About L.I.F.E. Bible College, Jamaica

Institutional Overview

Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism (L.I.F.E.) Bible College is one of the educational entities within the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (ICFG) in Jamaica. The institution seeks to contribute to the bridging of the gap in online higher education between theological training and secular education by offering a strong Christian education. Here, learners can pursue learning that equips them to carry the light and the message of the gospel beyond the walls of the church.

For years, the Bible College focused exclusively on ministry preparation training for those who desired to become pastors and evangelists and those who sought to work in the church. Several cohorts have graduated over the years. Today, the institution embraces a new vision of multi-disciplinary education for Christians. While remaining true to its founding purpose, it launches into the future of broad Christian education preparing men and women for their God given assignments.

The institution first opened its doors in 1964 offering a 3-year ministerial diploma under the leadership of the then missionary to Jamaica, Reverend Joseph Knapp. Following the first graduation in 1967 with 6 students, the programme was upgraded to a 4–year bachelor’s degree programme. The programme continued successfully for several years until in the late 1980’s enrollment fell below a sustainable level. This situation resulted in intermittent offering of the programme until 2000. The next 9 years saw a steady offering of a revised 3-year ministerial diploma programme with the last graduation held in 2009.

Graduate LIFE Bible College Jamaica
Graduate LIFE Bible College Jamaica
Since that time, the institution has only offered short courses for continuing education for previously trained ministers and basic/initial training for new ministers. Throughout those years, the institution remained under the governance of the Board of Regents which included a president and an academic dean. The decision was taken by the Board of Regents under the leadership of the national leader and the national Board (ICFG) to rebrand the institution and repackage the ministerial training programme to appeal to younger prospective students and to individuals seeking an alternative to secular higher education. It was envisaged that offering 2– and 4–year degree programmes with emphasis on interdisciplinary skills and competencies would strengthen the pull for students since as graduates, they would be more marketable and relevant to the 21st Century ministry and market place.
In addition to becoming a nationally accredited institution, the aim is for the institution to obtain international recognition through collaborative arrangements. Today, the institution is being repositioned to offer its programmes using a mixed modality of face–to–face instruction and online learning.

Vision

L.I.F.E. Bible College seeks to become a premier Bible-based institution in the Caribbean that prepares individuals for effective global ministry in the church as well as the market place.

Mission

We provide a transformative Christian education, grounded in Pentecostal/Charismatic teachings on the Holy Spirit, to empower students to fulfill the calling of God through making meaningful contributions to their personal and family life, churches, communities, and the global society. We emphasize missions / evangelism as an experience for our students to assist in the development of their ministry gifts and the expression of their faith. Also, we teach the value of interdenominational partnership and collaboration while serving global communities.

Teaching and Learning Philosophy

L.I.F.E. Bible College, Jamaica commits to engendering the development of our students through purposive engagement in authentic learning experiences that expose them to the truth of scriptures and its practical application to daily living.  Students are encouraged to critically assess and interrogate theories and ideologies in order to arrive at revelation through the Holy Spirit.

Student LIFE Bible College Jamaica
Student LIFE Bible College Jamaica

We Seek to:

1

establish a biblical foundation for learning through sound theological instruction;

2

foster critical thinking among students by challenging their intellectual capacity;

3

develop Christ–like character through discipleship training and spiritual formation;

4

graduate fully equipped ministry–minded leaders to reap end time harvest.

L.I.F.E. Bible College, Jamaica provides accessible education to students while allowing them to maintain commitments to family, community, ministry, and vocation. In order to accomplish this mission, our College:

  • Provides students with a blended modality to achieve their educational goals;
  • Provides a supportive learning environment; and
  • Provides quality student services.
Student LIFE Bible College Jamaica