Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry

About the Department

The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry (DBMM) challenges you to pursue hard questions, acquire biblical knowledge and engage in the hands-on practice of ministry. Through close reading of texts, probing deep philosophical questions and exploring the complexities of ancient and modern, you’ll develop the critical thinking and understanding to tackle tough, modern-day issues and to seek solutions informed by a rich and vital Christian tradition.

Why ACU?

Our supportive faculty bring a depth of scholarship, breadth of experience, and seriousness of commitment to Christian faith and practice. Your study will be enhanced by the advanced resources of the Graduate School of Theology, interdisciplinary engagement with other departments throughout the university, and extracurricular engagement with a variety of centers in the College of Biblical Studies that focus on specialized areas of theoretical research and practical application.

Our Faculty

Our faculty and coordinators represent five continents, creating a global environment with a focus on God’s kingdom and calling. Our rigorous educational tracks provide the skills and training to fulfill your vocational calling as a minister, missionary, chaplain, youth pastor, Peace Corps volunteer, church planter and so many more purposeful careers.

Contact Us

Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building – Room 215
Dr. Cliff Barbarick, Department Chair
Phone: (325) 674-3740

On-Campus Undergraduate Programs

Bible and Ministry

Bachelor of Arts

Our Bible and Ministry major is ideal for students whose primary career goals are in Christian ministry or for those seeking a rigorous program to prepare for graduate studies. This major has four tracks that focus on particular areas of interest.

Ministry and Vocation

Bachelor of Arts

Our Ministry and Vocation major fits students who anticipate pursuing bi-vocational careers, employment in specialized support ministries or working with para-church or non-profit organizations. This major has four tracks that focus on particular areas of interest.

Minor

Enhance your education by adding a minor to your program. If your major is in another department, you can easily add a minor in Bible, Missions & Ministry to broaden your theological knowledge and open more doors. Contact our department our your Academic Advisor to learn about this opportunity.

Jump-start your Graduate Studies

Integrated Degree Plans

The Integrated Degree Plan (IDP) allows high-achieving students in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry (DBMM) to be provisionally admitted to the MDiv or MACM program, so that, during their senior year, they may begin taking some specified graduate courses that would also count toward their BA in Bible and Ministry major. IDP students can potentially save up to a year’s worth of tuition and living expenses and move sooner into full-time employment.

When to Apply

If you wish to explore the IDP option, visit with the DBMM Chair in the spring of your freshman year to map out a course selection plan that will lead toward the IDP.

Areas of Study

Integrated degree plans are offered in the following areas:

BA Bible and Ministry (BBMN) and Master of Divinity (MDiv)
BA Bible and Ministry (BBMN) and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM)

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into an integrated program, an undergraduate student must:

be a BA Bible and Ministry major in good standing (includes assessment of maturity and fitness for ministry based on diagnostic tools routinely administered in the sophomore year)
have earned at least 104 hours toward the BA degree by the end of the junior year
hold a cumulative 3.2 or higher GPA at the end of the junior year
have completed BGRK 332 with at least a “B”
apply for and be provisionally accepted to the MDiv or MACM program

Beyond the Classroom

WorldWide Witness (WWW)

ACU students are joining God’s mission and impacting the world. DBMM students are invited to participate in ACU’s WorldWide Witness that prepares students for more extended experiences overseas where they work in groups of two or three for a period of 8-10 weeks. Contact us if you have any questions.

Learn more about WWW

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry is

to equip all departmental majors with a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills, and experiences in preparation for further study or for engagement in ministry;
to provide all ACU students with biblical and spiritual resources with which they may live as committed disciples.

Our faculty equips students for ministry through

rigorous study of languages, literature, and the history of Christian thought
thoughtful engagement with specific social and cultural contexts
hands-on ministry
spiritual formation

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of paths including

pursuing a calling in non-governmental organizations, focusing on such issues as human trafficking, clean water, and sustainable revenue projects for the poor
acceptance into top graduate programs in Religion around the country
careers in law, business, education, therapy and other professions

Graduates with degrees from the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry leave ACU as theologically informed leaders.

Related Programs Offered Online

Older woman working on laptop, online degree programs

ACU Online offers several related undergraduate programs. While not under the purview of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, these programs offer an alternative for those needing a more flexible educational opportunity.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Christian Service and Formation
Bachelor of Science

Online Certificate Programs

Church Leadership: Foundations
Certificate

Church Leadership: Praxis
Certificate