School of Christian Studies

Professor Stephen M. Stookey, Dean

Associate Professor Joe Rangel, Jr., Associate Dean

Professors Jeff Anderson, Don Ashley, David L. Bishop, Ben Craver, Michael A. Dain, Jerry Faught II, Thomas Fisher, J.M.Givens, Jr., David Maltsberger, Brent Schlittenhart, Glenn Simmons, Jeff Tillman

Associate Professors Randolph Rogers

Emeritus Professors Lewis E. Lee, Gary L. Manning, Fred E. Meeks, Paul Sadler, Glenn Saul

Purpose

In keeping with the mission of the University, the purposes of the School of Christian Studies are to provide education in Christian ministry, religion, theological studies, and philosophy for all students; to provide theological education and training for students interested in ministry; and to provide services to persons, churches, and denominational entities.

Students in the School of Christian Studies learn to be critically informed, culturally engaged, and globally-minded kingdom servants through the mentoring of Christ-centered and student-focused faculty. Students may pursue a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, a Master of Divinity (with or without biblical languages), and a Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration joint degree offered in conjunction with the School of Business.

Major Common Core - 24 hrs

The School of Christian Studies seeks a holistic approach to ministerial training, preparing the head (knowledge), the heart (devotion), and the hands (service). This holistic approach begins with a common core for all majors.

• MNST 5300 - Foundations in Ministry  
• THST 5303 - Old Testament Foundations  
• THST 5304 - New Testament Foundations  
• THST 5300 - Foundations of Biblical Interpretation  
• THST 5302 - Christian Theology  
• MNST 5301 - Spiritual Formation  or THST 5301 - Christian Spirituality  
• MNST 5302 - Principles of Biblical Teaching  or MNST 5303 - Preaching  
• MNST 5260 - Practicum  
• MNST 5100 - Capstone Course for the MA Theological Studies and MA Christian Ministry  

Foundations in ministry helps the student clarify his or her calling (heart) and introduces the school’s holistic approach to ministerial training. Old and New Testament foundations, foundations in biblical interpretation, and Christian theology provide the student with knowledge about the text and beliefs of the Christian faith (head), spiritual formation or Christian spirituality guides the student in character formation and deeper devotion (heart), while practicum and preaching or principles of biblical teaching equip the student for communicating and living the gospel (hands).

Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) Ministerial Financial Assistance Program

Baptist students taking courses at Wayland who reside in the state of Texas may be eligible for financial assistance from the BGCT.

All Ministerial Financial Assistance recipients must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit a completed application including all necessary documentation.
2. Enroll in one of the following: Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Divinity, or Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration.
3. Be an active participant in a BGCT church or new student from outside Texas with membership in a Baptist church in the first year of participation and an active participant in a local church affiliated with the BGCT in subsequent years.
4. Complete MNST 5300 - Foundations in Ministry  unless the student received credit for MNST 3300  or its equivalent as an undergraduate. If MNST 5300  is awarded credit but the equivalent undergraduate coursework does not indicate a Baptist Heritage component, the student will need to take THST 5351 - Baptist History .
5. Master of Divinity students will also complete seven hours in Spiritual Formation or Christian Spirituality. Other degrees will complete three hours.
6. Renew application each academic year.

Programs

• Christian Ministry, African American Church Leadership Specialization, M.A.
• Christian Ministry, Hispanic Church Leadership Specialization, M.A.
• Christian Ministry, M.A.
• Master of Divinity, Biblical Languages Track, M.Div.
• Master of Divinity, Non-Language Track, M.Div.
• Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration, Joint Degree
• Theological Studies, M.A.