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.
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
Andrea Sears teaches in both the Intercultural Studies and Humanitarian & Disaster Relief programs at JBU. She spent 13 years as a missionary in Costa Rica, co-founding the Christian community development nonprofit giveDIGNITY in the largest immigrant squatter settlement in Central America.
Her research interests have included the theology of suffering and the well-being of missionaries. She is a member of the John Powell Institute, a research group that examines factors that help missionaries to thrive on the field. She contributed a chapter on the top ten reasons for missionary attrition, based on her own research, in the book Essentials for People Care and Development, published by Missio Nexus. She is also a founding member of the Shared Foundations Initiative, a collaboration of professionals and organizations working across missions to support the health of cross-cultural workers.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys time with her husband Seth, their crazy orange cat, and their Aussie shepherd. While her adult children, Annabel, Alden and Jude, have flown the coop, she enjoys spoiling her two grandchildren, A.J. and Reuben. She is a voracious reader, likes a home improvement challenge, and keeps a sizeable part of her heart in Costa Rica.
Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status or military status 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 regional university (U.S. News) and No. 2 private university (The Wall Street Journal), JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 34 states and 43 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including business, nursing, visual arts, engineering, teacher education, psychology, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Twelve graduate degrees are available in business, counseling and cybersecurity.