BACHELOR OF ARTS PROGRAM

Educational Objectives of the Bachelor of Arts Program

The bachelor of arts program is designed to promote growth in students toward personal maturity and professional ministry competence. The objectives of the program are accomplished through classroom instruction, the modeling of professors, the expression of community service through the Practical Missions program, chapel services, and student organizations.

1. To develop an understanding of the Bible and its relevance for today;
2. To develop a comprehensive theological framework within which to interpret God’s message to man’s need;
3. To develop a functional philosophy of Christian ministry in contemporary society;
4. To develop personal spiritual vitality and Christian character through Bible study, prayer, and devotional reading;
5. To develop appropriate skills required to preach, teach, and otherwise communicate the Word of God;
6. To develop appropriate skills required to exercise leadership positions in the church and denomination;
7. To develop the appropriate skills required to communicate the gospel and plant churches cross-culturally;
8. To develop a Great Commission worldview to encourage involvement in missions endeavors and support; and
9. To develop a personal commitment to and involvement in evangelism nationally and internationally.

Foundational Studies

The bachelor of arts program seeks to guide students to understand and interpret the Christian faith in light of its biblical, theological, and historical dimensions and to utilize insights gained from these disciplines for the effective practice of ministry in the church, community, and world.

Essential Skills for Ministry

The bachelor of arts program seeks to guide students to understand, develop, and utilize the essential skills for ministry in the effective performance of leadership roles in the church, including pastoral ministry, Christian education, missionary service, and biblical counseling.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

The bachelor of arts program seeks to guide students to develop lifelong patterns of continuing personal spiritual growth and professional development.

Major Concentrations

Both degrees in the bachelor of arts program contain a major component. Students choose a major concentration of study to complete their degree. The two major concentrations are biblical counseling and Christian studies.

Double Majors

Students may choose to double major in more than one field of study. This requires the completion of all major courses (12) within each field. Typically, a student must take an additional 12 hours of credit (four courses).

Minor Concentrations

All degrees in the bachelor of arts program contain a minor component. Students choose a minor concentration of study to complement their major studies. The minor concentrations are: biblical counseling, business administration, Christian studies, communication, information technology, organizational leadership, pre-law and public policy, Spanish, and interdisciplinary studies. (NOTE: students in the BACS degree must take the BACS minor.)