Through our Christian ministries program, you’ll grow in knowledge of the Bible, theology, and yourself as you develop the leadership skills that will allow you to serve in the place to which God calls you.

To earn an undergraduate degree from Bethel, you will need a total of 122 credits. The listed number of required credits is based on a minimum of 60 transfer credits from previous professional, military, or educational experiences.

If you are applying with fewer credits, your enrollment counselor can help explore options for obtaining additional credits.

Total Credits

39

Finish in as Few as

18-20 months

Courses

• Significance of the Old Testament (BIBL331)

  Exploration of the Old Testament, which emphasizes foundational intertextual themes including creation, life, sin, justice, righteousness, people of God, covenant, exile, and the Old Testament polemic against the prevailing culture of its time. Examination of various ways the Hebrew text points to Christ. Application of Old Testament themes to vocation and contemporary cultural issues through the use of exegetical tools.

  3 credits

• Significance of the New Testament (BIBL332)

  Introduction to the New Testament, emphasizing major themes including the kingdom of God, eternal life, and justification in Christ. Emphasis also on the hermeneutical issues related to understanding these themes in their original literary and historical settings, and applying them in ministry situations today.

  3 credits

• Biblical Interpretation for Ministry (BIBL360)

  Introduction to biblical hermeneutics and exegesis including interpretive issues of genre and literary context, historical context, communicative intention, presuppositions, and metanarrative. Exploration of biblical inspiration, canonicity, and authority in light of Scripture as communication. Development of skills necessary for understanding the Bible in its original contexts and contextualizing its messages today.

  3 credits

• Paul's Letters & Church Today (CHMN240)

  Examination of the people, practices, and mission of the early church, with attention to the relevance and application to current church practice and mission.

  3 credits

• Foundations for Christian Ministry (CHMN300)

  Exploration of the Christian gospel and how it is applied through a wide range of ministry expressions today. Comparison of the ministry of Jesus with contemporary ministry practices. Reflection on personal strengths and how they apply in ministry settings, and identification of steps to continue to discern vocation and calling.

  3 credits

• Personal Spiritual Formation (CHMN320)

  Introduction to the process of spiritual and personal formation. Exploration of models and themes for formation and faith development, with attention to cultural and gender dimensions of formation models and traditions. Examination of both individual and communal spiritual journeys, practices, and connections to God.

  3 credits

• Research Writing for Christian Ministry (CHMN350R)

  Examination of the contrast between theological writing and writing in other disciplines. Development of academic writing skills in the discipline of theology, including clear, objective and well-organized theses reasoned from evidence. Application of scholarly biblical and theological resources to life and ministry.

  3 credits

• Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships (CHMN410)

  An analysis of interpersonal dynamics, including love and intimacy; communication; shame; power and control; stress and coping; grief; compassion; and spirituality. Attention to a broad variety of relational states, including friendship, singleness, romantic partnerships, parent/child relationships, social networks, and faith communities.

  3 credits

• Communication in Ministry (CHMN451)

  Introduction to the essential communication skills needed in ministry, including effective listening, storytelling, and public speaking skills. Application and evaluation of effective communication to present the gospel and its relevance in various contexts.

  3 credits

• Leadership in Ministry (CHMN452)

  Development of a framework for leadership in ministry contexts. Evaluation of personal strengths, blindspots and interpersonal skills within leadership. Incorporation of leadership vocabulary in personal leadership practice and examination of scriptural definitions and examples of leadership. Understanding of collaborative leadership models.

  3 credits

• Ministry Practicum (CHMN481)

  Practical integration of Christian ministries knowledge and skills under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor. Development of a working philosophy of ministry through reflection on personal and professional responses in ministry situations. Assessment of personal ministry skills and lifelong leadership development.

  3 credits

• Practical Issues in Ministry (CHMN495H)

  Synthesis and application of Christian Ministries’ content and skills to specific ethical case studies common in ministry settings. Reflection on personal and spiritual formation as it impacts the spiritual growth of those to whom they minister. Integration of incarnational/formational theology into several ethical and spiritual issues.

  3 credits

• Christian Theology (THEO441)

  Systematic examination of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, including, but not limited to, the triune God, the person and work of Jesus Christ (incarnation and atonement), and salvation. Evaluation of the unity and diversity of Christian belief as a backdrop for subjects covered. Identification of the role of scripture and other sources in the development of theological beliefs.

  3 credits

CORE Courses

A distinctive feature of Bethel's programs is our commitment to the development of the whole person. In addition to courses within a program, students explore personal values and faith formation in a hospitable environment that respects learning from one another's perspectives. Rather than teaching students what to think about Christianity, we teach students how to think about the Bible, Christian history, and personal faith.

• Community, Self and Formation (CORE300)

  An exploration of self in the world, based on personal experience and classical spiritual practices. Students are challenged to think systemically about contexts of family, faith community, workplace, and broader culture as they plan for lifelong formation and contribution to the well-being of others.

  3 credits

• Examining Crucial Questions (CORE330)

  Summary of the Christian biblical narrative. Identification of the roles of scripture, history, experience, and reason, as they form convictions related to social and ethical issues. Examination of selected theological concepts using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, as well as the application of those concepts to real life situations.

  3 credits