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Nazarene Bible College graduates eight Salvation Army officers.
by Estelle Clack, Major –
Eight Salvation Army officers graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees from Nazarene Bible Colleges’ AdVantage Degree Completion Program—an innovative online program.
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry recipients with a major in leadership and ethics are: Majors Peter and Estelle Clack, Major Nila Fankhauser, Captains Shane and Ragina Halverson, Major Beth Paugh, and Captain Terrie Wilson. Captain Michael Halverson received his degree with a major in counseling for Christian ministries.
Major Beth Paugh won special honors by becoming a member of Delta Epsilon Chi—ABHE Honor Society and being named in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
The Salvation Army was well represented during the commencement service: at the podium were Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock—as a course instructor—and Major Linda Manhardt as the territorial representative. Many Salvationists sat in the audience as family members and friends witnessed the awarding of degrees, which took place at the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The Western Territory currently has nearly 40 officers enrolled in the degree completion program. The entire course is available online and requires 14 six-week courses. Training college is counted as the first two years of the B.A. program. Other territories are taking advantage of the program as officers from the Southern and Eastern territories are also enrolled.
Positive experience
Major Beth Paugh writes, “These past two years of learning at NBC have been a time of challenge, being stretched, and spiritual growth for me. I praise the Lord for opening the doors for me to finally accomplish a long time goal.”
Says Major Peter Clack, “The scope of studies took me beyond my expectations, into other valuable considerations of my whole ministry. The time commitment each day for the various subjects was a valuable discipline. The whole process was creative and applicable.”
“My experience with Nazarene Bible College has been a tremendous opportunity,” said Major Nila Fankhauser. “I am very grateful to the Army and NBC for allowing me this experience. I went to training right out of high school and have been trying to make up for my lack of education ever since. During all of our appointments I would take one class at a time, but was never able to pull them all together to amount to a degree. I have now been able to do this through Nazarene Bible College.
“I can hardly express how much I have learned and grown. It has stretched me, challenged me, and changed me in many positive ways. It is my desire to give my best to God. Earning the B.A. and learning through the program will enhance my service as an officer.”
With the permission of their command head, this program is available to any officer of the Western Territory.
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