Three Centers of Emphasis

Our “Three Centers” philosophy of seminary education is the foundation for a “whole life” curriculum that develops women and men into transformational leaders. Bethel has a commitment to integrative education. Through work in class assignments and in a Senior Integrative Seminar, students develop in the areas addressed by each center of emphasis and integrate this growth with learning gained in the other two. Our aim is the full integration of academic knowledge with lived practice of biblical exegesis with spiritual life and leadership. The three centers of emphasis are:

• The Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations
• The Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation
• The Center for Transformational Leadership

Leaders of the three centers seek to ensure that each student grows significantly by interacting with all three centers, each of which pursues outcomes related to being, thinking, and doing. Integrated learning among the curriculum’s three centers of emphasis is an integral part of the Bethel educational experience. Integrative work occurs both within coursework (including a senior seminar devoted to integration of learning) and at key junctures in the student’s seminary experience. Together these centers ensure a strong seminary producing whole and holy Christian leaders for the 21st century.

Each course has a three-digit number with a two- or three-letter prefix. Foundational courses are numbered in the 500 series and advanced courses 600 and 700. The 800 and 900 series indicate courses taken in the Doctor of Ministry program. Courses with a “DE” suffix are fully distance courses. Courses with a “U, L, J, or P” suffix are taken with other students from the theological consortium. The prefix indicates the department as follows: