Brethren Bible Institute

The year 1998 marks the twenty-fifth year for BBI. After 25 years, the story of Brethren Bible Institute begins to take on a legendary (a kind of traditional) character. In this brief historical summary, we can only give sketches of the history and philosophy of Brethren Bible Institute.

INTRODUCTION

Brethren Bible Institute officially began in the summer of 1974. Classes were held for a period of four weeks during the month of August that year. (Richard Nixon left the office of the presidency because of the Watergate scandal during the second week of that first BBI.) The enrollment in 1974 was 55--thirty-four dorm students and twenty-one commuting students. Classes extended Monday through Friday for four weeks. There were two classes each morning and one class in the evening. Afternoons were free for study, recreation, and doing assignments.

The cost for BBI in 1974 was $100.00 for the entire four week period (dorm students), and $50.00 for commuting students. (There was an extra charge for students who stayed on the College campus over the weekends, but most students who came from a distance, spent Saturday and Sunday with friends who lived in the eastern Pennsylvania area.) Commuting students who bought meals at the Myer Dining Hall had to pay 95 cents for breakfast, $1.35 for lunch and $1.85 for the evening meal (instead of the current $6.00 for lunch and $7.50 for the evening meal). The subjects taught in 1974 were OT Survey, NT Survey, Genesis, Romans, Biblical Theology, Practical Homiletics, Brethren History, and Personal Evangelism.

The teachers were Myrl Weyant (a pastor near Altoona, PA), Carl Ziegler (professor at Elizabethtown College), Harold Martin (public school teacher from York, PA), William Tinkle (a retired science teacher from Indiana), and Carol Cosner (a teacher from Maysville, West Virginia).

There was no promotion committee during those early years, and it was soon discovered that the four week length proved difficult for persons who had regular jobs. As a result, by 1978, BBI was planned for three weeks with each course designed to be one week in length. Students that way could attend classes for one, two, or all three weeks. The enrollment during those weeks ranged from 13 to 37 students during any given week. The enrollment had not increased much under that plan, and so by 1982 the Committee decided to conduct one week Institutes each summer. Since 1982, with the one week sessions (and later with our youthful Ken Leininger's leadership), the enrollment has gradually increased to a high of about 120 students in 1997. (The enrollment was a bit higher in 1995.)

EARLY PLANNING

Brethren Bible Institute was the outgrowth of planning by the Brethren Revival Fellowship Committee. On November 24-25, 1972, the BRF Committee met with Dr. Henry Shilling, president of Transylvania Bible School (Freeport, PA), and with Dr. H. D. Burkholder, president of Grace Bible Institute (Omaha, Nebraska), and with Willard Mayer, principal of Rosedale Bible Institute (Irwin, Ohio). They shared with us some pointers for conducting a successful Bible School, and told us about the struggles, the obstacles, and the rewards of providing such an institution of training.

BRF had talked about a Bible Institute already in the 1960s. The goal was to provide training for young and old alike, in systematic Bible studies, and in some of the practical areas related to Christian service. The Brethren colleges and seminary had become very liberal in their theological direction. The Seminary once had a Bible School level of training, but that was discontinued in the early 1960s. Many potential workers in the church do not have opportunities to attend college--and even if they do attend college--courses in Bible are usually very much limited.

PURPOSES FOR BBI

The specific goals for the Bible Institute which BRF envisioned were spelled out in a six point outline, which was published in the BRF Witness:

1. To stimulate faith in the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God, and as the authority for Christian faith and practice.

2. To guide the student into a basic knowledge of the Bible and an understanding of biblical doctrines.

3. To awaken in individuals a greater love for Christ, and to emphasize commitment to the Lordship of Christ.

4. To encourage the development of wholesome Christian attitudes and values, and to urge continued spiritual and intellectual growth.

5. To instill appreciation for the heritage we have, and an understanding of the history of the Church of the Brethren.

6. To help students prepare for effective Christian service as Sunday School teachers, parents, ministers, evangelists, and lay workers.

The plan was to start with some short summer sessions (three or four weeks long), and then consider increasing the length of the sessions to regular 16 week semesters. We checked into the possibility of buying an old school building that could have been upgraded to serve as a facility for housing and teaching students. Prayerful searching, however, led to the choice of renting facilities at Elizabethtown College, and then see whether or not there would be interest in a curriculum that included eight (or even sixteen) week sessions.

EARLY PROMOTION

BRF tried to promote the idea of the necessity for increased Bible training by publishing, in January, 1974, an article written by Harold Martin, entitled "True Christian Education." (The article was actually the essence of a message given at BRF's General Meeting at the Broadfording Church of the Brethren near Hagerstown, Maryland on September 8, 1973.) James Myer, in an editorial preceding the article, said, "It is quite evident that Brother Martin does not see education itself as solving life's problems, but true Christian education can serve as a means toward effective Christian ministries."

The article in the BRF Witness stressed the fact that more people are going to school, and for longer periods of time, than ever before; and that in the last days multitudes will be "ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). Knowledge is increasing, but it does not follow that a knowledge of God is increasing. The article stressed also the contrast between those who seem to have a naive faith in education as an abstract something that is good in itself, and that education is a cure for most human ills--with the attitude of some which seems to imply that ignorance is bliss. It was pointed out that in the Old Testament God complained that His people behaved like "stupid children" who had "no understanding" (Jeremiah 4:22). The prophet Hosea said that God's people were destroyed "for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The poetic books of the Old Testament repeatedly stress that "only fools hate knowledge" (Proverbs 1:22). In the New Testament we are admonished to "give diligence to add to our faith, virtue, and to virtue, knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5).

The article went on to point out that true Christian education speaks of the kind of training that is more than merely acquiring knowledge and skills to make a living. True Christian education aims at learning to live and this requires a careful study of the Scriptures. True Christian education answers the basic questions of life: Why am I here? What is the purpose of life? How do I become rightly related with God? What are my responsibilities as one who is committed to serving God? These are the fundamental issues of life, and the Bible is the only Book that has authoritative answers to these questions.

The BRF promotion article continued by explaining that the Bible Institute offers series of daily Bible studies under the direction of dedicated teachers. It is not a place where the teacher simply gives a few "off-the-cuff" comments that happen to come to mind. The Bible Institute is not like the average Sunday School class where a few talkative members discuss subjects that nobody knows much about. Sunday School classes often consist of mere rambling discussions, not genuine Bible studies. By way of contrast, in the Bible Institute, each lesson is carefully planned, and the insights which are learned are often later reviewed and tested.

The Brethren Revival Fellowship Committee did what it could to try and "sell" the idea of a Brethren Bible Institute. A subcommittee was formed (comprised of Linford Rotenberger, Paul Brubaker, Harry Nell, James Myer, and Kenneth Hershey) to try and get an Institute started. A Bible School fund was established, searches for a building were made, the article promoting true Christian education was distributed, and much work was done on writing a code of conduct which would be clearly biblical and satisfactory to the conservative congregations which for the most part would financially support the Institute.

PRE-BBI CLASSES

As indicated earlier, BRF had talked about a Brethren Bible Institute already in the 1960s, and in fact, in the early 1970s, we had some Bible Institute types of training sessions at the Longenecker meetinghouse in the White Oak congregation. I have a list of the 83 people who took an Old Testament Survey course in the summer of 1972, another roster of people who took a New Testament Survey course in the early months of 1973, and another roster of people who took a course on the book of Daniel in the early months of 1974. Classes met every Tuesday night for a period of three months during each of those years. The students who attended varied in age from sixteen and older, and included persons from White Oak, Cocalico, Upper Conewago, Back Creek (now Upton and Shanks), Chiques, Conewago, Heidelberg, Little Swatara, Middle Creek, Annville, Mohlers, and Spring Grove (now Blue Ball). There were a few students from Baptist and Mennonite congregations.

FIRST OFFICIAL BBI

Finally in the summer of 1974, Brethren Bible Institute was officially launched. The program was advertised in the Church of the Brethren Messenger (see copy following) and was publicized in the BRF Witness. Brochures describing the Institute were prepared and distributed. Announcements were made in local churches whose leaders were willing to make the announcement. Provisions were made with Elizabethtown College to house dormitory students (in the Royer residence, before the building was air-conditioned). Classes were held in the relatively new Espenshade building. Meals were served in the Myer Dining Hall (as they are today).

[Messenger advertisement]
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Four Weeks With the Bible

Brethren Bible Institute, July 29 -- August 23, 1974, on the campus of Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pa.

Courses:
Old Testament -- New Testament Survey: an overall view of the Bible.
Book of Genesis: origins, creation and evolution, the fall, the flood, the lives of patriarchs.
Book of Romans: a systematic study that reveals the heart of the Gospel message.
Biblical Theology: central doctrines, including a study of ordinances as practiced by the Church of the Brethren.
Personal Evangelism: the meaning of the evangel; methods of sharing.
Practical Homiletics: preparing Sunday school lessons and sermons.
Brethren History: The church through the centuries, with special emphasis upon Church of the Brethren heritage.

Teachers: Harold S. Martin, Carl W. Zeigler, William J. Tinkle, E. Myrl Weyant, Carol V. Cosner.

Daily schedule: For each student, two morning courses, one evening course; afternoons free. Open also for morning or evening courses only.

Cost: $100 for the four weeks (tuition, room, board). Commuters, $50. Each weekend

in residence, $10 additional.

For: Adults and senior high youth. Ministers, teachers, licensees.

Aim: That participants may be led by consecrated teachers into serious Bible study. To grow together in fellowship. To come to know Jesus Christ in a more intimate way, and to be better fitted for sen/ice under his Lordship.

Write: Brethren Bible Institute, P.O, Box 41, Ephrata, Pa. 17522
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The brochures, the advertisement in Messenger, and the content of the standards of conduct brought some adverse responses from some of our more liberal Brethren. A pastor from Michigan wrote to the BRF office and said, "Your standards are very negative; you are Judaizers, Pharisees, and bibliolaters." A pastor from Iowa wrote to say that "there is too much dogmatism and bigoted opinionism" in your approach. Another pastor, from Indiana, said, "Your approach to theology is too limited and your rules are too rigid." A former moderator of Annual Conference responded by writing, "The great body of the Church of the Brethren will not go in this direction." One brother from Illinois perhaps summed up the negative response by saying, "Your approach to the gospel is unattractive and unappreciated."

There were many positive responses as well. Most of those who favored the establishing of an Institute were from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, plus a scattering of older pastors from other parts of the Brotherhood. A 90 year old minister from Iowa expressed his reaction by writing, "We need to come back to the Bible as the Word of God." An older couple from western Pennsylvania responded with the words, "We are interested in seeing young people instructed in the fundamentals of the faith." The real driving force behind the beginning of the Bible Institute was Brother Linford Rotenberger, who along with Brother Hartman Rice, was the founder of the Brethren Revival Fellowship.

THE YEARS FOLLOWING 1974

From this early beginning in 1974, three and four week sessions were held through 1981. And during two years in the late 1970s, BBI conducted six week winter terms. One of the winter BBIs was held at New Windsor, Maryland during the first six weeks of 1978. Another winter term was held at the Cameron Estates (near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania) during the first six weeks of 1979. It became clear, however, that the number of persons willing to commit six weeks to time for Bible study (in summer or in winter) was very limited. In 1982 the BRF Committee decided to go to the one week format, and that pattern has been followed each summer since 1982. It seems that BBI was destined to provide mini courses for those who could take a week's vacation in the summer, and the idea of a regular two semester full term Bible Institute has been dropped from BRF's plans.

Over the years BBI had a sprinkling of students from various states, including a majority from Pennsylvania, plus some students from Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, California, New Mexico, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Maine.

During the very early years, Harold Martin, James Myer, and Donald Miller juggled the responsibility of serving as principal. For nine years, Galen Hackman served BBI as principal. Clarence Spangler served as principal for two summers, and Kenneth Leininger is beginning his ninth year as principal in 1998.

TEACHERS AND COURSE OFFERINGS

The following is a list of teachers who have taught at BBI: Carl Zeigler, Harold Martin, Myrl Weyant, Carol Cosner, William Tinkle, Theodore Miller, Paul Brubaker, Fred Beam, Lewis Byer, Carlton Stambaugh, James Myer, Galen Hackman, Wendell Thompson, Frank Reed, Ken Leininger, Alien Nell, John Minnich, Steve Hershey, Craig Myers, Kenneth Nell, David Kent, Dan Lehigh, and Eric Brubaker.

Listed below are the course titles taught at BBI during its twenty-five year history:

BIBLE BOOK STUDIES

Old Testament Survey, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Wisdom Literature (Job--Song of Solomon), Ecclesiastes, Jeremiah, Daniel, Minor Prophets I, Minor Prophets II, Between the Testaments, New Testament Survey, Matthew, Mark, John, Romans, I Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, The Thessalonian Epistles, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus and Philemon, Hebrews, James, The Epistles of Peter, The Epistles of John, James and Jude, The Revelation.

GENERAL SUBJECT AREAS

Practical Homiletics, Biblical Theology, A Study of God, The Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit, Sermon on the Mount, Geography of Bible Lands, Christian Stewardship, Courtship and Marriage, Marriage and Family, Discipling the Brother, How the Bible Came to Us, Various Bible Character Studies, Major Themes of Prophecy, The Millennium, Philosophy of Missions, The Missionary Call, The Spiritual Life, The Life of Christ, Brethren History, Brethren Beliefs and Practices, Biblical Counseling I, Biblical Counseling II, Personal Evangelism, Guides to Witnessing, Study of the Cults, The Major World Religions, Music Elements, Music Leading, Teaching Sunday School, Teaching DVBS, New Testament Parables, The Temple, Spiritual Warfare, The Doctrine of Angels, Christians in an Age of Science, Christian Discipleship, Interpreting the Bible, Bible Study Tools, Sanctification, Death and Grief, The Lives of Abraham and Isaac, The Ten Commandments, Principal Bible Doctrines, Paul and His Ministry.

BBI is a school where people can study the Bible in a systematic way under the direction of dedicated teachers. The Institute is designed to provide a setting and a climate that is conducive to study. Students cannot do as they please. All must learn to live happily with others. There are standards for dress and there are curfew times. There is no similar type of training institution anywhere among the Brethren churches. BBI is not competing with the Brethren related colleges, nor with Bethany Seminary. Each of the Brethren related colleges offers a number of four year academic programs that lead to a Bachelor's degree (in education, business administration, etc.), but there are not opportunities in our colleges to major in biblical literature, or church history, or Bible archaeology. And the Seminary is not a Bible Institute. It is a graduate school of theology that concentrates on philosophy, psychology, and the thinking of theologians like Earth, Bonhoeffer, and Kierkegaard. The Satellite Academy is a training institute similar to BBI, but it has more rigorous academic standards than most courses at BBI.

THE DAILY FORMAT

Students who attend BBI do not spend all their time in systematic Bible study. The format which has been followed in more recent years is to have a 25 minute chapel period as the first event of the day, followed by two 1 ½ hour classes each morning, and one 1 ½ hour class each afternoon-Monday through Friday. The chapel program on Friday morning is planned by the students, who provide special music groups, plan skits, recite poetry, or demonstrate some other talent.

There is a scheduled study time each afternoon, and there is a scheduled time for recreation. Volleyball is a favorite game during recreation time. For dorm students, there is a warm time of fellowship during a devotional/discussion period each evening. The devotional time tends to bind the students into a close-knit group.

For three years, there has been a BBI Retreat held at Camp Swatara in the Atlantic Northeast District. it has been scheduled for the third weekend of January and is open to all BBI alumni. The Retreat is a time for reminiscing, learning, relaxing, and having fun times together.

CONCLUSION

Comments on evaluation sheets filled out by students at the conclusion of BBI classes indicate some of the benefits received from studying at Brethren Bible Institute:

"The class answered several questions that were on my mind, and it was indeed very helpful. The teaching was excellent."

"I was amazed at how the Bible fits together like it does. I never realized that before, and I really enjoyed seeing it fit together."

"I really learned a lot and I know that this class was a stepping-stone in my Christian life."

"The outlines and study sheets were so helpful, especially when covering a large book like Jeremiah."

"My language cannot express my gratitude completely, but I hope to express even more gratitude by being fruitful in the things of the Lord."

The purpose of BBI is not merely to help persons increase their knowledge, but to produce in all of us a fruitful walk with Christ (Colossians 1:9-10). It is the prayer of all who have been involved in planning for, and overseeing the work of BBI, that the classes will have helped, and not hindered, the spiritual journey of those who have studied in the classes.