SCHOOL OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
66 books, 9 Months, 1 Goal: Know Jesus
What is the School of Biblical Studies?
The question “What is the School of Biblical Studies (SBS)?” can be answered in two words: The Bible. SBS is unique in that the focus is 100% the Scriptures. It is a 9-month intensive study of the Bible, during which the student goes through all 66 books of the Bible approximately 5 times using the inductive method.
The goal of the School of Biblical Studies is to equip students to study and understand the content of the Bible. The content is covered in the student’s independent study and class lectures. The student uses the inductive method to study the whole Bible. This approach allows the Scripture to speak for itself and studies Scripture in context.
So what does this look like in practice? It looks like approaching the text with an understanding of the historical and literary context of each book, considering literary genre, asking questions to determine the author’s intention, stepping into the shoes of the original readers to discover what it meant to them, and finally asking how it applies to people in the 21st century.
SBS staff are committed to teaching the Bible and seeing lives transformed through the study and application of God’s Word. They are committed to modelling this through wholehearted servant-leadership and by promoting a Biblical worldview.
The goal of the School of Biblical Studies is to equip students to study and understand the content of the Bible.
SBS fits into Youth With A Mission as Bible training for people who have already been with YWAM and desire more understanding of the Word. SBS is also a great fit for people wanting to get involved within YWAM, but do not want to spend a number of years in Bible College.
If you would like more information about what SBS is, you can visit SBS International.
TESTIMONIES
The reason why SBS is beneficial for me is because it gives truth, not processed truth from a pastor or commentary. We get to process it for ourselves.
Norway
While reading through the Bible, I found and experienced God’s steadfast promises to us in a new way every time I went through a new book. Not only this, the groundwork and frames came into place for bible verses I had been so accustomed to and learning the background of the original readers has really enriched my understanding of God’s word.
Myanmar
The more I learn, the more blown away I am. I am also learning how to experience [God's] presence in my daily life... SBS is helping me to develop a more solid foundation for my life and to grow in confidence in Christ.
Canada
The SBS has shown me the depth of the scriptures and how they are useful in our daily lives as Christians. There are countless timeless truths in God’s word and we are meant to know them and live them out.
Sweden
While the journey began simply to complete the whole Bible, SBS has equipped me with the tools of inductive Bible study, which proved invaluable for my walk with God and showed me how to live for his glory.
USA
SBS Missions Statement
We are committed to pursuing the Holy Spirit for transformation in our own lives and in the lives of our students as we journey through the Bible in a safe community of intentional relationships.
Start date for 2023/2024 SBS is September 18
1st Quarter: Sept 18 – Dec 21, 2023
2nd Quarter: Jan 8 – Mar 22, 2024
3rd Quarter: Apr 1 – June 21, 2024
Graduation: June 22, 2024
Fees within our schools and programs are being treated in a different way than usual. As part of our Faith Journey, we are inviting students and participants to unite with us in prayer for God’s provision rather than financing their own training. For schools and programs with outreach phases (DTSs & Titus Project), outreach fees are still being charged. For more information, see our Faith Journey FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Questions
Q: What are the pre-requisites for attending the School of Biblical Studies?
A: Completion of a Discipleship Training School (including the field assignment). That’s it! If you haven’t completed a DTS yet, you’re just 5 short months away from being able to apply for SBS. Click here for an application for Turner Valley’s next DTS.
Q: How many lectures a week will I be attending?
A: On a typical week there will be 3 lectures a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday (and you’ll really like Friday because it’s snack day!!)
Q: How many hours a day should I expect to be studying?
A: 10-12 hours. No, we are not over-estimating. Come to SBS ready to work (and to have your socks blessed off by the Word).
Q: Is there an outreach after the school?
A: Yes! After you complete SBS you can take part in our Titus Project which runs annually.
Q: What version of the Bible does SBS use?
A: The English Standard Version. But don’t worry about bringing one – the program will provide you with a copy when you begin the course.
Q: How can I prepare for SBS?
A: All you need is a heart hungry for God’s Word. Seriously! Not quite the answer you were looking for? Alright…for all you “detailed” types, a practical suggestion would be to Read How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart (ISBN: 0310246040). This book covers everything from translational concerns to different genres of biblical writing. It helps people accurately understand the different literary genres of the Bible, illuminating the meaning of the text for ancient audiences and their implications for us today. We ask that students purchase and read the book prior to starting the course. It can be purchased at chapters, amazon or at your local Christian bookstore.
What to Bring
Q: Do I need to bring any specific books for studying?
A: Nope! The school has a library for your use. Note: the books are for in-classroom use only. You may bring your own resource books if you plan on studying in your room. (See “How Can I prepare for SBS” for book suggestions).
Q: If I want to buy some resource materials, which would you recommend?
A: Here are a few gold stars:
- New Bible Dictionary by Inter-Varsity Press (ISBN: 0830814396)
- The Essential IVP Reference Collection [CD-ROM] (ISBN: 1844742067)
- The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Spiros Zodhiates (ISBN: 0899576648)
- Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: New Testament (ISBN: 9780310613176)
Q: Do I need a laptop?
A: You don’t need a laptop…but you’ll find one very helpful to have! If bringing a laptop, whether it be a PC or a Mac, we highly recommend that you have Microsoft Word installed. The program you will be using was designed for use with Microsoft Word.
Q: Anything else I’ll need for studying?
A: It is recomended that you bring :
- Pencil Crayons (and pencil sharpener)
- Graph paper (5 squares per inch)
- 66 folders (1 for each book of the Bible)
- Good quality pens in a variety of colours
- White out
- Ruler
- Notebook paper
- Eraser
- Calculator
Housing
Q: Will I have a roommate?
A: Yes. You should expect to have at least one roommate, unless of course you are married. Community living is one of the many blessings of SBS.
Q: What will my room be like?
A: You’ll have a bed, a desk and a lamp…what more do you need? (Oh yeah – and a chest of drawers.)
CURRENT SCHOOL LEADERS
John TaylorJohn is our Encyclopedia Britannica here on the base. Extremely knowledgable and proficient in all sort of ways he’s known to some as the most interesting man in the world. John loves playing Civilization IV, Whopper Wednesday with friends, and spending time with his family.
- Jennifer Villaflor
Jenn is diligent, caring, intentional, and passionate about how God’s Word transforms lives. A worshiper at her core, YWAM Turner Valley’s Tuesday morning worship times come alive when Jenn lets her passionate “Cheeehuuuu!” ring out in the midst of a song! Jenn loves cooking, tea, deep conversations, and getting hooked on a good TV show.
