2016-17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Mission Statement

Our Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His followers to “go and

make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... and teaching

them to observe all that I commanded you ...” (Matt. 28:19). The

Apostle Paul is an example of how the early believers embraced

this mission and carried it forward. “We proclaim him (Christ),” Paul

declared, “admonishing every man and teaching every man with

all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ”

(Col.1:28). Indeed, over the centuries there is an unbroken chain

of Christian leaders who have spent their lives doing the same. So

it is the mission of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies

at Cedarville University to stand firmly in that line of those who

have faithfully carried forward Christ’s commission. With Peter, we

are convinced that it is Christ alone who has “the words of eternal

life” (John 6:68).

As a school, we are privileged to carry out this commission with

the two points of emphasis in every major. First, we strive to train

men and women to be skilled artisans in handling the biblical text

and proficient theologians when attempting to synthesize biblical

material into culturally engaged public witness. Second, we want

to equip graduates through biblical and theological training for full-

time ministry in the local church or among those people groups

who lack a sustained Gospel witness. The majors offered in the

School of Biblical and Theological Studies all share in the goals of

biblical and theological proficiency with an expression in ministry.

These majors do have their own distinct qualities and pathways to

reach these goals.

Second, we have the institution-wide opportunity of influencing

each student through the required Bible minor. On this level we

endeavor to aid students from all disciplines in developing a

distinctively God-centered world and life view. We believe it to be

crucially important that all those who will be appointing the pastors

and missionaries of the future, doing the work of the ministry,

and serving God through their vocations know how to handle

the Word of truth accurately. To this end, we commit ourselves to

facilitating the development in every student of a biblically based,

theologically sound, culturally engaged, and God-honoring view of

life.

Personal Requirements

Students planning to pursue careers in vocational ministries

should possess a commitment to intense study of the Scriptures,

a heart for ministering to the needs of others, and a reputation for

Christlike character, which would provide a platform for authentic

spiritual leadership. In addition to classroom expectations,

students should seek to gain as much practical experience in

ministries as possible. Biblical and Theological Studies majors

find the opportunities provided by Christian Ministries to be

excellent avenues for applying truths learned in the classroom

and developing necessary skills for effective ministry. We also

encourage involvement in local church ministry as a significant

part of a student’s training for ministry. Guided ministry

experiences in the local church (e.g., mentorships, internships)

accentuate the biblical and theological training that takes place in

the classroom.

School Requirements

To graduate with a major from the School of Biblical and

Theological Studies, students must earn a cumulative average

of 2.0 or higher and a “C-” or higher in all courses included in the

major.

Programs of Study

The School of Biblical and Theological Studies offers the

following programs:

Majors

• Biblical Studies

• Biblical Studies — Accelerated B.A./Master of Divinity

• Christian Education

• Intercultural Studies — Missiology

• Youth Ministries

Minors

• Bible

• Bible Teacher Education

• Biblical Care and Counseling

• Christian Ministry

• Greek

• Missions

• Pastoral Ministry

• Philosophy and Theology

• Preseminary

• Women’s Ministry

• Youth Ministries

Special Program

• One-Year Bible Certificate

Technical Resources

• Textbook-specific software

• Course-specific software

2016–17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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School of Biblical and Theological Studies

Mission Statement