Usually, those considering courses with a Bible College are already believers in God. They may seek to take courses for personal edification (audit) or look to pursue a certification. At Great Lakes Bible College, we offer everything from a Foundations Certificate (About 5 full time courses) to a Bachelor of Theology (About 40 full time courses).

However, many believers are asking the question, why should I study at a Bible College?

More Information, Less Answers

We live in a time and place where virtually any kind of information is available- history, statistics, philosophy, translations, opinion pieces. I can type my question into a search engine (or use voice recognition) and I can find an answer! Why would I question something so easy to use? Sometimes, finding an answer doesn't always mean that I've found the right answer.

In our digital world, algorithms search vast oceans of data on my behalf, and the results are not always focused on finding the right answer. When I research a question, I find the answer that the technology thinks that I want. That is, the 'answer' is based on my previous searches, the content I've clicked on, and even what my housemates have been doing. I'm likely to be presented with the content that is most likely to make me use that technology again. Social media algorithms are designed this way to a greater extent- prioritizing engagement over truth.

For example, if I search 'bible',  my search engine will use all of my previous interactions as a guide to present me with the content it thinks that I will find most useful. As I often have done research for sermons,  it might direct me to some online bibles. However, if I had recently clicked on content about reasons to doubt, I can be certain that my search engine will take that into account and direct me to content that it deems more suitable.

So, how can I get to the truth? Am I at the mercy of algorithms, or schools and teachers that might have their own agenda?

Rethinking Learning and the Power of a Learning Community

Guided Biblical Education is not just about getting exposure to information- it's about building a foundation through exposure to the best information, and equipping for future success. Through guided study, you can be efficient, without having to rely on only algorithms to provide content. A guided Biblical Education also provides the opportunity to invest our time into serious study. How much time do we spend doing low-value activities, like commuting? If I believe that it's important to explore my relationship with God, I need to also ask if I'm devoting the appropriate amount of time to it? Guided Biblical Education also provide the opportunity to ask relevant questions, and get relevant answers. We can spend hours listening to content that simply supports whatever we already believe. However, guided biblical education with well equipped teachers and similarly curious students allows us to become part of a learning community that equips us for the future. We may not bring up "all the answers", or even bring up "all the questions". However, our foundation and the opportunity to dialogue give us the tools for future success.

Bible, Ministry, Worldview

GLBC's integrated learning model strives to be a holistic approach to learning. If we are to love the Lord with our whole being (Deuteronomy 6:5), then we need an approach to learning that seeks to shape our thoughts and actions toward service.

• The Bible is our foundation of learning (Psalm 119:97)
• We are all ministers (Ephesians 4:12; | Peter 2:9) and we want to help equip our students for their ministries by walking, shaping and releasing them as servant leaders in the church and in the world.
• Developing a Christian worldview is essential to Christian service (Romans I2:1-2)

We have been given the mission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus final command is our first priority and we need to be a people focused on the Word and engaged in ministry. In addition, a Christian worldview is shaped by and shapes both our understanding of God's word and our work of ministry.