Bodenseehof Bible School, located on the shores of Lake Constance in southern Germany, is an international, inter-denominational six-month English-speaking Bible school program. Bodenseehof is a branch of the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers, founded by Major Ian Thomas. Since its beginning at Capernwray Hall in northwest England, the ministry of Torchbearers has developed to include Bible schools and conference centers around the world.

Why Bible School?

Our purpose is to encourage and assist you:

• to come to know the risen, indwelling Lord Jesus Christ more deeply and personally
• to develop the personal disciplines of studying, understanding and communicating the message of God's written word, the Bible
• to discover and prove in everyday experience the reality of the Christian life as Christ Himself is allowed to work in and through your life
• to be a more effective member of your local church, equipped for full-time Christian service, regardless of your occupation

Schedule

Bodenseehof offers a schedule which includes 23 lectures each week. Subjects are studied in depth for one to two weeks. The studies are Christ-centered, systematic and thorough, covering many of the books of the Bible and related theological topics.

Lectures are given by resident faculty together with visiting guest speakers. The guest speakers are members of the International Torchbearer Staff and other experienced Christian leaders who draw from a rich personal relationship with Jesus Christ as they share God's Word from a fresh and dynamic perspective. Personal study, parallel reading and regular exams are also a significant part of the program and complement the material presented in the lectures.

Outreach

Bodenseehof's outreach ministry is one of the unique course offerings. Students are encouraged to form singing teams, drama teams or join the choir for the varied outreach opportunities throughout Germany. These opportunities include ministry in churches, youth groups and schools. Students are also regularly responsible for planning and participating in Sunday worship services, open evenings and concerts held at Bodenseehof.

Fellowship

Bodenseehof's international student body offers a unique opportunity to fellowship with believers in Christ from around the world. Small fellowship groups meet together regularly for prayer, Bible study, discussion and personal encouragement.

Practical Duties

Saturday mornings and some afternoons are set aside for practical work in the buildings and grounds. Students also assist with daily household duties to help maintain the smooth running of the school.

Recreation

Several sightseeing trips and a hike in the Alps are offered in the early weeks of school. On travel weekends and over Christmas break, there is ample time for skiing in Switzerland and Austria. Bodenseehof itself offers a sauna, volleyball and basketball courts, a fitness room and a table-tennis room. The lake offers canoeing and windsurfing facilities.

Prerequisites

No specific academic qualifications are required for admission, but students must be 18 years of age at the beginning of the course. Acceptance is based on the student's application and references. All lectures are held in English, therefore students must be proficient in reading, writing and understanding English.

Accreditation

The course work done at Bodenseehof is accepted at many school in North America and other countries around the world. Those students who go on to further study can apply for academic credit for work done at Bodenseehof depending upon the school attended, the course of study pursued, and the grade received in the course for transfer. A transcript can be issued upon request at the completion of the course. 

Bodenseehof is located on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance) where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet. It is close to Friedrichshafen, in the suburb of Fischbach. The Bodensee area offers unique opportunities for sightseeing and recreation.