The Hebrew Scriptures offer specific instructions and regulations regarding borrowing and lending in the nation of Israel. On the one hand, we discover a culture that is not consumeristic nor capitalistic. The theocratic demands of the law of God cautioned lenders not to exploit those for whom borrowing had become a last resort: “If you lend money to any of my people who are needy among you, do not be like a moneylender to him; do not charge him interest” (Exodus 22:25). The practice of yūbel (Jubilee) also demonstrates a system created to remember the poor, celebrate financial freedom, prioritize family legacy, and operate under the sovereignty of the God of Israel, full of mercy and grace.

On the other hand, the Hebrew Scriptures also deliver to today’s reader the harsh realities of borrowing that can be ignored in a consumer-driven, capitalistic, and financially entitled culture. “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives” (Psalm 37:21). “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

The main campus of Tri-State Bible College resides in the heart of north central Appalachia, a place where the poverty level is 16.9% according to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). This is the second highest among the five subregions of Appalachia. 18–24 year olds experience the highest level of poverty. While Appalachian families experienced an increase in household income between 2015–2019, the median household income is still approximately $11,000 less than the national median.

During strategic planning, our external scan of the north central Appalachian region, as well as our additional location in Akron, OH, revealed to us the financial difficulty facing prospective students. Loans that lead to a subsequent burden of heavy debt make fulfilling your ministry challenging.

With wise planning and accountability, loans can be a partial resource for funding one’s education. However, students are cautioned by the realities of becoming a borrower, and they are encouraged to exhaust all possible alternatives to borrowing. This is a practice that not only benefits students’ peace of mind now, but it anticipates the students’ future in vocational or bi-vocational ministry.