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Degree Program
Grace School of Theology and Ministry provides a solid undergraduate major in Biblical and theological studies.
The balance of a well-rounded Bachelor's program, therefore, is to be obtained from secular institutions. The advantages of this approach are obvious. A high quality theological education can be offered at an extremely low cost. Students are also forced to interact with the secular "world out there." This approach allows the school to develop programs in its own area of expertise while providing a maximum in educational flexibility at a minimum cost. Further, the Bay Area has one of the largest concentrations of theological schools and libraries in the world, as well as excellent and inexpensive community college and state university programs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these educational possibilities whenever significant courses are offered by these institutions.
Our ever-present goal is to lead our students to a sound working knowledge of the Bible. As the students, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, deepen their understanding of the Word of God, they will grow in Christlike character, faith, and stability. Ministry courses in conjunction with in-service practicums enable students to acquire skills for a life of effective service for the Lord.
The curriculum of Grace School of Theology and Ministry is designed to help the student reach these goals. Every course is designed to promote the quality of life that is necessary for effective Christian ministry.
The theology of grace is at the core of our teaching. This is because we believe that Christians who gain an understanding of grace will serve God out of gratitude rather than guilt, fear or manipulation.
The two year curriculum involves the student in an in-depth study of Bible Exposition, Theology, Biblical Languages and Ministry skills. These studies may lead to a diploma or Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies.
This program requires the completion of the core courses in Systematic Theology, Christian Ministry, and Bible Exposition.
A Bachelor or Arts degree in Biblical Studies is designed to give the student a major emphasis in Biblical and Theological studies. Students in this program must complete two years of general education courses at another college of their choice.
Degrees Offered
The intense two-year curriculum involves the student in an in-depth study of Bible Exposition, Theology, New Testament Greek and Ministry skills. These studies may lead to either a Diploma in Biblical Studies or Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. Students at Grace School typically transfer into the school at the Junior level after having completed all of their lower-division and general education requirements at the Community College or State University. While it is possible for a student to complete either program in only two years, most students in fact take somewhat longer. Typical schedules for both programs are presented in the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Degree requirements
1. Prerequisite general education courses totaling 45 quarter units.
2. The core courses in Theology, Exposition, Ministry, and Biblical Languages.
3. A total of 180 quarter units with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Core Courses
First Year
1st Quarter
Bibliology - Doctrine of the Bible
Christian Life Principles
Exposition of Genesis
Elemental Greek
2nd Quarter
Theology Proper - Doctrine of God
Introduction to Ministry
Exposition of John
Elemental Greek
3rd Quarter
Christology - Doctrine of Christ
Survey of Church History
Exposition of Joshua
Elemental Greek
Second Year
1st Quarter
Soteriology - Doctrine of Salvation
Effective Bible Teaching
Exposition of Romans
Advanced Greek
2nd Quarter
Pneumatology - Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Homiletics - Biblical Preaching
Exposition of Isaiah
Advanced Greek
3rd Quarter
Eschatology - Doctrine of Last Things
Leadership
Exposition of James
Greek Exegesis
Accreditation And Recognition
Grace School of Theology and Ministry operates under a religious exemption from the Private Post-secondary Education Act of 1977, as provided for in section 94303(b) of the California Education Code. This exempt status means that under the doctrine of Separation of Church and State, Grace School of Theology and Ministry may provide education appropriate to the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without interference from government. This freedom from government interference also prevents the state from any recognition of the education, diploma, or degrees awarded by the school until such time as the school has accumulated sufficient assets as required by law to apply for full authorization as a degree-granting school of theology under the provisions of section 94310(d) of the California Education Code.
Both the degree program and the diploma program are recognized by a large number of evangelical churches (both independent churches and representative churches from several different evangelical denominations) in the San Francisco Bay Area as meeting the requirements for a sound Biblical and theological education for pastors and church leaders. Alumnae of Grace School of Theology and Ministry have been accepted in such institutions as Western Baptist College (Salem, Oregon), Western Conservative Baptist Seminary (Portland, Oregon and Los Gatos, California), The Master’s Seminary (Panorama City, California) and Dallas Theological Seminary (Dallas, Texas). However, students who plan to transfer to other schools, or who plan to enroll in graduate studies upon completion of their program at Grace School should check with those institutions for transferability of credit.
Until such time as full state recognition and/or authorization is obtained, the faculty, staff, and administration of Grace School of Theology and Ministry are fully dedicated to compliance with the standards established by section 94312 of the California Education Code and the California Private Post-secondary Education Act of 1977 as amended.
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