“We do the greatest service to the next generation of Christians by passing on to them undimmed and undiminished that noble concept of God which we received from our Hebrew and Christian fathers of generations past. This will prove of greater value to them than anything that art or science can devise.”
– A. W. Tozer
How do you see the Lord using you to make a difference for eternity? The possibilities are as unique as the individuals God calls to be His children. Would you like to be a missionary? A pastor? In women’s ministries? A church pianist? A Christian businessman? Or just a simple Christian who loves God and serves Jesus?
The Bible and Christian Service major is a four-year program that prepares you for a life of service for Christ, whether vocational or non-vocational. It also builds a bridge to seminary or graduate studies if you want to continue your Bible education. Classroom instruction, local church connections, consistent practical ministry, and outstanding internship opportunities combine to give you the experiences, tools, and skills you need to serve well.
The academic rigor, devotional warmth, and practical experience of the Christian Service major helps you cultivate your personal love for God and others while instilling habits of self-discipline and an attitude of self-denial. Focused mentorship, campus-wide friendships, and ample opportunities for recreation and service create a context in which serving the Lord is a joy-filled, satisfying endeavor.
Program Learning Outcomes
Through the Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Christian Service program, IBCS seeks to:
- Instill knowledge, discernment, and wisdom so that you may be able to critically read, write, and reason within a culturally and philosophically diverse society.
- Cultivate a genuine love for God and mankind through a dependent relationship with the Holy Spirit that demonstrates itself by living and ministering like Christ daily.
- Prepare disciples to be theologically committed and culturally conversant while engaging, evangelizing, and educating others.
- Mentor God-fearing leaders by developing you mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually to minister in the West and around the world.
Substitute Credits
According to the New Testament, pastoral leadership is the responsibility of men (1 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 14:34). Female applicants may be admitted into the Christian Service major but not to the Pastoral emphasis. Admittance to the Missions emphasis is with the understanding that females will be required to select four credits of general electives in place of Homiletics 1 and Homiletics 2.
Co-curricular Ministry Opportunities
You don’t have to wait to graduate to get involved in church ministry. At IBCS a variety of ministries constantly engage college students and give you broad experience outside of the classroom, both in the church and throughout academic breaks.
- Children’s ministries
- Youth ministry
- Media ministry
- Summer camp ministries
- Pastoral internships
- Christian school ministries
- Chandler outreach ministries
- International missions trips