School of Bible Ministry and Theology
The School of Bible Ministry and Theology is the foundation of Spirit Temple University. This school equips students with biblical knowledge, theological understanding, spiritual formation, and practical ministry training for faithful service in the work of ministry.
Through Christ-centered biblical instruction, students are trained to know the Scriptures, communicate the Word with clarity, serve the Church with maturity, and minister from the reality of the New Creation and the finished work of Christ.
- Christ-centered biblical interpretation
- The finished work of Christ and New Creation realities
- Sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and ministry character
- Practical training for preaching, teaching, discipleship, pastoral service, and local church ministry
- Equipping believers to rightly divide the Word and serve the Body of Christ with wisdom and excellence
Our Degree Programs
Choose the path that fits your calling
Associate Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Christian Care
24 Months · 36 Credits
Program Summary
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Associate Degree in Bible Ministry |
36 |
One-year accelerated foundation in Scripture, doctrine, communication, and supervised ministry service. |
|
Bachelor’s Degree in Bible Ministry |
66 |
Two-year accelerated Bible ministry pathway. Total includes the 36-credit Associate prerequisite and additional upper-level ministry training. |
|
Master’s Degree in Bible Ministry |
90 |
Three-year accelerated ministry pathway. Total includes Associate and Bachelor requirements plus advanced ministry study. |
|
Doctor of Theology in Bible Ministry |
45-54 |
Three-year hybrid doctoral program after the Master’s degree or an approved equivalent Master’s program. |
Credit totals for the Associate, Bachelor, and Master programs are presented as the required total shown in the STU curriculum structure. Doctoral credits are listed as doctoral-level credits beyond the Master’s requirement.
Program 1: One-Year Accelerated Associate Degree in Bible Ministry
The Associate Degree in Bible Ministry provides students with a strong foundation in Scripture, Christian doctrine, spiritual formation, communication, and practical ministry service. It is designed for beginning Bible ministry students, church workers, Bible study leaders, discipleship workers, and believers seeking structured biblical training.
| Program Item | Official Program Summary |
|---|---|
|
Degree Name |
Associate Degree in Bible Ministry |
|
Duration of Study |
One-year accelerated program |
|
Total Credits Required |
36 credits |
|
Delivery Format |
Online, hybrid, or ministry cohort format |
|
Audience |
Beginning Bible ministry students, church workers, discipleship leaders, and believers seeking formal ministry training |
Fall Semester: Core Courses
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Bible Survey: Old Testament Studies |
3 |
Surveys major Old Testament books, themes, covenants, prophetic witness, and the redemptive plan of God. |
|
Bible Survey: New Testament Studies |
3 |
Surveys the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation with emphasis on Christ, the Church, and New Covenant life. |
|
The New Creation Reality & Finished Work of Christ |
3 |
Explores the believer’s identity in Christ, righteousness, sonship, authority, and the completed work of Christ. |
|
Principles of Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics) |
3 |
Introduces responsible Bible interpretation with a Christ-centered approach to reading and applying Scripture. |
Fall Core Total: 12 credits
General Education
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
English Composition |
3 |
Develops clear writing, grammar, organization, and communication skills for academic and ministry contexts. |
|
Public Speaking |
3 |
Trains students to speak clearly, confidently, and responsibly in ministry and public settings. |
General Education Total: 6 credits
Spring Semester: Core Courses
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Person and Principles of Jesus |
3 |
Studies the Person, teachings, ministry, death, resurrection, and present Lordship of Jesus Christ. |
|
Basic Bible Doctrine |
3 |
Introduces foundational Christian doctrines including God, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and Christian hope. |
|
The Ministries of God |
3 |
Examines the work of God in creation, redemption, the Church, the believer, and the mission of the Kingdom. |
|
Dynamics of Understanding |
3 |
Develops spiritual understanding, biblical thinking, and practical wisdom for applying truth in life and ministry. |
Spring Core Total: 12 credits
Electives: Choose One Based on Interest
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Generational Curses |
3 |
Examines family patterns, spiritual bondage, redemption, and victory through Christ with biblical balance. |
|
A New Way of Righteousness |
3 |
Studies righteousness by faith, the New Covenant, grace, and the believer’s standing in Christ. |
|
Reality of Heaven |
3 |
Explores heaven as the realm of God’s presence, glory, authority, and Kingdom reality. |
|
Holy Spirit and the Church |
3 |
Studies the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church, spiritual gifts, unity, empowerment, and mission. |
Elective Requirement: 3 credits
Students select one elective course from the list above.
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Ministry Practicum or Internship |
3 |
Provides supervised ministry service in a church or approved ministry setting with reflection and faculty guidance. |
Practicum Requirement: 3 credits
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program 2: Two-Year Accelerated Bachelor's Degree in Bible Ministry
Prerequisite:
Completion of Associate’s Degree in Bible Ministry (36 credits)
Program Overview
The Bachelor’s Degree in Bible Ministry strengthens the student’s biblical foundation through deeper study in salvation, prayer, prosperity, spiritual leadership, spiritual warfare, and practical ministry application. This degree prepares students to serve with greater maturity, biblical clarity, and ministerial responsibility.
| Program Item | Official Program Summary |
|---|---|
|
Degree Name |
Bachelor’s Degree in Bible Ministry |
|
Duration of Study |
Two-year accelerated program |
|
Total Credits Required |
66 credits |
|
Prerequisite |
Completion of Associate’s Degree in Bible Ministry (36 credits) |
|
Additional Bachelor-Level Credits |
30 credits beyond the Associate requirement |
|
Delivery Format |
Online, hybrid, or ministry cohort format |
Fall Semester: Core Courses
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Dynamics of Potential |
3 |
Explores God-given potential, calling, capacity, discipline, and the development of gifts for ministry purpose. |
|
Soteriology |
3 |
Studies the doctrine of salvation, redemption, grace, righteousness, faith, and the believer’s life in Christ. |
|
Laws of Prosperity I |
3 |
Introduces biblical principles of stewardship, provision, generosity, diligence, and Kingdom responsibility. |
|
Laws of Prosperity II |
3 |
Continues the study of biblical prosperity with attention to faith, wisdom, discipline, increase, and service. |
|
Prayers I |
3 |
Develops foundational understanding and practice of prayer, intercession, devotion, and spiritual discipline. |
Fall Core Total: 15 credits
Spring Semester
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayers II |
3 |
Builds on foundational prayer training with deeper emphasis on spiritual authority, endurance, and effective ministry prayer. |
|
Demonology I |
3 |
Introduces a biblical study of demonic activity, spiritual opposition, discernment, and the victory of Christ. |
|
Demonology II |
3 |
Continues the study of spiritual warfare with emphasis on pastoral wisdom, deliverance, truth, and New Covenant authority. |
|
Introduction to Capstone Project or Ministry Practicum |
3 |
Prepares students to design a ministry project or practicum that integrates biblical learning and ministry application. |
Fall Core Total: 12 credits
Practicum or Internship
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Ministry Practicum or Internship |
3 |
Provides supervised ministry service and practical application of bachelor-level Bible ministry training. |
Practicum Requirement: 3 credits
Capstone Project:
A major research project or thesis demonstrating students’ ability to integrate and apply their learning to a specific ministry context.
Total Credits Required: 66 credits
Program 3: Three-Year Accelerated Master's Degree in Bible Ministry
Prerequisites:
Completion of all requirements for the Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Bible Ministry (66 credits)
Program Overview
The Master’s Degree in Bible Ministry provides advanced ministry training for pastors, ministers, teachers, church leaders, and students preparing for doctoral study. The program strengthens theological understanding, leadership, church growth, administration, and applied ministry research.
| Program Item | Official Program Summary |
|---|---|
|
Degree Name |
Master’s Degree in Bible Ministry |
|
Duration of Study |
Three-year accelerated program |
|
Total Credits Required |
90 credits |
|
Prerequisite |
Completion of all requirements for the Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Bible Ministry (66 credits) |
|
Additional Master-Level Credits |
24 credits beyond the Bachelor requirement |
|
Delivery Format |
Online, hybrid, or ministry cohort format |
Fall Semester
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Topics in Old Testament: Work of Angels |
3 |
Studies the biblical witness concerning angels, heavenly messengers, divine service, and their role in Scripture. |
|
Advanced Topics in New Testament: Praise and Worship |
3 |
Explores New Testament praise and worship, spiritual expression, thanksgiving, devotion, and corporate worship life. |
|
Principles of Spiritual Leadership |
3 |
Develops mature spiritual leadership, service, accountability, vision, character, and ministry responsibility. |
|
Capstone Project I |
3 |
Guides students in developing the first phase of a research thesis or applied ministry project. |
Fall Core Total: 12 credits
Spring Semester
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Church Administration |
3 |
Equips students in ministry organization, stewardship, policies, planning, systems, and administrative responsibility. |
|
Church Growth |
3 |
Studies biblical and practical principles of evangelism, discipleship, follow-up, leadership development, and church expansion. |
|
Capstone Project II |
3 |
Completes the second phase of the research thesis or applied ministry project for faculty review. |
Fall Core Total: 9 credits
Practicum or Internship
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Ministry Practicum or Internship |
3 |
Provides supervised advanced ministry service with practical application and guided reflection. |
Practicum Requirement: 3 credits
Capstone Project:
A comprehensive research thesis or applied ministry project demonstrating the student’s ability to synthesize advanced theological knowledge and practical ministry skills
Total Credits Required: 90 credits
Program 4: Three-Year Hybrid Doctor of Theology in Bible Ministry
Prerequisites:
Completion of all requirements for the Master’s Degree in Bible Ministry or an equivalent Master’s program in Theology, Divinity, or Ministry from an accredited institution
Program Overview
The Doctor of Theology in Bible Ministry is an advanced theological degree for experienced ministry leaders called to deeper biblical research, theological formation, ministry innovation, and publishable contribution to the Body of Christ. The program combines doctoral seminars, hybrid learning, ministry application, dissertation research, and faculty supervision.
| Program Item | Official Program Summary |
|---|---|
|
Degree Name |
Doctor of Theology in Bible Ministry |
|
Duration of Study |
Three-year hybrid program |
|
Total Credits Required |
45-54 credits |
|
Prerequisite |
Master’s Degree in Bible Ministry or equivalent Master’s program in Theology, Divinity, or Ministry |
|
Delivery Format |
Hybrid: online plus in-person doctoral engagement where required |
|
Final Requirement |
Doctoral dissertation and publication phase with faculty supervision and defense |
Year 1: Advanced Theological Foundations
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctoral Seminar in Hermeneutics & Exegesis |
3 |
Develops doctoral-level interpretive skill, exegetical discipline, and Christ-centered theological reading. |
|
Old & New Testament Theology – Doctoral Integration |
3 |
Integrates Old and New Testament theology through covenant, fulfillment, Christ, the Church, and Kingdom purpose. |
|
Systematic Theology II – Advanced Doctrinal Constructs |
3 |
Engages advanced doctrinal formulation, theological categories, and ministry-centered doctrinal clarity. |
|
Leadership and Global Apostolic Ministry |
3 |
Studies leadership, apostolic responsibility, global ministry influence, and faithful service to the Body of Christ. |
|
Doctoral Research Methods I |
3 |
Introduces doctoral research design, literature review, academic writing, documentation, and proposal preparation. |
Year 1 Total: 15 credits
Students select one elective course from the list above.
Year 2: Doctoral Research and Ministry Application
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctoral Research Methods II – Advanced Design & Analysis |
3 |
Strengthens research design, analysis, argument development, methodology, and dissertation readiness. |
|
Applied Biblical Research & Publication Seminar |
3 |
Equips students to develop biblical research for ministry publication, teaching, and scholarly contribution. |
|
Ministry Innovation & Transformation Practicum |
3-6 |
Applies doctoral learning to ministry innovation, transformation, and supervised contextual ministry practice. |
|
Biblical Leadership in Contextual Ministry |
3 |
Examines leadership in real ministry contexts with biblical wisdom, cultural awareness, and practical application. |
|
Doctoral Colloquium & Proposal Defense |
3 |
Provides faculty-guided colloquium engagement and formal proposal defense preparation. |
Year 2 Total: 15-18 credits
Fall and Spring Terms: Hybrid, online plus in-person engagement
Year 3: Dissertation and Publication Phase
| Course Title | Credits | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Dissertation Research I – Design & Development |
6 |
Begins approved dissertation research, design, framework development, and supervised writing. |
|
Dissertation Research II – Writing & Analysis |
6 |
Continues research, analysis, writing, revision, and faculty-guided dissertation development. |
|
Dissertation Defense & Publication |
6 |
Completes final dissertation preparation, defense, revision, and publication-readiness process. |
Year 3 Total: 18 credits
Primarily independent research with faculty supervision
Doctoral Dissertation:
A publishable doctoral dissertation representing original theological research or applied ministry innovation. The dissertation demonstrates the student’s ability to integrate revelation, research, and real-world impact, contributing meaningfully to global theology and the Body of Christ.
Total Credits Required: 45-54 credits
Answer the call. Begin your journey today.
Speak with an admissions counselor about transferring credits, financial pathways, and the program that aligns with your calling.