A Week in the Life of a Nashville Bible College Student
Jackson Stanfield is a sophomore transfer student at NBC, originally from Michigan.
Coming from a previous college, I was very curious to see what the experience of a Nashville Bible College student would be like. I was not disappointed.
NBC brings together three key elements—professional development, classroom instruction, and chapel—while leaving room for social interaction and spiritual growth in your own life and the lives of others.
Starting the Week With Work and Responsibility
When I wake up on a typical Monday, I know what my responsibilities are: knocking out some homework for my Isaiah class that meets Tuesday morning, doing food prep for my Professional Development placement at Mesa Moto Kitchen Car, and heading to the basketball court for half an hour to burn some energy.
Though it doesn’t all happen in the same order every Monday, there is something specific happening at the same place and time on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. That structure helps shape the rhythm of my week.
Making Time for Prayer and Spiritual Life
Morning prayer is something that frames every aspect of life on NBC’s campus. It allows students to start the day with a constant reminder that Scripture reading, prayer, and worship are the backbone not only of our classes, but also of our everyday lives before God.
Some of my best days at Nashville Bible College have come directly after morning prayer, where testimonies were shared, tears were shed, and songs were played that had both me and my roommates reflecting on the goodness of God.
Isaiah Class, taught by Benjamin Reese, is a highlight for students in this 8-week term.
What Classes Look Like at Nashville Bible College
Tuesday and Friday tend to be my busiest class days. On Tuesday, I have Isaiah early in the morning, followed by a two- or three-hour window starting around 10 a.m. when I can complete homework, do laundry, or run errands.
On Fridays, I make the short walk to the college building for a long but rewarding class: the Gospel of John, led by one of my favorite professors, Brandon Galford.
One of the benefits of living on campus is also the opportunity to interact with students at the K–12 academy next door. Getting to know elementary, middle, and high school students and hearing about their lives growing up in Nashville inspires me to set a positive example for them.
Then there are Wednesdays, when chapel gives students the opportunity to hear from professors and speakers from around the country. Some weeks also introduce us to different cultures through worship, speakers, and activities.
Classes typically meet twice a week. The days when classes are not in session give students time to work on homework, spend time with friends, explore Nashville, and work outside jobs.
During a typical week, I spend about 18 hours working in Professional Development and approximately nine hours in class, with additional time throughout the week for homework, ministry, chapel, and other responsibilities.
Students at NBC are able to find a local ministry they believe in or would like more exposure in, and volunteer at least two hours per week. Students spend their time with elderly neighbors, at risk youth, church youth groups, the Davidson County Jail, and more.
Serving the Nashville Community
Another important part of our weekly schedule is community service. We set aside time each week to volunteer at different sites and organizations around Nashville, providing a variety of services and putting our faith into practice.
Currently, I volunteer with Cottage Cove’s after-school program, where we prepare activities, play music, and help upper elementary and middle school students with homework. Last year, I led worship at an inner-city church.
Fitting ministry into an already full schedule reminds us that following Jesus includes putting others ahead of ourselves. Service is not something reserved for the weeks when we happen to have extra time. It becomes part of the rhythm of college life.
Why I Appreciate the Structure of My Week
A week at Nashville Bible College is shaped by Professional Development work experience, classes with professors who know their subjects and their students, and opportunities to serve in communities throughout Nashville.
But I have also come to appreciate the structure built around those responsibilities. There is time to complete homework, pray together, gather as a college for worship, spend time with friends, and experience the city around us.
When I first made the journey to NBC, I was eagerly anticipating the possibilities that studying Scripture would bring. I found that the experience extends beyond what happens in class. My weeks here have given me opportunities to grow alongside my peers, learn from my professors, serve other people, and become part of the larger community of Nashville, Tennessee.
