Q. I'm having an awful time deciding between a Bible college and a Christian liberal arts college. I have a friend at a Bible college and she really seems to be learning so much about walking with God, and feels I could learn a lot there, too. I have this other friend at a Christian liberal arts college and he feels I should go there. What do you think? What's the difference between these two kinds of schools? How should I decide between these two options?
A. It's a good idea to talk with your friends about their experiences at the schools they attend. But it's important to decide on your own goals and then think about which school will help you accomplish those goals. Both models—the Christian liberal arts college and the Bible college—have a God-given mission and are worthy of your consideration. Both types of schools provide many opportunities for students to learn about walking with God and knowing him more fully. Each has its niche in preparing students for kingdom work.
Generally speaking, a Bible college focuses primarily on preparing students for full-time Christian ministry, such as church or mission work. A Christian liberal arts college may also do that through some of its major courses of study. More often, students will experience a broad-based general education curriculum, pervasively integrated with the Christian faith. They also study a major in anything from early childhood education to music performance to business management.
This is a time for you to prayerfully seek the plans that God has for you and trust him to help you determine which school fits you best and will best prepare you to serve the Lord.
Written by Judy Moseman
