Purpose and Function
At NHBC you can earn your degree without leaving your ministry, job or family. It is our purpose to provide classes which equip students with a sound Biblical foundation for ministry and provide a basis for a sound Biblical world view. The central focus of the college is to prepare ministers for licensure, to provide continuing education for pastors, persons engaged in church leadership roles, and individuals interested in a deeper study of the Word of God.
Policies
Acceptance of Credits from other schools: When students apply, he or she may list courses from religious schools, colleges, Bible training centers, and secular colleges. These course names must be submitted with the verification of transcripts or other documentation with appropriate teachers’ and/or supervisors’ signatures. Classes must have been earned with a grade of “C” or better. In some cases, credit will be assigned for a general grade of “pass” with appropriate signatures from teachers and/or supervisors. The academic committee of New Hope Bible College will determine which courses can be given credit. New Hope Bible College assigns “life experience credits” on a case by case basis. The amount of credit is determined by the kind of Christian ministry involvement, the quality, the duration, and whether it was gained at apprentice level, pastoral level, ministry level, etc. It is our desire to encourage pastors and teachers to submit for evaluation those activities of ministry which would appropriately be assigned academic credit. As a general rule, no more than 9 life ministry credits given for associate’s degree and no more than 15 life ministry credits for the bachelor’s degree.
NHBC admits students of any race, sex, color, nationality, or ethnic origin and provides all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, or scholarships.
Fees:
NHBC requires a non-refundable application fee of $25 to be received with the submission of the Student Application Form. Each course of study will cost $30 payable prior to receiving any on-line or hard copy course for study.
Accreditation:
After a Peer Review and evaluation and in recognition of meeting the High Standards of Academic Excellence, New Hope Bible College has been awarded Associate Member Status by the National Accrediting Agency of Private Theological Institutions and has received full accreditation of curriculum, faculty and administration. New Hope Bible College is thereby accredited to grant religious degrees at the Associate and Bachelor levels.
Legal Standing:
We are listed with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education of the State of California
Doctrinal Statement:
We believethat the Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason. (II Timothy 3:15; I Peter 2:2)
We believe the one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I Am”; and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, i.e. as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deut 6:14; Mark 12:29; Isa. 43:10; Matt 28:19)
We believe that Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” But man, by voluntary transgression, fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Gen 1:26-31; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-21)
We believe that the Condition to Salvation is found in the grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, and being justified by grace through faith he becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 2:11; Rom 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7)
We believe that the Evidence of Salvation is experienced in the inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. Rom 8:16. The outward evidence of all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. (Heb 12:14)
We believe in the ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have repented and, in their hearts, have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord. In so doing, their body is washed in pure water as an outward symbol of cleaning, while their hearts have already been sprinkled with the blood of Christ, as inner cleansing. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matt 28:19; Acts 10:47; Rom 6:4; Acts 20:21; Heb 10:22)
We believe that the Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Pet 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (I Cor 11:26); and a prophecy of His Second Coming (I Cor 11:26) and is enjoyed on all believers until He comes.
We believe that all believers are entitled, and should ardently expect, and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father, the baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes enduements of power for life and service, the bestowment of gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; I Cor. 12:1-31) This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to Acts 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9.
We believe that the baptism of the believers with the Holy Ghost is accompanied by the initial physical sign of the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. (Acts 2:4) The speaking in tongues, in this instance, is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (I Cor 12:4-10, 28), but different in the purpose and use.
We believe that the Scriptures teach a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost, we are able to obey the command, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” Entire sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued. (I Thess 5:23, 24; I John 2:6)
We believe that marriage is ordained by God Himself. It is an intimate and complementing union between a man and a woman in matrimony for which the two become one physically, for their whole lives. God’s design for marital relationship is heterosexual, not homosexual, and monogamous, not polygamous (Gen 2:21-24; Matt 19:4-6).
We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer born of the Spirit is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the First Born which are written in heaven. (Eph 1:22, 23; 2:22; Heb 12:23)
We believe that a divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) the evangelization of the world, and (2) the edifying of the body of Christ. (Mark 16:15-20; Eph 4:11-13)
We believe deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. (Isaiah 54:4, 5; Matt 8:16, 17; Josh 5:14, 15)
We believe that the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church. (I Thess 4:16, 17; Rom *:23; I Cor 15:51, 52)
We believe the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the Millennial reign of Christ on the earth is the Scriptural promise and the world’s hope. (II Thess 1:7; Rev 10:11-14; Rom 11:26, 27; Rev 20: 1-7)
We believe that the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Rev 20:10-15)
We believe that we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. (II Pet 3:13; Rev 21:22)
Prerequisites for Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Biblical Studies, Ministerial Studies:
Every student will be required to complete the five Core Classes listed below along with additional classes to fulfill the student’s individual choice of Course Study.
Course Requirements for Degrees
Associate of Biblical Studies:
The Associate of Biblical Studies program is a 60 semester unit program based upon the study of key books of the Bible and a survey of key doctrines. Designed for beginning ministry students, the program will insure a manageable transition into New Hope Bible College’s Bachelor of Ministerial Studies program.
Bachelor of Ministerial Studies:
The Bachelor of Ministerial Studies is a 120 semester unit program, with the first 60 units being completed at the Associate’s level. The program introduces the student to a wide variety of general Bible courses and doctrines, giving the student a grasp of in-depth Bible study and introducing them to the issues and complexity of formal Bible study. Additionally, the students are given classes in aspects of general ministry to include the following: basics of counseling, administration, and conflict resolution.
Core Classes
CC-101 – Knowing Your Bible—An in-depth look at the Bible that investigates the authority, writing and transmission, and the Canon of the Scriptures. Archaeology and prophecy, as well as how to study and interpret the bible are also reviewed in this seven chapter course.
CC-102 – Systematic Theology—This course teaches the critical doctrines of the Bible, which is a necessity for the serious student and believer, The Bible, God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, Man, The New Life, Life in the Spirit, The Church, The Ministry, Divine Healing, The Second coming of Christ and The Last things will be discussed in depth.
CC-103 – Old Testament Survey—A detailed book-by-book survey of the Old Testament with a session on the 400 years of silence “between the Testaments,” which will introduce the student to the history of Israel and surrounding areas that led to the introduction of Jesus Christ.
CC-104 – New Testament Survey—An exhaustive book-by-book study of the books of the New Testament with emphasis on the Synoptic Gospels, the Pauline Epistles, the history book of the New Testament—Acts, and Revelation, which make up most of the New Testament.
CC-105 – History of The Church—this required course is a summary of the Church’s story. It covers 2000 years of God’s work with ordinary people which He used in extraordinary ways. From AD64 to the Present, this course looks at the ups and downs of the followers of Christ, The Church.
4 Biblical Studies Courses:
BS-101 – Romans I: This course is an introductory course to the first eight chapters of the Book of Romans. It prepares the student through the use of a commentary-style summary of each of the verses of this first part of Romans. It is designed to both acquaint the student with a thorough knowledge of the text, as well as a thorough comprehension of the major doctrines of Salvation and the central teaching that man is saved by grace through faith.
BS-102 – Romans II: This course continues the theme of salvation by grace through faith. Additionally, it covers God’s choosing Israel as His special people and the “grafting in of the Gentiles.” The important issues of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, dispensationalism, and believer’s responsibility to live a life of sacrifice.
BS-103 – Ephesians: One of Paul’s “Prison Epistles/Letters” addressed to the believers in the city of Ephesis. It emphasizes the doctrine of the Church as the body of Christ, as well as the exalted privileges of members of that Body.
BS-104 – Tabernacle: A thorough and comprehensive study into the construction, necessity and understanding of all the elements that surround the Tabernacle which is foundational to understanding of Christ’s fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
BS-105 – Eschatology: This course will teach the dispensational approach to interpretation. This approach is marked by being futuristic with the imminent return of Christ Jesus our Lord and King. The distinction between prophecies concerning God’s chosen nation, Israel, and prophecies concerning the Church, His Bride are discussed. And the study of the major end-time prophecies is presented.
BS-106 – Hebrews: This course is designed to introduce the student to the Book of Hebrews. It is written in commentary format, but with a carefully placed focus on application for the Christian life. This focus will enable pastors, teachers, and laymen to use its content for sermons and Bible studies. In its content, the student will learn about the superiority of the Christian faith and the author’s warnings to persevere in the faith. It is an excellent book for students to study and review the Old Testament sacrificial system and exalt the fulfillment of the Law in the Person of Jesus Christ.
BS-107 – Psalm 23: An interesting look at the most quoted Psalm of King David through the eyes of a 20th century shepherd and the discoveries of who our Shepherd really is to us.
BS-108 – Colossians: A Prison Epistle/Letter, Colossians was written explicitly to combat the heresy that had arisen in Colosse and was threatening the life of the church. No other book of the New Testament sets forth more fully or defends the universal lordship of Christ more thoroughly than does this book.
BS-109 – Daniel: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Resolute, Determining To Go God’s Direction. As you study the book Daniel wrote, you’ll meet Daniel’s God, the Sovereign Lord who rules in the kingdom of men and who confidently announces things to come. In Daniel’s life and ministry you will see how true believers live in the light of biblical prophecy. (Study book purchase is necessary) 5
BS-110 – James: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Mature, Growing Up In Christ. An expository study that will help you to attain spiritual maturity: “”¦that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” James 1:4. Wiersbe says, “If Christians would just grow up, they would become victors instead of victims. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-111 – Thessalonians I: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Ready, Living In Light of Christ’s Return. The two major themes of both I and II Thessalonians is the return of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the local church. In these two letters, Paul balances the prophetical and the practical. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-112 – Thessalonians II: (continuation from I Thessalonians) And Paul insists that the doctrine of the return of Jesus Christ be more than a doctrine — that it be a dynamic in our lives and in the ministry of our churches. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-113 – Revelation: A book study from the book by Tim LaHaye, Revelation Unveiled. A very detailed study on the entire book of Revelation with commentary by Brother Reuben Fillon, whose expertise is prophecy and teaching. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-114 – Galatians: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Free, Exchange Legalism For True Spirituality. Wiersbe says that he considers the book of Galatians “a dangerous book.” It exposes the most popular substitute for spiritual living that we have in our churches today — legalism. The Lord shows us in Galatians how wrong we are and how right we can be if we would let the Holy Spirit take over. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-115 – Genesis I: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Basic, Believing the Simple Truth of God’s Word. Everything in this life has a beginning, and so does the bible: Genesis is the book of beginnings. In the first eleven chapters you will discover the beginning of the universe, the earth, human life, sin, death, and redemption. Most important, you will discover the beginning of God’s love affair with humanity. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-116 – Genesis II: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Obedient, Learning the Secret of Living By Faith. There are ironies within the different stages of life. The youthful side of life desires privilege without the responsibility. It’s the same in your spiritual walk. Most don’t have a problem with prayer, Bible study, or spiritual disciplines, but living a lifestyle of faithful obedience is the tough one. We want lots of privilege with God, but we are not willing to pay the price. This is what you will discover in the life of Abraham in Genesis 12-24: His three stages of faith that enabled Abraham to obey God. (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-117 – Genesis II: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Authentic, Exhibiting Real Faith In The Real World. Mr. Wiersbe states that he called this book Be Authentic because in it you will study the lives of three Bible characters who were authentic: Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These men weren’t perfect, because nobody is, but they were authentic in their relationships to themselves, their peers, and their God. God is looking for authentic people. Do you want to be one of them? (Study book purchase is necessary)
BS-118 – Peter I (Available soon)
BS-119 – Peter II (Available soon)
BS-120 – Philippians: From the “Be” Series by Warren W. Wiersbe: Be Joyful, Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy. The book of Philippians is Paul’s manifesto on how to live a life full of joy. Wiersbe comments that he believes that Paul’s ability to be joyful was due to the source of his joy. Paul reveals in his letter to the Philippians that his joy was “in the Lord” rather than in the difficult, painful, constantly changing circumstances of life. (Study book purchase necessary)
BS-121 — Acts I: This course is a book study by Stanley M. Horton: Acts, A Logion Press Commentary. In Acts 2:33, the apostle Peter outlines the theology and spirituality of Pentecostalism in a single sentence: “Exalted to the right hand of God, Jesus has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” The Book of Acts as a whole shows this theological and spiritual worldview in action, and throughout Christian history it has served as the narrative template for the Church’s spiritual renewal and reform. It covers Acts 1:1 through Acts 11:18. (Study book purchase necessary)
BS-122 — Acts II: This course picks up where Acts I leaves off: Acts 11:19 through the end of Acts 28:31. It begins with a new center in Antioch and takes you through Paul’s first, second and third missionary trips and ends with his incarceration in Rome. (Study book same as Acts I)
BS- 123 — I Corinthians: This course is a book study by Stanley M. Horton: I & II Corinthians, A Logion Press Commentary. First Corinthians deals with the opposition that arises within the Corinthian church because of the disharmony of the people and their fellowship with immoral people. In addition to dealing with sins, he deals with marriage, public worship, the Holy Spirit’s gifts and ministries, and an offering for the Jerusalem saints. (Study book purchase necessary)
BS — 124 — II Corinthians: This severe letter was written by Paul so that he would not have to make another painful visit to the Corinthians. His first letter to them caused him much concern by their response. Second Corinthians lets us know that even though the church there as a whole had repented, some opposition to Paul still existed. (Study book same as I Corinthians) 7
Pastoral Ministry
Courses: PasM-101 – Pastoral Theology: Pastoral Theology is the part of Christian Theology that deals with the office and
functions of the Pastor. It is theology in that it has everything to do with God’s dealings throughout history.
It is pastoral because it deals with those consequences as they pertain to the roles, tasks, duties, and work of
the Pastor (Oden).
PasM-102 – Church Administration: A Biblical foundation for the administration of churches. This course covers the administration and management to an organization’s people processes and it will help institutions use their resources more effectively. It covers three important categories for the effective administration of churches today.
PasM-103 – Pastoral Care & Counseling: This course is designed to give a basic overview of the work of the pastor or Christian worker in pastoral counseling. Its emphasis on “empathetic listening” will help experienced as well as new ministers to have a firm foundation in the important ministry of counseling. Pastoral Care, by James L. Killen, Jr., Abingdon Press. (Study book purchase necessary)
PasM-104 – Conflict Resolution: Conflict can strike at any time, any place, any group or any event within the church. It follows no schedule. It is not a respecter of place or person. It can be major or minor, affect a few or many person, and there can be both negative and positive results. It is important for pastors to participate in a study of conflict in the church. They must learn the facts, concepts and theories which will be useful in managing conflict when it comes. This course is designed to help pastors identify and understand conflict, and develop a plan for preventive maintenance of conflict in their ministry. : ANTAGONISTS IN THE CHURCH- How to Identify and Deal with Destructive Conflict By Kenneth C. Haugk; 1988, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis; ANTAGONISTS IN THE CHURCH-Study Guide, By Kenneth C. Haugk and R. Scott Perry; 1988, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis. (Study book purchase is necessary)
PasM-105 – Hermeneutics: The art and science of how to interpret the Scripture is discussed in this course as well as the rules and application of these rules that govern this particular Biblical science.
PasM- 106 – Homiletics: A thorough study in the science of the preparation and delivery of sermons with emphasis on the techniques of preaching that can be developed and improved upon.
PasM-107 – Methods and Principles for Teaching Today’s Adults/Small Groups: The focus of this course is to give the adult learner the theology, theories, and tools to assist them in the development of sound adult education experiences for the adult learner in the church and Christian ministry. The course provides a Biblical foundation for the principles and practice of adult learning (andragogy) and for building educational experiences for the adult learner in the church and ministry. (Required textbook purchase) Gangel, Kennel O., James C. Wilhoit, Editors; The Christian Educator’s handbook on Adult Education; Baker Books and Berkley, James D. General Editor; Leadership Handbook of Outreach and Care; Baker Books)
PasM-108 – Introduction to Apologetics: This course is a book study: Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which means a defense. This study will help prepare us to presents a solid case for our faith and will help change the negative perception many unbelievers have of us. (Study book purchase necessary)
PasM-109 – The Life of Christ: This course is designed to give the student a knowledge of the words and works of Jesus Christ. It prepares the student by having him study the events in Christ’s life, using the Synoptic Gospels and the Book of John. The texts upon which this course is based are the Bible (NIV) and The Life of Christ by Ralph M. Riggs. The approach used is thematic” in that this course seeks to introduce the student to Jesus Christ- know how he lived, spoke, and taught. (Study book purchase is necessary) (Available soon)
PasM-110 – What Leaders Do: A must course for anyone involved in leadership. This course is a practical, hands-on guide taken from the book Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. (Study book purchase is necessary)
PasM-111 – Spiritual Leadership : A book study by Warren W. Wiersbe from his book On Being a Leader for God. He points out that this book is not a detailed manual about hands-on management. Rather, it seeks to present a practical “theology of leadership” based on the principles taught and illustrated in the Bible. (Study book purchase is necessary)
Faculty and Staff:
Samuel C. Fillon, President
First Born Bible School, Berean School of the Bible, AA Los Angeles Harbor College, Th. B. Dayspring University, M.A. P.C. Andersonville Theological Seminary, served as Dean of Academics, Dayspring University 1998-2000, Doctor of Theology, Ecclesia Bible Institute.
Rachel Sugimoto, Dean of Academics
First Born Bible School, B.A. Cal State University, Long Beach, M.A. C. Ed. Dayspring University, Doctor of Biblical Studies, Andersonville Theological Seminary.
Susan Fillon, Director of Admissions/Finance, Faculty
First Born Bible School, BA Biblical Studies New Hope Bible College, Local Church Teacher Certifier, Southern California District Council Assemblies of God.
Susan K. Fowble, Faculty
R.N., B.S.N., University of Maryland, M.S. (Adult & Continuing Education, Organizational Development), John Hopkins University, M. Div./D. Min Candidate, Andersonville Theological Seminary.
Reuben Fillon, Faculty
Principal, First Born Bible School, BA Biblical Studies New Hope Bible College, BS, California State University, Long Beach, California.
A Ministry of
New Hope Christian Center
501 (c) 3
2351 255th Street, Lomita, CA 90717
310-325-0253
www.newhopelomita.org
An affiliate of the FAFB, Inc.