Certificate in Biblical Studies
6. Be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the following: a historical outline of the NT; how each NT book fits into the outline; the broad historical and cultural backgrounds to the NT; and the basic theme and teaching of each NT book. The student will be able to evaluate critical views of the NT from an evangelical perspective.
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Mission & Learning Outcomes
The Certificate in Biblical Studies is designed with two specific needs in mind. The first is for persons who seek a year of study in preparation for lay service with an overseas mission agency, or for more effective lay involvement in the life of their local congregation. It also serves as a “trial year in seminary” for persons who wish to test their gifts and skills with a view toward possible further preparation for full time Christian ministry.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the certificate relates to those objectives.
Certificate coursework may later be applied toward a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.
The mission of the Certificate in Biblical Studies is to provide an introductory measure of theological and biblical training for individuals who have not as yet determined to enter a full seminary degree program but who nevertheless wish to deepen their knowledge of God and his word and grow in their ability to minister to others.
Graduation Requirements
A. Satisfactorily complete all courses for a total of 32 semester units as outlined in the curriculum below.
B. Obtain a 3.0 GPA with no grade below a “C-” in all courses to be credited toward graduation.
As a result of this program, the student will:
C. At least 24 units must be taken at this seminary.
1. Learn the skills required for graduate-level research and writing, including bibliographic and library skills, formatting and style, and interacting with primary and secondary sources. 2. Be able to articulate and defend the correct, biblical view on the following central doctrines: pneumatology, Christology, soteriology, prolegomena, bibliology, theology proper (including God’s nature, attributes, triunity, works, and Fatherhood), angelology/demonology, anthropology,
D. Complete the entire program in no more than five years.
Students are placed on academic probation if their GPA for any semester falls below 3.0 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative GPA remains below 3.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (3.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. General (unspecified) electives (4 units) must have a reasonable connection to, and relationship with, the student’s stated vocational objectives. In some cases, the student may be required to submit a written rationale to the program academic advisor, demonstrating the usefulness of the electives for church ministry, parachurch work, or further study.
hamartiology, the relationship between Israel and the Church, the nature of the church and its ministries, eschatology, and ecclesiology.
3. Understand the significance of the abovementioned central doctrines for personal life and ministry.
4. Know the history of hermeneutics, the basic principles of grammatico-historical exegesis, and the basic principles of lexical semantics to determine the meaning of biblical words. Students will develop a commitment to more effectively meditate on God’s world in their own spiritual lives. 5. Know the theme and major contributions of each Old Testament book, discover the importance of historical background to the interpretation of the Old Testament, and develop greater confidence in the Old Testament as a trustworthy guide to faith and life.
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