Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning Receives Award

Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning (MBIDL) recently received their 19th ACCESS Course of the Year (COTY) award and an honorable mention at the 2018 ACCESS conference.

The award-winning “Studies in Old Testament Historical Books” course was developed by Dr. Tim Sigler, professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. Chris Stackaruk, the course writer, assisted Dr. Sigler in the research and assignment creation. Mary Opera served as the instructional designer for the course, putting the components of the online course together and ensuring assignments connect directly with the course objectives.

_{^{Kevin Mahaffy accepting both awards on behalf of MBIDL from Dr. Mary Lowe, executive director of ACCESS and associate dean and professor at the Liberty University School of Divinity. Photo courtesy of Dr. Timothy Chiu}}

MBIDL accepted the award at the Association of Christian Distance Education’s annual ACCESS Conference in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“At Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning, we are committed to providing a high quality education at an affordable cost, so that our students have the tools to minister effectively in their communities,” said Dr. Bryan O’Neal, vice president and dean of MBIDL. “This year’s ACCESS award is a great confirmation that others recognize our fantastic, dedicated faculty and course designers who are successfully serving our students in this critical way. It continues to humble us that God is using MBIDL in this way.”

As a part of the new Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies, “Studies in Old Testament Historical Books” is a course that examines and helps students interpret different methods in how to study the Old Testament historical books. This course places an emphasis on the development of skills and techniques used in the analysis of the Old Testament and the exposition of theological themes. Students learn how to use ancient and modern sources to interpret Scripture, and as they focus on one or more of the Old Testament historical books they are challenged to reflect on faithful contextualization.

“It's been a pleasure working with Chris Stackaruk on several courses over the years,” said Dr. Sigler. “Working with students who take their training and use it for God's glory is one of the great joys of my life. As Chris and I worked through issues of course content, pedagogy, and usefulness in a ministry context, we prayed that God would use this course to help others better understand the Scriptures and to appreciate the importance of God's covenant promises to Israel.” He added, “The Old Testament historical books continue to have great relevance for modern readers who are ready to explore God's holiness, grace, truth, patience, and covenant-keeping love.”

An honorable mention was awarded to MBIDL’s undergraduate course, “Foundations of Biblical Leadership,” developed and taught by Kevin Mahaffy, director of instructional design at MBIDL, for the Certificate of Biblical Leadership program.

This course focuses on the attitude, knowledge, practice and skills needed to become a successful life-long learner. The course has an emphasis placed on introducing and integrating biblical, theological, and leadership scholarship, as well as assessing one's current understanding of leadership.

MBIDL has now earned the Course of the Year award for excellence in online course design and content five years in a row.

For more information about Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning, including how to apply, please visit www.moody.edu/moody-bible-institute-distance-learning.