Dr. Kevin M. Aiken Elected as
Manna Bible Institute's New President
On June 30, 2022, the board of directors of Manna Bible Institute (MBI) announced the election of its new president, Dr. Kevin M. Aiken, who took office on September 12, 2022. Dr. Aiken will succeed Rev. Dr. Edward Sparkman, Esq. Dr. Sparkman had served as MBI’s president for four years and was responsible for obtaining our new, permanent building at 5337 Wynnefield Avenue in Philadelphia. Dr. Aiken becomes Manna’s 12th president since MBI’s founding in 1944 when Dr. E. Schuyler English served as the school’s first president.
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Dr. Aiken’s educational preparation began with his earning an Associate’s
Degree in Biblical Studies, two Bachelor’s Degrees in Biblical Theology and Urban
Leadership from Geneva College, and a Master’s Degree in Philosophy in Christian
Thought from Biblical Theological Seminary. On December 15, 2017, Dr. Aiken received his Ph.D. in Leadership at Capital Seminary in Greenbelt MD. His ongoing educational pursuits and accomplishments are manifestations of his belief; “If you cease to learn, you cease to live.”
Dr. Aiken’s commitment to education is also evidenced by his work as past Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management and Chief Operating Officer of Lancaster Bible College at the Center for Urban Theological Studies. He also served as an Adjunct
Professor at the College where he taught Church History, Introduction to Theology, Principles of Leadership, Development in Ministry, and other leadership classes. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of College Success & Community Outreach for Graduate! Philadelphia.
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Although Dr. Aiken remains relentless in his willingness to go wherever God leads him to expand the Kingdom of God, the ministry he loves most is his first ministry, family. Dr. Aiken always finds joy in being a husband to his lovely wife Taffina and a father to his
three beautiful daughters Briana, Brittany & Briah. Whether ministering locally or abroad to the community, his congregation or his family, Dr. Aiken is always looking to inspire worship that exalts Jesus Christ. It is in this atmosphere that he seeks and desires that all
may experience a God encounter of the closest kind.
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Dr. Aiken articulates the main thrust of his vision as, “It’s not business as usual.” He lives by his motto, “Pray with Power, Preach with Power, and Teach with Power,” evidenced by his persistent effort to effectively spread the Gospel. Beginning 2016, Dr. Aiken remodified his vision to a transitional/transformational leadership mantra: 2020 Vision “No One Left Behind.”
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We are excited to welcome Dr. Kevin M. Aiken to our Manna family.