About Bible Journey
Our Mission
Bible Journey’s mission is to raise up a generation of global disciples who can understand, interpret and teach the Bible.
Our Vision
As we move from 2020 into the next decade, we anticipate engaging over one million people in Bible Journey and certifying over 100,000 church leaders globally. We work closely with nearly 100 churches, ministries and organizations to provide the “next thing” in Bible study to those who promote Scripture engagement. This vision comes with a profound sense of gratitude for being called alongside many other ministries to get God’s Word into the hands of his people around the world.
Our Beliefs
Bible Journey is a broadly evangelical curriculum that stands firmly in the orthodox Christian faith, universally expressed in the Nicene Creed. We believe that the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) are God’s inspired revelation, serving as our sacred authority. We do not treat Scripture as our possession, but rather as God’s gift to all people, and we seek to understand it in alignment with the historical and global church. We are fully aligned with the Lausanne Covenant.
Our Founders
Dr. Tim Laniak
Dr. Tim Laniak is co-founder of BibleJourney, Inc. He is also the Chief Content and Creative Officer, having played a large role in creating our media curriculum. Tim enjoyed a strong biblical education at Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Jerusalem University College, Brandeis University and Harvard University. His passion for Scripture and missions has led to a fruitful teaching ministry in churches and schools around the world, as well as writing about the Bible in its cultural context (Shame and Honor in the Book of Esther, Shepherds After My Own Heart, While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks, Finding the Lost Images of God). As Annual Professor at the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, Tim pioneered research on biblical shepherding and returned to the US to begin ShepherdLeader Ministries. Now, after twenty years serving as professor, urban ministry coordinator and dean at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Dr. Tim is bringing his rich experience, wide-ranging scholarship and deep personal passion to Bible Journey.
Bryan Dolan
Bryan Dolan is co-founder of BibleJourney, Inc. As leader of the business side, he is also the Chief Operating Officer. Bryan graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Queens University with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Bryan is currently enrolled in the Masters Degree in Christian Thought track at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) and is a member of the GCTS-Charlotte Board of Advisors. Bryan brings over 40 years of business and leadership skills as an executive in the energy industry. He has also held numerous civic, church and other volunteer leadership positions. Bryan teaches the Bible in church and community settings and brings this passion to Bible Journey as we seek to engage the world in quality Bible education.
Maureen Laniak
Maureen Laniak, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, is now serving as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for BibleJourney, Inc. She is a certified K-8 school teacher who is passionate about creating experiential learning environments. Together with Tim, Maureen has served the Church in Africa, Asia and Europe, co-directed the International Fellowship House in Boston, founded Life Long Learning Group and co-founded North Carolina’s Union Academy Charter School – winner of a national character education award. Maureen is also founder of Truth®, a company that offers biblically-inspired personal care products for women. She enjoys books, travel, yoga, perusing ethnic food shops and cooking first-century biblical meals for friends and family.
Joyce Dolan
Joyce Dolan is Vice President, Corporate Support for BibleJourney, Inc. She is supporting a variety of business aspects for the launch of Bible Journey and leads the Bible Journey intercessory prayer team. Joyce graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Math. She taught both math and dance in high school settings and has managed and taught at dance studios. She has also directed and choreographed local theatre productions. Joyce has held numerous civic and church responsibilities. Joyce teaches the Bible in church and community settings and is the director of a dramatic presentation of the Living Last Supper. She is excited about the opportunity to bring God’s Word to the ends of the earth.
Our Mentor
Dr. Robert E. Cooley
President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Dr. Cooley was a mentor to both Tim and Bryan and a catalyst in bringing them together for the vision and mission of Bible Journey. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Bible Coalition, a non-profit formed to support Bible education.
Dr. Cooley served as the second president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts from 1981 to 1997. He established himself with an unusually broad background of training and experience. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies and archaeology and a Master of Arts degree in religious education. Dr. Cooley then earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Hebrew Studies and Near Eastern Archaeology at New York University.
Dr. Cooley served both as a professor and an administrator at a number of institutions, including Central Bible College, Wheaton College, Evangel University, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Dropsie University in Philadelphia and as a professor of anthropology and religious studies and director of the Center for Archaeological Research at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Recognized widely for his research and writing in the field of archaeology, Dr. Cooley oversaw a number of excavation projects in the USA, Palestine, and Egypt. In addition to his excavation activities, Dr. Cooley directed more than 80 study trips throughout the Middle East. Dr. Cooley also gave much of his time and energy to the ministry of Christ’s church around the world, through service, teaching, contributions to seminars and teaching, and serving organizations like Christianity Today, the World Relief Corporation and more.
Dr. Cooley passed away on April 1, 2021, at the age of 91.