What is Bible and Ministry?

In-depth inductive Bible studies. Research in the different biblical genres. Hard questions about peace, justice and ethics. This is what you will find in the Bible and Ministry department at Hesston College. Here you will find yourself in classes and community that will encourage you to think deeply about your life of faith and service in the church. Studies are interwoven with ministry opportunities on campus and beyond. Students and faculty work at integrating their ethics with their theology. They practice spiritual disciplines, and they reach out to a hurting world. Influenced by Anabaptist history and theology, instructors model the belief that the church is the body of believers. The journey is both inward and outward.

Success factors

Do you find yourself thinking about why things are the way they are? Do you ache to heal injustice in the world? Are you fascinated with the biblical narrative, longing to know more about the backstory of these stories, the inside scoop, the way the story works? Do you enjoy being with people and spending time with the Bible? If so, you would love being a Bible and Ministry major.

Career Possibilities

With a two-year associate of arts degree, you will have completed 60 credit hours and be on your way for transfer to a baccalaureate degree course of study and further theological training. With an advanced degree you might choose work in one of many areas of ministry. Career opportunities include:

• Congregational ministry
• Youth ministry
• Chaplaincy
• Christian education
• Pastoral counseling

Majoring in Bible & ministry

Introduction to Biblical Literature, or “Bib Lit” as it’s more affectionately known, uses a unique approach to teaching the Bible. Most Christians know the major stories, but they don’t know how all the stories fit together. Bib Lit provides “hooks to hang your hat on,” or ways to connect and remember what God is doing throughout the entire biblical narrative.

• An emphasis on spiritual formation and intentional focus on integrating strong academics with practical theology. We provide a spiritual formation class for both Bible and youth ministry majors. We understand the importance of self-reflection and time spent in prayer and sharing our lives. Our motto is this: We minister out of who we are.
• We also believe in the importance of both theological thinking and practical application. Almost all of us find ourselves off-balance at times, but a synergy happens when we intentionally and critically reflect on what we do—and why we do it.
• Opportunities to participate in ministries on campus and in the area. Some students lead Bible studies, working as ministry assistants to the campus pastor. Others serve at the Harvey County Homeless Shelter or participate in the M2 program, a mentoring program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facilities.
• Opportunity to practice ministry in a new context. Students spend two weeks in the summer in Philadelphia, PA. They develop intercultural competence, working with a variety of cultures in the city. Experiences may include helping with a Bib Lit class, interacting with a flag football ministry or observing a Christian high school in the city.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in Bible & ministry