Bachelor of Arts
Biblical Studies Major
Intercultural Studies Focus
On Campus
Advisor:
Carl Loewen, MA
The Intercultural Studies specialization is for students desiring to understand cultures and for developing skills for intercultural ministry.
The program equips servant leaders with biblical foundations, an understanding of our world, and ministry focus areas. This program highlights spiritual formation and intercultural ministry experiences.
Gillian's Story - BA Christian Studies, Missions Focus
“The missions Prof [talks] a lot about the attitude you have as you go into different countries and different cultures.... I have learned that you need to go into missions, not with a paternal instinct, but go in humbly and learning from the culture you go into.
Highlight: Just being able to talk to professors whenever you need, whenever you need advice, about homework or life in general. It’s really awesome. And they always have good advice to give and they’re very wise.
The best piece of advice I’ve heard [from a Professor] would be to be patient; it’s okay if you don’t know exactly where you’re going in life and what you feel God is calling you to do. It’s okay to take the time to spend time at SBC learning and [God’s plan] will be revealed as time goes on.
Something I feel God is speaking to me, is to be patient and wait for His timing. And to spend my life right now serving him, even if I don’t’ know what’s next.
One of my favorite things that happened last year was getting an assignment in my missions class to pray every day for a different country for 40 days. From that assignment two other girls and myself ended up praying almost every night all year for each other, for girls in dorm, for guys, for professors, for whomever we knew needed prayer.
Our [missions] professor really has a lot of life experience; he’s able to tell tons of stories that really apply to what he’s teaching; that makes it interesting and you’re able to actually relate, whether it’s about the Bible or missions or religions, or whatever it is."
Career & Ministry Opportunities
Graduates are servant leaders in their churches and communities working in ministry and leadership careers including:
- Inner city ministry in Canada and other countries
- Church planting
- Work with the urban poor and street children
- Ministry with people from a wide variety of religious backgrounds
- Medical ministry
- Relief and development ministry
- Bible translation
Graduates may also go on to serve their communities in areas such as education, nursing, business, social work, TESOL, agriculture, and domestic life.
Some continue in Christian seminaries and graduate schools, university studies, or vocational training.
Intercultural Studies Focus Requirements
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IS201
Introduction to Mission
An introduction to the missional call of the believer and the global mission of the church, including mission focused prayer, personal calling and giftedness. Course material includes a brief biblical theology of mission, an overview of the history of missions and a discussion of current mission efforts around the world. (3 credits)
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IS303
Missiological Issues
A study of the principles and practices of cross-cultural evangelism, church planting and mercy ministries. Areas studied will include numerous current issues in the area of missions strategy, including contextualization, syncretism, short-term missions, leadership development, unreached people groups, promotion, recruitment, and missionary care. (3 credits)
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Intercultural Studies Focus Electives
Choose two of the following:
HU241
World Religions
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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SS211
Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology designed to raise awareness of local culture, the dynamics of cultural change, and the contribution anthropology can make to cross-cultural communication. Through the course, the student is introduced to doing basic anthropological research. (3 credits)
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CM214
Discipleship and Evangelism
This course will examine the meaning and practice of biblical evangelism in the process of Christian discipleship. Students will study how evangelism and mentoring work together in and through the people and the ministries of local churches. (3 credits)
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Missions Topics (3 x 1cr)
Complete three one-credit-hour missions topics courses. (3 credits)
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Learning Outcomes
Intercultural Studies
- Demonstrate a deep personal commitment to God's global agenda for mission.
- Develop a biblical theology of mission in the context of world faiths.
- Demonstrate an ability to negotiate cultural and social norms for contextualization of the gospel.
- Demonstrate an awareness of issues in missions when entering intercultural ministries at home or abroad.
- Capacity for ministry with intercultural church initiatives, including international missions, and ministries with immigrants or diverse groups.
Biblical Studies
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the Bible and evangelical Anabaptist theology.
- Display competent biblical interpretation and practical application.
- Practice the spiritual disciplines necessary for a lifelong faith commitment.
- Develop critical thinking, researching, writing, and communication skills.
- Implement problem solving skills in interpersonal and intercultural contexts.
- Demonstrate servant leadership skills for ministry and work.
Program Requirements
Year One: Engage
Biblical & Theological Studies (12 credits)
BI105
Biblical Interpretation
After a brief historical overview of the interpretation of the Bible in the Church, the key principles of interpretation are studied through their application to a variety of biblical texts. The course is designed to prepare students for exegesis courses as well as giving them the tools for doing inductive Bible interpretation. (3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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BI111
Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament
An introductory study of the historical and geographical background of the Old Testament and an overview of major themes developed within the various sections of the Old Testament. (3 credits)
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BI121
Introduction to the Bible: New Testament
An introductory study of the historical and cultural background of the New Testament and an overview of major emphases of each book within the New Testament. (3 credits)
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TH132
Introduction to Christian Theology
An introduction to Christian theology through its disciplines, conversations, and applications to ministry. Reflection on major Christian doctrines including God, creation, sin, Scripture, Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last things. (3 credits)
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Arts & Sciences (6 credits)
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Communications Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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EN111
English Literature and Composition I
An introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature in the genres of novel, short story and poetry. This course will focus on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader and a clear, articulate writer. (3 credits)
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EN212
English Literature: Faith and Fiction
This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature selected from the genres of novel, short story, and poetry. This course focuses on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader, and a clear, articulate writer in response to literature written from a Christian faith perspective. (3 credits)
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FA271
Christianity and Imagination
A survey of the arts in the western world and a study of the relationship between Christians and culture. The course will provide students with a perceptual framework for evaluating various artistic traditions such as painting, sculpture, architecture, film, theatre, literature, music and dance. Class work will involve interaction with representative works. (3 credits)
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HU202
Art of Persuasion
This course will provide a space of learning where students will unbox some of the styles and techniques of rhetoric used to convince and persuade people in order that they may understand and interpret the world around them, and in the process, become better at communicating their own ideas and convictions. (3 credits)
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WA222
Drama Production
Students, under the direction of the drama faculty, rehearse and present a major drama. This class is responsible for all aspects of the drama, such as acting, props and set. (3 credits)
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Interpersonal Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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SS223
Interpersonal Processes
This course helps develop the skills to communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, and intercultural contexts, and to learn to approach conflict in transformative ways. (3 credits)
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SS225
Marriage and Family
A study of the family in contemporary society. The course includes topics like the nature of the family, sexuality, love, relationship building, weddings, parenting, birth order, and divorce/remarriage. While the course has a significant theoretical component, it also provides practical elements to help students reflect on their own families of origin and their own relational contexts. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (14 credits)
CM101
Ministry 1: Introduction to Ministry
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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CM114
Spiritual Formation
This course seeks to help us better understand how spiritual formation takes place, while examining some of the key spiritual disciplines and faith traditions that provide some strong moorings for Christian spirituality today. (3 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Elective
Choose any 3 credits. (3 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 5 credits. (5 credits)
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Service Learning (2 units)
Complete 2 units of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Year Two: Establish
Biblical & Theological Studies (12 credits)
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BI221
Life and Teachings of Jesus
A study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the first three Gospels, with an inductive study of one of the Gospels. Current literary and historical approaches to the gospel narratives will be examined. (3 credits)
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OT Prophets Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI215
OT Prophets: Hosea - Malachi
A study of the prophets from Hosea to Malachi, identifying who the prophets were, where and when they lived, and the nature of their writings. Select passages will be exegeted. (3 credits)
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BI411
OT Prophets: Isaiah
(3 credits)
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BI412
OT Prophets: Jeremiah
(3 credits)
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NT Bible Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI223
NT History: Acts
The book of Acts will be studied to understand the formation and expansion of the early church. Major themes are the work of the Spirit, Christian witness, leadership, and the life and ministry of Paul. (3 credits)
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BI225
NT Letters: Galatians - Philemon
(3 credits)
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TH232
Theology of God, Prayer, and Community
(3 credits)
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Arts & Sciences (12 credits)
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English Literature Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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EN111
English Literature and Composition I
An introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature in the genres of novel, short story and poetry. This course will focus on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader and a clear, articulate writer. (3 credits)
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EN212
English Literature: Faith and Fiction
This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature selected from the genres of novel, short story, and poetry. This course focuses on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader, and a clear, articulate writer in response to literature written from a Christian faith perspective. (3 credits)
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HU222
Anabaptist History
A study of the origin, development and spread of the Anabaptist movement, with special emphasis on history, doctrine and biography. (3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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HU272
Ethics
An introduction to ethical thinking and ethical systems. A study of biblical principles of right and wrong and their applications to current social and personal issues. (3 credits)
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World Cultures Elective
Choose from the following courses:
HU241
World Religions
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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HU231
Introduction to Philosophy
An examination of deeper human thinking in its endeavour to provide answers to the questions of life, reality, society and God. Historical development and modern trends, as well as methods and systems, will be explored and critically evaluated from the standpoint of the Christian faith. (3 credits)
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SS211
Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology designed to raise awareness of local culture, the dynamics of cultural change, and the contribution anthropology can make to cross-cultural communication. Through the course, the student is introduced to doing basic anthropological research. (3 credits)
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HU212
Greek I
An introductory course in the basic elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on grammar and vocabulary, as well as rudimentary reading and analysis of selected passages from the Greek New Testament. (3 credits)
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HU213
Greek II
A continuation of the study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on grammar and vocabulary, as well as rudimentary reading and analysis of selected passages from the Greek New Testament. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (8 credits)
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CM201
Ministry 2: Intercultural Ministry
(3 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Elective
Choose any 3 credits. (3 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 2 credits. (2 credits)
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Service Learning (2 units)
Complete 2 units of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Year Three: Equip
Biblical & Theological Studies (9 credits)
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OT Bible Elective (Year 3)
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI214
OT Wisdom Literature
A course dealing with the characteristic forms of wisdom literature in the Old Testament. Selections from Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes will be studied. (3 credits)
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BI312
OT Poetry: Psalms
A study of the interpretation & origins of the Psalms as well as their inspiration and application today. (3 credits)
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NT Bible Elective (Year 3)
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI421
NT Gospels: John
(3 credits)
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BI321
NT Letters: Romans
(3 credits)
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TH332
Theology of Jesus, Discipleship, and Community
A theological study of Jesus Christ and discipleship in the Anabaptist, evangelical, and Christian traditions. Examines themes such as the person and work of Christ, salvation, and last things with special attention to discipleship in Christian community. (3 credits)
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Arts & Sciences (9 credits)
HU22-
Christian History Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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HU225
Christian History I: Early-1650
A study of the historical development of catholic Christianity primarily in the Mediterranean and Europe, from the first century to the Reformations. Emphasis on churches, discipleship, theology, institutions, culture, traditions, conflicts, and renewals. (3 credits)
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HU226
Christian History: 1650-present
A study of the historical development of Christianity in Europe, North America, and globally from the Enlightenment to the present. Emphasis on the expansion and adaptation of Christianity through engagement with cultures, renewals, and missions, resulting in the global Church today. (3 credits)
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HU221
Christian History
This course will explore the important questions and issues the Church has faced from the time of Christ to the present. By listening to the historic Christian community, students will develop a foundation for faithfully representing the Church’s worship, discipleship, and mission today. (3 credits)
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HU228
History of Christian Worship
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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Integrative Studies
Choose a course from the following:
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FA271
Christianity and Imagination
A survey of the arts in the western world and a study of the relationship between Christians and culture. The course will provide students with a perceptual framework for evaluating various artistic traditions such as painting, sculpture, architecture, film, theatre, literature, music and dance. Class work will involve interaction with representative works. (3 credits)
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HU231
Introduction to Philosophy
An examination of deeper human thinking in its endeavour to provide answers to the questions of life, reality, society and God. Historical development and modern trends, as well as methods and systems, will be explored and critically evaluated from the standpoint of the Christian faith. (3 credits)
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HU236
Faith and Doubt
This course will explore the tension between faith in God as expressed in the Bible and the loss of faith that many people encounter in the church and in the broader culture. The issues that give rise to Christian doubts will be addressed using a multi-dimensional apologetic. (3 credits)
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HU274
Pop Culture
(3 credits)
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HU373
Faith and Science
(3 credits)
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Social Sciences Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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SS201
Introduction to Psychology
An introduction to the principles, methods, language and major topics of the science of behaviour. Areas to be examined are biological foundations of behaviour, perception, learning, motivation, and emotions. (3 credits)
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SS223
Interpersonal Processes
This course helps develop the skills to communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, and intercultural contexts, and to learn to approach conflict in transformative ways. (3 credits)
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SS203
Human Development
A basic overview of the human life cycle from conception to death with attention given to physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral dynamics of development, and their implications for services to children, youth and adults. (3 credits)
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SS204
Educational Psychology
A study of psychological principles applied to the educational process including theories of learning, and evaluation of the learning process. The course will introduce the skills necessary to develop lesson plans and curriculum that reflects a philosophy of Christian education appropriate to various learning styles and educational models including public, private, and home. (3 credits)
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SS211
Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology designed to raise awareness of local culture, the dynamics of cultural change, and the contribution anthropology can make to cross-cultural communication. Through the course, the student is introduced to doing basic anthropological research. (3 credits)
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SS221
Sociology
An introduction to the basic concepts and methods of sociological investigation and interpretation. Topics for analysis will include associations and institutions, social structure, social processes and social change. (3 credits)
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SS224
Conflict Resolution
This course is an overview to the field of peace and conflict studies introducing theories, key terms, concepts, and skills related to conflict, justice, peace, and conflict resolution. Students will discover and develop their own conflict styles and learn introductory skills for dealing with conflict on an interpersonal level. Students will practice peacemaking in on-campus conflict situations. (3 credits)
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SS225
Marriage and Family
A study of the family in contemporary society. The course includes topics like the nature of the family, sexuality, love, relationship building, weddings, parenting, birth order, and divorce/remarriage. While the course has a significant theoretical component, it also provides practical elements to help students reflect on their own families of origin and their own relational contexts. (3 credits)
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SS271
Urban Social Issues: People, Problems, and Policy
The course will expand the student's knowledge, skills, and understanding of social issues that impact individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Particular attention will be given to the analysis and evaluation of what society can do to further impact these problems. Social issues to be explored include, but are not limited to, the changing nature of the family, education, health and illness, drug use, sexual behaviour, inequality, and the economy. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (14 credits)
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International Ministry or Discipleship and Evangelism
Choose one of the following courses:
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CM301
Ministry 3: International Ministry
(3 credits)
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CM214
Discipleship and Evangelism
This course will examine the meaning and practice of biblical evangelism in the process of Christian discipleship. Students will study how evangelism and mentoring work together in and through the people and the ministries of local churches. (3 credits)
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Leadership Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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CM312
Leadership Principles
This course is focused on providing students with an understanding of what it means to be a leader and an introduction to leadership within church ministries. Each student will develop their own philosophy of leadership based upon research, class notes, biblical studies, and assigned readings. The course will also explore some models of leadership as practiced by the church & society. (3 credits)
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CM202
Experiential Leadership
(3 credits)
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CM304
Servant Leadership Seminar II
(1 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Electives
Choose any 6 credits. (6 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 1 credit. (1 credits)
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Service Learning (1 unit)
Complete 1 unit of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Total Requirements (96 credits)
