Events

BRF Events

BRF General Meeting

September 9, 2023 at Blue River Covenant Brethren Church near Columbia City, Indiana.

The theme is “Brethren Values,” and will be addressed by CBC minister Nathan West and New Hope Church (WV) minister Nathan Rittenhouse, and a panel discussion of ministers and laypersons from a variety of Brethren backgrounds.

Lunch and childcare will be provided. Some overnight lodging is available in the congregation. Contact [email protected] for more information, or call the church 260-691-2605.

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.

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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, 2023.

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.

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY – Myers – Every Christian thinks about God, so every Christian is a theologian. Theology is the study of God. This course will encourage us to think about God in a biblical manner, from the information provided in the Scriptures. We will seek to further understand some major theological ideas from the Anabaptist-Pietist viewpoint and explain those ideas.

THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH – Horst – Jeremiah appears to be God’s messenger in a final attempt to save His people from His hand of judgement. His message of repentance seems futile to a people who are hopelessly attached to self-centered idolatry. Throughout his ministry, his message of warning is often haphazardly dismissed or outright mocked. Jeremiah’s life is an example of a man of God who was often filled with heartfelt compassion for God’s people.

RESPONDING TO ISLAM – West – Islam, the world’s second most popular religion, is projected to overtake Christianity in the next few decades. As we encounter Muslims more frequently, it can be helpful to arm ourselves with a basic understanding of Islamic theology and its shortcomings to more effectively witness for Christ.

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JOSHUA – Minnich – Joshua was an amazing man of courage, faith, obedience, prayer, enthusiasm, and integrity. His successful leadership resulted in unwavering faith and absolute loyalty and obedience to God. His challenge, “choose you this day whom ye will serve,” continues to challenge us as followers of Jesus today! This study will be of the man and the book of Joshua. We will study God’s direction in Joshua’s life and apply principles learned to our lives. I look forward to sharing this exciting journey and study with each of you!

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: KINGDOM LIVING – Carl Brubaker – We will study the Sermon on the Mount, which is probably the greatest sermon ever preached. These words of Jesus outline the ideas, the standards, and the goals for living in God’s kingdom on earth. It contains the instructions of Jesus to His followers who were committed to following Him in radical discipleship in “another way of living.”

HOW WE GOT OUR BIBLE – West – Beginning with its roots that stretch back More than 3,500 years, we will look at how God’s Word was inspired, written, preserved and translated into the book we read today. We will then discuss some of the more popular English translations, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each.

WHITED SEPULCHERS: RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN THE TIME OF JESUS – Hershey – Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, the Sanhedrin, scribes, synagogue leaders, temple priests, Annas and the family of high priests. This class will focus on these pillars of first century Jewish life whom we have known since our childhood, mostly as opponents of Jesus. Who were they, and what can we learn from them as warnings and encouragement to our spiritual lives?

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY – Eric Brubaker – A general survey of the entire New Testament, which includes a panoramic view of all 27 books. Note will be made of leading characteristics, main lines of thought, and summary outlines of each book. Each book will be related to the total message of the New Testament.

THE BOOKS OF 1 & 2 TIMOTHY – Myers – This course will be a detailed study of the duties, character, and role of one ministering in an age of apostasy. Devotional aspects and applications to all believers will be highlighted.

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LINING – Horst – God created man to live in eternal relationship with Him; yet “The Fall” put us on a path of failure. This broken relationship with God often sets us on a quest to “measure up” and be accepted only to fall into the traps of inadequacy and low self-esteem and powerful addictions. We engage in hopeless battles of flesh vs. the spirit determined that we will “win the next time,” Can we live in victory? If so, how?

BBI Contact/Location

Phone Number

+1(717)-336-1287

BBI Location

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

BBI Instructors