Biblical Studies

The Department of Biblical Studies

The Biblical Studies Department at York College 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 College.

Our faculty members provide students solid biblical preparation, an understanding of humankind, and encouragement to begin the thoughtful pursuit of truth. Faith and learning are integrated in each course to prepare students for life--not just their professions.

Students can also get involved through York College 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. Frank E. Wheeler
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

The learner will demonstrate good exegetical skills and an understanding of basic principles of hermeneutics.
The learner will communicate the Bible effectively within diverse cultural contexts.
The learner will be prepared for graduate studies.
The learner will integrate biblical studies with daily Chrisian living.
The learner will be able to integrate healthy church leadership principles into ministry.
The learner will be able to integrate healthy church leadership principles into ministry at the congregational level
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 College. 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 College.