Three Centers Philosophy of Education

Catalog

The “Three Centers” Philosophy of Seminary Education

One question shapes Bethel Seminary’s educational philosophy: “What kind of leadership does the 21st-century church need?” Our answer: The 21st-century church needs leaders who possess

1) theological wisdom;
2) personal and spiritual wholeness; and
3) leadership ability.

Ministers must develop in each of these three areas. This is why Bethel Seminary has organized its educational resources around three centers: The Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations, the Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation, and the Center for Transformational Leadership. Each center plays a vital role in enhancing and maximizing the spiritual leadership capacities of every graduate in every discipline.

The Foundation of God’s Transforming Word.
God’s Word informs in order to transform. God and His Word are the source for all personal and societal transformation. One’s thinking, character, and service are transformed as one is brought under the authority of His Word. The truth of God’s Word informs our theology, transforms our personal lives, and grounds our transformational ministry. Biblical truth must not only be understood; it must also also be experienced and communicated so that its transformational power is unleashed in our own lives and in the lives of those we are called to serve.

A Commitment to Integrative Education.
At Bethel Seminary, we see no final conflict between academic excellence and the development of whole and holy spiritual leaders. Each student must develop in the areas addressed by each center and integrate this growth with learning gained in the other two centers. Insights gained in one center stimulate development in the areas addressed by the other two centers. Our educational aim is nothing less than the full integration of academic knowledge with lived practice, of biblical exegesis with spiritual life and leadership: “If you don’t do it, you don’t know it.”

A Diverse Learning Community.
The world is increasingly diverse, fragmented, and broken. Ministry brings Christians face to face with these realities. At Bethel Seminary, men and women from diverse backgrounds are united around a common allegiance to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In Bethel Seminary’s learning community, students are equipped with the theological knowledge and ministry skills to address the kingdom concerns of personal salvation, racial reconciliation, and social justice.

Whole Life Curriculum.
The three centers are the foundation for a “whole life” curriculum that develops men and women into transformational leaders. Faculty members and administration embody the integrative themes of Bethel’s curriculum. We believe that faculty are constantly teaching and learning. Faculty participate in life together as scholar-practitioners who engage students in the transformational-educational process not only in the classroom, but as a way of life.

Making Connections.
A Bethel Seminary education is about making connections—connecting people with the living Word of God; connecting men and women from diverse backgrounds to form a transformational learning community; and connecting Bethel Seminary’s graduates with opportunities for service and spiritual leadership around the world.

The Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations

The Center for Spiritual and Personal Formation

The Center for Transformational Leadership

The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.