FOUR-YEAR DEGREE PROGRAM

The Bachelor of Practical Theology degree program provides intensive studies in Bible and theology with an emphasis on the functional use and practical application of those truths. In general, these emphases are known as practical theology. The general provisions of the BPT as prescribed below provide the four-year student within essence, a double major—first in Biblical studies (the combination of Bible and Theology) then a second major in either Leadership Studies or Global Outreach. The intent of this degree is to provide focused professional training for vocational Christian service at home and abroad. In four years, the BPT provides minimum course work in the following areas:

Second major—completion credit requirements

• Global Outreach Major - 21 additional GO credits
• Leadership Studies Major - 18 additional PT/LS/GS credits
• Additional elective credits from BI, TH, PT, LS, GO, GS courses 22 elective credits for the Global Outreach Major 25 elective credits for the Leadership Studies Major Total academic coursework - 180 credits
• Practical Ministry - 12 credits
• Internship (in the field of 2nd major) - 6 credits

Leadership Studies Major
This concentration provides specialized, professional studies for the vocational leader in the setting of the local church or other Christian ministry endeavor. The Leadership Studies major is designed to provide dynamic, effective and spiritually sensitive training of the student interested in local church vocational ministries. Students will gain skills in practical theology and leadership such as disciple-making, preaching, teaching, counseling, admin-istration and leadership development.

SBC utilizes adjunct faculty who are vitally involved in productive Christian ministries and local churches to teach courses on church leadership and other practical theology courses. The student receives not only high quality academic impartation, but also experiences practical, beneficial and life- changing examples and role models in their teachers. SBC faculty members embrace and model what they teach. This is key to strategic practical theology and leadership training for 21st century Christian leadership development.

Courses designated as Practical Theology (PT) and Leadership Studies (LS) provide the basis for the concentration in Leadership Studies. All Track I students pursuing the Leadership Studies major must fulfill a practicum internship course relating to a church ministry or other vocational ministry field.

Global Outreach Major
This major provides specialized, professional studies for the vocational Christian worker primarily involved in cross-cultural evangelism, outreach and other ministry, either locally or globally. Designed to equip the student for effective, world¬wide harvest ministry, the student will be challenged and equipped theologically, biblically, philosophically and practically in the area of cross-cultural outreach and disciple-making. As is also true for the major in Leadership Studies, instructors with significant missions background and experience are involved in teaching courses in this field to maximize the student’s learning experience.

The Global Outreach major provides a variety of courses to help the student develop fundamental knowledge and skills for cross-cultural ministry. Courses in this major will expose the student to biblical and contemporary models for global disciple-making strategies. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the dynamic of communicating the Gospel cross-culturally.

Global Outreach students will also gain skills from practical application emphases in areas such as discipling, teaching, preaching, counseling, administration and leadership development.

Program courses for Global Outreach major are indicated in the catalog by the designation “GO”. All Track I students with this major must fulfill a practicum internship course related to a related ministry field. They will also be encouraged to take advantage of short-term cross-cultural opportunities for additional growth and development.