Biblical Studies
Our Purpose
Ultimately, the Department of Biblical Studies aims to glorify God, to strengthen His church, and to spread the Gospel. We do this by preparing men and women of various ages, races and situations in life to follow the example of Ezra, who set his heart to study God's Word, obey it and teach it to others (Ezra 7:10).
Our Program
The study of the Bible is a vital component of the total curriculum at Atlanta Christian College. All students who complete a bachelor’s degree from ACC will either major or minor in biblical studies.
The Department of Biblical Studies offers biblical courses in both the Old and the New Testaments, as well as theological courses, including courses in Christian doctrine, ethics, apologetics and practical theology. We are excited about the in-depth study of the most important of all books: the Bible. We aim at mastering its content and, just as importantly, learning how to interpret and apply its message of Good News.
Second-year Greek students visit the Pitts Theology Library at Emory University with Dr. Barry Blackburn.
They are pictured here with some of the library's oldest printed Bibles.
Your Career and Ministry
A major in biblical studies prepares a student for a number of exciting career possibilities. Many ACC students who major in biblical studies become full-time ministers in churches, but others become missionaries, chaplains and Bible teachers in Christian secondary schools, colleges and seminaries. Many of our graduates go on to seminary to further prepare for a career in teaching.
ACC alumni are engaged in ministries throughout the country and the world, as preaching ministers in 36 states, missionaries in 18 foreign countries on 5 continents, youth ministers, evangelists, prison ministers, chaplains, college professors and administrators, campus ministers, pastoral counselors, Christian camp directors, church administrators, parachurch organization leaders, children’s home workers, church planting ministers, inner-city ministers and educational ministers working with children, youth, singles, adults and families.
The Department of Biblical Studies offers three degree programs: bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of theology (a fifth-year, undergraduate program). A dual major is offered in biblical studies and preaching ministry. In conjunction with the Department of English and Humanities, the B.A. and B.S. degrees are also offered with dual majors in humanities or English and biblical studies (visit the
Department of English and Humanities web page to learn more about these degree programs).
The B.A. and B.S. degrees offers minors in biblical languages, children's ministry, Christian ministry, intercultural missions, preaching ministry, seminary preparation, and youth and family ministry.
Minors
The department also offers minors for those pursuing majors in other departments. Minors are available in the following areas:
- Biblical languages
- Intercultural missions
- Youth and family ministry
Faculty
Each faculty member in the biblical studies department was hired on the basis of solid academic credentials and a record of significant participation in the work of the church. Faculty were educated at such institutions as Cincinnati Christian University, Hebrew Union College, the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Moreover, the professors actively preach, teach and conduct seminars in numerous churches in the United States and abroad.
Full-time faculty members:
Barry L. Blackburn, Ph.D. (web page)
Professor of New Testament, Department Chair
Holly J. Carey, Ph.D. (web page)
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Stephen M. Hooks, Ph.D. (web page)
Professor of Biblical Studies
Billy Strother, Ph.D. (web page)
Professor of Preaching Ministry and Biblical Studies
Part-time and adjunct faculty members:
Michael L. Bain
Professor of Biblical Studies and Library Director
James C. Donovan, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor in Ministry
Dennis E. Glenn, Ph.D.
Professor of Christian Education; Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
and Dean of Accreditation
Mego Haralu, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor in Intercultural Studies and Christian Ministry
Dwayne Hicks
Adjunct Instructor in Youth Ministry
Samuel W. Huxford
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of the Chapel;
Instructor in New Testament and Theology
Anthony W. Johns
Adjunct Instructor in Biblical Studies
Carson Reed, D. Min.
Adjunct Instructor in Biblical Studies
For more detailed information on the department and its degree programs, see the ACC Catalog or contact the Registrar or department chair.