MA in Biblical Studies
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS)
60-credit hours
The purpose of the MABS program is to offer students opportunities to strategically andcomprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible, learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge critical for serving in professional ministry leadership, and experientially explore and practice a broad range of ministry skills. In addition to the general degree option, the following four concentrations are available:
Concentration Options
Biblical Leadership for business, government, and other executive professionals, as well as professional and volunteer ministry leaders.
Christian Education for Christian school administrators and teachers, most likely those teaching in private schools but available to any educator interested in leading/teaching from a strong biblical worldview.
Media Production for employees or volunteers leading or working in various areas of media production or publishing in businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, etc.
Missions for persons interested in preparation for working in foreign missions.
Program Objectives
To train students in the background and content of all 66 biblical books.
To equip students to address a wide array of ministerial duties.
To empower students to prioritize the nurture of their own souls.
To broaden students’ paradigms through dynamic elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the MABS programs will possess the following competencies:
The student will demonstrate a mastery of the background and content of all 66 biblical books through the SFM 500 post-course assessment.
The student will demonstrate competency in a wide array of ministerial duties as measured by assessments, in-class preaching assignments in PRE 501 and final exams in PAS 501, PAS 511, and SFM 501.
The student will nurture his or her own soul as demonstrated by the course project for PRA 501 and the Capstone project (CAP 590).
The student will demonstrate an ability to defend his or her faith as evidenced by a class presentation for APO 501.
Frequency of Offering
At least some courses required for the MABS program are offered every fall and spring semester on the main campus, and some core courses also are offered at various remote instructional locations. See the Academic Calendar for specific times and availabilities.
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) – No concentration
Strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible.
Learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge beneficial for serving as a ministry professional.
Experientially explore and practice a broad range of ministry leadership skills.
CORE Courses (all 15 required)
Hermeneutics
⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods – Esther, Obadiah, Mark
History and Theology
⚫ THE 501: Theology I – Genesis
⚫ THE 502: Theology II – Romans, Hebrews
⚫ THE 503: Theology III – 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
⚫ THE 504: Theology IV – Joel, Daniel, 2 Peter, Revelation
⚫ THE 510: Church History I – Luke, Acts
⚫ THE 511: Church History II (Holy Land study tour recommended)
Missions and Evangelism
⚫ APO 501: Apologetics – James, 1 Peter
Leadership
⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I – Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations
⚫ PA S511: Pastor-Leader I – Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
Preaching and Teaching
⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I – Isaiah
Spiritual Formation and Ministry
⚫ PRA 501: Prayer & Worship I – Leviticus, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Psalms
⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry (Bible Panorama)
⚫ SFM 501: Spiritual Formation & Ministry I – Exodus, Numbers, Matthew
Other
⚫ CAP 590: Capstone
CORE hours = 45
ELECTIVE courses (5 required, select from any available), 15 hours
MABS = 15 CORE + 5 ELECTIVES = 20 courses ( 60 - credit hours)
MABS with a concentration in Biblical Leadership (MABSBL)
Designed for business, government, and other executive professionals, as well as professional and volunteer ministry leaders.
Strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible.
Learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge beneficial for serving as a professional in leadership.
Experientially explore and practice a broad range of leadership skills.
CORE Courses (all 19 required)
Hermeneutics
⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods – Esther, Obadiah, Mark
History and Theology
⚫ THE 501: Theology I – Genesis
⚫ THE 502: Theology II – Romans, Hebrews
⚫ THE 503: Theology III – 1 & 2 Corinthians; 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
⚫ THE 504: Theology IV – Joel, Daniel, 2 Peter, Revelation
⚫ THE 510: Church History I – Luke, Acts
⚫ THE 511: Church History II (Holy Land study tour recommended)
Leadership
⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I – Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations
⚫ PAS 502: Pastor-Shepherd II – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
⚫ PAS 511: Pastor-Leader I – Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
⚫ PAS 512: Pastor-Leader II – Joshua, Ezra, Nehemiah
⚫ PAS 520: Culture, Politics, and Society
⚫ PAS 530: Organizational Models, Phases, and Best Practices
Missions and Evangelism
⚫ APO 501: Apologetics – James, 1 Peter
Preaching and Teaching
⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I – Isaiah
Spiritual Formation and Ministry
⚫ PRA 501: Prayer & Worship I – Leviticus, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Psalms
⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry (Bible Panorama)
⚫ SFM 501: Spiritual Formation & Ministry I – Exodus, Numbers, Matthew
Other
⚫ CAP 590: Capstone
CORE hours = 57
ELECTIVE courses (1 required, select from any available), 3 hours
MABSBL = 19 CORE + 1 ELECTIVE = 20 courses (60-credit hours)
MABS with a concentration in Christian Education (MABSCE)
Designed for school administrators and teachers, generally those teaching in private Christian schools but available to any educator interested in leading/teaching from a strong biblical worldview.
Strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible.
Learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge beneficial for serving as a professional in educational leadership.
Experientially explore and practice a broad range of educational leadership skills.
CORE Courses (all 20 required)
Hermeneutics
⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods – Esther, Obadiah, Mark
History and Theology
⚫ THE 501: Theology I – Genesis
⚫ THE 502: Theology II – Romans, Hebrews
⚫ THE 503: Theology III – 1 & 2 Corinthians; 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
⚫ THE 504: Theology IV – Joel, Daniel, 2 Peter, Revelation
⚫ THE 510: Church History I – Luke, Acts
⚫ THE 511: Church History II (Holy Land study tour recommended)
Leadership
⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I – Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations
⚫ PAS 511: Pastor-Leader I – Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
Missions and Evangelism
⚫ APO 501: Apologetics – James, 1 Peter
Preaching and Teaching
⚫ EDU 501: Educational History, Philosophy, and Trends
⚫ EDU 502: Curriculum and Learner Development
⚫ EDU 503: Instructional Methods, Models, and Best Practices
⚫ EDU 504: Instructional Administration and Assessment
⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I – Isaiah
⚫ PRE 502: Expository Preaching/Teaching II – 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Spiritual Formation and Ministry
⚫ PRA 501: Prayer & Worship I – Leviticus, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Psalms
⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry (Bible Panorama)
⚫ SFM 501: Spiritual Formation & Ministry I – Exodus, Numbers, Matthew
Other
⚫ CAP 590: Capstone
CORE hours = 60
MABSCE = 20 CORE courses (60-credit hours)
MABS with a concentration in Media Production (MABSMP)
Designed for employees or volunteers leading or working in various areas of media production or publishing in businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, etc.
Strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible.
Learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge beneficial for serving in media production.
Experientially explore and practice a broad range of media production skills.
CORE Courses (all 18 required)
Hermeneutics
⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods – Esther, Obadiah, Mark
History and Theology
⚫ THE 501: Theology I – Genesis
⚫ THE 502: Theology II – Romans, Hebrews
⚫ THE 503: Theology III – 1 & 2 Corinthians; 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
⚫ THE 504: Theology IV – Joel, Daniel, 2 Peter, Revelation
⚫ THE 510: Church History I – Luke, Acts
⚫ THE 511: Church History II (Holy Land study tour recommended)
Leadership
⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I – Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations
⚫ PAS 511: Pastor-Leader I – Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
Missions and Evangelism
⚫ APO 501: Apologetics – James, 1 Peter
Preaching and Teaching
⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I – Isaiah
⚫ PRE 502: Expository Preaching/Teaching II – 1 & 2 Thessalonians
⚫ PRO 501: Communications Past, Present, and Future
⚫ PRO 502: Professional Media Production and Publishing
Spiritual Formation and Ministry
⚫ PRA 501: Prayer & Worship I – Leviticus, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Psalms
⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry (Bible Panorama)
⚫ SFM 501: Spiritual Formation & Ministry I – Exodus, Numbers, Matthew
Other
⚫ CAP 590: Capstone
CORE hours = 54
ELECTIVE courses (2 required, select from any available), 6 hours
MABSMP = 18 CORE + 2 ELECTIVES = 20 courses (60-credit hours)
MABS with a concentration in Missions (MABSM)
Designed for persons interested in preparation for working primarily in foreign missions.
Strategically and comprehensively study all 66 books of the Bible.
Learn basic historical, theological, and practical knowledge beneficial for serving in missions.
Experientially explore and practice a broad range of ministry leadership skills.
CORE Courses (all 20 required)
Culture and Languages
⚫ LAN 501: Foreign Language (Basic)
⚫ LAN 502: Foreign Language (Advanced)
Hermeneutics
⚫ BSM 501: Bible Study Methods – Esther, Obadiah, Mark
History and Theology
⚫ THE 501: Theology I – Genesis
⚫ THE 502: Theology II – Romans, Hebrews
⚫ THE 503: Theology III – 1 & 2 Corinthians; 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
⚫ THE 504: Theology IV – Joel, Daniel, 2 Peter, Revelation
⚫ THE 510: Church History I – Luke, Acts
⚫ THE 511: Church History II (Holy Land study tour recommended)
Leadership
⚫ PAS 501: Pastor-Shepherd I – Job, Jeremiah, Lamentations
⚫ PAS 511: Pastor-Leader I – Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
Missions and Evangelism
⚫ APO 501: Apologetics – James, 1 Peter
⚫ MIS 501: Missions I (Perspectives on the World Christian Movement)
⚫ MIS 502: Missions II (Discipleship, Evangelism, & Church Planting) – Deuteronomy, Galatians
⚫ MIS 503: Missions III (Anthropology) – Amos, Habakkuk, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah
(The following two courses may be taken in place of LAN 501 and LAN 502)
⚫ MIS 510: Missions Methods, Models, and Best Practices
⚫ MIS 520: Missions Practicum
Preaching and Teaching
⚫ PRE 501: Expository Preaching/Teaching I – Isaiah
Spiritual Formation and Ministry
⚫ PRA 501: Prayer & Worship I – Leviticus, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Psalms
⚫ SFM 500: Spiritual Formation & Ministry (Bible Panorama)
⚫ SFM 501: Spiritual Formation & Ministry I – Exodus, Numbers, Matthew
Other
⚫ CAP 590: Capstone
CORE hours = 60
MABSM = 20 CORE courses (60-credit hours)