Biblical Studies

The Biblical Studies Department at York University is committed to building a foundation of literacy and preparation for ministry. Whether your post-grad goals are graduate school or entering ministry, you can rest assured that you will be well prepared as a biblical studies major at York University. 

Our faculty members provide students solid biblical preparation, an understanding of humankind, and tools to continue the thoughtful pursuit of truth. Faith and learning are integrated in each course to prepare students for life--not just their professions. 
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Students can also get involved through York University Campus Ministries for hands on ministry experience.  An internship with a cooperating church or ministry organization will be a vital part of your studies.

Concentrations in the Major

Biblical Studies

Religious Studies

Youth Ministry & Religious Education

Be More in the York Bible Department

Meet Our Faculty

​Dr. Garrett Best
Chair of the Biblical Studies Department
Professor of Bible

Dr. Michael L. Case
Professor of Bible

Dr. Terry R. Seufferlein
Professor of Bible

Courses

Some of the courses you may take include:

• History of the New Testament: Life of Christ and Acts
• History of the Old Testament
• Philosophy of Living
• Youth Ministry
• Wisdom and Poetry of the Old Testament
• The Synoptic Gospels
• The Prophets of Israel
• The Life and Letters of Paul
• Introduction to the Old Testament
• The Gospel of John
• Archaeology and the Bible
• Studies in Paul: Corinthians​

• Studies in Paul: Romans
• Biblical Hermeneutics
• Introduction to Theology
• Elementary Greek
• Greek Reading and Research
• Elementary Hebrew
• Introduction to Ministry
• The Work of the Minister
• ​Biblical Preaching
• Ethics
• Survey of Church History
• History of Religions of the World

 

Biblical Studies

 

This major focuses on training ministers to serve congregations of the Churches of Christ, helping students develop good skills for interpreting and communicating the Bible, and preparing students for graduate level studies. The focus of study will be the Biblical text as the inspired Word of God through which God speaks to humankind.

Features include:

• A strong Biblical curriculum.
•  Strong support courses in ministry, doctrine, religious history, Biblical languages and philosophy.
• An optional emphasis in youth ministry. 
• A summer intern program. Each Biblical Studies major is required to spend at least one summer working with a congregation. This helps the student to learn various aspects of ministry outside the classroom.
• Seminar in Ministry. This course is designed for the student to learn from special guests invited to campus. These guests will spend a few days of intensive study with students in selected areas of importance for ministry such as church leadership, marriage counseling, church growth, substance abuse, youth ministry and educational programs. 

 

Religious Studies

This concentration is for students who have a degree in another field (or are currently working on another major or concentration), and do not intend to have ministry as their primary occupation. A residence requirement of 32 hours must be taken in the Bible department. The 32 hours will be divided between Bible courses and ministry courses. This degree is designed for those who want to support themselves by working within the community yet provide the local congregation with strong leadership. 

 

Youth Ministry and Religious Education 

If your plan is to focus on working with youth in local church settings, you can add a youth ministry concentration to a biblical studies degree. This concentration will prepare you with courses in ministry, family studies, developmental psychology, and social structures. Biblical studies will provide a foundation and tools for a balanced and productive ministry.

In conjunction with the Education Department, a K-12 subject endorsement in Religious Education may be linked with a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies or in other areas. ​

Department Learning Outcomes

1.  The learner will demonstrate good exegetical skills and an understanding of basic principles of hermeneutics.
2. The learner will communicate the Bible effectively within diverse cultural contexts.
3. The learner will be prepared for graduate studies.
4. The learner will integrate biblical studies with daily Chrisian living.
5. The learner will be able to integrate healthy church leadership principles into ministry.
6. The learner will be able to integrate healthy church leadership principles into ministry at the congregational level
7. The learner will be able to integrate healthy church leadership principles into ministry with young people in various settings. 

Transfer from Schools of Preaching

Students seeking admission to York College programs in Bible must meet all admission requirements of York University. Graduates from Schools of Preaching may apply for up to 60 hours of transfer credit in Bible and Greek courses. To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies, the student must have completed a minimum of 120 semester hours, at least 32 of which must be in residence at York University. 

In the News

• Preachers in Training Learn on the Job
• ​York College Honors Alumni
• Grant Received for Prison Program
• Luther Event Draws a Crowd
• Ministry Award Presented

Learn More About the Bible Department

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