ABOUT THE EMPHASIS
Biblical Studies
The Biblical Studies emphasis or certificate track is designed to deepen your understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, guiding you through sound biblical interpretation and theology. More than just knowledge, this course equips you with practical skills for ministry, enabling you to faithfully interpret, teach, and apply Scripture in your church and various ministry settings. Personalize your studies by choosing two electives that fit your calling and ministry goals.
Biblical Studies Overview
The emphasis or certificate in Biblical Studies equips students with a deep understanding of the scriptures. Students will delve into the Old and New Testaments, sound principles of biblical interpretation, and the use of Bible language tools. This track combines scriptural knowledge with practical application, enabling students to interpret and teach the Bible effectively. Students will be prepared to approach ministry with a profound grasp of the Bible and a commitment to faithfully conveying its message.
You’ll emerge prepared to lead with a solid biblical foundation, offering meaningful insights to those you serve. You will have the opportunity to choose two electives to fit your goals as a part of Biblical Studies track.
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and Emphasis?
A certificate is for non-degree seeking individuals, and an emphasis is a focus of study within the Master of Ministry Leadership and Master of Divinity programs for those who are seeking a degree. Whether you are seeking a degree or not seeking a degree, you have the ability to take courses in Pastoral Care Studies. Take specific courses you are interested in for personal growth, electives for your degree or complete all the course requirements for a certificate or emphasis.
Which Track is Right for Me?
- Choose a Certificate Track In Biblical Studies for non-degree seeking individuals.
- Choose a Emphasis Track in Biblical Studies for degree seeking individuals in The Master of Ministry Leadership and Master of Divinity programs for those seeking a degree.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Biblical Studies
6 Courses – 24 Credit Hours – 4 Hours Per Course
- Location: 100% Online. No travel is required.
- Delivery: Self-paced within an 8-week online course.
- Length: As little as 12 months; 24 credit hours. Students take 6 courses, each 4 credit hours. Students may take longer or shorter to complete the program based on their schedules, family, church, and job responsibilities. Some students take more than one course per 8 weeks and finish sooner.
- Enrolling New Students: Apply and enroll at any time. New Courses start every 8 Weeks. – Apply Today!
Biblical Studies Core - 4 Courses (16 Credit Hours)
In this Touchstone course, learners will examine their call to ministry, write a statement of calling, assess their competencies for ministry, develop learning objectives for their program of study, and enlist a mentor who will support their learning. The course will introduce the learner to the various facets of online learning.
*This course is required for all academic programs and must be taken before a learner can enroll in any other course.
This course is an introduction to the background and content of the New Testament with an
emphasis on theological interpretation and application.
This course is an introduction to the background and content of the Old Testament with an
emphasis on theological interpretation and application.
This course explores how to understand the meaning of Scripture and how it applies to us
today. The course focuses on the different literary forms in Scripture and provides different Bible
studies for serious learners of God’s Word. In this practical approach to Bible study, learners will
learn how to use resources, including Bible software, for studying Scripture.
Electives - Choose 2 Courses (8 Credit Hours)
The learner will focus on several spiritual habits such as solitude, prayer, journaling, fasting, and
spiritual mentoring. Learners will practice these disciplines individually and in a small group of
fellow learners or church members.
Learners will study the purpose of preaching/teaching and will examine the practical steps of
crafting, planning, communicating, and delivering a message. The course includes a
preaching/teaching workshop component that gives students an opportunity to construct,
preach/teach, and evaluate messages preached or taught locally in their ministry context.
This course will explore the biblical foundation of a Christian worldview. An emphasis will be placed on the theology that comprises a Christian worldview. Consideration will be given to the differences in a Christian worldview and movements such as secular humanism and post-modern philosophies.
This course explores the use of basic Bible language tools to grasp a deeper meaning of
Scripture and formulate a deep appreciation of the original languages of the Bible. The course
focuses on the practical application of this information for Bible Study and sermon preparation.
In this practical approach to Bible study, students will learn how to use resources contained in
the Bible software to discover and apply this information to Bible studies and sermons.
This independent study focuses on contemporary issues in ministry in terms of key
issues, trends, and practices identified by the student. Long-term and short-term
impacts on ministry are also explored.