We offer two tracks for people wishing to pursue further in-depth study of the Bible and Theology in a local church context.
- Center for Biblical Studies Certificate: Students have the option of receiving a certificate upon completion of 12 courses from the Center for Biblical Studies. These courses are $50 each, which includes the cost of the books and materials needed, and are not accredited.
- Crown College Degree: The Center for Biblical Studies is honored to partner with Crown College to provide affordable and accessible Bible education to the Church of Western New York. Students have the opportunity to apply up to 30 credits of CBS courses towards an undergraduate Crown College degree. This program also prepares ministry leaders to be licensed or ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Courses marked “Crown College” cost $200, which includes the cost of the books and materials needed, and can be used towards a Crown College degree (Courses not marked are exclusively CBS courses). The average cost of an accredited college course is $900 so we are thrilled to provide this low-cost option for people pursuing formal Bible education. https://cmti.crown.edu/partners/kac
Important Details:
- There are 12 courses available per year starting every fall season.
- Each course is 6 weeks long and meets once per week either on Mondays or Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Kenmore Alliance Church.
- If you do not wish to do either track, we also have the option of auditing courses. This means that you pay $50 to attend the courses, receive the books and materials, but do not have to do the homework or be graded. You can choose to take any number of courses.
2023-2024 Course Offerings
Biblical Interpretation
August 21-October 9, 2023 (Break for Labor Day)
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: Learn to study the Bible for yourself with confidence! You’ll gain practical experience in interpreting the Bible in this hands-on course, applying a variety of exegetical strategies to Scripture passages. What you’ll learn:
- Observe and analyze Bible passages using inductive Bible study methods.
- Understand the importance of authorial intent when interpreting Scripture.
- Interpret Bible passages in light of their historical-cultural and literary context.
- Apply Biblical principles to your personal life and social setting.
- Utilize basic reference works and study helps when interpreting Scripture.
Basic Theology 1
August 30-October 11, 2023 (Break for Labor Day)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: Survey the doctrines of revelation, inspiration of Scripture, God, creation, mankind and sin. A variety of theological perspectives are considered along with special attention to the standpoint of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
What you’ll learn
- Identify the essential language, ideas, Scripture passages, and schools of thought related to the doctrines of God’s revelation, existence, nature, attributes and character, creation, humankind, and sin.
- Analyze and evaluate, from the Bible and scholarly research, the key elements in a published statement of faith.
- Research and evaluate theological arguments utilizing the basic skills of systematic theology.
- Identify present day applications for course doctrines, and be able to demonstrate how these doctrines should affect Christian faith and practice.
Basic Theology 2
October 18-November, 2023 (Break for Thanksgiving)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: Study doctrines related to the atonement, Christology, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the Last Things (Eschatology). A variety of theological perspectives are considered, with special attention to these topics from the standpoint of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
- Understand the essential language and schools of thought which are related to the doctrines being studied.
- Articulate and defend, from the Bible and scholarly research, doctrines of the Christian faith in relation to the person and work of Christ, salvation, the composition and work of the church, and the things to come.
- Objectively evaluate theological arguments in such a way as to be able to identify orthodoxy or potential heresy.
- Identify present day applications for the various doctrines learned, and be able to demonstrate how these doctrines should affect Christian faith and practice.
C.S. Lewis and The Screwtape Letters
October 16-November 27 (Break for Thanksgiving)
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: TBD
A Study on Romans
January 8-February 12, 2024
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: TBD
Church History
January 10-February 14, 2024
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: This course will be a chronological study of the Church throughout history, but with an emphasis on the most impactful events for the spread of the Gospel and the manifestation of Kingdom of God in our world. We will discuss the following topics, namely; 1) Beginnings: The Messiah and the New Covenant, 2) The Conversion of an Empire, 3) The Struggle between Church vs. State, 4) Reformation, 5) Revival: The Impact of the English-Speaking Peoples, and 6) A Global Phenomenon.
Alliance Theology
February 19-March 25, 2024
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: The course examines the origins, growth and life of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in its historical and theological context. Special attention is paid to the denomination’s founder, theological emphases, missionary outreach, and international character. Course assignments will deepen personal understanding of key spiritual truths and the practical application of these spiritual principles within one’s life and ministry. Specific areas of study in this course include salvation, sanctification, the ministry of healing and Christ’s return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If you are pursuing service or ordination/consecration with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, this course will meet your Alliance Polity requirement and additional assignments you’ll need for your credentialing.
What you’ll learn
- Articulate the vision, mission and passion embedded within the late nineteenth century history of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, which continues to influence its present calling.
- Identify the Alliance distinctives that have shaped its theological experience with particular attention to sanctification, healing, eschatology and missions.
- Develop understanding of the spirituality, structures and philosophy of ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
- Appreciate a broadened understanding of the work of the Alliance in the United States and throughout the world.
- Examine the historical, theological and spiritual distinctives of the Alliance.
Biblical Greek
February 21-March 27, 2024
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: TBD
Leading Across Cultures
April 8-May 13, 2024
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: Explore concepts of leadership in context of Scripture, with a focus on servant leadership and cultural intelligence. This course will help you develop as a servant leader who is aware and responsive to the cultural context in which you serve.
What you’ll learn
- Create your own definition of servant leadership incorporating a biblical worldview.
- Evaluate leadership behaviors and practices of an effective global leader.
- Define key principles and practices of leading global teams.
- Develop a strategy for improving leadership effectiveness that includes personal goals and priorities.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical behavior from a Christian perspective.
- Apply and integrate servant leadership theory in culturally and historically diverse environments.
- Recognize and influence interconnections and diversity among global communities
Introduction to Apologetics
April 10-May 15, 2024
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Room 402
Course Description: Introduction to Christian apologetics will examine whether the claims and beliefs of Christianity are supported by real evidence and reason, or as some claim are fictions we have blindly accepted (See 1 Peter 3:15 for a Biblical direction to pursue such a study). Over six weeks we will address (at a minimum) four main questions: 1) Are there solid reasons and evidence that support the belief that there is an all-powerful being that we call God? 2) Are there solid reasons and evidence to support the belief that this all-powerful being really communicated to the human race through writings that we collectively call the Bible, and that these writings have been accurately passed on to us? 3) Are there solid reasons and evidence to support the belief that this all-powerful being appeared among us as a human being named “Jesus” (English version of His name), died, and was resurrected from the dead as confirmation of His claims? 4) If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil to exist in our world?
KAC CBS Instructors
Hanna Brown
Johanna (Hanna) Brown received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a focus on Restorative Justice policy and practice. Johanna has a diverse background in management, banking, portfolio administration and ministry. Johanna is certified with the Christian and Missionary Alliance as a Conflict Coach and Mediator. She is certified in Elder and Adult Family Mediation to help families making decisions for the elderly population. She currently serves in Court-Based Mediation for family and parenting disputes. Her passion is to help individuals, families and marriages pursue peace through the ministry of reconciliation and discipleship. Hanna's Website
johannajbrown@gmail.com
Kim Holet
Kim received her Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in church ministries from Liberty University. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services from the State University of New York, at Buffalo. She is the Mobilization Director at The Chapel and has taught at the Renovation Institute at The Chapel.
kholet@thechapel.com
Rev. Dr. John B. Mansfield
John received his Doctorate in Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary (Ashland, OH), Masters in Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, IL), M.A.T.S. (Theological Studies) from the International School of Theology (San Bernardino, CA), and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Religion from Boston University. He has been a Teaching Fellow at the Institute of Biblical Studies (CRU International), an Adjunct Professor in Religious Studies Program at SUNY Buffalo, an Adjust Professor in University Honors College at SUNY Buffalo, taught courses at the School of Leadership international, taught at the Ukrainian Bible Institute, and an Independent Study Instructor at SUNY Buffalo. John has served with the Epic Asian American Campus Ministry at SUNY Buffalo, and Campus Crusade for Christ. He is an Ordained Minister with the Evangelical Church Alliance (Bradley, IL). He was a chairman of the Elders at Kenmore Christian & Missionary Alliance Church (Tonawanda, NY) from 1986 to 1996.
johnman@buffalo.edu
Scott Lackey
Scott Lackey is the Lead Pastor of New Story Church which is located in Buffalo, NY. He holds a Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and a Masters in Theology from Sioux Falls Seminary. He is currently enrolled at Northern Seminary and working towards a Doctorate of Ministry in New Testament Context.
scottlackey93@gmail.com
Vinh Nguyen
Vinh is currently working on his PhD specializing in New Testament Greek and Linguistics. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry from Ouachita Baptist University and an MA in Biblical Languages from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
vihn@cornerstonechurch.life
Dr. Jeffrey A. Spencer
Jeff has served as an elder on the KAC Elder Board since 2019. He received his Doctorate in Juris Prudence at the State University of New York, at Buffalo; Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University; and Bachelors in Political Science at Canisius College. He currently teaches Logic at Rivendell Study Center, has taught a variety of courses at local colleges, and has been a guest lecturer at various legal organizations. Jeff, and his wife Michelle, have hosted and taught numerous Bible studies and small groups for over 30 years. He has also written an article “Evolution; Fact or Faith? A Question to the prevailing orthodoxy” at Liberty Life & Family Journal of Regent University.
jaspencer7@gmail.com
Kate Scarpena
Dr. Kate Scarpena received her Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University (Boston, MA), Master in Science in Education from Purdue University Global, (West Layfette, IN), her Master in Arts in History and her Bachelor in Arts in History and Classical Studies from the University at Buffalo. Dr. Scarpena currently serves as the Chair of a Humanities and Social Sciences Department, a unique department comprised of courses and faculty from multiple disciplines that extend across the Arts & Humanities as well as the Social Sciences. Dr. Scarpena worked previously as a secondary social studies teacher and history professor before joining the educational leadership team full time. Her experience includes teaching a variety of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and education, course design and implementation, curriculum development, program development, student teacher candidate supervision and certification, as well as educational administration in both K-12 and higher education settings.
kscarpena@gmail.com
Arthur Ward
Arthur Ward has served as the Rector of St. Bartholomew's since 1998. He received his B.A. in History from SUNY at Buffalo; a M.A. in Practical Theology from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA; and a M. Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.. He and his wife Kathleen have two adult children, Arthur and Alyssa.
stbarton.org
Patricia Pason
Patricia Pason holds a Master in Ministry from Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary and is currently working towards her Doctorate of Theology in Messianic Jewish Studies through the same. She currently teaches a Bible Study and Torah Studies weekly at Congregation Brith Hadoshah Messianic Synagogue, as well as currently serving on the Congregational Board of Trustees. Her hobbies include travel and photography, and of course studying and teaching God's word.
patpason@aol.com
Elizabeth Coburn
Elizabeth Coburn has a BA in Literature from Gordon College, a MA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University, and a MA in Literature from the University of New Hampshire. She has a background in drama and vocal performance and has taught high school English and college writing. She is currently a freelance writer who has published fourteen middle-grade books for children, specializing in stories for reluctant readers. She, her husband Philip, and their three kids have attended KAC since moving to Buffalo in 2003.
eecoburn@aol.com
Joe Zach
Joe Zach serves as Discipleship Pastor for Kenmore Alliance Church. Prior to this, he was Chaplain for the Buffalo City Mission for 5 years and Associate Pastor for Youth & Missions at Lockport Alliance Church for 12 years. A Kenmore native, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Buffalo State College and a Master of Arts in Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Laura have three teenage children.
joe.zach@kenmorealliance.com
Victoria Spencer
Victoria Spencer, Leadership Development Coordinator
Victoria has received her Master of Divinity (Crown College), Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies (Crown College), Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry (Crown College), International Studies at Jerusalem University College, and an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry at Houghton College. She is licensed by the Christian and Missionary Alliance and has graduated from the Renovation University (a two-year ministry cohort) with The Chapel. Victoria has been an Administrative and Children’s Ministry Assistant at Kenmore Alliance Church, and an Administrative and Children’s Ministry Intern at New Covenant Church. She has been a guest speaker at several youth and adult events and/or services.
victoria@kenmorealliance.com