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Far North Bible College is the blending of two visions for the training of Native Alaskans for the ministry. In 1959 Rev. Kenneth Andrus and Rev. Arvin Glandon were serving God in secular and Rev. Glandon was a teacher in the native elementary school. Both were supporting the resident missionaries by their ministries with their monetary means. Both were concerned about the need for Christian service for the natives in Alaska. Rev. Andrus envisioned a resident training center where potential Christian workers might be brought together for training, while Rev. Glandon envisioned extension or “on-site” training in the villages for short terms of Christian service by those Christians confined to their villages by the circumstances of life.
In 1962, Rev. Glandon began the extension aspect under the name of Far North Bible School. Native churches were provided with short-term training on a rotating circuit of selected churches. Rev. Andrus began the residential side in 1973 in Bethel, Alaska. The school was called Bethel Bible Training Center. In 1980, Bethel Bible Training Center relocated to Anchorage and in 1981 changed its name to Far North Bible College. At this time it became a standard two-year Bible College from which students could earn an AA degree. At the same time the State of Alaska certified it as a college. In 1987, the college moved into new facilities jointly owned with Anchorage Native Assembly. A three-year curriculum was introduced in 1990, emphasizing practical ministry and leadership development. In 1999, the college resolved its partnership with Anchorage Native Assembly and moved into temporary leased facilities located at 650 West International Airport Road, Suite 101, Anchorage AK 99518. In 2000, Far North Bible College joined with Global University to provide access to accredited classes to those pursuing their credentials in Bible/Pastoral Ministries. In 2002, FNBC began offering an Associates and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible/Pastoral Studies and also continues to offer a diploma in Biblical Studies. In 2003, FNBC purchased property for a campus core located on the east side of the city to begin classes in the fall trimester. The Alaska District and Assemblies of God approves Far North Bible College for ministerial training, qualifying graduates for the educational requirements needed for the various levels of credentialing. As Far North Bible College moves into the new millennium, there is an even greater need to train workers for the harvest field. "Look unto the fields, for they are white already to harvest." |
