Ambassador. Bible College. Course Catalog. Teaching. Truth. 1 Course Catalog. the

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1 BIBLE COLLEGE AMBASSADOR Teaching the Truth Ambassador Bible College Course Catalog 1 Course Catalog

2 Ambassador Bible College 2

3 BIBLE COLLEGE AMBASSADOR Teaching the Truth Ambassador Bible College Catalog Contents Mission Statement... 2 Program Description... 3 Admissions Procedures... 4 Academic Regulations... 6 Expenses... 7 Scheduled Courses... 8 Courses of Instruction Administration and Faculty Student Affairs Alumni Affairs For further information: Location: Ambassador Bible College 555 Techne Center Dr. P.O. Box Milford, OH Cincinnati, OH Ambassador Bible College Catalog is published by the United Church of God, an International Association, 555 Techne Center Drive, Milford, OH United Church of God, an International Association. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission is prohibited. Photo at left: Sergey Borisov/iStockphoto/Thinkstock 3 Course Catalog

4 Mission Statement The mission of Ambassador Bible College (ABC) is to convey to those who are interested, and especially to the next generation of young people in the Church of God, the precious truths of God as found in the Bible, the foundation of knowledge. To accomplish this mission, ABC has appointed skilled instructors to lead the students through a systematic study of the Holy Scriptures and related topics. It is intended that those who receive these teachings will pass the precious understanding of God s truth to others. Ambassador Bible College Outcomes Some important key outcomes of the Biblical Studies Program are: To be committed to the core values and fundamental doctrines of the Bible. To internalize God s truth and implement biblical principles in one s life. To build godly character through personal spiritual growth. To be prepared to give an answer and defend one s faith. To understand oneself and others better. To serve God and humanity zealously. To set an example of Christian leadership. To learn leadership qualities. Ambassador Bible College 4

5 Program Description Ambassador Bible College provides a dynamic, highly concentrated series of classes on the entire Bible. ABC seeks not only to teach students the precious truths of God as revealed in His Word, but to encourage students to develop godly character by applying those truths in their lives. They then will be able to pass along that instruction by their examples, as well as their words, to interested others. Students are challenged by its intensity, but the opportunity to be instructed systematically through the Scriptures should be seen as a pearl of great price. The College is located in the home office of the United Church of God, an International Association at at 555 Techne Center Dr., Milford, OH The ABC year runs coinciding with the usual scholastic year of schools and universities from mid-august to mid-may. Classes are taught by experienced faculty members from the United Church of God. Costs are kept to a minimum. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing, transportation, meals outside of ABC and other living costs. Tuition for ABC is $2,500, which includes breakfast and lunch each ABC day for the nine-month period at the Ambassador Bible College. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a Diploma in Biblical Studies. 5 Course Catalog

6 Admissions Procedures ABC accepts academically qualified students without prejudice. While ABC is sponsored by the United Church of God, an International Association, prospective students from other affiliations are welcome to apply for acceptance. Applicants may request an application form by writing to: Ambassador Bible College, P.O. Box 54992, Cincinnati, OH , or download one at abc.ucg.org Once an individual s application has been completed and returned, a field representative will conduct a personal interview. The representative s evaluation is added to the applicant s folder and sent to the Director of Admissions for consideration. After the committee s evaluation of the application, the committee members' input is forwarded to the Director of Admissions for final determination. Upon approval an acceptance letter will be sent with accompanying information. After acceptance, tuition scholarships may be applied for by students in need of assistance. All files remain confidential during and following the admissions process. Ambassador Bible College 6

7 Enrollment Requirements Qualified male and female applicants should be at least 18 years of age and mature enough for this intensive program of biblical study and older qualified applicants are also encouraged to apply. Special circumstances will be considered. You should consider enrolling in the program if you: Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Love God s truth and desire to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. Have a desire to learn to lead and serve others. Have the vision to value such a challenging opportunity enough to take the better part of a year and dedicate yourself to this in-depth study of the Bible. Can find a way to meet financial obligations, perhaps through a part-time job while enrolled. Mature enough to manage personal living arrangements. 7 Course Catalog

8 Academic Regulations Students are responsible for fulfilling all requirements of the Ambassador Bible College program. Registration Students register through the Registrar s Office prior to the first day of classes. Registration is not complete until tuition has been paid in full. Class Attendance and Assignments All students are expected to be prompt and regular in class attendance. Absences should be explained to the Dean of Faculty, and absences with appropriate explanation will be excused. Students are expected to fulfill all classroom assignments in a timely fashion. Classroom Guests Visitors may sit in on or visit a limited number of classes with permission of the class instructors. Maintenance of Records ABC will maintain academic records consistent with the laws of the State of Ohio. Ambassador Bible College 8

9 Expenses While tuition covers a portion of the costs of a student s education. ABC is supported by the United Church of God, which underwrites most of the costs. The tuition fee of $2,500 per person (or per married couple) is due before classes start or within 24 hours of arrival for those who arrive late. A limited number of ABC Tuition Scholarships are available based on individual needs. Applicants must request an application and be approved by the Scholarship Commitee to receive the scholarship. Refund Policy If a student needs to leave the program after paying the tuition fee, the refund will be 100 percent in the first week of classes, 75 percent in the second week, 50 percent in the third week and 25 percent in the fourth week. No refund will be available after that. Estimate of Expenses Below is a conservative sample budget, though individual needs vary widely. (Students may be able to finance part of their costs through part-time work in the Cincinnati area.) Tuition** $2,500 Supplies $75 Apartment and utilities* $2,700-5,400 Groceries ($20-40 a week) $720-1,440 Transportation $800-1,900 Entertainment and misc. $ $7,195-11,915 *Nine months at $300/month (sharing an apartment) to $600 a month. ** Tuition includes breakfast and lunch each ABC day for the nine-month period at the Ambassador Bible College. 9 Course Catalog

10 Scheduled Courses First Semester THL 107ab Public Speaking. Instruction in the basic elements of public speaking with labs and speech club for practical application. Instructors: Gary Antion/Staff THL 109 Biblical Geography. Study of the geography where the authors of the Bible lived and the setting of their accounts. Instructor: Randy Stiver THL 111 Survey of the Gospels I. Study and analysis of the four Gospels with an in-depth study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Instructor: Frank McCrady THL 113 Epistles of Paul I. Paul s life, writings and teachings, including the background, purpose, message and themes of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians. Instructor: Steve Myers THL 115 Doctrines of the Bible I. Systematic exposition of each of the 20 doctrines included in the Fundamental Beliefs of the United Church of God, an International Association. Instructor: Darris McNeely THL 123 The Former Prophets. The books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings in their historical context and theological meaning. Instructor: Steve Myers THL 151 Practical Christianity I. Application of the principles of Scripture to a Christian s life, including one s relationship with God and Jesus Christ, interpersonal skills, leadership training, communications, relationship building and marital issues. Instructor: Gary Antion/Staff THL 401 The Pentateuch I. Study of the books of the Pentateuch as the starting point in God s creation and instructions for humankind; patriarchal history and history of the nation of Israel, as reflected in these books; and Ambassador Bible College 10

11 practical lessons for Christians. Instructor: Anthony Wasilkoff THL The Major Prophets. Study of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, with emphasis on the mission and role of each prophet and the relevance of their prophecies. Instructor: Frank Dunkle THL 405 General Epistles. Historical setting, purpose and central theme of each epistle and its relationship to Christian faith and practice. Instructor: Gary Antion THL 410 The Writings. Study of the books of the third section of the Old Testament canon, with emphasis on their nature and relevance for Christian faith and practice. Instructor: Randy Stiver THL 431 Comparative Religion I. The major world religions, their history and beliefs as compared with the Bible; Roman Catholicism and its major doctrines. Instructor: Gary Antion 11 Course Catalog

12 Second Semester THL 104 Serving the Church Through Media. Overview of the Church s media efforts and how they are used to preach the Gospel. Includes a brief study of writing, web, video, interviewing, domestic and international mail operations, and other media functions and how they can be used to further God s truth. Instructors: Peter Eddington/Staff THL 107ab Public Speaking. Instruction in the basic elements of public speaking with labs and speech club for practical application. Instructors: Gary Antion/Staff THL 112 Survey of the Gospels II. Study and analysis of the four Gospels with an in-depth study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Instructor: Frank McCrady THL 114 Epistles of Paul II. Paul s life and writings, including Romans, the Prison Epistles, Hebrews and the Pastoral Epistles. Instructor: Steve Myers THL 116 Doctrines of the Bible II. Systematic exposition of each of the 20 doctrines included in the Fundamental Beliefs of the United Church of God, an International Association. Instructor: Darris McNeely THL 122 World News & Prophecy. A survey of world news and historical events and how they relate to prophecy. Instructor: Darris McNeely THL 132 Acts of the Apostles. A thorough exposition of the development of the early Church with historical perspective on the early and later Christian Church era. Instructor: Darris McNeely THL 140 Personal and Family Finance. Budgeting and creative financial planning for success in marriage and life. Instructor: Aaron Dean THL 152 Practical Christianity II. Application of the principles of Scripture to a Christian s life, including one s relationship with God and Jesus Christ, interpersonal skills, leadership training, communications, relationship building and marital issues. Instructor: Gary Antion/Staff Ambassador Bible College 12

13 THL 201 Fundamentals of Theology. An examination of the unity of the Bible, its great themes and its teachings on God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, redemption and salvation. Instructor: Donald Ward THL 402 The Pentateuch II. Study of the books of the Pentateuch as the starting point in God s creation and instructions for humankind; patriarchal history and history of the nation of Israel, as reflected in these books; and practical lessons for Christians. Instructor: Anthony Wasilkoff THL 408 The Minor Prophets. Study of the 12 Minor Prophets with their historical background and prophetic meaning. Instructor: Frank Dunkle THL 410 The Writings. Study of the books of the third section of the Old Testament canon, with emphasis on their nature and relevance for Christian faith and practice. Instructor: Randy Stiver THL 412 The Book of Revelation. Study of the background, themes and prophecies of the books of Daniel and Revelation, with emphasis on their relevance to historical and eschatological events. Instructor: Gary Antion THL 432 Comparative Religion II. Review of the history and basic beliefs of the major Christian denominations; the beliefs of each compared with the Scriptures. Instructor: Gary Antion 13 Course Catalog

14 Administration and Faculty Administration Victor Kubik, B.A. President, UCGIA Gary E. Antion, M.A. ABC Coordinator, Director of Admissions, Director of Counseling Services Steven C. Myers, B.A. Registrar and Dean of Faculty Aaron Dean, M.B.A. Dean of Students, Alumni Affairs/Continuing Education Resident Faculty Gary E. Antion, Professor, Theology B.A. (1963), Ambassador University; M.A. (1990), California Family Study Center; 18 graduate semester hours in theology (1991), Southern Methodist University; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Aaron K. Dean, Instructor B.A. (1974), Ambassador University; M.B.A. (1990) California State University, Los Angeles Frank Dunkle, Instructor B.A. (1989) Ambassador University; M.A. (1991) UT Tyler Ph.D. (1997) Texas A&M Peter Eddington, Instructor B.A. (1983), Ambassador University Darris L. McNeely, Instructor, Theology B.A. (1973), Ambassador University Steven C. Myers, Instructor B.M. (1979), University of Wisconsin; B.A. (1986), Ambassador University Kenneth L. Shoemaker (Director, ABC Chorale) Ambassador Bible College 14

15 Adjunct Faculty Frank R. McCrady, III, Instructor, Theology B.A. (1969), Ambassador University Randall P. Stiver, Instructor B.A. (1974), Ambassador University Donald L. Ward, Professor, Theology B.S. (1961), Delta State University; Ed.M. (1968), University of Southern Mississippi; B.A. (1972), Ambassador University; Ed.D. (1973), East Texas State University; 18 graduate semester hours in theology (1991), Southern Methodist University Anthony L. Wasilkoff, Instructor, Theology B.A. (1970) Ambassador College Guest Instructors Jerold Aust, B.A. (1968), Ambassador University; M.A. (1995), California State University, Fullerton Philip Aust, B.A. (1990) Ambassador University; M.A. (1993) California State University; Ph.D. (2000) University of Oklahoma Kenneth A. Graham, B.A. (1973) Ambassador University; M.B.A. (1992) West Coast University John J. Miller, Jr., B.A. (1993), Ambassador University; M.A. (2006), University of Phoenix Mario Seiglie, B.A. (1975), Ambassador University James Wilkins, B.Th. (2001) Trinity College of the Bible; M.A. (2005) Trinity Theological Seminary 15 Course Catalog

16 Student Affairs Student Affairs is responsible for caring for the needs of the students. The role of the Dean of Students is to assist the students in their social and personal needs. To accomplish this, various activities that contribute to the development of leadership and character are generated from Student Affairs. Counseling Services provides academic, personal, psychological and spiritual counseling. It is our aim to help you have the most gratifying year of your life while attending Ambassador Bible College. Code of Conduct Godly conduct is expected of each of us as Christians, and at Ambassador Bible College we strive to teach and live by those values. While the scriptural list of Christian values applies in all aspects of life, the unique environment of the ABC program leads us to place extra emphasis on these points so that everyone is clear on what is expected while one is attending Ambassador: No proselytizing is allowed at Ambassador Bible College. Ambassador is a drug-free environment. The use of illegal drugs or any illegal substance will not be permitted. Excessive use of alcohol or underage drinking will not be permitted. No sexual harassment will be permitted. Maintaining a close relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ is an essential component in living by the Christian values we all esteem. Students should maintain godly conduct in all personal relationships. Ambassador Bible College 16

17 Dress Code for ABC In order to honor Jesus Christ, Christians of all ages should strive to set outstanding examples in every way, including being modest in dress, appearance, speech and conduct (1 Timothy 2:9; 4:12). When a student attends Ambassador Bible College, he or she is coming to the home office of the United Church of God, an International Association. These are the offices that represent the Church throughout the world. It is important to realize that many individuals visit the ABC classes as they are in session. It is important that we display an appropriate measure of decorum before our guests and visitors. We recommend that you look at the home office employees for an example of proper attire. There is quite a variety in the attire of the home office staff, but they all strive to be neat and wear what is appropriate to their responsibilities. At ABC, we want the students to be comfortable in their attire without being sloppy or unkempt. The following list provides some guidelines regarding grooming and attire for class. 1. Avoid extremes in dress and hairstyles. 2. Be properly groomed. 3. Use proper hygiene. 4. Follow biblical guidelines on hair lengths. 5. If men have beards or mustaches, they should be neat and trimmed. 6. Clothes should be neat, clean and modest. 7. Do not wear shorts, tank tops (this does not include sleeveless blouses for ladies), athletic clothing, halter tops, clothing that shows undergarments or reveals other inappropriate apparel (or the lack thereof) to class. 8. Jerseys or blouses with offensive writing or slogans on them, or that expose the bosom or midriff of males or females are not acceptable attire. 9. For men: It is recommended that casual slacks (like Dockers) and shirts with collars/turtlenecks/polos be worn to class. 10. If men or women wear jeans to class, they must be neat and unholey (no holes or tears). 11. Hats are not to be worn in class. 17 Course Catalog

18 Counseling Services Counseling is available through the counseling office. A number of counselors are available to help students with any spiritual issues. The faculty maintain an open door policy to assist students. Referrals may be made for matters beyond the scope of the expertise of the counselors. ABC Times The student newspaper gives students the opportunity to capture their class year with articles and photos, as well as to develop their writing and editing skills in preparing each edition. Chorale The Ambassador Chorale presents beautiful, inspiring music to outlying congregations each year. The Chorale Director holds a meeting at Orientation to explain the plans and requirements for those interested in volunteering for this service opportunity. Field Trips Excursions to interesting, enjoyable and educational sites are planned each semester to give the students a break from their normal routine. These field trips also give students an opportunity to interact with each other in a less formal manner. Ambassador Bible College 18

19 Forums and Assemblies Forum provides the opportunity for the class to hear reports from the Student Council, discuss any upcoming activities, and give updates on class projects that are currently in progress. Assembly is an opportunity to hear special presentations from administrators, faculty members or guests. The Student Body President hosts all Forums and Assemblies. Speech Club This voluntary activity is coeducational and is an opportunity to develop one s speaking skills in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. The ABC Speech Club meets on Sunday evenings, and members have four exciting speeches to fulfill. Students are taught speech techniques so that they may master what is one of the public s greatest fears in life public speaking. Opportunity for leadership development is available each club night for individuals to act as a Moderator or Topics Leader. Student Council The Student Council, which is composed of the student committee heads and the class officers, meets regularly to serve the needs of the class, by recommending and planning student activities. The president and all committee heads are appointed by the administration after considering valuable input from the student body. The president selects the treasurer and secretary with input from the Dean of Students. 19 Course Catalog

20 Student Body President: Conducts Student Council meetings. Hosts all forums and assemblies. With the other officers (secretary and treasurer) looks after the needs of the student body. Oversees the various student committees. Helps with morale and cohesiveness. Interfaces regularly with the faculty and reports to the Dean of Students. All student activities need to be approved by the Dean of Students. Social Committee Representatives: Are responsible for planning social activities for the class. Also, they make suggestions of events for smaller groups to attend. They coordinate ABC activities with Church activities to avoid schedule conflicts where possible. Service Committee Representatives: Are responsible for planning service projects that the student body performs. Music Coordinators: Work with the Chorale Director to assess musical talent and help with ABC Chorale needs. ABC Times Managing Editor/Web Site Representative/ Photographer: Responsible for producing the student newspaper and helping keep the ABC Web pages up to date. The photographer takes pictures throughout the year for the newspaper, Web site and an end-of-the-year slide production. Technical Support Representatives: Attend to the technical needs of the class microphones, PowerPoint setup, recordings and any special technical needs. Care for the Facilities Students should take care to maintain the facilities and furnishings of Ambassador Bible College for the use of future students. Ambassador Bible College 20

21 Social Activities Activities are planned by the Student Council and the faculty to provide new uplifting experiences to help students grow in social situations. The faculty frequently interact with the students through dinners and other social occasions. Picnics, game nights, movie nights and other activities also provide the means for social contact among students and faculty. Leadership is developed by the students through handling the planning and preparation of their student events. 21 Course Catalog

22 Alumni Affairs Ambassador Bible College considers its alumni to be vital to the development and promotion of the program. With that in mind, it is continuing to develop regular communications and activities for alumni. Currently we offer our alumni the following: communications concerning special needs and projects. Referral and mentoring by local leaders after graduation. Opportunity to participate in alumni service projects (photos above, opposite page). Access to the student newspaper ABC Times and the ABC website. Participation in ABC Continuing Education Seminars. Participation in ABC promotional meetings at United Youth Camps and Feast sites. Special consideration for participation in United Youth Corps projects. Annual All-Ambassador Reunion at the Winter Family Weekend. Ambassador Bible College 22

23 Future considerations include, but are not limited to, the following: Regular updates via or letter about current ABC sessions. List of alumni at Feast of Tabernacles sites. Reunions at selected locations, perhaps at Feast of Tabernacles. Invitations to selected ABC activities. Ambassador Bible College is not certified by the Board of Regents of the State of Ohio.

24 Ambassador Bible College 24 ACT/1409/1.6