EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION AT MISSIONAL UNIVERSITY
A New Paradigm in Christian Higher Education
The comparison chart of the approaches of Christian Liberal Arts Universities, Bible Colleges, Seminaries, and Missional University is a generalized overview of the contrast between these approaches. The modifications and hybrids of some institutions are not represented in the chart.
CHRISTIAN
LIBERAL ARTS
EDUCATION
Primary Educational Purpose
Train Students for
Secular Careers from
a Christian Perspective
Philosophical Foundation
Every Christian should
Live Life with a
Christian Worldview
Educational Framework
Christian Worldview
Core Faculty to Support
Educational Framework
Christian Philosophy &
Humanities Faculty
Central Focus
Christian
Worldview Studies
Role of Bible/Theology Faculty
Teach Core Religion Courses
Teach Religion Studies
Teach Christian Ministry
Studies
Types of Programs
Majors related to
Secular Careers
Role of Liberal Arts
Major Role for
“Well Rounded Education”
Educational Level
Undergraduate and
Graduate and
Doctoral Programs
Typical Degree Programs
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Master of Arts
Master of Science
Professional Doctoral Degrees
EXAMPLES OF
CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
LIBERAL ARTS
EDUCATION
Asbury University
Biola University
Chapman University
John Brown University
Liberty University
Pepperdine University
Samford University
St. Olaf College
Taylor University
Wheaton College
Whitworth University
Union University
HISTORIC CHRISTIAN
BIBLE COLLEGE
EDUCATION
Primary Educational Purpose
Teach Students the Bible and
prepare for Lay & Clergy roles
in the Institutional Church
Philosophical Foundation
Christians should
Study the Bible and
Prepare to Serve in
Institutional Church Programs
Educational Framework
Study of the Bible
Core Faculty to Support
Educational Framework
Biblical Studies
Faculty
Central Focus
Biblical
Studies
Role of Bible/Theology Faculty
Teach Bible Survey Courses
Teach Bible Book Studies
Teach Systematic Theology
Types of Programs
Majors related to
Bible and
Church-based
Ministry
Role of Liberal Arts
Major Role Mandated
by Accreditation Agencies
Educational Level
Undergraduate Levels:
Associate & Bachelor
Programs
Typical Degree Programs
Associate of Applied Sciences
Associate of Arts
Associate of Biblical Studies
Associate of Ministry
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry
Bachelor of Religious Studies
Bachelor of Science
EXAMPLES OF
CHRISTIAN
BIBLE COLLEGE
EDUCATION
Asbury University
Beulah Heights University
Cairn University
Central Christian College of Bible
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Columbia International University/span>
Kings University (TX)
Lancaster Bible College
Lincoln Christian University
Wheaton College
Moody Bible Institute
Nazarene Bible College
Ohio Christian University
Tyndale University College
THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY
EDUCATION
Primary Educational Purpose
Prepare Students for
Clergy Roles in the
Institutional Church
Philosophical Foundation
Christians should Follow
God’s Calling to
Serve in Clergy or
Missionary Roles
Educational Framework
Theological Positions and
Church & Mission
Clergy Leadership
Core Faculty to Support
Educational Framework
Theology
Faculty
Central Focus
Theological
Studies
Role of Bible/Theology Faculty
Teach Greek & Hebrew
Teach Biblical & Theological
Studies from a Specific
Doctrinal Position
Types of Programs
Majors related to
Clergy Roles
()
()
()
()
()
Role of Liberal Arts
Minor or Non-Existent
Role
Educational Level
Graduate levels:
Master’s & Doctoral
Programs
Typical Degree Programs
MA in Biblical Studies
MA in Theological Studies
Master of Christian Counseling
Master of Communication
Master of Intercultural Studies
Master of Religious Education
Master of Divinity
Master of Missiology
Master of Theology
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Missiology
Doctor of Philosophy
EXAMPLES OF
THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY
EDUCATION
Asbury Theological Seminary
Ashland Theological Seminary
Biblical Seminary
Concordia Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary
Denver Seminary
George Truett Seminary
Gordon-Conwell Seminary
Princeton Theological Seminary
Southern Seminary
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Westminster Seminary
MISSIONAL UNIVERSITY
MISSIONAL MINISTRY
EDUCATION
Primary Educational Purpose
Prepare Students for
Missional Roles in the
Mission of God in the World
Philosophical Foundation
Every Christian is Called
to Missional Ministry thru
joining the Mission of God
in Their Community
Educational Framework
Missiology (study of the
Mission of God in the World)
& Missional Theology
Core Faculty to Support
Educational Framework
Missiology
Faculty
Central Focus
Study of Culture,
Context & Mission
Role of Bible/Theology Faculty
Teach Missional Theology &
Biblical, Contextual, Moral &
Social, & Eco Theologies to Support
Specific Degree Programs
Types of Programs
Majors related to
Missional Ministry in
Faith-based Organizations
and Community Service
at Points of Human Need
Role of Liberal Arts
Major Role of
Social Science Correlated
with Degree Programs
Educational Level
Undergraduate and
Graduate Levels;
Professional Doctoral
Programs in the Future
Typical Degree Programs
Associate of Intercultural Studies
Associate of Religion
Associate of Ministry
Associate of Community Ministry
Associate of Communications
Associate of Worship Studies
Associate of Ecomissiology
Associate of Theological Studies
Bachelor of Intercultural Studies
Bachelor of Religion
Bachelor of Ministry
Bachelor of International Business Mission
Bachelor of Community Ministry
Bachelor of Communications
Bachelor of Worship Studies
Bachelor of Ecological Mission
Bachelor of Global Healthcare Mission
Bachelor of Theological Studies
Master of Intercultural Studies
Master of Religion
Master of Ministry
Master of International Business Mission
Master of Community Ministry
Master of Communications
Master of Ecological Mission
Master of Global Healthcare Mission
Master of Theological Studies
Master of Divinity
Professional Doctoral Programs
in the Future
EXAMPLES OF
NEW PARADIGM OF
MISSIONAL MINISTRY
EDUCATION
Missional University