Tina Gordley always had a heart for missions. “I only had one aspiration – to become a missionary to a Spanish speaking country,” said Gordley. Her early sense of her calling proved to be spot-on. Today, the native Pennsylvanian and her husband, Andy (a 2009 graduate of our seminary) live in Costa Rica and run the GAP Year Program, a ministry of SCORE International. Her husband is the director of the program, while she focuses on mentoring and relationship building with the young adults who come – all while rearing her five children.
Gordley says it was Lancaster Bible College’s online programs that first caught her attention. “I was instantly attracted to LBC when I found out that an undergraduate program had been developed that was completely online,” she explained. “I was even more interested after I learned that I could get 30 credits simply for life experience!” Because of Gordley’s past academic experience – she previously studied at New Tribes Bible Institute and has extensive ministry and volunteer experience – she learned she was closer to earning her degree than she realized. “When my advisor told me I just needed 12 courses to actually earn my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies I was shocked!” she said excitedly.
According to Gordley, she’s already reaping the benefits of LBC | Capital’s biblical education. “I am able to use the knowledge I am gaining immediately in my ministry,” she said. “I’m not going to lie and say that it is easy to fit each class into my life. I have five kids, a husband, a house and a ministry, so I have had to put some things on the back-burner. Truthfully, online classes are becoming part of my lifestyle and I’m even thinking of rolling right into a LBC | Capital’s master’s degree program.”
Her advice for students considering studying through our degree completion program? “Make going back to school a team effort,” said Gordley. “Include your spouse and kids in the process and let them know that their contributions to helping around the house and their overall support are a part of your success!”