programs of study

THE BIBLICAL STUDIES TRACK

The Biblical Studies Track at BHBI is designed to help prepare students specifically for leadership in the local church by way of rigorous study of the Bible and theology, and applied education in ministry and leadership. The Program emphasizes:

1. The formation of mature Christian character and leadership by (a) the application of scriptural truths to contemporary issues of society, (b) the exercise of the spiritual disciplines, (c) developing skills for effective communications, and (d) fostering a commitment to biblical holiness; 
2. Hands on, transferable experience for effective leadership in a variety of ministry areas, including the pastorate, missions, evangelism, Christian education, communications, youth ministry, worship leadership, men's and women's ministries, or others. 
3. Familiarity with relevant areas of study outside the biblical, theological, and ministry-related disciplines, so as to gain a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the world in which ministry takes place; and 
4. Thorough grounding in biblical, theological, and related studies, and the development of interpretive skills for "rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15) in a variety of ministry and other leadership contexts.

The Biblical Studies Track includes three (3) academic programs: The Certificate in Biblical Studies, the Diploma in Biblical Studies, and the Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies.

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is designed primarily for lay leaders desiring to gain biblical knowledge and ministry skills for more effective ministry in the local church. The Certificate may also be appropriate for vocational ministers as continuing education, or as preparation for formal theological training.

All course requirements are listed as "Units," which are equivalent to 1.5 semester hours.

Certificate courses ("Apollos Courses,") count as one (1) Unit, and are not applicable to the Diploma or Degree programs, except under provisions (see "Apollos Courses," Academic Information). Many Apollos Courses are available online (see "WEBH-BI," Academic Information). Credit (Diploma or Degree) courses may also be applied to the Certificate. Such courses count as two (2) units, and may be applied to either Diploma or Degree programs as appropriate.

BIBLE (8 units)

Biblical Backgrounds (1)
Interpreting the Bible (1)
Old Testament Introduction (2)
New Testament Introduction (2)
Bible Intensive (2)

THEOLOGY AND HISTORY (4 units)

Theology (2), and
Church History (2), or
Church History (1)
Denominational Distinctives (1)

MINISTRY (4 units)

Pastoral Ministry (1)
Spiritual Foundations (1)

Electives: Choose two (2) units from the following:
Biblical Counseling
Evangelism
Homiletics
Principles of Preaching
Youth Ministry
Senior Ministry
Singles Ministry
Children's' Ministry

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 24 UNITS

Diploma in Biblical Studies

The Diploma in Biblical Studies is designed for students who have not had opportunity for college or seminary training in biblical studies, including those who may have entered vocational ministry in later years, laypersons seeking formal training to enhance their local church ministry, and others desiring Bible and ministry training. Courses in the Diploma Program are college level, and may be applied to the Associate of Arts Degree program.

Students in the Diploma Program must complete a Basileia ("Kingdom") Mission (non-credit) for graduation. Such projects might include missions trips, regular involvement in an approved ministry, internships, or participation in special evangelistic outreach efforts. Guidelines for completing the Basileia Mission requirement are available from the BHBI Office.

^†Associate of Arts - Biblical Studies

The Associate of Arts Degree is designed for the student desiring foundational training for Christian ministry and as preparation for more advanced study. The Associate of Arts Degree also meets minimum requirements for appointment with certain missions agencies.

Students in the Associate of Arts Degree Program must complete a Basileia ("Kingdom") Mission (non-credit) for graduation. Such projects might include missions trips, regular involvement in ministry, internships, or participation in special evangelistic outreach efforts. In addition, A. A. students must complete a one-hour Missions Practicum for graduation. Guidelines for completing the Basileia Mission and the Missions Practicum requirements are available from the BHBI office.

THE HUMANITIES TRACK

The Humanities Track at BHBI is designed to prepare students for leadership in the church and the world by way of classical studies in the history, learning, literature, and material culture of Western Civilization, all interpreted through and integrated into a world and life view formed by biblical truth. The Humanities Programs emphasize:

1. The formation of mature Christian character and leadership by (a) the application of scriptural truths to contemporary issues of society, (b) the exercise of the spiritual disciplines, (c) developing skills for effective communications, and (d) fostering a commitment to biblical holiness;  
2. Leadership development in the classical tradition based on wide-ranging knowledge of Western culture and literature, training in the skills and methods of argument and oratory, and hands on leadership experience in a variety of roles and settings, including cross-cultural experience; 
3. Interdisciplinary breadth of learning rather than fragmented, hyper-specific, unsystematic curricula; 
4. Development of capacities and skills for analysis and synthesis, problem-solving, logic, and written expression, transferable across disciplines and cultural contexts; and  
5. Thorough grounding in biblical, theological, and related studies, and the development of interpretive skills for "rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15) in a variety of leadership contexts.

The Humanities Track includes two (2) academic programs: the Diploma and the Associate of Arts Degree in Humanities.

Diploma in Humanities

The Diploma in Humanities is designed primarily for the high school graduate desiring a year of college level foundational study based on an unapologetically biblical worldview in a distinctively Christian community as preparation for further study. The Diploma is also suitable for non-traditional students who desire formal study in the foundations of Western Culture for apologetic purposes, civic engagement, continuing education, or leadership development. The Diploma is fully applicable to the Associate of Arts Degree either in Biblical Studies or Humanities at BHBI.

Students in the Diploma Program must complete a Basileia ("Kingdom") Mission (non-credit) for graduation. Such projects might include missions trips, regular involvement in ministry, internships, or participation in special evangelistic outreach efforts. Guidelines for completing the Basileia Mission requirement are available from the BHBI Office.

^†Associate of Arts - Humanities

The program of study leading to the Associate of Arts Degree—Humanities is designed primarily for the student desiring a strong biblical and theological foundation for his or her formal education. The A.A. Degree also meets minimum requirements for appointment with certain mission agencies.

Students in the Associate of Arts Degree Program must complete a Basileia ("Kingdom") Mission for graduation (non-credit). Such projects might include missions trips, regular involvement in ministry, internships, or participation in special evangelistic outreach efforts. Guidelines for completing the Basileia Mission requirement are available from the BHBI office.