A greater Biblical understanding and training T he most intensive curriculum and strenuous program at Harding was not a r egular degreeprogram, but was the School of Biblical Studi es. This two -year program was designed "to meet an obvious need to furnish an intensive practical training program in learning to preach," according to L. V . Pfeifer, director of the program. The school, which stressed Biblical knowledge and practical field experience, was designed to train men to be preachers. Most of the 48 students this year were married businessmen who decided to quit their careers to enter the ministry. Since these students needed to finish school quickly for financial reasons , the four-year curriculum was compressed into two years. The students took classes 12 months per year, with a three week break in August. "It's a very concentrated, fast-moving program - a very tough program," said Pfeifer. Because of the strict, serious nature of the program, potential students had to meet high standards to be admitted into the school. These standards included reading, psychological and physical exams, a personal interview, recommendations, and a high school diploma. The enrollment was also restricted to 80 students each . In addition to a heavy curriculum, students were required to be actively involved with a nearby congregation, to participate in a domestic campaign each year and in a foreign campaign at least once. Classes were held separately from University classes, although many courses required in the school were also offered in the University . Classes met four days a week, and the students had four 90-minute classes in succession each day. Pfeifer noted two main problems encountered by the students of the school. First , many had trouble finding support. "It's so demanding that they cannot work," he said, "so they have to be supported." He added, "The second problem is the pressure and stress that comes with the program." Samuel Jonathan Wilson -Magnolia , AR David L. Wolfe - Searcy, AR Jeff Lynn Ziegler - Boonville, MO James Grayson, one HSBS student, concurred with Pfeifer's evaluation. "My first eight weeks I was ready to hang it up," he said. "But after I learned how and when to study, I began to like the program more and more." Grayson was very supportive of the School of Biblical Studies. "I think its a very good program," he said. "Before I began I looked around for other programs, and I was convinced that this program was the best. It gives you an indepth study of the Bible, it has a lot of freedom within it, and it has a lot of benefits that go along with it. " Grayson especially appreciated the placement benefits offered by the school. "They have a good area search for jobs," he said. Pfeifer was happy with the results of the program. "We're pleased about the success of our men who graduate,' ' he said. "A very low percentage do not continue preaching. Most do, and become very successful." 4 - Sherry Daniel Tod Earl Jones - Ft. Carson , CO John George Krivak - Searcy , AR Gerald Wayne Lawrence - Searcy , AR Gary Mack Leftwich - Hazelpark , Ml Stanley Ray Little - Kennett. MO Bradley Keith McAfee - Fort Gibson , OK Gary Dean McKinney - Ba ldwin City , KS Patrick Henry Peck - Duncan , OK Steve Alan Pinion - Cli nt on, OK Roy F. Raines - Ozark , AR Tip Randall Richardson - Baton Rouge , LA William Folsom Russell - Mineola, TX Robert Harvey Sauber - Crystal , MN L.J. Scoggin, Jr. - Bradford , AR Danny Dale Simmons - Inverness , FL Sid James Smith - Rector, AR Thomas Alan Taylor - Ft. Riley , KS Donnie Mack Trammell - Ca nyon , TX Gaither Lynn Vanderveer - Skiatook, OK Gergory Joe Vanderveer - Skiatook, OK Randy Allan Willingham - Stillwater , OK School of Biblical Studies 251
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