Outline of Degree Requirements
| General Studies | HOURS | ||
| COL | 181 | Adult Student Orientation | 0-1 |
| Written Communication | 6 | ||
| Speech Communication | 3 | ||
| Literature/Art/Music | 6 | ||
| Foreign Language (Biblical Languages recommended) | 7 | ||
| Philosophy | 3 | ||
| Psychology | 3 | ||
| Sociology/Social Science | 9 | ||
| History/Area Studies | 6 | ||
| Science/Math | 3-4 | ||
| 46-48 | |||
| Major | |||
| BIBL | 201 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIBL | 211 | Old Testament I | 3 |
| BIBL | 212,213 | Old Testament II or III | 3 |
| BIBL | 221 | New Testament I | 3 |
| BIBL | 222,223 | New Testament II or III | 3 |
| MIN | 210 | The Christian World Mission | 3 |
| Electives in Ministry | 6 | ||
| Theology | 3 | ||
| BIBL | 320 | Biblical Theology or, | 3 |
| Elective in Bible | (3) | ||
| 30 | |||
| Concentration Tracks (choose at least one) | 14-16 | ||
| Pastoral Ministry Track | |||
| MIN | 320 | Fundamentals of Christian Leadership | 3 |
| MIN | 340 | Theory & Practice of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MIN | 310 | Evangelism & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN | 441 | Homiletics | 3 |
| Internship, or | 3 | ||
| Elective | (3) | ||
| 15 | |||
| Missionary Service Track | |||
| MIN | 333 | World Religious Movements | 3 |
| SOC | 356 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| MIN | 310 | Evangelism & Discipleship | 3 |
| SS | 270 | Area Study | 3-4 |
| Internship in Missions or Ministry | 2-3 | ||
| 14-16 | |||
| Pastoral Care | |||
| PSYC | 288 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| SOC | 252 | Marriage & Family | 3 |
| HS | 375 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| HS | 371 | Interviewing & People Helping Skills | 3 |
| MIN | 340 | Theory & Practice of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| 15 | |||
| Pre-Seminary Track | |||
| Appropriate elective for seminary admission | 15 | ||
| Youth Ministry Track | |||
| PSYC | 288 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| YMN | 181 | Foundations of Youth Ministry | 3 |
| YMN | 222 | Effective Teaching in Youth Ministry | 3 |
| MIN | 310 | Evangelism & Discipleship | 3 |
| Elective in Youth Ministry | 3 | ||
| 15 | |||
| Electives needed to complete the degree | 30-34 | ||
Course Descriptions
BIBL 201 Biblical Interpretation 3 Hours
An introduction to methods of Bible study and to the principles of biblical interpretation. The inductive method is emphasized.
BIBL 211 Old Testament I 3 Hours
The course emphasizes Genesis, Exodus, Joshua and 1-2 Kings. The important themes of creation, election, the exodus, conquest of Canaan and exile are studied. These themes are also traced to the New Testament.
BIBL 212 Old Testament II 3 Hours
A close examination of the major themes and important Psalms (e.g., messianic Psalms), along with a study of the practical wisdom found in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job and Song of Songs.
BIBL 213 Old Testament III 3 Hours
A study of the major themes in Isaiah: The Suffering Servant, New Heaven and New Earth, Restoration of Israel, The People of God, etc. Other prophets are surveyed, some are highlighted: Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea, Haggai and Malachi.
BIBL 221 New Testament I 3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the four Gospels and the person of Jesus Christ. It includes a historical survey of
Gospels’ interpretation (source, form, redaction criticism) as well as more recent approaches such as narrative criticism. Moreover, this course aims at providing a framework for how to interpret the Gospels properly and consequently how to apply insights from Jesus (his personal example, teaching and theology) in one’s life and ministry.
BIBL 222 New Testament II 3 Hours
This course investigates the Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles in chronological sequence in an effort to understand the missionary efforts of the Early Church. Critical matters of authorship, dating and interpretive methodology are covered. Attention is given to understanding the issues confronting the early church (e.g., Jew/gentile relationship,
Law/Grace, Society/Evangelization) and the theology of Paul with a view to fruitful application today.
BIBL 223 New Testament III 3 Hours
Prerequisites: BIBL 201
This course is a detailed investigation of the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude) and the Book of Revelation. Critical matters of authorship, dating and interpretive methodology are treated. Careful consideration is given to understanding the theology of these books and their appropriate application for today’s church.
BIBL 320 Biblical Theology 3 Hours
Prerequisite: BIBL 201 or consent of instructor
This course ties the great theological themes of the Bible together and demonstrates proper methodology for doing Biblical theology. The unity, authority and inspiration of scripture is studied and the foundation for Christian ethics and a Christian worldview is established.
HS 371 Interviewing & People Helping Skills 3 Hours
A skills acquisition course where the student achieves a minimal competency level in observation and evaluation, including listening, problem identification, goal setting and use of problem solving strategies. The ethical guidelines related to the use of these skills will also be discussed. Supervised practice includes extensive use of role playing, skill performance feedback and modeling.
HS 375 Crisis Intervention 3 Hours
An overview of crisis theory and the development of knowledge and skills to assist persons experiencing crises. Attention is given to topics such as death, divorce, suicide, homicide, physical or sexual abuse and other situational crises.
MIN 210 The Christian World Mission 3 Hours
The biblical basis and history of missionary motivation and the study of missionary strategies and methods.
MIN 310 Evangelism and Discipleship 3 Hours
A study of the methods of evangelism and follow-up, including discipleship training and supervision.
MIN 320 Fundamentals of Christian Leadership 3 Hours
An introduction to the administrative/pastoral functions of ministerial leadership. This includes an investigation into basic biblical models of leadership. The course seeks to examine and relate current theory to a biblical model of pastoral ministry. Provides the theoretical background for any of the divisional internships.
MIN 333 World Religious Movements 3 Hours
An analysis of the major religions of the world, including the most significant new religious movements. Definition and evaluation of cultism is included.
MIN 340 Theory and Practice of Pastoral Care 3 Hours
A course which considers pastoral care to be the all-inclusive work of the pastor. A biblical model is developed with special emphasis upon pastoral counseling.
MIN 441 Homiletics 3 Hours
Prerequisites: COMM 171, BIBL 201.
A study of the types and structure of sermons, exegesis as a basis for exposition, the proper use of argument and illustration and methods of delivery. Includes a laboratory experience in preparation and delivery of sermons.
PSYC 288 Life Span Development 3 Hours
Prerequisite: PSYC 182
A study of the basic principles and theologies of human development with special emphasis given to the determinants of the human life span from the beginning of life through infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood to death and dying. Emphasis is placed on the traditional life processes as they occur at each stage, and attention is given to physical, intellectual, social and personality development in each stage of the life span.
SOC 252 Marriage & Family 3 Hours
A study of the family as a basic social institution with cultural variations. Emphasis is upon premarital and marital factors that contribute to successful marriage or to family disorganization. Christian ideals for wholesome courtship and family living are stressed.
SOC 356 Cultural Anthropology 3 Hours
A study of the beliefs, practices and major institutions of selected groups around the world, with attention to how the physical and social environment has helped shape the history and culture. The impact of cross-cultural contact, planned change and missionary effort is considered.
SS 270 Area Study: Travel 1-3 Hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the School of Business and Social Science chair
A travel course that includes a study of one or more of the following: history, geography, culture, literature, politics or economics of a country outside the United States. The course includes reading and writing assignments; daily lectures; fieldtrips to historical sites; use of university and/or museum resources; and/or first-hand exposure to the people, geography and culture of the land. The School of Business and Social Science must approve the course content, design and credit hours.
YMN 181 Foundations of Youth Ministry 3 Hours
Prerequisite: THEO 110, PSYC 182
An examination of the purposes, challenges, modes, varied agencies and methodologies as they interrelate with adolescence. The student will also explore the Biblical, educational and philosophical foundations of youth ministry, with assessment of personal gifts and personality in light of these foundations.
YMN 222 Effective Teaching in Youth Ministry 3 Hours
Prerequisite: YMN 181.
This course covers the pedagogical issues related to effective youth ministry, combining theoretical and theological understandings of Christian education with practical experience in speaking and teaching. Particular emphasis is spent developing the skills necessary for effective teaching and leadership in various youth ministry settings.
