Below are the courses offered by the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.
Biblical Greek (BGRK)
BGRK 111 New Testament Greek for Beginners I (3-0-3), fall. Beginner’s grammar of Greek of the New Testament with emphasis on inflections and vocabulary. Meets MTWR.
BGRK 112 New Testament Greek for Beginners II (3-0-3), spring. Continuation of BGRK 111. Simple readings in the Greek New Testament. Meets MTWR. Prerequisite: BGRK 111.
BGRK 211 Elementary Greek Readings I (3-0-3), fall. Reading and interpreting the Gospel of John. Using Greek in ministry. Grammatical review with an emphasis on syntax. Prerequisite: BGRK 112.
BGRK 212 Elementary Greek Readings II (3-0-3), sprinį¼g. Reading select passages form the New Testament. Intermediate grammar with an emphasis on the use of the Greek text in exegesis. Beginning textual criticism. Prerequisite: BGRK 211.
BGRK 311 Exegetical Greek Seminar I (3-0-3), fall. Reading and interpretation of intermediate and advanced book(s) of the Greek New Testament, to be chosen by the instructor. Principles of exegesis. Detailed exegesis of select passages. Background and critical issues. Prerequisite: BGRK 212.
BGRK 312 Exegetical Greek Seminar II (3-0-3), spring. Continuation of BGRK 311. Prerequisite: BGRK 311.
Biblical Hebrew (BHEB)
BHEB 471 Introduction to Hebrew I (3-0-3), fall. An inductive study of the elements of the Hebrew language: forms, syntax, vocabulary. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of the instructor.
BHEB 472 Introduction to Hebrew II (3-0-3), spring. Continuation of BHEB 471. Prerequisites: BHEB 471, junior standing or consent of the instructor.
BIBD 332 Religious Writings of C. S. Lewis (3-0-3), spring, even years. A study of the religious writings of C. S. Lewis, emphasizing bibliographical information and concentrating on selected works of Lewis. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBD 352 Biomedical Ethics (3-0-3), fall, Students will explore current bioethical issues in the health care field, evaluate each issue at the philosophical level, and learn to respond from a Christian worldview. Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of lower level Core Bible courses. Pre-health majors only.
BIBD 379 The New Testament Church (3-0-3), on demand. Biblical doctrine of the church. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBD 380 Introduction to Philosophy (3-0-3), fall. Basic concerns of philosophy to other fields, and a discussion of the major types of philosophy. Same as PHIL 380.
BIBD 478 Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (3-0-3), fall, even years. An examination of theism in the light of reason, competing world views, and philosophies. Same as PHIL 478.
BIBD 486 Ethics (3-0-3), spring. Biblical foundations. Applications to contemporary problems. Same as PHIL 486.
BIBD 487 History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3-0-3), fall, odd years. Development of philosophical thought during the ancient and medieval periods. Same as PHIL 487.
BIBD 489 History of Modern Philosophy (3-0-3), spring, even years. The development of philosophical thought from Hobbes and Descartes through Kant and Hegel with emphasis on epistemology, metaphysics, and ethical theory. Same as PHIL 489.
Church History
(BIBH)
BIBH 380 Survey of Church History (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer, odd years. Examines major people, ideas, and events in the history of Christianity from the beginnings to the present. Includes introductions to ancient, medieval, Reformation and modern church history. Same as HIST 380. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBH 383 Restoration History (3-0-3), spring, summer, even years. History of the churches of Christ in America from 1800 to present. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBH 432 Story of Christian Spirituality (3-0-3), spring. Systematic, historical and analytical survey of the ways in which Christians have pursued the spiritual life from the early days of Christianity to the present day. Emphasis on key historical figures, primary sources, and developing critical tools for interpreting and evaluating Christian spiritual expressions. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
Biblical Studies
(BIBL)
BIBL 101 Life and Teachings of Jesus (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer. A survey of the four gospels. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 102 Acts-Revelation (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer. Apostolic history in Acts and the Epistles. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 104 Life and Teachings of Jesus (Majors) (3-0-3), fall. Required in depth study for Bible majors. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 105 Acts-Revelation (Majors) (3-0-3), spring. Required in depth study for Bible majors. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 211 Message of the Old Testament (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer. An overview of the Old Testament providing an outline of special themes and the overall purpose of the books. The basic message of the Old Testament as a whole, including content and theological themes, will be examined. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 212 Christianity in Culture (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer. Examines some of the fundamental elements of Biblical theology and explores the basic principles of the Christian faith. Intended to promote the practice of theological reflection, and will investigate the relationship of basic Christian values with some of the realities of contemporary culture. May be used to satisfy University Core requirements.
BIBL 355 The Gospel of Luke (3-0-3), fall. An intensive study of this gospel. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
BIBL 359 The Gospel of John (3-0-3), Maymester. A study of Christ as revealed by John in the fourth gospel. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 362 Prison Epistles (3-0-3), spring, even years. Exegesis of the epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 363 The Pastoral Epistles (3-0-3), on demand. A detailed study of 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 365 General Epistles (3-0-3), on demand. The epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 367 The Book of Acts (3-0-3), spring. The beginnings of the church, introduction, text, and doctrines. The bearing of the book on present day problems. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 420 Introduction to Exegesis (3-0-3), fall, spring. Historical contexts of selected passages will be emphasized and attention given to the exegetical method. A Writing-Intensive course. For majors only. Prerequisites: BGRK 112.
BIBL 451 The Pentateuch (3-0-3), fall. An introduction to and exegesis of the first five books of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 452 Historical Books of the Old Testament (3-0-3), spring, even years. History of Israel from the conquest to the close of the Old Testament period: Joshua-Esther. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 453 The Devotional and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament (3-0-3), summer. An exegesis of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 454 The Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament (3-0-3), spring. Background and message of the prophetic books. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 458 The Synoptic Gospels (3-0-3), spring. Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the light of the Synoptic problem. Exegesis of selected passages. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 460 Galatians and Romans (3-0-3), spring. An intensive exegesis study, emphasizing Pauline theology. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 461 The Corinthian Letters (3-0-3), fall. Historical, exegetical and practical study of these two significant letters. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 464 The Book of Hebrews (3-0-3), fall. Exegetical and practical study. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBL 466 Book of Revelation (3-0-3), spring. Includes a study of the fortunes of the church as set forth in the Revelation, with emphasis given to the continual struggle between righteousness and evil, with the final victory of the Christ and His church. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
Christian Ministry
(BIBM)
BIBM 312 Counseling Adolescents in the Church (3-0-3), fall, spring. An overview of the fundamental issues involved in ministering to the disturbed adolescent within the local church context. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 329 Field Work (0-6-6),* fall, spring, summer. Problems and methods of a practical nature studied in a "laboratory" situation. Permission of Bible department chair required. May not be taken as the fifth Bible requirement in the University Core or for Bible minor.
BIBM 340 Foundation of Youth Ministry (3-0-3), fall. Emphasis on the salient issues involved in program development (i.e., assumptions, philosophy, and theology of youth and family ministry). Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 341 Advanced Youth Ministry (3-0-3), spring. Focuses on the issues of organization and administration: leadership skills, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and biblical models for ministering within the non-formal context. Prerequisite: BIBM 340
BIBM 390 Family Relations (3-0-3), fall, spring. Principles involved in establishing an harmonious Christian family relationship. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 391 Introduction to Ministry and Missions (3-0-3), spring. A practical approach to the duties, problems, and relationships of the minister and missionary. Should be taken spring of junior year, followed by an internship in the summer. Readiness for Ministry testing required. For majors only.
BIBM 395 Introduction to Hospital Ministry (2-2-3), fall, spring. Provides initial development of concepts and skills in hospital ministry through experiences with patients, families, peers, and professionals. BIBM 391 recommended prior to this course. Preference given to majors. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 396 Field Education (0-3-3), fall, spring, summer. A full-time (10 weeks) or half-time (20 weeks) placement in a local congregation under the direction of a supervisor and an ACU field consultant. Prerequisite: BIBM 391. For majors only.
BIBM 401 Church Leadership (3-0-3), spring. Principles of effective organization, administration, and leadership as they apply to the life of the church. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 403 Christian Worship (3-0-3), fall, even years. Public and private devotions of Christians; biblical, historical, and problems of today. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 405 Women in Christian Service (3-0-3), fall. Designed to train Christian women theologically, academically, and practically for expanded service in the home, the church and the world. Limited to female students. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 406 Teaching and Speaking to Women in the Church (3-0-3), fall. Prepares women to serve as Christian teachers and speakers. It emphasizes spiritual discipline, well-developed Bible study, good communication strategies, varied teaching methods, empathy for those who will be served, and the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences in teaching and speaking. Prerequisite: COMS 111 or COMS 112. Limited to female students.
BIBM 409 Introduction to Ministerial Counseling (3-0-3), fall, spring. Theory and techniques of counseling as applied to the work of persons who primarily deal with people. Prerequisite: junior standing. For majors only.
BIBM 410 Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy (3-0-3), fall, spring, even years. Provides the opportunity for ministry students to identify and resolve family of origin issues which have proven injurious to effective biblical marriage and family counseling. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 413 Seminar in Adolescent Moral/Sexual Issues (3-0-3), on demand. Provides a biblical framework for understanding the adolescent’s sexual attitudes, values, and behaviors. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 430 Education Ministry of the Church (3-0-3), fall, summers, even years. General survey of the total educational program of the church. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 434 Developing Faith in Children (3-0-3), spring. Designed to equip Christians to participate in building Biblical faith in children in context of home, church, and school. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 435 Adolescent Spiritual Formation (3-0-3), fall. Provides an overview of the key developmental issues involved in the spiritual formation of adolescents. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 438 Teaching Ministry (3-0-3), spring, summer, odd years. Principles of learning and teaching as related to ministry of education. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 442 Youth and Family Ministry (3-0-3), spring. Provides the fundamental principles of family systems and offers practical strategies for developing a ministry to both the adolescent and his or her family. Prerequisite: junior standing.
BIBM 451 Sexuality and Personal Issues of Sexuality (3-0-3), spring. Addresses sexual issues through three sections: the text of Song of Songs; the individual, relational, and family issues with sex; and sexuality in the church and in one's ministry. Prerequisite: completion of freshman and sophmore level Bible, senior standing.
BIBM 455 Ministry to Fathers (3-0-3), spring. An overview of current research on fathering, both applied and scientific. Emphasis will be on developing a fathering ministry in the local church using a variety of program strategies and approaches. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BIBM 480 Arts and Culture: A Christian Aesthetic (3-0-3), spring. The arts from a Christian viewpoint as both practitioner and audience/patron, applying biblically based strategies to assess, enjoy, and participate in the forms of art prevalent in the culture while remaining faithful to the call of Christ. Prerequisite: sophmore standing. Same as THEA 480.
BIBM 491 Reflections on Ministry and Missions (3-0-3), fall. A theological and practical examination of Christian missions and ministry, relating biblical theory in historical perspective to contemporary church needs. Grade will be assigned after successful completion of course and the intership. Prerequisites: BIBL 391 and summer intership. For majors only.
BIBM 493 Introduction to Ministry of Preaching (3-0-3), fall, spring. Philosophy of preaching, preparation, and presentation practice. Identifies basic sermon types and use of supporting material. Prerequisite: BIBL 420. Same as COMS 493.
BIBM 494 Advanced Biblical Preaching (3-0-3), spring. Attention to audience analysis, persuasion, and special problems such as funerals, weddings, and mass communication techniques. Prerequisite: BIBL 420; BIBM 406 or 493. Same as COMS 494.
Missions
(BMIS)
BMIS 101 Missionary Life and Work (3-0-3), fall. God’s work through missions and the missionary, the lostness of the world, the tasks and qualities of missionaries, the role of the local church in missions, God’s work in opening doors, and the temptations that missionaries face. Designed for entering or transfer majors. May not be used to satisfy a University Core requirement.
BMIS 102 Missionary Biographies (3-0-3), spring. This course will survey the history of missions from the establishment of the church to the present. Special emphasis will be given to how God motivated, prepared and used people to do His work and advance His kingdom. May not be used to satisfy a University Core requirement.
BMIS 245 Missionary Anthropology (3-0-3), spring, summer. Human culture designed to equip missionaries to minister in cross-cultural contexts. Guides future missionaries to develop a theology of culture, to critique anthropological models used to interpret the world, to learn a cultural context through participant observation, and to understand a culture by studying its life cycle and cultural subsystems. May not be used to satisfy a University Core requirement.
BMIS 331 World Christians (3-0-3), fall, spring. The world-wide implications of Christian belief and church life for every Christian. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 333 Leadership Training (3-0-3), on demand. An evaluation of leadership training methods abroad. The student will design an extension model and write a proven unit extension education model. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 346 Introduction to World Evangelization (3-0-3), fall, spring, summer. Considers the Biblical basis of missions, the nature of interpersonal identification, the concept of culture, models of communication, methods of church planting and maturation, and criteria of field selection. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 371 World Religions (3-0-3), spring. The various aspects of religion — conceptual, ritual, personal and social — from the perspective of the living world religions in order to gain a greater skillfulness in approaching the non-Christian. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 396 Field Education (0-3-3), fall, spring, summer. A full-time (10-week) or half-time (20 week) internship on the mission field — domestic or foreign — under the guidance of a departmental director and field supervisor. Prerequisites: BMIS 391. Majors only.
BMIS 420 Teaching Good News (2-4-3), fall, spring. An introduction to evangelism which guides the student to present the Gospel effectively on a person-to-person basis by devising and implementing evangelistic strategies appropriate to specific people in particular social contexts. A significant portion of the semester will be spent "on the street" doing evangelism. A writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 421 Fundamentals of Spiritual Nurture (3-0-3), spring. The vital Christian task of spiritual guidance beginning with early faith and leading to mature, active discipleship.
BMIS 422 Campus Ministry (3-0-3), on demand. Designed to nurture and equip campus ministers to witness to and mentor reliable men and women who will be qualified to share their faith with others in the contemporary college culture. BIBL 101 or 104; 102 or 105; 211, 212.
BMIS 426 Missionary Woman (3-0-3), summer. The role of women in mission work with emphasis on her activity as teacher, personal worker, wife and mother, in view of the modifying influences of cross-cultural living and serving. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 458 Focused Training in Missions (3-0-3), on demand. A variety of specialized studies which provide essential training for missionaries such as: indigeniety, team missions, appropriate technology, house churches, missionary medical training, ham radio, Marxism, medical anthropology, ethnopsychology, communicating with non-literates, Bible translations, hymnology, kinship systems, visual anthropology. May be repeated. Prerequisite: sophmore standing.
BMIS 481 Inner City Missions (3-0-3), on demand. Examines the biblical teaching about cities and the practical difficulties encountered in urban settings. Particular attention -- both theoretical and practical - is given to issues of race, justice and poverty. Prerequisites: BIBL 101 or 104; 102 or 105; 211, 212.
