THE SCHOOL YEAR
The normal academic year at Bergen Bible School is from around 18th August - 19th June.
The school year is divided into six terms. Some topics continue for more than one term but the majority start and are completed in the course of a single term.
The topics covered in the course of the year are:
I. Through the Bible
We take you through the WHOLE Bible - book by book to help you understand why the Bible in its entirety is important and relevant for believers today and to perceive that ultimately, the Bible is about the person of Jesus Christ.
II. Management and Mentoring
The «Creative Life-Planning» programme is designed to help you live a purposeful life. It's about helping you find the direction, by assisting your awareness of the resources and strengths God has given you. You will be assigned a mentor som who follows you up throughout the school year.
III. Practice Weeks *
Students have three practice weeks, completed in co-operation with various churches. The class is divided into teams and sent to different parts of Norway. This is a great opportunity to practice and apply what you learn at school. The class also regularly visits Bergen city center in order to bless people practically, for example: through sharing coffee and waffles, praying for people on the street and sharing the gospel. You will also be assigned a year-long practical area where you take part in some church or community-related activity.
Term 1
The school year starts with our INTRO daysat Gullbotn center outside Bergen. After this comes the module «Build upon Jesus», which is designed to lay the foundations of faith. Through the module «Understanding the Bible», we help you to read all the Bible as an integrated whole. Then we study the depths of Jesus's salvation through the module «Man and God's Plan of Salvation»Term 2
After the autumn recess, the teaching is on the power of «Prayer». Arne Skagen will instruct you and have practical exercises on how to live an «Evangelizing Lifestyle».We practice working with the «Holy Spirit». We have visits from church leaders with experience in «Church planting» in Norway and in the rest of the world. Our first Practice Week* is held in this term.
Term 3
During this period, the subject «Identity and Self-image» . aims to help you find your identity as a disciple of Jesus and to see yourself the way God does. You learn how to study Topics and People in the Bible. The final thing the class does before Christmas is collaborate on a longer Group Assignment.
Term 4
When we come back after Christmas, we start on a number of exciting subjects: the transforming power of the gospel through the «Kingdom of God». In the module; «Covenant» where you learn how Jesus entered into a new covenant with humankind, and about the deeper purpose of having a Christian community. Our 2nd practice week * is held during this term. You will also have an introductory course in«Church History» and get a whole week set aside for the module «Apologetics» (defending your faith).
Term 5
In mid-March those who wish, may travel to the Philippines for an 8 week* stay. No matter whether you go to the Philippines or remain in Norway, all will receive teaching on the «Doctrine of God». In «Responsibility and Management» you will learn about the characteristics of a good leader, studying about the way that Jesus led, and his emphasis on us all being servants. The term ends with a period of practice abroad*: Those who have not already travelled to the Philippines (mid-March), may choose a 3-week team trip to Bolivia or the Philippines at the end of April. We will arrange 3 weeks’ practice in Norway for those who -for various reasons- do not travel abroad.
Term 6
Once the international practice has been completed, we return to Bergen for a content-rich end-of-year. Through «Church and fellowship». you will gain insights into the vision God has for the church. It is now we go through the last part of the Bible, including Revelation. You will learn about «New Testament eschatology» (doctrine of the last things). We celebrate the completion of the school year at a worship service together with Christian Fellowship Bergen, and round off with a banquet.
Every end is a new beginning: The road ahead
Having completed Bergen Bible School, you will have gained much knowledge and expertise you can benefit from in years to come. In our experience is former students have gone on to live committed lives in their congregations and in society at large. They have developed teamwork skills and an integrity that is sought after in the workplace. We believe the goals you set during this year will give you direction and purpose.