PHILOSOPHY
Our curriculum is guided by a consideration of what it means to be prepared for ministry. There are four primary foundations for effective ministry:
- Ministry leaders need to know Scripture and how to study, interpret, and apply it. A major component of ministry is communicating the Word of God, whether formally or informally.
- The lives of ministry leaders need to be transformed by the Word. Ministry involves not only teaching truth, but modeling it as well.
- Ministry leaders need to have skills to be able to effectively minister.
- Ministry leaders need to understand the people to whom they minister and the culture in which they serve.
OVERVIEW
Biblical Understanding (78 credits)
A Bible survey class will give students the foundation for everything that follows. Bible synthesis classes will provide a solid grasp of all sixty-six books of the Bible. Bible analysis classes will give them a thorough knowledge of several key books of the Old and New Testaments. Interpretation classes will teach principles and methods that will be applied in the Bible synthesis and analysis classes, preparing them for a lifetime of study. Theology classes will lead students through the process of doing theology, resulting in forming their own systematic theology.
Spiritual Formation (12 credits)
This will be accomplished primarily through students being mentored by a godly person in their church. Students will meet regularly with their mentor to help them develop spiritual disciplines and grow in their spiritual lives.
Ministry Development (42 credits)
Ministry classes the first two years will focus on developing ministry skills everyone needs, such as evangelism and discipleship. The last two years students will concentrate on developing skills in their chosen ministry area: Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, Children’s and Family Ministry, and World Ministry. Students will also do an internship in their local church.
Every ministry class will have a mentored ministry component. There will be less classroom time and students will meet regularly with a pastoral mentor from their church. Part of the class assignments will be practical, guided learning experiences.
Cultural Understanding (60 credits)
The primary focus here will be on developing a biblical worldview, learning to view all of life from a biblical perspective. Students will gain understanding of the people who they will serve and the culture in which they will minister. They will also learn how to communicate effectively.