School of Bible and Ministry

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O. Herbert Hirt, Ph.D., Dean

The School of Bible and Ministry seeks to foster growth in spiritual maturity through the study and practice of God’s Word in order for the student to effectively minister to God’s people and the world.

The school follows a pattern modeled by the teacher Ezra who “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). This prescription for spiritual maturity has three elements. First, Ezra’s heart desired to study God’s Word. This desire to know God through His Word is Spirit-motivated and is the basis of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Second, Ezra studied. His mind was engaged with the content and theology of Scripture so that he might understand God and His will for humanity. Third, Ezra purposed to practice what God commanded since obedience to God is the goal of spiritual maturity.

The School of Bible and Ministry’s curriculum is designed to prepare students to serve Christ in multiple contexts through these three experiences. Student hearts are motivated by God’s Spirit to study His Word in order to grow to spiritual maturity. Student minds are applied to diligent study to understand God’s Word and its relevance in relating to God and impacting the world around them. Student wills are challenged to practice God’s Word personally and in the context of the Church and community. The goal is to produce graduates who can serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character.

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