Bible and Theology
Overview
The B.A.Min. degree with a Bible and Theology major is the primary degree offered to persons who desire a program in preparation for graduate work in a related content area, or to support ministry in fields or organizations supportive of the mission of the church and the redemptive work of God in this world. This program provides extensive training in the exegetical study of Christian Scripture and the theological content flowing from scriptural sources. Students completing this program will have an advanced understanding of biblical literature, will possess strong exegetical skills, and will gain theological understandings applicable to contemporary ministry and social issues. Persons may fulfill education requirements for ordination as elder in the Church of the Nazarene by taking additional courses listed at the end of this section.
Objectives
Completion of this program should enable the student to:
- Identify the intended message of biblical passages.
- Utilize sound methods and resources for interpreting the Bible.
- Articulate the essentials of the Christian faith.
- Nurture the Christlike life as informed by Scripture and Christian thought.
- Apply a Christian worldview to contemporary critical issues.
Program Requirements (Traditional Structure)
General Education Core Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English Language / Communication (composition with research component required) | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Science | 3 | |
| Math | 3 | |
| History | 3 | |
| GEN1003 | Lifelong Learning Skills | 3 |
| SPE1003 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE1023 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| THE3013 | Introduction to Christian Thought | 3 |
| General Education Electives | 9 | |
| Total | 45 hours |
Bible and Theology Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIB1013 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB1023 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB2003 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIB2013 | Pentateuch | 3 |
| BIB2033 | New Testament Gospels | 3 |
| BIB3013 | Hebrew Prophets or BIB3023 Poetic and Wisdom Literature or BIB3123 O.T. Historical Books | 3 |
| BIB3053 | Pauline Epistles or BIB3063 Book of Acts | 3 |
| THE2013 | Doctrine of Holiness | 3 |
| THE3023 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THE3033 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| Total | 30 hours |
Courses Specific to the Bible and Theology Major
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIB | A second course from Hebrew Prophets / Poetic and Wisdom Literature / O.T. Historical Books | 3 |
| BIB | The second of Pauline Epistles / Book of Acts | 3 |
| BIB/THE | Bible (BIB) or Theology (THE) course not otherwise required | 6 |
| OTR2013 | Global Evangelism | 3 |
| BIB4081 | Senior Ministry Integration I | 1 |
| BIB4091 | Senior Ministry Integration II | 1 |
| Total | 17 hours | |
| Electives or Minor Courses | 28 hours |
120 hours total required for graduation.
Ordination Education Requirements
Persons may fulfill education requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene as elder or deacon by completing the following courses in addition to the Bible and Theology major (Traditional Structure). Districts may require additional coursework.
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEM2133 | Leadership of Christian Educational Ministries | 3 |
| OTR4013 | Developing a Missional Church | 3 |
| PAS2013 | The Practice of Christian Ministry | 3 |
| PAS2023 | History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene | 3 |
| PAS3023 | Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 |
| PAS3033 | Christian Preaching I | 3 |
| PAS3043 | Christian Preaching II | 3 |
| PAS4023 | Church Administration and Finance | 3 |
| Total | 24 hours |
A Salvation Army (AdVantage) structure is also available for this major. Request information for details.
Ready to study Bible and Theology?
Start your application or talk with an advisor.