Explore Biblical Studies

Welcome

The Department of Biblical Studies is built on the understanding that the Bible is the story of the redemptive mission of God. Studies of the missio dei as expressed in the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the New Testament epistles provide the theological foundation for graduates preparing to be on mission in any area of service.

Why Missional University

All human ideas and endeavors are driven and informed by a worldview. That worldview, however, may not be recognized, verbalized, and even be consistent. Missional University recognizes that God’s story – the biblical worldview – takes precedent over any cultural, social, or personal worldview. The redemptive mission of God is the story, the metanarrative that answers all narratives.

The challenge from the Department of Biblical Studies to all students is to immerse themselves in God’s story by reading, researching, and grappling with the biblical text. The outcome will not be simply more information about the Bible, but the essential tools for developing a worldview that will shape and inform their lives and ministries. The bottom line goal is a graduate who can give a biblical answer to the “why” and “how” for every missional endeavor in life.

Course and Program Characteristics

Biblical Studies at Missional University are based on the six core values of the University:

Biblically Based:

The Department of Biblical Studies is all about the study of the Bible, with a focus on the redemptive mission of God as expressed in texts such as Gen. 12:1-3, Ps. 96:1-3, Isa.12:4-5, Matt. 28:28-30, Lk. 2:30-32, Rom. 8:18-25, and many more.

Missionally Driven:

Because God is on mission, his people are on mission. The courses in this department focus on the missional character of God and the missional calling of his people.

Interculturally Focused:

God’s mission, and the one his people are called to, is that all nations (peoples) may know him and that someday those from “every tribe and language and people and nation” may give him praise. The Department of Biblical Studies desires that its students, from whatever cultural background, have their own cultural presuppositions challenged, corrected, or affirmed by the Scriptures.

Contextually Informed:

The Department of Biblical Studies acknowledges the challenge of cultural approaches, readings, and applications of Scripture. This diversity is welcomed because our assumption is the full authority and ability of the Bible to transform every culture. Biblical reading, interpretation, and application will only be enhanced as students from diverse cultures learn with and from each other.

Practically Minded:

The desired outcome of biblical studies is transformed lives and greater fruitfulness in missional ministry. Students will be challenged and taught to take what they have learned and apply it in their respective vocations and ministries.

Experientially Transformed:

The study of Scripture should not be a mere intellectual, academic, or even a pragmatic exercise for better ministry effectiveness. Biblical studies will engage the student for both personal transformation and ministry effectiveness through opportunities for reflection and the scriptural analysis and evaluation of ministries.