College of Ministry

Academic Awards	Master of Arts, Master in Ministry, Bachelor of Arts, Associates, Minors, Certificates
Dean	Joshua Ziefle
Departments	Biblical and Theological Studies, Church Ministries and Missions; Graduate Studies

Admissions to Major

Graduate Studies

The College of Ministry builds upon the Educational Goals of the University expressed in the Core Curriculum requirements and the Biblical Studies Core. We recognize that all truth is God’s truth and that persons discover truth by reason, by scientific and aesthetic inquiry, and by revelation. The College of Ministry affirms that the Bible is God’s unique written revelation, and that the knowledge of biblical truth is the foundation of every genuine search for truth.

Students may choose one of the several majors leading to the four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Students who desire a biblical/theological basis for pursuing other educational or vocational interests may complete the one-year program leading to the Certificate in Christian Studies. The specific objectives of the majors or other programs are listed with their descriptions in the following pages. In addition to the programs offered, the College of Ministry provides biblical and religious studies for all students of the University.

The Bachelor of Arts programs within the College of Ministry are designed to prepare graduates intellectually, spiritually, and functionally for Christian ministry. The programs also exceed educational requirements for Assemblies of God ministry credential.

From a Pentecostal perspective the College of Ministry values:

Biblical Exposition: the ability to interpret the Scriptures;
Theological Understanding: the ability to articulate the teachings of Christianity; and
Ministry Competence: the ability to practice biblical ministry.

The College of Ministry desires that all its graduates be persons who demonstrate a continuing interest in lifelong learning, and in the ability to apply truth to life; approach their own spiritual lives contemplatively and reflectively; and express a genuine connection to and a caring for the world.

Biblical Studies Core

The University Educational Goals state, “Northwest seeks to cultivate Christian character in its students.” Building upon the Core Curriculum requirements, the Biblical Studies Core enables the student to form a foundation for faith and practice. Study of the Scriptures and theology should encourage the student toward comprehension of the revealed nature of God, growth in biblical knowledge, an understanding of Assemblies of God doctrinal positions, and development in spiritual maturity. The following courses constitute the Biblical Studies Core utilized by many of the College of Ministry majors.

BIBL 2113 - Pentateuch 3 credits
BIBL 2213 - Jesus and the Synoptic Gospels 3 credits
BIBL 2553 - Biblical Interpretation 3 credits
BIBL 3xx3 - International Experience 3 credits
BIBL xxx3 - 3000/4000 Bible Elective 3 credits
THEO 2503 - Pentecostal Spirituality 3 credits
THEO 3213 - Systematic Theology I 3 credits
THEO 3223 - Systematic Theology II 3 credits
THEO 3413 - Theology of Ministerial Essentials 3 credits

Second Major in Biblical Studies

The 36 credits of Biblical Studies (12 credits of Core Curriculum Biblical Studies plus 24 credits of the Biblical Studies Core) may be considered a second major by students who are taking majors other than Biblical Literature. Those students who so choose have the option of declaring on their transcript a major in Biblical Studies as well as their primary major.

Admission to College of Ministry

All students declaring a major within the College of Ministry are part of the College of Ministry. However, before their junior year they must make formal application for admission to the College. This is due in part to the fact that Northwest University contributes to the continuing strength of the Assemblies of God and other denominational or parachurch agencies by sharing in the development of competent ministers. As the future effectiveness of the Church in fulfilling its mission depends in part on competency, Christian character, scholarship, and spiritual maturity, the College of Ministry expects of its graduates significant progress in these important areas.

In order to evaluate and encourage that progress, the College of Ministry affirms the necessity of each student fulfilling the requirements for formal admission to the College. Such admission is a prerequisite to all ministry practices and internships.

Although a student may declare a major at any time during his or her academic program at Northwest, graduation with a baccalaureate degree in the College of Ministry requires that the admissions process be completed and good standing be maintained. No practicum or internship carried out before formal admission may count toward fulfilling graduation requirements. Additionally, once admitted to the College of Ministry, no coursework will be accepted from other institutions to satisfy major requirements without written pre-approval by the student’s advisor and the Dean.

Due to the unique nature of certain programs of study, some exceptions are made to the admissions process. Students whose studies lead to a Certificate of Christian Studies or a Bachelor of Arts in Church and Ministry Leadership are not required to apply for admission to the College of Ministry.

The College of Ministry’s application process is described below.

Application: Application packets may be obtained from the College of Ministry office or downloaded from the College of Ministry website.
Deadlines: Students may apply for admission during either the fall or spring semester. Application deadlines will be published annually by the College of Ministry office.
Bible Knowledge Exam: Students will take a Bible Knowledge exam at the point of entry to the College of Ministry and once again just prior to their graduation.
Screening: The application includes authorization for the College of Ministry to check for criminal history through the Washington State Patrol. If the student does not receive clearance, the Dean and the student will privately discuss the attendant issues. Applicants should be aware that the Assemblies of God and/or other ecclesiastical bodies may not grant ministerial credentials to one who has a record of criminal conviction.
Essay: Students will write a personal evaluation essay stating why they desire to pursue ministry education. The essay must include 1) a description of the applicant’s personal spiritual development, 2) an explanation of the applicant’s sense of call, 3) an evaluation of developmental and practical skill needs during the major course of study, and 4) a reflection of the applicant’s academic readiness in terms of completion and performance in these foundational courses:

ENGL 1013 - Composition I: Expository Writing
ENGL 1023 - Composition II: Rhetoric and Research Writing
COMM 1213 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication
BIBL 1053 - The Christian Scriptures
BIBL/CMIN 2293 - Work of God, Work of Humanity
BIBL 2563 - How to Read the Bible
THEO 1093 - Foundations of Christian Faith

Resume: Students will provide a resume of church involvement and ministry activities.
References: Reference forms will be provided for three personal references who can speak to the spiritual maturity of the applicant. One reference must be from the student’s senior pastor. A second must be from a non-College of Ministry faculty member. References cannot be from persons directly related to the candidate.
Interview: Students will be interviewed by members of the College of Ministry faculty. The interview will involve reflection on the personal evaluation, essay, resume, reference results, and academic records. The aim of this interview is to help students identify gifts and interests and help to clarify their personal sense of call in addition to allowing the faculty to assess the students’ fitness for ministry education at Northwest University.
Appeal: Should a student be denied admission, the student may appeal the decision using the appeals process outlined in the student handbook.
Reapplication: Students who fail to fulfill these guidelines by the published deadlines may be required to reapply the next semester.

Transfer Students. Questions regarding transfer status and admission to the program will be handled by the Dean of the College of Ministry.