to be the recipient of solid, meaningful, biblical teaching. This is exactly what I have desired for so many years. I guess I’m like a person who has been starving for a long time and finally is given a plate of delicious, nutritional food. It’s just the most excellent teaching I have ever heard.
Cheryl Alverson, Knowing Your Bible student, USA
The work at the Midlands Bible College has been invaluable to me in my ministry as a pastor, not only in the academic aspects which both reveal and clarify the Scriptures but also with pastoral areas. The debating evening showed where the spiritual questions about our lives are relevant, exploring basic and in-depth questions that many Christians will be thinking but have no arena in which to air them. The college continues to be an oasis of teaching where thirsty Christians can come and drink, no matter what stage of the journey they are at.
Gary Edwards (pastor), United Kingdom
The Certificate in Theology (Hermeneutics) has been challenging in so many areas. I’ve learnt things I did not realise I needed to know! It has put in some solid foundational blocks and the beginnings of a framework that will help to retain and solidify further knowledge. Thank you to the College Faculty, Kay, and all those unnamed persons who have worked so hard at providing this course. I feel stripped clean and more focused (and writing skills will surely improve over the course too…..a plus I had not reckoned on initially). The LORD challenged me through His Word... It is exciting to be challenged by the truth; it brings new life.
Jane Callender, Certificate of Theology (Hermeneutics), United Kingdom
The first module of the course has fundamentally challenged my presumptions about the nature of the Bible and God's relationship to it. Having been brought up to believe the Bible is God's word and always accepted this, I have clearly avoided any controversy over the issue. I simply believed it was God's word but was incapable of putting forward any intelligent reason why this is. Having now studied Module 101 and completed the assignment together with the relevant background reading, I believe I could now provide a reasoned argument in defence of the evangelical position I hold. It is with a sense of awe and wonder that I am now able to approach the Bible, in the knowledge that whilst it is 100% God's word it has been written 100% in the word of man, without being diminished in the slightest. My concept of God has grown exponentially during my studies.
The second module was wonderful, providing the opportunity to re read whole books of the Bible. Having completed much of the background reading... the book of Jeremiah in particular seemed to come alive to me and perhaps for the first time I understood the nature of the Babylonian exile together with the reason why God allowed it and how he used such a dark time in israel's history for their benefit. Without a doubt these two modules have reinvigorated my faith by providing substance to what I believe during a time when such substance is not easily come by via the local church. I look forward to furthering my studies with Midlands Bible College.
David Williams, Certificate and Diploma in Hermeneutics, Wales
I just wanted you to know how pleased I was with the marks I received for my essay. I took on board all the comments you made to me both over the telephone and when we met and I know this was instrumental in my being able to submit the essay that I did.
I also wanted to say how much I am enjoying studying with MBC. I was at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park (didn't see you there) and there were other Bible Colleges displaying their courses...and they were NOTHING like MBC! If you want Pastoral Care, Missionary Work, Evangelism in the Community, etc., etc., you can have it...but there is nothing that addresses the plain simple need of good exegesis and hermeneutics.
James Hammond (pastor), United Kingdom (writing several years ago)
The benefits to my walk with Christ have been immense; knowledge instills confidence... I now have the ability to discuss theological and doctrinal issues within my Church and have even taken the first steps to `standing up front' preaching the Gospel.
Kevin Wilkinson, Diploma in Hermeneutics, United Kingdom.
SOME COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS
The lectures and accompanying assignments have been a tremendous blessing to me and a complement to my Christian walk. The emphasis on the text, the word of God itself, as opposed to a doctrine, philosophy or theory is a credit to the College and a witness to its commitment to the truths of the gospel... I have found the lecturers to be nothing short of excellent and have been blessed tremendously by their efforts and indeed by all who labour to make a thorough study of God’s word possible through distance learning.
Andy Matic, British Columbia, Canada (former Knowing Your Bible student)
The Fellowship in which I serve called me as a pastor without any formal training. I was an engineer in the insurance industry one day and a pastor the next... I began looking for a Bible college that could help. It needed to be flexible enough so that I could study and attend to my pastoral responsibilities, it needed to be academic enough to stimulate (I have a degree in Science and value intellectual stimulation) and it needed to be convenient. Another minister became a close personal friend and he told me of the Midlands Bible College.
I have been thrilled with the knowledge that has been imparted and with the tools made available for development. The tutors are men of God who impart their own calling and strengths as they are teaching. My fellow students are a real encouragement as we face tough issues together in a spirit of grace and support. Thank God for the college. It has provided more than everything that I was looking for and it is a great support to the ministry. May it grow from strength to strength.
Bryn Thomas, United Kingdom. (Bryn now heads up his denomination’s main theological college)
...The down-to-earth manner in which you treat the relationship between exegesis and hermeneutics has opened a door in my understanding of the Scriptures that I do not think would have been possible without this dimension of teaching.
Bill Weipers, Isle of Man
Looking back, I see that I was a shy person who did not know anyone and who spoke poor English. Now, I cannot believe how quickly time has passed, and how precious this time has been to me. The time I have spent here has been the best I've ever had! The staff and fellow students have been very good to me, and that has given me lots of confidence. During my time here I have learned many new skills, but the most important one is studying the Bible. My time here has given me a greater desire to study the Scriptures, and I realise how little I knew. My studies in God's word have given me a desire to study harder and to serve the Lord with all my heart.
Veronica Cocis, Romania (Veronica is now studying for a Master of Theology degree at another institution)
While being part of the college, I have made so many friends who share a love for God. This has been so refreshing because I have the opportunity to talk openly about the Lord and share my views with other Christians. Furthermore, not only has the College introduced many friends in my life, but I have also been spiritually strengthened through the studies. These have been given by a variety of wonderfully-blessed people, and I have learned so much about the Scriptures and our Lord. The College has a lovely atmosphere of Christian love and friendship, and I have been shown friendship and hospitality, as well as seeing a strengthening of my understanding and walk with God in so many unique and wonderful ways.
Claire Jefimik (writing in 1998). Claire has since gone on to train as a Religious Education teacher in the UK state school system.
Thanks so much for the teaching, keep up the good work and don't compromise. I feel I owe it to our congregation (and myself) to do this Certificate in Theology; we've all experienced bad if not crazy church over the years and feel we are on an even keel now.
Mark Robins, Wales
This course... is not a random collection of subjects, but structured, thus giving a solid foundation to build on... underpinning all this is the security that I feel in studying the Scriptures under tutors who clearly have a heart to handle God's Word accurately.
John King, Knowing Your Bible student, United Kingdom
I am grateful that the Lord brought me into contact with Midlands Bible College and Calvin Smith. I had desired to attend Bible College for many years but could not find a programme that taught about the scriptures based on the verity of the scriptures themselves. From the very beginning of my association with MBC I found an institution that focused on promoting the truth of scripture and not a particular systematic theology. Because I was an older student and married with children, the Distance Learing Programme fit very well into our particular season of life. The course of study I received provided a solid Biblical foundation that has became an important asset as I now shepherd a local church and I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to have been trained through Midlands Bible College.
Brian Brewer, USA
I became a student of the Midlands Bible College with some experience of Open Learning, having completed a Foundation Correspondence Course in Bible Study, which I found useful to acquire facts, but very boring. I find that the College method of tuition by cassette tapes, ten for each module, a great improvement, the Lecturer does not strictly follow a set script but inputs his own thoughts and ideas and invites reactions and comments from the student audience. This makes you feel you are actually there and participating, you are encouraged to read widely and pursue your own interests. The assignments, two for each unit, are broad based, demanding, thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. I have no hesitation in recommending the College Certificate in Biblical Studies to anyone contemplating Distance Study in this field, which they will find very rewarding.
Henry Ash, United Kingdom
I am a 39 year old former Sikh, converted 4 years ago to Christianity. As a Sikh, I had studied the Sikh scriptures as diligently as I could. Soon after my conversion, my desire was to apply the same diligence to the study of the Christian Scriptures. I initially did this with the help of my Pastor, but soon realised that I needed to join a college to gain a deeper insight. Both the faculty and students [of the Midlands Bible College] come from different denominations and this constantly challenges my intellect. I am now at the end of my first year of the Diploma in pastoral studies course and I can honestly say that it has enhanced my spiritual life. I feel confident enough even at this early stage of my learning, to be able to hold theological conversations with qualified Ministers and not feel feel daunted by their knowledge. Joining Midlands Bible College has been the best thing I have done to improve and build upon my Scriptural understanding. The teaching has been of a very high standard and I have felt challeneged enough even to question my own opinion on doctrinal issues!!!
Ravi Singh, Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, writing after his first year. Ravi now co-pastors an Asian Christian church, working alongside another ex-student of the College, Revd. Isaac Masih.
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