A concentration is a cluster of related courses beyond the core and is designed for vocational or disciplinary specialization in one of three areas: Applied, Classical, or related to a partnership organization. For students who choose a concentration in programs that do not require one, the addition of the concentration may require taking independent studies and/or extend the length of time at seminary in order to fulfill the concentration requirements.
Applied Area
Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry
- M.Div. only
Concentration requires students to complete 12 credits of courses in the Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry subject area.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CF Course | 3 | |
CF Course | 3 | |
CF Course | 3 | |
CF Course | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |
Possible CF courses in this area include CF 510 Introduction to Children's, Youth and Family Ministry; CF 610 Ministry with Families throughout the Life Cycle; CF 620 The Teaching and Learning Process; CF 630 Leadership of Children's, Youth and Family Ministry; and PC 632 Pastoral Care of Children, Youth and Families.
Classical Area
Biblical Studies Concentration
- M.Div., M.A. (Theological Studies)
The Biblical Studies concentration deepens students’ understanding of the Bible’s history and its integrative themes, and equips them with additional skills for responsible interpretation of the biblical message. The concentration is also recommended as preparation for advanced degrees in biblical studies. Concentration requires 12 credits of courses in the Biblical Interpretation, Biblical Theology, Old Testament, and/or New Testament subject areas.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BI, BT, OT, or NT Course | 3 | |
BI, BT, OT, or NT Course | 3 | |
BI, BT, OT, or NT Course | 3 | |
BI, BT, OT, or NT Course | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |
Christian Thought Concentration
- M.Div.
A concentration in Christian Thought is designed to enable M.Div. students to focus on the intellectual exploration of the Christian faith and the intersection of Christianity and culture. It serves students who desire church ministry vocations in teaching, discipleship, and apologetics as well as students who may wish to go on for further graduate study in theological studies. Students participate in internships with the Office of Formation, Supervised Ministry, and Placement. Those who sense a call to teaching, outreach, or discipleship ministry using the concentration in Christian Thought may develop their internships with those ministries in view. Concentration requires 12 credits of courses in the Theological Studies and/or Philosophy of Religion subject areas.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |
Theological and Historical Studies Concentration
- M.Div., M.A. (Theological Studies)
This concentration acquaints students more fully with the theological resources of the Christian tradition and the church’s experience through the centuries. It provides opportunity to develop theological skills and to selectively appropriate from the Christian heritage what may be usefully applied to contemporary challenges and opportunities. The concentration is also recommended as preparation for advanced degrees in these fields. Concentration requires: 12 credits of courses in the Historical Studies, Theological Studies, and/or Philosophy of Religion subject areas.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HS, TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
HS, TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
HS, TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
HS, TS, or PH Course | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |
Partnership Concentration
Bethel Seminary offers credit for specific courses taught by the staff of partnership organization. This partnership concentration is available to students enrolled in a degree program at Bethel Seminary who may use these specific courses towards their degree.
Post-Christian Ministry Concentration (Gateway Church Partnership)
- M.Div, M.A.Min.
Post-Christian Ministry is designed as an experience for individuals living in Austin, Texas, and working as interns with Eric Bryant. It is available through the Online delivery format and includes courses taken directly with Gateway Church. The concentration in Post-Christian Ministry is designed for pastors, church planters, teachers, writers, and church leaders who are serving in post-Christian environments or who feel called to reach those not being reached through traditional methods. The concentration emphasizes creating networks (missional communities) and Sunday gatherings where people can “come as they are.” After students complete the concentration, they will know how to engage with people and cultures that are unfamiliar with the Christian tradition, how to help people move from lost to leading, and how to invite skeptics to become Christ-followers who disciple and reach others. The concentration courses, with the exception of the required elective, are operated by Gateway Church. Students in this concentration must register for the concentration courses through Gateway Church and have transcripts sent from Gateway Church to Bethel Seminary to facilitate the transfer of credit. The Post-Christian Ministry concentration consists of the following courses:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Post-Christian Ministry 1 | 3 | |
Missional Innovation 1 | 3 | |
Leading Missional Organizations 1 | 3 | |
Free Elective | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |
- 1
These concentration courses are operated by Gateway Church and are not offered at Bethel Seminary.