I have desires of becoming a pastor eventually and I would say LBC has almost killed that idea. The "Christian Culture" that envelopes LBC is choking the life out of me. If you want to be an ignorant Christian who talks about issues like you're an expert and have no clue(ie. other religions, political issues, evolution) LBC is for you. I can't say how many times I have sat in a class with my head in my hands listening to a student rant about something just because they read a Christian blog about it. So many of the students theology is juvenile and this is just accepted because no one is there to ask the hard questions. Ignorance is a word I would use to describe LBC.Although most teachers are good, some are great, and then there are some bad ones. I am truly grateful I transferred into LBC and got all my Gen Eds elsewhere. Many of the basic course are taught by former Christian High school teachers and it is very apparent. If you aren't ready to grow up and go to college LBC is great. Both sides of issues are rarely discussed and when they are the Christian side is favored and the other is mocked.
LBC is like your student ministry 2.0, were all in college, but we're going to be treated like high school students. The student handbook is the biggest joke. I love that it is a BIBLE college where classes are DEVOTED to exegesis of scripture and the administration rips verses out of context. LBC does not allow students to drink on or off campus(which I can respect) but the verses they use to back it up is what kills me. The use Numbers 6:3 which states:
"they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins."
Whats that about grapes and raisins? We're allowed to eat those, but don't you DARE drink wine. This verse is clearly taken out of context.
LBC is controlled by the large donors or "friends" of LBC who want it run a certain way. Chapel is horrible with mini sermons given by one of the Worship and Performing Arts bands. The speakers are usually someone who you've never heard of and never will again or a Youth Group speaker who couldn't find a local student ministry to book them because remember this is High School 2.0.
If you play a sport it is a fact that you will be an RA. Everyone knows that anyone who plays a sport is a leader...oh wait some people play for fun and have no desire to be a leader? If you play a sport AND hang out in Student Services you will be loved and adored by the staff. Students serviced loved to be kissed up to and play favorites. If you do this you can get away with anything.
THE ONLY redeeming thing about LBC and the ONLY reason I'm still there is the Church and Ministry leadership department. These professors are a great group of people with a genuine care for the student. Their classes are excellent and the discussions are amazing. Sound teaching from humble men and women who know and follow God. It can be hard to meet with them, but they are great.
However, if I could go back I wouldn't go to LBC. I don't recommend coming here. I want to finish and get out. The days of Bible Colleges are ending. Someday LBC with stop being a bible college and become a Christian Liberal arts college. Your college years should be remember-able not regrettable.
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