Events

BRF Events

Brethren Bible Institute

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Brethren Bible Institute Information​

Duration and Cost

Brethren Revival Fellowship offers the annual Brethren Bible Institute, a one-week school intended to provide systematic instruction in the Bible for any person 16 years of age or older. Students may take one, two, or three courses. The cost is the same regardless of how many courses are taken. It is expected that dormitory students take three classes, unless special arrangements have been made with the principal prior to the opening of the Institute.

Students will meet for chapel each morning at 8:10 a.m. with classes to follow. Classes meet every day, Monday through Friday. Each class is 1 1/2 hours in length.

Total cost for dormitory students (including room/board/tuition) is $ 300.00 for the entire week. The cost for commuting students is $ 125.00 for the week. BRF significantly subsidizes the overall costs of the school. Applications must be received at the Denver, PA address by: TBD

Statement of Conduct

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to
train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly
and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He
commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI.
Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each
student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged.
Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between
men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be
forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one’s character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In
an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall
be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry
should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing erect, nor should it cover the
ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when
standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-necklined, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks
and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing
jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others
with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of
the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of
conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who
desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards which will be pleasing
to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt
certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these
convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are
confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special
problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a
statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.

Licensed Minister Training

Some classes may be applied toward licensed ministers’ training for ordination within the Church of the Brethren and other Brethren denominations. These classes are double periods. Plan to attend both periods for the each class chosen. Call Kenneth Leininger at 717-336-1287 for details.

Continuing Education Units

A certificate of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for ordained ministers at a rate of one tenth of a CEU for each hour spent in class. Therefore, each completed course will count as .75 CEU. Ministers should request the certificate when they register.

Scholarship Aid

Scholarship aid is available to students who cannot afford the tuition. To apply for the scholarship aid you should write a letter requesting the aid, and supply the name, address, and phone number of your pastor, elder, minister, or other church leader to whom you are accountable. Send requests to the BBI address:

155 Denver Road
Denver, PA 17517

COST

Dormitory Students ……………………………… $ 300.00

Commuting Students …………………………… $ 125.00

TO REGISTER

Please send for an application early. Your application process must be completed by
June 25, 2025.

Disclaimer from Elizabethtown College:

BBI is sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship. Elizabethtown College is not affiliated with and does not necessarily endorse the opinions, beliefs, statements, writings, methods, or philosophies expressed by this conference/event or its individual participants.

Disclaimer from Brethren Revival Fellowship:

Brethren Revival Fellowship is not affiliated with and does not necessarily endorse the opinions, beliefs, statements, writings, methods, or philosophies of Elizabethtown College or its individual faculty, staff, or administration.

BRETHREN LIFE AND THOUGHT – This course will acquaint the students with the history and teaching of the Brethren from the early 1700’s down to the present day.  Essential themes of Brethren belief and practice will be highlighted.  This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

 

THE BOOK OF ROMANS – Systematic theology cannot be complete without including the Book of Romans.  Within its depths, we mine the reality of universal sinfulness; justification made available to all mankind; sanctification as evidence of the new life in Christ; and the future glorification of saints.  The practical applications written at the conclusion of this letter are useful to mature believers and those starting the Christian life.

 

STUDY OF DAVID – From obscurity to kingship, David exhibits a heart devoted to God.  This study will help develop and apply life principles, observe types of Christ, and explore key themes in the life of this exciting Bible character.

 

GOING THE NEXT STEP: DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL MATURITY – It should be the goal of every believer to grow more like Jesus Christ and develop and mature in our faith.   This class will focus on several spiritual disciplines or habits every Christian needs to develop in this process of spiritual maturity.

 

WOMEN SET FREE: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE GOSPELS – In a culture where they were often treated as second class citizens, Jesus welcomed women into his kingdom. We will study Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery and more as we look both at the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and in the church today.

 

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY – This course will be a general introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures).  Attention will be given to the content, outline, and general theme of each Old Testament book.  Theological implications of each book will also be considered.   This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

 

THE SPREADING FLAME: STUDIES IN ACTS – This course will look at the birth of the Church, and its growth, and expansion from a small group in Jerusalem to a world changing faith.  The major themes and personalities of the early church will be noted, and practical applications will be made.

 

CREATED IN HIS LIKENESS – We have been uniquely created by God in His image, which gives each of us incredible value, purpose, and dignity.   Understanding this important concept helps us to know how to live out our identity in Christ, and how to honor God through our actions, relationships, and choices.     

  

BBI Contact/Location

Phone Number

+1(717)-336-1287

BBI Location

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

BBI Instructors

Craig Alan Meyers

Craig Alan Myers

Ordained minister…serving as pastor in the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church in Indiana…assistant editor of BRF WITNESS…BRF chairman…on the executive board of CBC…M. Div. from Ashland Theological Seminary.

See Speaking Schedule »

BBI Principal/Coordinator

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

Register Now

BBI Registration Now Open!

Come explore God’s Word with us!. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17”

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

CREATED IN HIS LIKENESS

We have been uniquely created by God in His image, which gives each of us incredible value, purpose, and dignity.   Understanding this important concept helps us to know how to live out our identity in Christ, and how to honor God through our actions, relationships, and choices.     

THE SPREADING FLAME: STUDIES IN ACTS

This course will look at the birth of the Church, and its growth, and expansion from a small group in Jerusalem to a world changing faith.  The major themes and personalities of the early church will be noted, and practical applications will be made.

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY

This course will be a general introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures).  Attention will be given to the content, outline, and general theme of each Old Testament book.  Theological implications of each book will also be considered.   This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

WOMEN SET FREE: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE GOSPELS

In a culture where they were often treated as second class citizens, Jesus welcomed women into his kingdom. We will study Mary and Martha, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery and more as we look both at the role of women in the ministry of Jesus and in the church today.

GOING THE NEXT STEP: DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL MATURITY

It should be the goal of every believer to grow more like Jesus Christ and develop and mature in our faith.   This class will focus on several spiritual disciplines or habits every Christian needs to develop in this process of spiritual maturity.

STUDY OF DAVID

From obscurity to kingship, David exhibits a heart devoted to God.  This study will help develop and apply life principles, observe types of Christ, and explore key themes in the life of this exciting Bible character.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Systematic theology cannot be complete without including the Book of Romans.  Within its depths, we mine the reality of universal sinfulness; justification made available to all mankind; sanctification as evidence of the new life in Christ; and the future glorification of saints.  The practical applications written at the conclusion of this letter are useful to mature believers and those starting the Christian life.

BRETHREN LIFE AND THOUGHT

This course will acquaint the students with the history and teaching of the Brethren from the early 1700’s down to the present day.  Essential themes of Brethren belief and practice will be highlighted.  This is a two-part class.  Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.