About LBC - Lancaster Bible College
Source: https://www.lbc.edu/dc
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:36
About LBC - Lancaster Bible College
About LBC
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About LBC
Next Steps? What would you like to do?
Lancaster Bible College (LBC), established in 1933, is a private, non-denominational Christian college located two hours from New York City and Washington, D.C. LBC integrates biblical truth into over 35 accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, preparing students for careers and service to Christ.
The college fosters spiritual, academic, and personal growth, offering fields like Business Administration, Education, Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry. Students can study on-campus in Lancaster, PA, or online, guided by expert faculty who are also dedicated mentors. Scripture is central to LBC’s education, impacting every aspect of learning and campus life.
Located near downtown Lancaster and Lititz, the campus provides access to rich cultural and dining experiences. Under the leadership of President Thomas L. Kiedis, LBC continues to advance its mission of equipping students to think, live, and serve with a biblical worldview.
Our Mission
To educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.
Learn more about our Mission, Vision & Values
College Verse:
1 Peter 1:25: “But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
College Hymn:
My Hope Is In the Lord
College Colors:
Black + Red (PMS 186)
Mascot:
Charger
View
LBC’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan
Quick Facts
3,236
Undergraduate & Graduate Students (2023-24)
19:1
College-wide Student-to-Faculty Ratio (2024-25)
19
Athletic Teams
8 men | 9 women | 2 Club Sports
100%
of all on-campus undergrads received financial aid (2023-24)
Additional Facts About LBC
Our Accreditations
Enrollment Facts
Non Discriminatory Policy
Library Holdings
Employees
Lancaster Bible College holds accreditations, approvals or memberships with the following entities:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Evangelical Training Association (ETA)
Approved by the United States Department of Justice for the training of non-immigrant international students
International Alliance for Christian Education
View the complete list
2023-24 Enrollment
Total Enrollment: 3,236
Level
#
Undergraduate
801
Online Undergraduate
1,063
Masters
709
Doctoral
253
Non-Degree
410
Undergraduate
The college years are among the most formative, and since 1933, Lancaster Bible College has helped students discover where God is calling them in a nurturing and safe environment where they can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
Graduate Studies
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom – it’s where it begins. For those who hold that belief as a core value, LBC offers advanced degrees to make an impact in ministry, counseling, the professional world and more. Masters and doctoral programs are offered online with instruction from caring, invested faculty members who real-world experience.
Lancaster Bible College is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification), ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment with the college.
The Charles & Gloria Jones Libraries, located at our Lancaster Campus and our additional locations, provide an extensive collection of physical and online resources to support the college curriculum. These resources are provided to meet the needs of both in-person and global students. Online resources are accessible to any student with internet access. Expert research help with a librarian is available 24/7 virtually and Monday-Friday in-person.
The College employs 229 employees (191 full-time + 38 part-time)*
Groups
Staff (excluding faculty)
142 Full-time
30 Part-time
Faculty
49 Full-time
8 Part-time
Adjunct Faculty
350 Active faculty
Job Openings at LBC.
Check out our complete list of current employment opportunities.
Meet the Faculty.
Get to know our faculty, administration and several other employee groups by clicking through our directory.
*Fall 2025 data
History
Lancaster Bible College was founded by Henry J. Heydt in September 1933. Eight daytime students and 14 evening students were enrolled in the original class, which met in the Convention Hall at West Orange and Pine Streets in Lancaster. William J. Randolph (’50) succeeded Heydt as President. From 1954 to 1961, President Randolph moved the school toward accreditation, and the size of the campus grew, initiated by a gift of land in 1957 from Mr. and Mrs. J. Martin Esbenshade.
In 1961, the school’s academic dean, Stuart E. Lease (’52), was elected President. During his 17-year presidency, the student body grew to more than 400 students, and the campus expanded to 36 acres. In 1973, the school earned provisional approval to grant the degree of Bachelor of Science in Bible, and the school officially became Lancaster Bible College (LBC).
When Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson began his duties as president in 1979, he focused on debt reduction. Within five years, LBC raised more than $500,000 toward financial stability and more than $1.5 million toward the school’s endowment. Additional land was purchased, bringing the campus size to 100 acres.
In 1999, Dr. Peter W. Teague became LBC’s fifth president. During his tenure the Good Shepherd Chapel, Olewine Dining Commons, Peterson Hall, Charles Frey Academic Center and Donald H. Funk Athletic Field were completed. Additionally, the Teague administration added online undergraduate programs and expanded the graduate school to offer terminal degrees.
On February 1, 2020, Lancaster Bible College welcomed its sixth president, Dr. Thomas L. Kiedis. Dr. Kiedis came to LBC from Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, Fla., where he served as senior pastor for 10 years. He was a member of the college’s Corporation since 2012, taught graduate courses as an adjunct faculty member and for six years served as the lead mentor for the church planting concentration of the Master of Arts in Ministry program. Under Dr. Kiedis’ leadership, the college added 25 new online bachelors and masters programs in one calendar year and was named the No. 1 Online Bible College in America.
Learn About President Kiedis and the Leadership Team
Institutional Effectiveness
Learn about our core values and goals, as well as how we measure objectives and document student success.
View the Details
Student Consumer Information
Students can become informed consumers of their LBC education.
Read More
Our Partnerships
LBC partners with many institutions, organizations and church networks to offer educational pathways.
Read More
Our Rankings
The college is consistently listed by regional and national higher education ranking organizations.
See Our Latest Rankings
On-Campus Undergraduate
On-campus undergraduate students discover where God is calling them on a beautiful campus in a nurturing and safe environment where they can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
Explore Undergraduate Majors
Online Undergraduate
Earn your associate or bachelor's degree through our online undergraduate program. Take one or two 8-week courses each sub-term as our online community helps you balance your studies with a busy life.
Explore Online Undergrad Degrees
Masters & Doctoral
Ministry leaders and industry professionals are impacting in their fields through masters, doctorates and graduate certificates.
Explore Online Masters Degrees
Explore Our Doctoral Programs
Take Your Next Step at LBC
Ready to learn more about becoming a part of the LBC family and taking the next step in your educational journey? Your journey is our focus.
Request Information
Apply Today
Request Info
Visit Us
Apply
About LBC
Home
|
About LBC
Next Steps? What would you like to do?
Lancaster Bible College (LBC), established in 1933, is a private, non-denominational Christian college located two hours from New York City and Washington, D.C. LBC integrates biblical truth into over 35 accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, preparing students for careers and service to Christ.
The college fosters spiritual, academic, and personal growth, offering fields like Business Administration, Education, Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry. Students can study on-campus in Lancaster, PA, or online, guided by expert faculty who are also dedicated mentors. Scripture is central to LBC’s education, impacting every aspect of learning and campus life.
Located near downtown Lancaster and Lititz, the campus provides access to rich cultural and dining experiences. Under the leadership of President Thomas L. Kiedis, LBC continues to advance its mission of equipping students to think, live, and serve with a biblical worldview.
Our Mission
To educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.
Learn more about our Mission, Vision & Values
College Verse:
1 Peter 1:25: “But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
College Hymn:
My Hope Is In the Lord
College Colors:
Black + Red (PMS 186)
Mascot:
Charger
View
LBC’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan
Quick Facts
3,236
Undergraduate & Graduate Students (2023-24)
19:1
College-wide Student-to-Faculty Ratio (2024-25)
19
Athletic Teams
8 men | 9 women | 2 Club Sports
100%
of all on-campus undergrads received financial aid (2023-24)
Additional Facts About LBC
Our Accreditations
Enrollment Facts
Non Discriminatory Policy
Library Holdings
Employees
Lancaster Bible College holds accreditations, approvals or memberships with the following entities:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Evangelical Training Association (ETA)
Approved by the United States Department of Justice for the training of non-immigrant international students
International Alliance for Christian Education
View the complete list
2023-24 Enrollment
Total Enrollment: 3,236
Level
#
Undergraduate
801
Online Undergraduate
1,063
Masters
709
Doctoral
253
Non-Degree
410
Undergraduate
The college years are among the most formative, and since 1933, Lancaster Bible College has helped students discover where God is calling them in a nurturing and safe environment where they can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
Graduate Studies
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom – it’s where it begins. For those who hold that belief as a core value, LBC offers advanced degrees to make an impact in ministry, counseling, the professional world and more. Masters and doctoral programs are offered online with instruction from caring, invested faculty members who real-world experience.
Lancaster Bible College is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification), ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment with the college.
The Charles & Gloria Jones Libraries, located at our Lancaster Campus and our additional locations, provide an extensive collection of physical and online resources to support the college curriculum. These resources are provided to meet the needs of both in-person and global students. Online resources are accessible to any student with internet access. Expert research help with a librarian is available 24/7 virtually and Monday-Friday in-person.
The College employs 229 employees (191 full-time + 38 part-time)*
Groups
Staff (excluding faculty)
142 Full-time
30 Part-time
Faculty
49 Full-time
8 Part-time
Adjunct Faculty
350 Active faculty
Job Openings at LBC.
Check out our complete list of current employment opportunities.
Meet the Faculty.
Get to know our faculty, administration and several other employee groups by clicking through our directory.
*Fall 2025 data
History
Lancaster Bible College was founded by Henry J. Heydt in September 1933. Eight daytime students and 14 evening students were enrolled in the original class, which met in the Convention Hall at West Orange and Pine Streets in Lancaster. William J. Randolph (’50) succeeded Heydt as President. From 1954 to 1961, President Randolph moved the school toward accreditation, and the size of the campus grew, initiated by a gift of land in 1957 from Mr. and Mrs. J. Martin Esbenshade.
In 1961, the school’s academic dean, Stuart E. Lease (’52), was elected President. During his 17-year presidency, the student body grew to more than 400 students, and the campus expanded to 36 acres. In 1973, the school earned provisional approval to grant the degree of Bachelor of Science in Bible, and the school officially became Lancaster Bible College (LBC).
When Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson began his duties as president in 1979, he focused on debt reduction. Within five years, LBC raised more than $500,000 toward financial stability and more than $1.5 million toward the school’s endowment. Additional land was purchased, bringing the campus size to 100 acres.
In 1999, Dr. Peter W. Teague became LBC’s fifth president. During his tenure the Good Shepherd Chapel, Olewine Dining Commons, Peterson Hall, Charles Frey Academic Center and Donald H. Funk Athletic Field were completed. Additionally, the Teague administration added online undergraduate programs and expanded the graduate school to offer terminal degrees.
On February 1, 2020, Lancaster Bible College welcomed its sixth president, Dr. Thomas L. Kiedis. Dr. Kiedis came to LBC from Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, Fla., where he served as senior pastor for 10 years. He was a member of the college’s Corporation since 2012, taught graduate courses as an adjunct faculty member and for six years served as the lead mentor for the church planting concentration of the Master of Arts in Ministry program. Under Dr. Kiedis’ leadership, the college added 25 new online bachelors and masters programs in one calendar year and was named the No. 1 Online Bible College in America.
Learn About President Kiedis and the Leadership Team
Institutional Effectiveness
Learn about our core values and goals, as well as how we measure objectives and document student success.
View the Details
Student Consumer Information
Students can become informed consumers of their LBC education.
Read More
Our Partnerships
LBC partners with many institutions, organizations and church networks to offer educational pathways.
Read More
Our Rankings
The college is consistently listed by regional and national higher education ranking organizations.
See Our Latest Rankings
On-Campus Undergraduate
On-campus undergraduate students discover where God is calling them on a beautiful campus in a nurturing and safe environment where they can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
Explore Undergraduate Majors
Online Undergraduate
Earn your associate or bachelor's degree through our online undergraduate program. Take one or two 8-week courses each sub-term as our online community helps you balance your studies with a busy life.
Explore Online Undergrad Degrees
Masters & Doctoral
Ministry leaders and industry professionals are impacting in their fields through masters, doctorates and graduate certificates.
Explore Online Masters Degrees
Explore Our Doctoral Programs
Take Your Next Step at LBC
Ready to learn more about becoming a part of the LBC family and taking the next step in your educational journey? Your journey is our focus.
Request Information
Apply Today
Request Info
Visit Us
Apply