Preaching Program
Two-Year Bachelor’s Degree
Our basic two-year program offers the student a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree (BBS). A total of 136 semester hours is earned in Bible and related Ministry courses in this program. Of these 136 semester hours, 60 are in Bible books alone. That means that each student will spend 942 classroom hours studying the Bible text during the two-year program. This extensive course of study gives our students an excellent foundation in God's Word, is the cornerstone for sound Bible preaching, and is one of the strongest reasons you should choose us for your preparation in preaching. This program is designed for those preparing to be full-time preachers, missionaries, and other full-time ministry workers. Our curriculum is well-rounded and offers classes in Church History, Evangelism, Greek, and others, all of which contribute to this well-rounded ministry education.
It's more than just book learning...
Practical experience is gained through participation in campaigns, visitation, preaching, and teaching Bible classes and personal home Bible studies. This real-world training not only prepares our students for ministry work but also helps them learn to start and maintain these programs in the field.
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Not at all. Our graduates have filled a variety of ministry roles, not just preachers. They have been Youth Ministers, missionaries, involvement ministers, counselors, and chaplains. Many have gone on to become deacons, evangelists, and elders in the Lord’s church. Our program equips our students to share the saving message of Christ in a wide range of roles.
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There is no tuition to attend Bear Valley's two-year program. This program is provided as a work of the Bear Valley church of Christ and is supported by hundreds of individuals and congregations. The only costs to students are some basic fees, books and living expenses while here in Denver.
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Our core, full-time Ministry Program offers a Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS) degree.
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Absolutely. We have had many women graduate from our Ministry Program. It is important to note that our program is designed to train preachers. This obviously poses several problems for women in our program, as we do not allow women to take classes in public speaking (with men present) and preaching. We have an excellent program for women designed with women's ministry issues in mind.
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We do not offer any courses for credit online. Ministry is about interacting with people. Experience has shown us that it is difficult, if not impossible, to teach online the type of people-oriented skills ministry demands. To get our degree you must attend classes in Denver, Colorado.
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No. We are approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education has approved to issue degrees, but those degrees are not nationally accredied.
It is important to note however that a number of Colleges and Universities accept hours from our degree programs. We have agreements with Universities such as Oklahoma Christian (http://www.oc.edu) and Amridge University (www.amridgeuniversity.edu). Other possibilities include Freed-Hardeman University, Faulkner University, and Heritage University. It should be noted that there is no guarantee of credit transfer. What will transfer, and how much will transfer, is up to the receiving institution. -
We do not offer a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree to graduates of other schools. In an effort to be more consistent with degree granting institutions, we are only able to offer degrees to individuals who complete at least one half of our program (64 credit hours).
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We don’t just teach you what the Bible says and what it means. We equip you to properly interpret Scripture yourself using exegetical tools and techniques. Exegesis is far more than just a series of word studies. It is an examination of the structure, syntax, and forms found in the text which determine the meaning and message contained in God’s word.
We will equip you with state of the art tools to explore God’s word in ways you never imagined. This skill set will serve you for a lifetime of digging deeper and deeper into God’s word and communicating His message with power.
A true exegetical approach to the study of God’s word provides a foundation for a lifetime of accurate and sound exploration of the Biblical text.
Exegesis makes a difference
“The exegesis program at Bear Valley is what made my time as a student truly exceptional. Learning the tools for deeper Bible study and putting those tools to use not only made me a better Bible student, but also increased the amount of joy I received while studying.”
Today's ministry demands today’s tools
We have been around since 1965 but we certainly haven’t stayed there! Bear Valley was the first preaching school in the Brotherhood to offer a course in Ministry Technologies - training you in today’s ministry tools and technologies. You will receive training in the original languages, exegetical studies of the text, and in-depth topical research to explore the Scriptures in ways you never imagined. Using state-of-the-art software will allow you to do in minutes what would have taken days or weeks with traditional methods.
At Bear Valley Bible Institute, students don’t just attend classes—they join a FAMILY. Our small class sizes and highly involved instructors create an environment where meaningful relationships naturally grow. Teachers invest deeply in each student’s spiritual and academic development, and classmates quickly become trusted friends and fellow workers in the gospel. These close connections provide encouragement, accountability, and lifelong partnerships in ministry.
It’s a family not just a classroom
