Purpose Statement
The Biblical Studies Department provides foundational biblical knowledge, spiritual development, and basic skills, in the context of a liberal arts education, for serving in the local church and global ministry.
Grace College’s Department of Biblical Studies offers students structured opportunities for the study of Christianity, the Word of God, and related subjects.
Like other religions, Christianity is a set of beliefs and practices associated with the devotion, worship, and service of God.
But unlike other religions, Christianity rests on the belief that the Bible stands alone as the authoritative revelation of God and that Jesus is the one and only way of reconciliation with a holy and loving God.
The department’s commitment to these two foundational truths has a direct bearing on all aspects of life—intellectual, moral, physical, and spiritual. In a world confused by the marketplace of competing ideas, the only real answers to life come from divine revelation: God communicated through his Son and through the spoken and written word, and it is in understanding the prophetic voice of Scripture that life takes on meaning.
Focus
Foundational to this department is the Word of God—what it meant as originally given and what its significance is today.
Learning how to interpret and apply Scripture correctly is the most important aspect of the student’s education. That is addressed in departmental courses specifically on the Bible, in courses on the cultures and literatures of the biblical world, and in courses in biblical languages.
But the department is not only interested in studying ancient texts. Mankind lives in a real world with complex issues, and Christians need to be prepared to handle those issues with correct biblical responses. Therefore, the department offers courses in various areas of philosophy, ethics, Christian life, current issues facing Christianity, and other religions. We emphasize in all our courses putting faith into practice, and all functions of the department look to the Bible as the ultimate authority.
Faculty
Ken Bickel, B.A., M.Div., M.A.B.C., D.Min.
Professor of Pastoral Ministries
Doctor of Ministry Coordinator
B.A., Millersburg State College
M.Div., M.A.B.C., Grace Theological Seminary
D.Min., Denver Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6452
E-mail: kebickel@grace.edu
Jeff Gill, B.S., M.Div., D.Min.
Dean, School of Ministry Studies
Professor of Pastoral Ministries
B.S., The Ohio State University
M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary
D.Min., Denver Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6438
E-mail: gillja@grace.edu
Matt Harmon, B.S., M.Div., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament Studies
B.S., Ohio University
M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Ph.D., Wheaton College
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6451
E-mail: harmonms@grace.edu
Blog: http://bibtheo.blogspot.com
Christy Hill, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Women's Ministries
B.A., Wheaton College
M.A., Talbot School of Theology
Ph.D., Talbot School of Theology
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6434
E-mail: morrcm@grace.edu
Roger Peugh, B.A., M.Div., D.Min.
Professor of World Mission
B.A., Grace College
M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary
D.Min., Grace Theological Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6431
E-mail: peughrd@grace.edu
Tiberius Rata, B.S., M.Div., Ph.D.
Professor of Old Testament Studies
Chair, Department of Biblical Studies
B.S., California State Polytechnic University
M.Div., Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6439
E-mail: tiberius.rata@grace.edu
Mark Soto, B.A., Th.B., M.A.R., M.Div.
Th.M., D.Min.
Professor of Biblical Studies
Distance Education Coordinator
B.A., Th. B., Appalachian Bible College
M.A.R., Liberty University
M.Div., Th.M., D.Min., Grace Theological Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6062
E-mail: mhsoto@grace.edu
Tom Stallter, B.A., Th.M., D.Miss.
Professor of Intercultural Studies
B.A., Grace College
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary
D.Miss., Western Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6321
E-mail: stallttm@grace.edu
Ronald Manahan, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., Th.D.
President of College and Seminary
Diploma, Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music
B.A., Shelton College
M.Div., Th.M., Th. D., Grace Theological Seminary
Phone: 574.372.5100 ext. 6394
E-mail: rmanahan@grace.edu
