Bachelor of Christian Studies
Bachelor of Christian Studies
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This program is designed to prepare individuals for pastoral and educational leadership in Christian communities, as well as providing the basis for continuing higher education. This program qualifies for Canada and Alberta Student Loans and is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible for International Students.
Students in the BCS program will:
- Demonstrate competency in understanding, interpreting, applying, and communicating the biblical message
- Gain experience in a located Christian ministry
- Analyse various cultural contexts for Christian ministry with particular emphasis on Canadian cultures
- Practice discipline in developing a spiritual life that fosters personal and professional well-being
- Develop the skills and attitudes of a life-long learner
- All incoming students will attend orientation events prior to the semester to introduce them to college life
This program is eligible for After Degree or Degree Completion for those who already hold a recognized undergraduate degree in a different field or who have significant previous study that is eligible for transfer credit. Contact Admissions for more details.
Course Requirements
Bible/Theology (36)
This course explores the formation of the Bible from texts and canon to translations, and develops skills for responsible biblical interpretation.
This course surveys the books of the Hebrew Bible with particular attention paid to the history of the Israelite nation within the context of the Ancient Near East.
This survey of the New Testament literature places the New Testament within the cultural context of the first century: Greek, Roman, and Jewish. Attention will be given to the best ways to interpret these documents historically and theologically and how the literature of the New Testament can function in the spiritual formation of the church today.
The life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth will be explored according to the material presented in the synoptic gospels. Particular attention will be given to the historical, political, and cultural background of 1st century Palestine.
The course examines the basic approaches to, and foundations for, the study of Christian theology, with an emphasis on the most central key doctrinal teachings: theology, divine revelation, theological anthropology, soteriology, hamartiology, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and missiology.
This course is a biblical examination of various theological and philosophical approaches to ethics, while working towards the development of a personal and communal Christian ethic. Attention will be given to the teachings of Jesus with representative engagement of contemporary moral issues.
Working from a perspective that sees God as missional by nature, this course articulates a biblical theology rooted in God’s self revelation that inspires particular practices that reflect God’s missional identity and activities.
Bible (must be 300 or 400 level):
- OT Elective (3)
- NT Elective #1 (3)
- NT Elective #2 (3)
Theology:
- Elective #1 (3)
- Elective #2 (3)
General Education (30)
This course explores what communication actually is and how to ensure the message that is sent is what is actually perceived and understood, via both verbal and nonverbal communication. Students will develop and deliver oral presentations.
Students will explore culture as a way of life and how the arts impact and promote culture as well as how culture influences the arts.
This course provides an overview of Christianity from the emerging Church to the present day with a focus on critical historical and theological developments. Attention will be paid to movements, monastic orders, major persons, socio-political location, events, and dominant controversies.
This course looks at the key ideas, people and movements of North American Christianity, along with the social, political, and religious context in which it developed. Special attention will be paid to the heritage of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
This course seeks to uncover the ideological roots of modern and postmodern society, while engaging significant worldviews, major philosophies, and world religions, in an attempt to better understand reasons for hope in our contemporary world.
This course explores the relationship between developmental psychology and Christian maturity/formation. Students will critique various developmental psychological theories within a theoretical framework, and make application to Christian theology, discipleship, education and counselling.
This course will consider individual development, as well as interpersonal and intra-family relationships within family systems. Students will gain understanding of why they may behave differently when they compare their behavior in the presence of their families and their behavior when they are in school or at work.
This course introduces sociology and social research methodology. The course also explores and analyzes key elements of contemporary Canadian society with a view to communicating the gospel to our culture.
This course provides a historical examination of scientific and technological innovations upon society, with focus on the modern world. Students will be challenged to consider the implication these innovations have on their faith.
- Elective #1 (3)
Professional Studies (36)
Field experience provides a variety of service and ministry opportunities that enable students to acknowledge, strengthen, and use their gifts and abilities as they experience the local church as a community of people making a difference in the world. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually in fall and winter.
Field experience provides a variety of service and ministry opportunities that enable students to acknowledge, strengthen, and use their gifts and abilities as they experience the local church as a community of people making a difference in the world. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually in fall and winter.
Field experience provides a variety of service and ministry opportunities that enable students to acknowledge, strengthen, and use their gifts and abilities as they experience the local church as a community of people making a difference in the world. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually in fall and winter.
This year-long course explores a practical approach to the Christian vocation of being conformed to the image of Christ. Attention is given to fostering the Spirit’s work in our lives through both inward and outward spiritual practices. An introduction to classic and contemporary spiritual writers of the Christian tradition is also offered. Offered annually in fall and winter.
This seminar explores a variety of topics surrounding vocation and provides strategies for making decisions and setting goals in order to expand students’ abilities to impact their world with passion and skill.
Within the community and alongside an exploration of their personal narratives, students will consider five themes: transition, work, vocational call, personality theory, and discernment as they seek to find and follow the particular direction and purpose that God intends for them.
Prerequisite: P101 Spiritual Formation
An investigation of biblical community, hospitality and belonging that aims to challenge individuals to live lives that welcome the stranger and equips leaders to build community within the 21st century Church.
Prerequisite: P101 Spiritual Formation
This course provides a biblical and theological foundation for pastoral ministry shaped by a family systems perspective. Students will practice being reflective practitioners able to bring a non-anxious presence to day-to-day and crisis ministry situations.
- Elective #1 (3)
- Elective #2 (3)
- Elective #3 (3)
- Elective #4 (3)
Specialization (18)
Choose from:
- Biblical Studies
- Business/Nonprofit
- Counselling
- Pastoral Care
Click here for the specialization breakdown.
Choose your ministry specialization:
Biblical Studies
For those who want to dive deeply into God's word
Business/
Nonprofit
For those who want to develop leadership and planning skills to lead organizations that make a difference
Counselling
For those who want to provide compassionate and informed psychological and spiritual care
Pastoral Care
For those who want to minister to others in the church and beyond
Degree Completion:
To graduate with a Bachelor of Christian Studies (Degree Completion), candidates must:
- Complete 120 credit hours acceptable to Alberta Bible College with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better;
- Including transfer of up to 18 additional credit hours of General Education as follows: Communications/English (3), Natural Sciences or Math (3), General Education Electives (12); additional credits from any of the areas listed above and also including literature, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, information technology, mathematics, some fine arts, physical education, and college orientation courses;
- Including transfer of up to 42 credits of Program Electives.
- Satisfactorily complete the Practicum;
- Fulfil financial and business obligations to the college; and
- Receive recommendation by the Administration and approval of the Board
After Degree:
To graduate with a Bachelor of Christian Studies (After Degree, 2-3 year accelerated program), candidates must:
- Already hold a 3 or 4-year postsecondary degree from an accredited institution
- Meet all other admission requirements outlined in the Academic Calendar
- Complete at least 60 credit hours at Alberta Bible College with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better; length of the program will depend on the courses presented as the time of admission
- Satisfactorily complete the Practicum;
- Fulfil financial and business obligations to the college; and
- Receive recommendation by the Administration and approval of the Board
The credit hours required for graduation are summarized below:
● Bible/Theology 30
● Professional Studies 30
● General Education 30
● Program Electives 30
Pathways
The academic, professional, and interpersonal skills developed at ABC are applicable to many fields including:
- Preaching Ministry
- Church Leadership
- Worship Ministry
- Education
- Missions
- Nonprofit Management
- Church Administration
- Mental Health Support
- Camp & Youth Ministry
- Pastoral Counselling and more
Students who complete a Bachelor’s program at ABC are prepared to pursue graduate studies in Bible, Theology, Leadership, and Counselling (with completion of the Counselling Certificate or Specialization).