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Biblical and Theological Studies Minor

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With a biblical and theological studies minor, you’ll build a solid foundation in the Bible and theology to live as a creative and critical Christian—no matter your major and career goals.

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By adding a minor in biblical and theological studies, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, theology, and what it means to be a Christian today. You’ll also sharpen your worldview and grow in your relationship with God, helping you explore deeper ways to infuse your Christian faith into your major field of study and a wide range of careers. 

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Why should I study biblical and theological studies at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning. Beyond biblical knowledge, you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation as you integrate your faith into everything you do.
  • Flexibility. The biblical and theological studies degree course requirements are flexible, allowing you the opportunity to combine your Bible and theology knowledge with other disciplines as second majors or minors.
  • A vibrant community. You’ll learn in a dynamic academic department where you’ll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through informal gatherings, tutoring services, and teaching assistantships.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

As you explore the Bible and theology, you’ll gain global perspectives of theological ideals—not just Western thought. And you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. 

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Biblical competence

Along with gaining an introduction of biblical languages, you’ll learn to interpret and discern Scripture exegetically and contextually, understanding the historical context in which the Scriptures were written in order to apply the messages to contemporary situations.

Historical understanding of theology

You'll learn the history of Christian doctrine and how that history continues to shape contemporary expressions of faith—and links us to Christians who have gone before us.

Leadership

You’ll become attentive to the issues affecting Christian thought today and gain the skills needed to capably and knowledgeably lead others in a ministry, church—or anywhere.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong ethical, analytical, and philosophical thinking skills. You'll also hone your writing and research skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

Sample Courses

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PFE 101

Sample Course Title 1

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4 credits


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PFE 201

Course 2

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4 credits


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PFE 301

Sample Course Title 1

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2 credits


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PFE 401

Sample Course Title 1

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3 credits


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PFE 501

Sample Course Title 1

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4 credits


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PFE 301

Sample Course Title 1

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2 credits


Full listing >

PFE 401

Sample Course Title 1

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3 credits


Full listing >

PFE 501

Sample Course Title 1

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4 credits


Full listing >

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Academic Plans

The best way to get a sense for life at Bethel is to experience it for yourself. Meet professors and students, enjoy the beautiful lakeside campus, and feel the energy of our faith-filled community.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

Bring Scripture and theology to life by experiencing first-hand ways to live out your faith in the midst of a broken world by studying in places like Israel, Turkey, Greece, Ireland, or Cambodia. You’ll have opportunities to study abroad over a full semester, January, spring break, or summer.

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Ministry opportunities

Jump into a variety of ministry-related activities like facilitating dorm Bible studies; leadership in student ministries; internships at local churches; participation in missions trips, community outreaches like Twin Cities Outreach; and much more through the Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations.

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Spiritual transformation

You’ll be mentored and guided by experienced professors with a heart for God’s Word who will invest in your success. And you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation as you explore God’s calling for your life.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

With a biblical and theological studies minor, you’ll sharpen your Christian worldview and prepare to serve and lead compassionately. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you'll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Apply your faith in any career

As you grow in your relationship with God and deepen your biblical knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to infuse your Christian faith into whatever career you choose.

Stand out to employers

You’ll gain strong ethical, analytical, and philosophical thinking—skills valued in careers in education, business, healthcare, counseling, communication and marketing, psychology, and more.

Lead with confidence

Gain the leadership skills and abilities needed to capably and knowledgeably lead others in a ministry, church—or anywhere.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Start exploring Bethel

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.

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Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) - Office 356

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Contact

Erik Leafblad

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Department Chair

Erik Leafblad

Erik Leafblad

Assistant Professor of Missional Ministries and Department Chair | ecl59862@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015

Missional Ministries

Emeritus/Emerita Faculty

Michael Holmes

Michael Holmes

University Professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity Emeritus and Department Chair | holmic@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1982

New Testament and early Christianity, with special interests in New Testament textual criticism and the apostolic fathers

Faculty

James K. Beilby

James K. Beilby

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | james-beilby@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001

Systematic and philosophical theology, apologetics, and ethics

Paul Eddy

Paul Eddy

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | eddpau@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997

Biblical and theological studies, with special interests in life of Jesus research, theology of religions, and theology of human sexuality

Victor Ezigbo

Victor Ezigbo

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | v-ezigbo@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008

Ezigbo studied Christian theology in three continents: Africa (Nigeria), North America (United States of America.), and Europe (United Kingdom). He has learned in his theological journey across these continents that the Christian faith takes on new forms of expression each time it genuinely encounters a new cultural frontier. Each new expression has its distinct accent that adds to the multi-vernacularity of both the Christian faith and Christian theology. . . . read more.

Kaz Hayashi

Kaz Hayashi

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | kah54922@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

A Japanese Old Testament scholar, archaeologist, minister, and husband and father.

Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez

Professor of Biblical Studies | j-hernandez@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006

New Testament and early Christianity, with a special interest in New Testament Textual Criticism, especially the text of the Apocalypse and its reception history

Catherine Wright

Catherine Wright

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | c-wright@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001

New Testament studies, with special interests in the Gospel of Luke and spiritual formation

Adjunct Faculty

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Dale Durie

Adjunct Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | d-durie@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005

Preaching, missional theology, and spiritual formation.

John Potts

John Potts

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies | jwp47774@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies | jscott@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002

Studying the Bible is an adventure. Teaching about the Bible is a privilege. As I teach, I continue to see new things and learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

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Gloria Wiese

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | wieglo@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Carissa Wyant

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | caw66564@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Peter Kapsner

Peter Kapsner

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | kappet@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002

New Testament and Practical Theology

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Donald Alexander

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus | aledon7@comcast.net | Started at Bethel: 1987

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

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Pamela Erwin

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita | perwin@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002

Ministry

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John Herzog

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus | jjherzog@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 1981

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

Karen McKinney

Karen McKinney

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita | mckkar@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1995

Youth ministries and biblical theology, with a special interest in experiential education, anti-racism, and diversity.

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Carl Rasmussen

Professor of Old Testament Emeritus | rascar@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1980

Professor of Old Testament Emeritus

150

students in the department

8

full-time professors in the department

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Tuition and financial aid

College is an investment in your future. That’s why we strive to make your education attainable and provide you with clear and accurate information as you consider your next steps. The net price calculator is a great place to start.

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Find your fit

Explore related majors

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

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