2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 44 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Biblical and Ministry Studies | College of Arts and Sciences 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 men and women who have found life doing the same. So it is the mission of the department of biblical and ministry 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 department, we are privileged to carry out this commission on two levels. First, we are engaged in training men and women professionally and academically. Professionally, we want to equip graduates for full-time ministry in the church by preparing men and women with a theologically informed philosophy of ministry accompanied by the skills and experience needed to actualize it in the church. Majors that particularly facilitate this are Christian education, youth ministries, pastoral studies, world missions, and international studies-missiology. Academically, we want to inspire men and women to use their minds for the glory of God. We want to raise up a generation of scholars whose desire is to bring every thought into submission to Christ for the glory of God. Majors geared toward this purpose are comprehensive Bible, pre- seminary Bible, and philosophy. 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, philosophically defensible, and life-transforming view of life under God. 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 ministry studies majors find the opportunities provided by the Christian ministries program to be excellent avenues for applying truths learned in the classroom and developing necessary skills for effective ministry. Department Requirements To graduate with a major from the department of biblical and ministry studies, students must earn a cumulative average of 2.0 or higher and a “C-” or higher in all courses included in the major with the exception of Greek. Programs of Study The department of biblical and ministry studies offers the following programs: Majors • Bible Teacher Education • Christian Education • Comprehensive Bible • International Studies — Missiology • Pastoral Studies • Philosophy • Preseminary Bible • Youth Ministries Minors • Bible • Christian Education • Greek • Missions • Philosophy and Religion • Preseminary • Women’s Ministry • Youth Ministries Special Program • One-Year Bible Certificate Technical Resources • Concordance and Bible study software (Logos Series-X Scholar’s Edition) • Greek and Hebrew tutorial software • 3-D interactive satellite atlas software of the land of Israel • Textbook-specific software • Course-specific software Co-Curricular Opportunities Several organizations exist campus wide, which assist in the development of character and ministry skills. Many Bible faculty serve as advisors for these organizations, and our students are encouraged to take full advantage of them. For example: Chi Delta Nu Chi Delta Nu encourages students going into youth ministry through prayer, fellowship, and service. Timilathians Timilathians is an organization devoted to promoting critical thinking through philosophical and theological inquiry into issues central to the Christian worldview and our contemporary culture. Career Opportunities Graduate schools, professional schools, and seminaries welcome Cedarville University graduates. Careers pursued by graduates include: • Bible teacher • Camp director • Christian education director • Missionary • Pastor • Philosopher • Writer • Youth pastor