Bachelor of Arts in Bibel - Doppel-Hauptfach in Christlichen Diensten

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible provides the student with a general education core requirement, a 36-hour Bible major, and a vocation-related double major program in Christian Ministries to fulfil the general purpose and objectives of Southern Methodist College.

The graduate of this program will be able to:

Interpret Scripture using the historical-grammatical method.

Exhibit a foundational knowledge of the integrated content of the Bible.

Describe accurately fundamental Christian doctrine and articulate a personal theology.

Demonstrate a Biblical philosophy of life reflected in personal ethics and personal characteristics necessary for effective ministry.

Communicate the Biblical message and minister persuasively effectively in Christian and non-Christian settings.

Research and compose scholarly papers.

The Christian Ministries double major program prepares the student for competent leadership and effective ministry in a chosen field of Christian service or church-related profession. This program's flexibility allows a student choices in elective courses related to a specific area of interest or ministry. A student may select courses in pastoral studies, missions, youth work, Christian school education, or leadership and ethics.

In addition to the abilities gained through completion of the Bible major, the graduate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Integration of ministry theory into personal life and valuable service.

Personal characteristics necessary for effective ministry, including the ability to work with and minister to all people.

Discovery and development of spiritual gifts.

Evangelization of the lost and discipleship of new Christians.

Leadership in effecting a philosophy and strategy of ministry that results in Christlikeness.

Evaluation of a group's spiritual needs and the development of a ministry program to meet those needs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Bible degree will consist of four components as follows:

Liberal Arts – 36 semester hours minimum

Bible major – 36 semester hours

Double major – 36 semester hours minimum.

Unrestricted electives – 12 semester hours estimated.

The total number of semester hours required for completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree program is 120.

Southern Methodist College provides post-secondary education with a Biblical foundation that prepares students to think, live, and serve as effective Christians in the church and society. The overall structure of the College programs and activities seeks to develop general education, intellectual abilities, Bible knowledge, spiritual maturity, and ministry skills through academic instruction, experiential learning, and career development.

The Southern Methodist Church recognizes and accepts the duty and obligation of maintaining higher learning institutions to promote distinctively Christian culture. Southern Methodist College, as an institution of the Southern Methodist Church, shall seek these goals as mandated in The Discipline of the Southern Methodist Church (paragraph 507): To maintain academic standards that are generally accepted in the educational field; To infuse into the whole educational process, including instruction and all extra-curricular activities the truth in this period of the gospel of Jesus Christ; To provide instruction and training in religion through the teaching of the Bible, the history and principles of Christianity, and application of Christian principles to personal and social life; To cooperate with other agencies of the church in training for service in the church and community; To initiate and foster agencies that will contribute to the development of the spirit and atmosphere in the institution conducive to the highest type of Christian character and Christian living; To cultivate among its students' interest in a local church and to encourage and train them for such a work.