later, as necessary, with a personal caring talk with a dean. In fact, these talks have been given the title “carefrontation.” To confront an issue in a caring way reflects how God deals with us. Often these talks will uncover additional areas of a student’s life that would benefit from the wisdom the deans are able to provide. In addition, students will help each other. Each year, through our Resident Assistant’s program as well as Check-mate programs, upperclassmen help the younger students adjust to the policies on campus and challenge them to mature spiritually as evidenced through their actions. Many of the students are living away from home for the first time in their lives and the initial sense of freedom needs to be tempered with reminders that the way they live affects others—like their roommate! They find that living with another person they did not grow up with introduces them to different cultures, standards, habits, perspectives, and sometimes, smells! Their little world has suddenly expanded and some will adjust well while others struggle with these changes.
Dean Childs David Childs serves as the Vice President for Student Services at Appalachian Bible College. He holds degrees from Bob Jones University and Grace Theological Seminary. During the past 32 years he has served in various roles as a pastor, missionary, and Bible College instructor and administrator. His wife, Linda, currently serves with him as Dean of Women at ABC. They have four children.
It takes character to live lovingly among others in a community setting. At Appalachian Bible College we try to highlight that the issue is character. The issue is the heart. Outward conformity has its place, but if we don’t develop character it is only a veneer that will crumble at the worst time. Living godly is not easy, but it is important. Sometimes students do not initially respond well to rules, but patience and love go a long way. It is our greatest joy to see the change that takes place during the years a student is with us here at ABC. Many give testimony at graduation of this transformation. Please pray for Appalachian Bible College; that God will work in our lives, students and staff alike, changing us to be more like Him.
“Outward conformity has its place, but if we don’t develop character it is only a veneer that will crumble at the worst time.”
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