E-Mail: able@biblical-life.com

Website : www.biblical-life.com/able/able.htm

"My Doctoral work at BLCS was the finest educational experience I have ever had. Though I have three Masters degrees, I have always longed for a time where I was given the freedom to really dig in and study exactly what I wanted to learn. I commend BLCS on being on the cutting edge of an educational trend that is here to stay!"

Emmett A. Cooper, Ph.D., Author and Director, HoneyWord Ministries, Colorado Springs, CO

BLCS is truly on the cutting edge of theological education by extension. With all the schools offering TEE courses and degree programs today, one would be hard pressed to find any other school offering as high a quality curriculum as BLCS!"

"For over 22 years I have been in some college environment on various levels. Since the nature of my work and my call made it impossible to drop everything I was doing and stay at a university for a prolonged period of time, my academic experience and my expertise has been somewhat scattered. Finally God has raised up a credible institution that has the maturity, expertise, and professional understanding to see what I am doing in my profession of ministry. BLCS demonstrates a vision and purpose like no other institution I have ever attended. They listen! They understand! And they help!"

William F. Lee, Ph.D., Southern Pines, NC

"BLCS was a tremendous blessing to me! As a full-time pastor, wife and mom, I truly appreciate the flexibility of the BLCS Doctor of Ministry Program and the fact my faculty advisors were so readily available at almost any hour of the day. As a conservative evangelical female, I also appreciated the Biblically sound and inclusive mind-set of BLCS. The faculty committee assigned to guide me through the process of writing my dissertation was extremely supportive and understanding of the unique problems I face. I am firmly convinced that it was because of their prayers and personal concern that the process of writing my dissertation turned out to be an uplifting spiritual experience. Thank you all!"

Karen Turner McClellan, D.Min., Levittown, PA.

"The course on Spiritual Warfare has changed my life. I am now teaching it on my weekly radio program. The response has been overwhelming!"

Jimmy Turner, Ph.D., Radio Bible Teacher, Ruffin, NC

"For the first time in my life, I know that I can hear the voice of God."

Wayne Stahr, Santa Maria, CA (Comment after taking the course "Dynamics of a Spirit-Filled Prayer Life.")

"When I first enrolled into the Doctoral Program at BLCS, I was a little skeptical of non-traditional education. I am glad to say that my experience with BLCS was very rewarding. I believe non-traditional education will be the future of education."

"I have found the program at BLCS to be challenging and extremely well structured. I would, without question, recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a competent minister. Dr. Lake and the faculty have done an outstanding job of developing an academically sound institution which provides the opportunity for high quality external education which is thoroughly evangelical in doctrine."

Chaplain (LTC) Barry J. Minsky, Ph.D., Chaplain, U.S. Army

"I was greatly impressed with the courses at BLCS. I am receiving the same high quality curriculum I received at a traditional Seminary I was attending. The only difference is not in the education, but in the tuition. At BLCS, I am not paying $225.00 a semester credit hour!"

"I found the BLCS Catalog to be very interesting and I noted that the Catalog was well planned and it gave very careful attention to detail. I believe that the BLCS academic programs and professional objectives constitutes a model that is worthy for other Schools to adopt."

"I really appreciate the fact that BLCS has not fallen into the rut that so many ‘Christian’ Colleges having; swelling the head with ‘Christian’ knowledge and pumping out degrees because that is man’s way to get into the ministry. Instead, BLCS has recognized that one must be led by the Holy Spirit in all of his ventures in life, so they train the person to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord and to recognize His voice. Thereby making the student able to hear clearly from the Lord before embarking on any Christian work. Then the things learned from taking classes don’t just camp out in your noggin’ but instead are quickened by the Holy Spirit to your spirit where they take on life and become a source of life to draw from for the student. It is with this spirit of revelation of the knowledge of God that the student can walk in the power, authority, fear and love of Almighty God, and therefore in confident faith in his Savior, step out into the exact ministry that the Lord has for him . . . whether it be the traditional full-time pastor or the non-traditional musical street-evangelist in the ghetto area of town. Let not our ministry and faith rest on man’s wisdom, but let it be in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Only then will it produce the desired results. I could write on for hours, but the bottom line is that I appreciate the folks at BLCS being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and stepping out in change, even when it bucks the standard seminary trend. Because of this, your labors will bear much fruit and so glorify the Father."

Daniel Stevens, Th.D., Middletown, RI

“Upon acceptance into BLCS, there began a close personal bonding, relating to me as a unique individual with an attainable dream, that I believe that Dr. Lake and his instructional team could help me achieve.  They challenge  students to learn, understand and retain a wealth of information deemed necessary for our individual growth.  They helped me to understand the Spirit of God in me, as well as His call upon my life.  It was through my work at BLCS that I came to know where God had in the five-fold ministry. In August of 1994, I earned my Master of Biblical Counseling through BLCS.  God has endowed me with the opportunity to continue my counseling ministry goals.  I have interacted with Court Lawyers and am accepted by the Nassau and Suffolk County New York Court Systems.”

 Rev. Virginia Bieber, MBC, Patchogue, NY

“As a seminary that specializes in distance learning and education BLCS can be proud of its quality of education, its standards for study, and its educational philosophy.  While preparing to earn a doctoral degree several years ago, I looked at catalogs from graduate schools from all across America.  The majority of catalogs and schools fell into two groups – one group simply tried to get me to think like they thought and all the “classes” were geared to helping the student fall into line with their single-minded philosophy of ministry.  The second group offered very quick, one year doctoral degrees for a simple paper or project and hefty tuition payment.  In the second case, I could have had a grand well-known seminary name on my diploma, but what good would it be with such a hollow education?  What was left was about three seminaries that had thought through non-traditional education.  They had set the standards strong and high for graduation, and they allowed the student to deeply explore the Scriptures and the minister’s/student’s passion for ministry.  It is in this last, small group that I found the people and leaders of Biblical Life College & Seminary.

 As one who has an undergraduate and masters degree in Christian Education for regionally accredited schools, I was drawn to the fact that BLCS had given thought to its educational dynamic and philosophy in a non-traditional setting.  I appreciated its ongoing love for the Hebraic studies and the Christian’s Old Testament roots which are so neglected in many circles today.  I saw in the school a love and honor for the full and complete counselor and Word of God.  And, BLCS permitted me the opportunity of continuing my studies over a long term (6 years in my case) so that the material could be explored with my congregation, dissected with a council of godly men every week, and applicable to my local and international ministry and work.  Through its strong standards and yet flexible style, BLCS’s doctoral program has and will continue to make an everlasting impact on this world and upon the cultures of this world.

 Not many have heard of BLCS.  I had not until I began my studies with them in 1996.  But I am proud to be called an alumnus of the school, to recommend its classes and courses (which I have) and to see BLCS grow and challenge new generations of Christians to be equipped with the power of the living Word and of our living God.  BLCS is a top-quality Christian college and graduate school!”

 Pastor Mark E. Struck, D.T.S., Rochester, MN.

 “I have recently enrolled in BLCS, after retiring as a Police Officer.  I am currently involved in the Christian Motorcyclists Association, and serve as the Vice President of a chapter in Denver, CO.  I did a lot of research prior to choosing a Bible College, and BLCS fit perfectly into what I had prayed for.  I have completed the first six courses of the Diploma in Biblical Studies Program, and I have been blessed by the teachings of Dr. Lake and the readings in the textbooks.  I know that this program will help me in my relationship with Jesus, and my extension with my ministry and fulfilling the Great Commission.  I am very pleased with the non-denominational, bible centered teaching.  Thank you BLCS for your affordable, attainable, and personal teaching and courses for those of us interested in obtaining knowledge in the bible.”

 Chap. Bill Chartier, Denver, CO

Prior to being saved and shortly after, I was pursuing a Master’s Degree in business at Auburn University through their distance learning program. But once saved, I felt that God was leading me to a different path for my education. I wanted the Master’s Degree in business to conquer the world for my gain. Once saved, I saw to grow in knowledge of the One that saved me and died in my place. I wanted to be used by Him to spread His Gospel and defend His Truth. I also wanted to learn how to answer the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, “to make disciples of all nations...” I wanted to learn how to equip myself and to equip others to take up their cross and follow Jesus. I wanted to learn how to make Soldiers of Christ as Paul wrote about to Timothy.

This is where Biblical Life College and Seminary came in. I looked at many Christian universities and seminaries, but none made my spirit leap. It was not until I came across Biblical Life College and Seminary that I felt God’s confirmation deep in my heart. So after prayerful consideration, counseling with my Pastor and wife, and communication with the School, I enrolled in the Master’s of Christian Education program at BLCS.  Some of the classes had dozens of hours of lecture tapes as part of the curriculum. The teaching/preaching was so Spirit-filled that I would listen to entire sets in only a few days times. Often times I would listen to them over and over just for inspiration.

What I say next is not to boast, but rather to give glory to God. Many people in my church are amazed that I have grown so fast and so hungry for the Lord in my short life after salvation. Often times they ask me how I grew so fast. My answer usually goes like this:

1) By the Grace and provisions of God. 2) By having solid Christian Mentors, teachers, and accountability. 3) By having a Spirit-filled curriculum like the Christian Education program at BLCS.

Now that God has allowed me to complete my Master’s Degree in Christian Education, it has opened up many doors both inside my local and church and outside. For example, there are now plans within the church leadership to use my education as a central Christian Education Director to help coordinate and even construct curriculum for the various age groups and ministries. Second, the church now has someone that is qualified and equipped to start the Christian School that has been on the drawing board for years. Next, it has equipped me to pursue avenues of creating Christian Discipleship Programs, materials, and resources. Finally, it has better equipped me to serve as the spiritual leader in my household that God has ordained me to be.

I would highly recommend BLCS to anyone that is serious about being educated in the knowledge of God, guided by the Spirit of God, to reach out to the lost and equip those within. I am also currently pursuing my Doctorate in Christian Education at BLCS because of my belief in their ministry.

Randy McEwen, M.C.E., Rincon, GA

A decade ago I founded Fitness for Life Personal Training Service in Florida. Fitness for Life offered fitness and nutrition services from a Biblical perspective. While working as a certified personal trainer I began to realize that total healing for clients would require treating the whole person, not just the presenting problems. I found a network of counselors to refer my clients to but often times found my fitness clients returning to me for counseling and discipleship. Many of my clients were disenchanted with secular counselors and just as disappointed by Christian counselors. Although a devout Christian, I found myself ill-equipped to minister to my client’s deep emotional and spiritual wounds. I knew in many cases true freedom from their physical symptoms would never happen until the emotional and spiritual wounds were treated with a balanced Biblical counseling approach. It was during this season in my life that I knew God was calling me out and setting me apart to lead me back to college to equip me for a new vision.

When I would ask God “what vision?”, I received two answers.

1) Hebrews 4:9-11, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

2) Isaiah 61 “…preach the good news, bind up the broken hearted…set the captives free…release them…comfort those who mourn…bestow on them a crown of beauty…oil of gladness…garment of praise…rebuild ancient ruins…restore the places long devastated…”

My husband and I then moved South Korea. During our year in South Korea God gave me the vision that tied these two Scriptures together. The vision was that I was to provide a safe and trusting place where Christians could learn to enter our Sabbath rest; God’s presence through Yeshua the Messiah. It would be a place where we would preach the good news, bind up the broken hearted…set the captives free…release them…comfort those who mourn…bestow on them a crown of beauty…oil of gladness…garment of praise…rebuild ancient ruins…restore the places long devastated… Once there each would find hope, rest, healing, renewal and restoration. Christians would be treated with Biblically based assessments and interventions for the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. It would be a place where people would receive a more inclusive approach to “Christian” wellness in a casual, non-threatening environment. The ministry would have specific services which included Biblical counseling, group Bible teachings, mentoring and discipleship, personalized fitness training, nutritional counseling, massage therapy and animal therapy. It would be a home away from home where each would receive God’s unconditional love, mercy and compassion; a place where a new revelation of God’s grace would be experienced through treating the whole person; physically, emotionally and spiritually. God revealed to me the name would be Sabbath House Ministries and our mission would be “Meeting the deep needs of hurting people so that others may come to know the love of God.” Finally I heard directly from the Lord that I needed a time of preparation before I would be equipped and released to fulfill this vision.

This is where the staff at Biblical Life College and Seminary became leaders in my journey. After researching many colleges I chose BLCS because they understood that we are tripartite in nature; made in the image of God. Further, they understood that counselors must be trained to minister and counsel to heal people, set them free from bondage, equip them and release them into ministry. I found in my first year that BLCS offered an academically sound and Biblically based counseling curriculum that met all of my needs. While studying I was drawn to the Hebraic studies and loved how the professors encouraged me to deeply explore the Holy Scriptures. This helped me understand my calling and the vision of Sabbath House Ministries more clearly. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Biblical Counseling.

Upon completing my undergrad work I acted as referring counselor for Trinity Community Church in Bowie Maryland. It was during that time that we began to seek God for my next step in ministry. Again, the faculty at BLCS proved to be key players in my journey. They made themselves available for further mentoring, prayer support and wise Biblical counsel. After much prayer God made our path clear that I was to complete a Master of Biblical Counseling at BLCS and to start up Sabbath House Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sabbath House Ministries became official in June of 2004.

Currently I am serving as Vice-President, Biblical Counselor, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer for Sabbath House Ministries. Although we are a small start up ministry God has kept us very busy the past nine months. We are currently offering individual counseling, family counseling, group Bible teachings, personal fitness training and weight management sessions. As God increases our ministry we will add more services in His timing. Recently I finished writing a Bible Study entitled Realigning the Heart: Healing Domestic Abuse Within the Church and am currently completing another Bible Study entitled Unveiling Your Beauty: Healing from abuse, abandonment, neglect, rejection and shame. Both are in the beginning stages of being video taped and published by Youth With a Mission (YWAM). In March 2005 I will present Unveiling Your Beauty at Sabbath House’s first women’s conference. God opened the doors for our conference to be held at Glen Eyrie Castle and Conference Center; home of the Navigators. I am also facilitating a weekly domestic abuse recovery workshop at Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs. Glory to God for all of those things! It is only by Him and for Him that any of this is happening.

Without BLCS and their solid Biblical education, mentoring, prayer support and steady encouragement none of this would be possible. I am humbled and honored to call Biblical Life College and Seminary my up line in ministry. Dr. Lake and staff continue to be MVP’s for the Kingdom for leading others in their spiritual growth and equipping them for ministry leadership. It is my opinion that BLCS is a college that provides lasting emotional and spiritual healing, restoration and transformation. I am living proof! God is definitely speaking and working through BLCS!

Biblical Life College and Seminary represents a revolutionary approach to Christian education that maintains the highest standards of academic credibility while making its program extraordinarily user friendly. BLCS's directed study distance learning program makes it possible for those who are already engaged in a career but have a call of God on their lives to receive theological and ministry training that is equivalent to or superior to what is available in traditional campus-based Christian education. This program is worthy of your involvement and support.

When I started looking for an academic program to which I wanted to be associated with, I had some criteria that needed to be satisfied before I committed. When I found BLCS I felt like I had just found my way home. The most important criterion for me was the centrality that the Bible played in all the courses. I am pleased to say that the Bible indeed plays a central role in course development at BLCS. Next, with so many cracker-jack diplomas out there, I wanted to be part of a school that is known for its integrity and that does not practice the quick-diploma-in-the-mail program that seems to be so prevalent today.

There are many reasons why one would want to participate in a BLCS program, one of which is the ability to progress at your own pace. In addition, I have found the courses at BLCS to be laid out in such a way that one understands what is required of them. They are not abstract or confusing in their approach to the subject. The clarity of instruction is an important aspect of any class and it reduces the need to access the support that is available at BLCS.

I also enjoy the instructors at BLCS. If I had to use a single word to describe a common thread through each instructor it would be “humility.” I can’t think of a greater compliment to learned men than that of being humble. Their desire to teach you comes across as their most important task. I also think that the topics at BLCS are on the precipice of the current needs found in the Body of Christ. I know that I am always excited to progress to the next course, knowing that I will be taught another great truth from the Word of God.

As long as I can remember, I have been approached for counseling.  My siblings and friends valued my input even as a child.  Growing up in a Pastor’s home, I was a student of The Word beyond the “average child” because I had to read for my dad, who was illiterate but a pastor.   I grew up and have enjoyed a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ since I was 12; for 40 years.  I am married to an Archbishop and I Pastor an International Ministry.

With this long resume of work and relationships with God and His people, I felt something was still needed.  The Lord began to put a desire in my heart to return to school.  Attending a class room setting would not work for me because I have a full-time responsibility to my: Husband, Children, Church, Worldwide Missions and last but not least, my personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. 

Starting from ground zero did not seem wise since I had a wealth of travel knowledge, executive training in the secular, some college, pastoral experience, etc.  As I began to pray and do research, I came across Biblical Life College and Seminary on-line.  It was a prayer answered!  Oh Yes,  I looked at many possible approaches to school, both local and distance learning  schools.  Biblical Life College and Seminary was by far the most attractive option.  This was just the beginning of the blessing. With all the experience and knowledge I thought I had, when I started school, I realized I really did not know very much at all.  Truly God’s grace had been my sufficiency.

We need training in the people helping business.  Just because we have a “Calling” we must “Study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” II Tim. 2:15.  Biblical Life College and Seminary has transformed my life.  I have grown!  It has transformed our church family because as I grew, I could share with them.

 Dr. Kent was my professor for a class on an “Exciting Christian Marriage”.  This class transformed my marriage and made me see just how patient my husband has been all these years. 

The bottom line is that we need training in order to help Gods’ people in a way that is in line with His image, which is His WORD.  Biblical Life College and Seminary has given me the training I needed to help Gods’ people more effectively.  I am in the process of obtaining my Master’s Degree in Biblical Counseling thru Biblical Life College and Seminary.  So I encourage you to take advantage of this training now.  You will be blessed tremendously.

When I went looking for a quality off-site education, I thank God for leading me to Biblical Life College & Seminary.  They were able to tailor a program that met my personal and professional needs and goals.  I continue to be grateful for the consistent guidance and hands-on relationship with both Dr. Lake and his facility.  Dr. Lake proved to be most inspirational in helping me to keep my focus, especially when trials come to block my progress.  I always knew that he and his staff were there to help me when my strength failed.  They continued to pray and reach out in practical ways.  I thank God for their work, for their high standards in providing excellent materials and demanding no less than my best.  They also took time to show me how to reach my goals.  It is not how much you pay for an education, it is how well educated you become . . . that sets the bar.  Thank you BLCS for setting the bar where God can be proud!

Carolyn T. Holmes-Hood, MBC, ICADC, Diaconal Minister / Forensic Counselor, Dingsmans Ferry, PA

BLCS students are intellectually challenged and spiritually revived as they prepare for the ministry of “equipping the saints.”  “Knowledge precedes wisdom” and BLCS provides excellence in education for those who elect to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.”  (2 Tim. 2:15)  There are many external degree programs offered in the Evangelical world of academics and BLCS is the leading institution for quality non-traditional education by extension.  I highly recommend BLCS as the “unequaled” choice.  Thank you, Dr. Lake, for your vision and dedication of “Setting New Standards of Excellence in Theological Education by Extension.”   

John W. Worley, Ph.D., LMFT, President, New England Christian Counselors Association, & Creator of the Worley Personality Profile