Major Minor
Major in Biblical & Theological Studies
Go into ministry • Study theology • Make an impact
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
In the biblical and theological studies major, you will study scriptural texts, church history, Christian theological tradition and biblical languages. Through the exercise of critical reading and thinking, the practice of articulate writing, and the exploration of cultural-historical perspectives, you will be prepared for vocational ministry or to attend seminary.
Start your applicationStudents spend much of their time studying and analyzing Scripture, focusing on interpretation, context and meaning and how to take those truths and minister to others.
Not only are students given the resources to identify their calling for ministry, but they also develop a competency for applying and teaching biblical passages and ministering to communities.
Classes like the church in global context, history of Christianity, and philosophy of religion give students a foundational understanding of the church and the difference between God’s truth and cultural values.
Biblical and theological study majors will not only be given the resources to expand their horizons both in their analytical studies and their cultural experiences, but they will be equipped to follow their degree with further studies.
As a biblical studies major or minor, you can spend a summer working on an archaeological excavation in Jordan, uncovering the ancient city of Abila of the Decapolis with Dr. Dave Vila for college credit.
JBU is an interdenominational school where you can experience a community of students and faculty who explore a beautiful convergence of differing evangelical theological positions and practices.
Each year JBU students present papers at national academic conferences like The Southwest Conference of the American Academy of Religion or the Truman State University Conference on Philosophy and Religion.
This interdisciplinary course will examine the theological, philosophical and anthropological diversity of Christian expression in the northern and southern hemispheres as expressed through different ecclesial traditions and informed by various cultural and historical contexts.
The course offers an in-depth exploration of a selected period in the history of Christianity (ranging from the early church to modern global Christianity), focusing on key questions and issues.
A consideration of the biblical and practical application of discipleship and evangelism. The social, cultural, community and ontological ramifications of discipleship and evangelism are considered, as well as a critique of current issues, worldview and the needs of the 21st-century world.
This course challenges students to utilize texts and dialogue to explore both Christian theological ideas and practices. Content includes past and current theologians, theological systems of thought, theological movements, and theological topics.
Dr. Burch is a graduate of the Citadel (The Military College of South Carolina) where he learned to take orders, survive “sweat parties”, march with a sword without hurting himself and appreciate the irony of eating in a building referred to a “mess hall”. These unique skills and experiences equipped him with a peculiar sense of humor and perspective that served him well in later years when life events happened without warning.
When his career plans to be a college soccer coach failed to materialize, he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he finished an M. Div. and then spent four years as a college minister in Washington, D.C. The fact that he is a university teacher can be partially attributed to the many college students who persistently bugged him during those years as a college minister to become a professor and to Josh McDowell who took him on a whirlwind tour of college campuses in 1982. So, after a brief stop in Scotland at the University of St. Andrews, he attended Baylor University where he completed his Ph.D. in 1994.
As a historian and theologian he is convinced that God is pretty big and therefore a great mystery that one lifetime on this planet will be insufficient to figure out. So since we’ll never be finished knowing this God, let’s be sure to enjoy Him. His favorite historical rules of thumb are: most of history is the history of the unintended and history is about transition, not this and then that, but rather this to that.
Dr. Burch arrived at JBU in the fall of 2011 after fourteen years in Phoenix, Arizona. Living in Siloam Springs where there are four defined seasons a year has proved to be a great joy. Teaching and serving JBU students with his colleagues has proved to be a greater joy.
He has the privilege of sharing life with his beautiful wife Sophia, whom he somehow tricked into marrying him. They have 6 grown children and 15 grandchildren. He enjoys backpacking, working out, and fly fishing.
Professor of Biblical Studies
A former lawyer, Jim Blankenship came to JBU in the Fall of 2002. He primarily teaches classes in Bible and biblical languages. His Senior Seminar in Biblical Studies has studied the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Codices and the Apostolic Fathers, as well as methods and issues central to Biblical Studies. Before coming to JBU, he taught classes at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in the Philippines, at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, as well as at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr.. Blankenship's doctoral dissertation is Subject to the Governing Authorities: A Tradition of Pauline Interpretation in Late Antiquity. It analyzes how both John Chrysostom and John of Damascus used Romans 13:1-10, in light of their very different historical situations. His Master’s degree includes concentrations on both HB/OT and in NT studies.
Dr. Blankenship's main research interests are both the role that context does play and the role it should play in shaping one’s understanding of the Bible. He gives presentations on the Bible and its background in both religious and secular settings. He is also involved in ministry in several local churches, including teaching and preaching.
When he is not preparing for classes or other presentations, Dr. Blankenship enjoys spending time with his wife and college sweetheart, Lynn. He also trains in several martial arts, enjoys baseball, and at times will re-read the works of Chaim Potok and Flannery O’Connor.
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies; McGee Chair (Year 1 of 1)
Dr. Cary Balzer enjoys traveling abroad with his wife (Tracy, Director of Christian Formation) and JBU students. Together and with other faculty they have led numerous JBU study abroad and mission trips to the UK. They have two daughters, Kelsey and Langley, both JBU grads; two sons-in law; and one baby granddaughter.
Dr. Balzer is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a Communication degree. He received a Masters of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and Masters of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Manchester, England. His first book, The Devotional Wesley, was published in 2009, and along with Rod Reed (University Chaplain) co-authored Building a Culture of Faith in 2012. Dr. Balzer currently serves as Professor of Theology.
Professor of Biblical Studies
Keith is responsible for providing leadership for the ongoing spiritual growth of the university community, specifically through the supervision of the chapel program, pastoral ministry to students and staff, and leading the Office of Christian Formation in the execution of broader campus programming. He has a doctorate in early Christianity from St. Andrews in Scotland, a master's in New Testament from Asbury Theological Seminary and a bachelor's in religion, classics and music from Augustana College. Before coming to JBU, Keith served as lead pastor and teaching pastor of Grassroots Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
University Chaplain; Dean of Christian Formation; Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
John Brown University
2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500 jbuinfo@jbu.edu
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.