RDP.BABS - BA Biblical Studies (residential)

Overview. In this Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program, students complete a Biblical Studies Major, a Ministry Core, and a specialization in one of the following areas: Children’s Ministry, Christian Ministry, Church Administration, Intercultural Missions, Music and Worship Ministry, Preaching Ministry, Seminary Preparation, or another area proposed by the student. The Biblical Studies Major includes textual studies in New Testament and Old Testament, historical-theological studies, and studies in biblical languages (Greek or a combination of Greek and Hebrew). The Ministry Core develops foundational competencies essential to leadership ministry in church and parachurch settings, including preaching and teaching, pastoral care and counseling, spiritual formation, and church administration. The Specialization develops additional competencies in the student’s chosen area of interest.  The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) version of this program includes a foreign language requirement while the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) version does not.

Graduates with the B.A. in Biblical Studies with a specialization typically enter church-related professions and many go on to pursue graduate studies. Alumni of Point University are engaged in ministries throughout the country and the world as preaching ministers, missionaries in foreign countries, student ministers, evangelists, prison ministers, chaplains, Christian university professors and administrators, campus ministers, Christian camp directors, church administrators, parachurch leaders, church planting ministers, inner-city ministers, and educational ministers who work with children, youth, singles, adults, and families.

Modality. Point University offers the B.A. in Biblical Studies with a Specialization in on-ground format at its main campus in West Point, Georgia. An online “course companion” includes a gradebook and supplementary materials. Some ministry courses are also available in fully-online format.

Program Purpose and Student Learning Objectives

Purpose. The B.A. program in Biblical Studies with a Specialization prepares students for effective leadership ministry in church and parachurch settings, with an emphasis on the student’s chosen area of specialization.

The Biblical Studies Major and Specialization build on Point University’s mission, values, and Core Curriculum (General Studies and Character Formation) to accomplish the following student learning objectives:

Biblical Studies Major

Objective 1: Exegete specific texts in the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 2: Demonstrate an awareness of basic matters of critical introduction and historical background necessary to a proper understanding of the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 3: Participate in critical engagement with the various interpretations that have been assigned to the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 4: Communicate the theological themes of the Old and New Testaments.

Objective 5: Explain and apply biblical concepts of church and ministry.

Objective 6: Utilize biblical Greek or a combination of biblical Greek and Hebrew.

Ministry Core

Objective 7:   Apply an exegetical understanding of a scriptural text in writing biblical sermons and lessons.

Objective 8:  Apply theological themes of the Old and New Testaments to current life issues through preaching.

Objective 9:  Plan, prepare, and deliver biblically and theologically sound sermons.

Objective 10: Understand and apply biblical concepts of church and ministry in a variety of contexts.

Objective 11: Lead and serve in order to facilitate purposeful, growing, and healthy congregational life.

Specialization

For the student learning objectives for a given specialization, see departmental guidance on “Specializations.”

Recommended Course Sequence. A recommended course sequence for full-time on-ground students appears below. Academic advisors will help students adjust the sequence if, for example, they have transferred credits from other universities.