HSBS Presents Special Opportunities for Training Most students on the Harding campus had heard of the Harding School of Biblical Studies, but had wondered exactly what it was and what kind of student participated in it. During the 1992-93 academic year, approximately 30 students of varied ages and backgrounds were enrolled in the School of Biblical Studies program (HSBS), which is a division of the College of Bible and Religion. Students participated in an accelerated core of extensive Bible studies , taking 120 semester hours over a period of two years. According to its promotional literature, the program was for mature men 21 years of age or older who desired to be involved in ministry, but who lacked the necessary training to be effective evangelists. "Our students range anywhere from 21 years of age to their SO's, with an average age of about 30," according to Dr. Bill Lambert, director of HSBS. "A majority of them are married with children, and many come to our school having already obtained degrees in other fields of study. We also have a large cultural diversity among our tudents. Men have come here from Africa , Central America, Japan, Venezuela and Mexico, " he said. Astudent from Russia, Sergei Voronov was enrolled in HSBS this year. He already held degrees in linguistics and lexicology, but wanted to learn to preach. "Because of their high degree of commitment to the gospel , and because of other factors , such as the age difference between them and other Harding students, there is a ve1y tight bond among the HSBS students ," Lambert said. "They get to fellowship with each other daily and there is quite an esprit de corps in our classes and our chapel." A unique factor of the program is that up to 50 semester hours of credit may be validated for graduates who enroll in Harding's general undergraduate degree program. This has made it possible for a student to complete both the HSBS and a bachelor's degree program in Bible in just four years. According to Lambert , an integral part of the HSBS program is the domestic and international campaign requirement. "These campaigns give them a chance to observe and experience many different cultures and to see first-hand the challenges which they may face after graduation," he said. "Although I am somewhat biased, I don't know of a better ministry training program," Lambert added. "Our base on the Harding campus allows students to use resources which would not be available to them anywhere else. The university atmosphere and university teachers give these students unlimited opportunities for personal growth. " -- Ryan Gjovig Tim Davis, a n JISBS srude nr from Poca ho ntas, Ark ., pa rti c ipates with cl assmates in a sofrball league o n campus . Stude nts in rhi s s pecia l preache r training p rogram in teracted with traditi o na l co ll ege students in a numbe r o f campus ac ti vities.
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