Online Bachelor of Science in Theological Studies, General Christian Ministries

Online Bachelor of Science in Theological Studies, General Christian Ministries

This program of study is designed to prepare Christian leaders (both lay leaders and preachers) to perform various ministries within the local church context. In addition to the objective stated for the Theological Studies (and the Arts and Sciences core,) students will be able to:

• articulate a practical biblical theology and philosophy of life and ministry;
• demonstrate skills in a variety of local church ministries;
• provide leadership in a local church through teaching/preaching, planning, organizing, and overseeing programs of outreach, growth, and maturing of new believers.

The Bachelor of Science in Theological Studies, General Christian Ministries Track is designed to be earned entirely online.

Requirements

124 hours, with a 2.0 g.p.a. overall in all segments of the degree noted below.

*The Online Orientation course is a one-week prerequisite course that MUST be taken in advance of enrollment in any other courses in the Associate of Arts degree.Sample Core Courses THE 3251. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I: CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY AND WORLDVIEW – This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of theology. The course will define and outline the goals and methods of theology. It will also cover the philosophical issues of truth and epistemology with a goal of defining and defending a Christian worldview in the context of a pluralistic society. THE 4032. ESCHATOLOGY – A study of end events, with some attention given to postmillennialism, but more to millennialism and premillennialism as more commonly held today, focusing on the redemptive covenants and how they contribute to a person’s view of eschatology. IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview – These courses will focus on the critical tools and knowledge necessary to forge a basic Christian worldview for Christian leadership in the contemporary world. Each course will cover the same topics but at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, including such subjects as the relationship of the church and culture; cultural apologetics; apologetics for witness; modernity and postmodernity; Christian discernment in the arts, entertainment, and other cultural products, including popular culture; work, leisure, and sport; the benefits and limits of science and technology; contemporary bioethical issues; creation care; engagement in public and civic life; and economic thought. NOTE: Online courses are designed for non-traditional, adult students. This means that applicants must be at least 23 years old. Underage students may submit a written appeal for an exception to take online courses. Appeals are based on extenuating circumstances such as health-related problems (the student or a family member for whom the student is the caretaker), physical disabilities that preclude traditional enrollment, or military service obligations that prevent traditional enrollment. Appeals that are granted for such reasons may result in the student being permitted to enroll in one or two courses and a periodic evaluation of progress. Written appeals should be submitted to the Provost at gketteman@welch.edu or by U.S. Mail to Provost Welch College 3606 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205

The National Association of Free Will Baptists founded the college as Free Will Baptist Bible College in 1942. The Board of Education of the National Association chose Nashville as an ideal site for the new college, centrally located among the major centers of the denominational population in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest.

In 2012 the college changed its name to Welch College to signify its development into a more comprehensive Christian college. The college is named for John L. Welch and his wife Mary. Welch was the leading figure in bringing together eastern and western Free Will Baptists to establish the National Association of Free Will Baptists in 1935, having served as the first moderator and secretary of education of that association. In addition to Dr. L. C. Johnson, Welch College has been led by four presidents: L. R. Ennis (1944-1947), Dr. Charles A. Thigpen (1979-1990), Dr. C. Thomas Malone (1990-2002), and Dr. J. Matthew Pinson (2002-present). Today the College enrolls over 400 students annually from approximately 25 states and several international countries.