John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Minors
Purpose
The Apologetics and Cultural Engagement Minor program is designed to assist students in developing and demonstrating competencies and proficiencies in the discipline that will lead to success.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Evaluate various aspects of culture from a Christian worldview in order to engage the world biblically.
Purpose
The Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies Minor equips students with linguistic proficiency, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary knowledge of the Arabic-speaking region (Middle East and North Africa). Through the study of Arabic language, history, religion, politics, and society, students develop cross-cultural competencies and regional expertise that enable them to interact effectively with the peoples and cultures of the Middle East. The minor prepares students for global work and future studies in different fields, such as international relations, government, business, ministry, education, and global engagement by fostering cross-cultural communication and informed global citizenship. Distinctively, the minor integrates language acquisition with the study of Middle Eastern cultures, religions, and contemporary issues, providing students with a holistic understanding of the region and its diverse peoples.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Describe significant cultural, religious, and linguistic influences and diversity in the Middle East.
Purpose
The Biblical Counseling minor is aimed at preparing students to effectively utilize the Bible to address counseling concerns. This minor is designed to give students the knowledge and skills unique to Biblical Counseling. The knowledge and skills obtained in this minor will equip students to engage others with a robust application of biblical knowledge to life’s problems.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Apply the principles of biblical counseling in ministry contexts
Purpose
The purpose of the Minor in Biblical Exposition is to equip students with the skills necessary to interpret and communicate Scripture faithfully and effectively. Through focused study in using relevant tools, understanding hermeneutical principles, and applying appropriate interpretational procedures, students will learn to exposit passages from both the Old and New Testaments. Ultimately, the program seeks to cultivate biblically grounded graduates who can explain biblical truth with clarity and conviction.
Delivery Format: Online Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Apply sound hermeneutical methods and tools of interpretation in the faithful exposition of Scripture.
Purpose
The Minor in Chaplain Ministries is designed to educate and equip undergraduate students to be sent by the local church to bear the presence and message of Christ everywhere, as well as prepare them for entering graduate-level chaplaincy studies. The programmatic emphasis from an evangelical, biblical worldview on leadership, ethics, and ministry within the chaplain context provides students with a firm foundation to become chaplains who are confident in their calling to bear the presence and message of Christ without reservation.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of leadership, ethics, and ministry within the chaplain context.
Purpose
The minor in Children’s Ministry is designed to prepare competent ministry leaders for the local church and parachurch ministries. The minor will emphasize a biblically, theologically, and culturally engaging approach to sharing the gospel with children and their families and also providing opportunities for spiritual growth.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Show professional skill in planning, organizing, and developing Christian children’s ministries.
Purpose
Delivery Format: Online Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational leadership and organizational skills for ministry contexts.
Purpose
Analyze various church planting contexts, models, and methodologies
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Analyze various church planting contexts, models, and methodologies.
Purpose
Students in the Disability Ministry Minor will examine the biblical, familial, and ecclesiastical circumstances that shape the faith and church experience of individuals with a disability. Through the required courses, students will explore the challenges and opportunities Christians face in making the church a place of accessibility and acceptability. Students will apply a theological and practical framework of disabilities as a means of answering these challenges and opportunities. To that end, students will be equipped to identify and implement best practices for disability-inclusive ministry.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Design biblically founded, disability-inclusive ministry environments.
Purpose
The Minor in Evangelism equips students with the biblical, theological, and practical foundations needed to engage the world effectively with the gospel of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. The program establishes why evangelism is essential to the Christian life and the local church while also training students in practical approaches to gospel witness. Students will learn to ask meaningful questions, serve non-Christians, and create opportunities for gospel conversations within their spheres of influence in obedience to the Great Commission. The goal is for evangelism to become a daily lifestyle that naturally flows from each student’s walk with Christ. The minor also emphasizes the use of personal testimony and prayer as vital tools in evangelistic ministry.
Delivery Format: Online Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Explain the content and priority of the Gospel message and core evangelistic truths in various relational contexts.
Purpose
The purpose of the Expositional Preaching Minor is to equip aspiring pastors to prepare and deliver faithful, accurate, and edifying expository sermons. Programmatic emphasis on exegetical, theological, and redemptive proclamation provides a distinctive foundation for those seeking to shepherd healthy local churches through the faithful exposition of Scripture. One-on-one instruction from experienced practitioners enables students to develop their own preaching voice, strengthen their confidence, and apply sound principles of biblical interpretation and sermon preparation. The program prepares graduates to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully from all of Scripture and to serve the preaching and teaching needs of the local church.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Deliver an expository sermon, from different genres, for the purpose of Christ-centered proclamation.
Purpose
The Public Theology Minor will equip the student to build upon a strong evangelical foundation for the purpose of practicing Christian theology within the public square.
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Evaluate various aspects of culture for the purpose of defending and explaining Christian theology.
Purpose
Delivery Format: Residential Only
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Use the tools necessary for making disciples cross-culturally in dense and diverse areas.