Word Studies: Bible Survey

 Class: Bible Survey

Week#: This course spans the entire academic year.
Professor: Mr. Jonathan Ward

Jonathan and Melissa Ward blog. facebook. wol.

Assignments: Read through each book of the Bible by the assigned class period. Write one chapter title, a sentence of 3-10 words, for every chapter in each book (except for 1 and 2 Chronicles and Proverbs). Write one research paper and one reflection paper per semester. Complete five maps for both the Old Testament and the New Testament.


Jonathan is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute and a former Word of Life Impact Team member (1997-99), and Melissa is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College. Together, they coordinated Word of Life Canada's Impact Team ministry from 2001-2006, with Jonathan training and discipling the Team members and hundreds of speaking opportunities each year. Jonathan now serves as the Dean of Men and is Professor of Bible Survey at the Owen Sound Campus of the Word of Life Bible Institute.

The primary purpose of Bible Survey is to introduce the student to the major people, places, events and teachings contained in both the Old and New Testaments. This course is designed to provide a framework for understanding the rest of biblical truth as well as identify the unique characteristics of each book of the Bible.

Fall Semester

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

2 Timothy 3:16 

As it states in the above scripture, the Old Testament is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Every book was divinely inspired, or God-breathed, even books like Numbers and Leviticus and life application and lessons can be gleaned from their pages. Mr. Ward seeks to make this truth a reality for each and every student. The class is taught everything about the book. Themes, outlines, distinctives and surveys of every book are explained in detail as well as specific and unique attributes.

"Bible Survey has consistently stretched me when it comes to studying the all 66 books of Bible. The amount of knowledge we can learn from studying these books is immense. I really like learning about the history of the books of the bible and digging a little deeper into each one after reading it."
- Kyle, Kitchener

Spring Semester

In New Testament Survey, the students learn about the theme, outlines, and the surveys just like Old Testament Survey; however, Mr. Ward begins the New Testament differently. First, he takes the students through a series of lessons on the historicity of the Bible. After that he teaches through the gospels, expounding on the four pictures of the Son of God presented. As they make their way through the epistles and ending in Revelation, Mr. Ward shows how Christ is the theme of all 29 books. By the time the class has reached completion, the students will look back at what they have covered in the past nine months and be amazed.

"Bible Survey has been a great class. At the beginning of the course, I was unsure about it because history wasn't one of my best subjects. I have learned so much about the importance of context and true interpretation. Having studied the Old Testament in the Fall Semester, I find it is so much easier to understand the New Testament now that I know the basis it's built on!"
- Sarah, Midland

Want to check out Bible Survey for yourself? Come to Campus Days!

Students Speak about the WOLBI staff

DISCLAIMER: No students were interrogated, forced, bribed or otherwise coerced in the obtaining of these quotes. Our staff are very blessed by the students God has brought to WOLBI this year!

"Even though it's only been 3 months, WOL and the staff members here have impacted my life so much.  They are so willing to talk, listen, and give their time and advice!"

"The Ward family have been a huge influence in the lives of us students.  If Mr. Ward isn't teaching us in class he is usually on the basketball court. He teaches us Bible Survey in class, biblical principles in chapels, and is a great example to us outside of class time in how to live a godly life. Mrs. Ward is my discipler and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know her better and the opportunity to meet with her once a week. She is a big encouragement to me and I learn a lot from just watching how she handles life situations and how she interacts with her kids. Their middle child, was my date to the banquet! I look forward to the rest of the year getting to know them more!"

"WOLBI has greatly ministered in my life thus far. The ministry of the staff, in particular the Reiders and the Wards , has greatly shown to me the love and devotion they have not only to God, but also to the students. My personal growth had been incredible under the discipleship provided and I can't wait to continue here in the New Year."

"For me I think the biggest blessing has been the opportunity to watch  and learn from godly women here at the BI. Being discipled in the kitchen and just interacting with the women here at the BI has challenged me to grow and has been such an encouragement to me! I really appreciate their desire to help me grow."