Introduction
The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in biblical text, Christian ministry, ministry to children and families, vocational missions, domestic and foreign missions, worship ministry and youth and family ministry. In addition to these degrees, a minor in Bible, missions and ministry, and certificates in vocational ministry and missions are available.

Study Abroad Expectations
All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year 

Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)   

Acceptance into Department
The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry welcomes all who desire to serve God. Some may serve in unofficial or vocational capacities. For those who decide to serve as full-time ministers and missionaries, we view that call as a high call, demanding high standards. We, therefore, require an admission process that usually takes place during the sophomore year. This process, described below, is intended to ensure congregations that ACU graduates are equipped for the demands of ministry.

Requirements for Acceptance
The following criteria are necessary for admission to a program leading to a degree offered by the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry. For an application and further information, visit the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.

1. Junior standing (60 credit hours).
2. A grade of “C” or better in each lower-level Bible course (BIBL 101, 102, and 221).
3. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.25.
4. Satisfactory completion of the Readiness for Ministry Testing, usually by the early spring of the sophomore year.
5. Enroll in BIBL 320 in the first semester after admission to candidacy; usually this will be the fall semester of the junior year. Note that this requirement presumes the successful completion of the first-year Greek.
6. Recommendations (2):
   • One from an elder or minister of your home congregation.
   • One from a professor at ACU from whom you have taken a course and who is not in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.
7. Personal statement included in application.
8. Submission and completion of the application packet.
9. Payment of $80 for psychological testing and interpretation of the results.
10. Approval by the admission committee.

Revocation of Admission
The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry reserves the right to revoke admission at any time, if a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.25, or if a student’s values or actions are not consistent with those of the university as defined in the Student Guide. 

Minors in Bible, Missions and Ministry   

The biblical studies and missions minor encourages general education students to take Bible and missions courses that will deepen their knowledge of the Scriptures and make them a more valuable minister or missionary in the Lord’s church. A deeper knowledge of textual matters will enhance the future church worker’s ability to enrich the congregation in which that person ministers.

 Certificate in Vocational Ministry   

The student must work with their advisor and the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry advisor to determine the selection to be chosen.

Certificate in Missions      

Both Credit/No-Credit certificates are available to those who major in other areas and desire introductory level proficiency in missions. The Certificate in Missions:

·    Is for non-mission majors who wish introductory level proficiency in missions.

·    Is not intended to substitute for a missions degree.

·    In some cases, can serve as a credential in seeking visas.

·    Requires the student work with his or her advisor and the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry advisor to determine the selection to be chosen.

Note: To establish eligibility for a certificate in missions, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher. Only those courses, including all Bible courses, in which a “C” or higher is earned can be counted toward a credit certificate in missions. Should one later desire to enter ACU’s graduate program in missions and use undergraduate certificate studies as prerequisite leveling courses, a 3.0 GPA on those courses will be required.

Interdisciplinary Degree in Biblical Studies
A total of 33 hours are required for an interdisciplinary degree in biblical studies. The student must work with his or her advisor and the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry advisor to determine the selection to be chosen.

1. General education, 14 hours: BIBL 101, 102, 211, 440, and 3 hours upper-level course.
2.  Interdisciplinary, 27 hours:
   a. Specified, 18 hours: BGRK 221, 222, BIBL 320, 3 hours BIBP, BIBT, 3 hours BMIS,
   3 hours BIBH;
   b. Upper level selection, 9 hours; from BIBH, BIBL, BIBM, BIBP, BIBT or BMIS courses.

Missions Activities
Continental interest groups – African Mission Fellowship, Asian Interest Group, European Interest Group, Latin American Missions Partnerships and North American Interest Group inform students about opportunities for missions in specific areas of the work, provide encouragement and offer fellowship. Campaigns are organized and conducted in both foreign and domestic contexts, providing students with valuable experience in evangelism.

Mentoring groups – A strong feature of missions training is the mentoring program. Inaugurated each fall at a mentoring retreat, each person enrolled in a degree or certificate program is assigned to a mentor for the school year. A minimum of one hour per week is spent in prayer, self-assessment, encouragement and growth activities. Warm association with fellow missions students is a strong feature of the department.

Course Descriptions

Please see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Courses offered by the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry include those with the following designations: BGRK, BHEB, BIBH, BIBL, BIBM, BIBP , BIBT, BMIS.