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Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

 

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.

Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

 

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.

Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.

Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.

Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Departmentabbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.

Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.

Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.

Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.

Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.

A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.

Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.

The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.

Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.

The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.

Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.

Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.

Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.

The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.
The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.
Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.
The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.
Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.
Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.
Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.
The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.
The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.
Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.
The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.
Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.
Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.
Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.
The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}

Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.

Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.
The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.
Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.
The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.
Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.
Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.
Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.
The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:

Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}
Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.
Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.
The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.
Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.
The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.
Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.
Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.
Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.
The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:
Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}
Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.
Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Degree Programs

Harvest Bible University offers degree programs to fit the varying needs of individual students. The following pages describe the different degrees and their requirements. We strongly encourage you to work toward your degree. Many people want to “simply take a few courses in the Bible.” That’s wonderful, and we have arranged the schedule to make this possible, because we want everyone to be able to learn God’s Word. We’re glad to have you take just one course, or as many as you like.
However, we suggest that you work toward a degree because there is great value in setting a goal, working toward it, and completing it. In fact, one of the reasons a university degree is important in our society today is that it demonstrates a person is able to finish what he or she starts.
There are other values, too, such as the fact that the curriculum is carefully designed and scheduled to provide each student with a complete, balanced education in the Bible, Christian life, and ministry. Leaving out classes creates gaps which make a person vulnerable in life and doctrine.
But whatever you choose, we welcome you and offer you the freedom to meet your needs here in Bible university. We’re here to serve you.

How the Degrees Build

Here is how the degrees build on each other. Choose the level you desire to attain.

Year 1 | Certificate in Biblical Studies – Basic Bible and Theology | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 2 | Associate of Ministry – Basic Ministry Skills | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 3 | Ministerial Diploma – Pastorate or Eldership | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 4 | Bachelor of Ministry – Full Bible University Education | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 5 | Master of Ministry – Specialist | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 6 | Master of Missions – Missionary | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 7 | Master of Divinity – Professional Ministry | (48) Units
                                                     +
Year 8 | Doctor of Ministry – Highest Professional Level | (48) Units

Departments

Each course at Harvest is offered by one of six departments: Bible, Theology, Language, Character, Ministry, or Evangelism. Every degree should have courses from all six departments so as to develop breadth and balance in the student’s life. Specific suggestions are delineated in the section on degree descriptions.

Course Level

Harvest Bible University has been purposely structured with many locations so that students may remain in their own area to minister while attending university to train for greater effectiveness. This decentralized approach requires that provision must be made to offer students sufficient courses for their degrees at each campus. Therefore, each course is carefully constructed so that various levels of students may take it simultaneously. This multi-track approach means that homework requirements, grading scale, and class participation activities will differ for undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to their level.

Course Numbering System

Courses are identified by a two-letter department name abbreviation followed by a three-digit course number, such as TH-434. If the course spans more than one quarter a letter is appended to the course number to indicate which part of the series it is, such as CD-121a, CD-121b.

Department abbreviations are as follows:

BI – Bible | TH – Theology | LG – Language | CD – Character | MN – Ministry | EV – Evangelism

Courses are numbered according to their recommended level to aid students in developing a long-term educational plan. However, students are free to take courses that fit their needs at any time in their program.

Lower Division: (100 – 199) First year | (200 – 299) Second year

Upper Division: (300 – 399) Third year | (400 – 499) Fourth year

Graduate: (500 – 599) Fifth through eighth years

Languages of Instruction

Harvest is the university for all people, the place where people of all races and ethnicities come together as the family of God to learn at His feet. Courses are taught in any language with enough students to constitute a class. You can tell what courses are available in a particular language by looking at the current schedule which specifies the language for each course.

Majors and Concentrations

Students may major in Ministry, Missions, or Divinity, based on their level (undergraduate or graduate) and which of the three Harvest schools they choose to major in.
Courses are offered by six different departments to all students in the three schools. A certain number of units is recommended in each of the six departments for each degree, but the student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation.

Degree Descriptions

Certificate in Biblical Studies

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a certificate of achievement. It shows that the student has a basic foundation in the Bible, theology, language, character, and ministry. It requires 48 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (4) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+20) | Total (48)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Associate of Ministry

The Associate of Ministry degree is a two-year college degree that provides basic training in the Bible, theology, character, and ministry. It is designed to equip a Christian to walk with God and serve Him effectively in a local church. It requires 96 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (12) | Theology (8) | Character (8) | Ministry (18) | Language (6) |  Evangelism (8) | Electives (+36) | Total (96)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn an Associate of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Ministerial Diploma

The Ministerial Diploma is a traditional, three-year Bible college type of degree, designed to give the student the basic skills needed to pastor a church, and it is still used by many denominations as the basis of ordination. It requires 144 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (18) | Theology (12) | Character (12) | Ministry (24) | Language (12) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+54) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry degree is a full, four-year Bible university education covering all major areas of the Bible, theology, Christian life, and ministry. It requires 192 units. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (20) | Theology (16) | Character (16) | Ministry (30) | Language (14) | Evangelism (16) | Electives (+80) | Total (192)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. It is suggested, though, that the student think ahead to the recommendations for a Master’s degree and balance his or her elective units accordingly. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Students who have already earned a non-theological Associate of Arts or Science degree may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with half the number of units listed above (96). Those who have a non-theological Bachelor of Arts or Science or higher may be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree with one-fourth the number of units listed above (48). An official transcript from the other college or university is required. Check with the Dean for details.

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree is a graduate degree for those who desire to study further than the Bachelor’s level in their quest for effectiveness in ministry to people. An applicant for this program must have already earned a Bachelor of Ministry or its equivalent. If the student has a non-theological Bachelor’s degree, then he or she must take an additional 48 units of work. See “Prerequisites” on the next page.
The Master of Ministry degree requires 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (8) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.
Prerequisites: Students who would like to earn a Master’s degree in ministry based on a non-theological Bachelor’s degree must take an additional 48 units in order to qualify for a theological Master’s degree. Thus the total number of units required would be 48 + 48 = 96. The recommended balance of prerequisite courses is:

Bible (10) | Theology (6) | Character (6) | Ministry (6) | Language (2) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+14) | Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Missions

The Master of Missions is a graduate degree to prepare people for involvement in world missions as it relates to the fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). This program is designed for people who have earned a Master of Ministry degree based upon a biblical or theological Bachelors degree. It requires 48 units above the Master of Ministry degree. Students who have a secular Bachelors degree and 96 units of graduate biblical and theological units already completed may choose to earn a Master of Divinity degree instead of a Master of Missions degree, with the same 48 units. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (10) | Theology (10) | Character (4) | Ministry (6) | Language (4) | Evangelism (4) | Electives (+12) Total (48)

The student is free to choose the courses that will be most beneficial for his or her own gifts, calling and ministry situation. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is designed for those who expect to enter full-time professional Christian ministry (pastor, teacher, evangelist, church planter, missionary, or leader in a parachurch organization). The program is designed to develop ministry that is grounded in the Bible, theologically competent, professional, committed to evangelism, spiritually and morally mature, and socially concerned.
Students will learn to study and interpret the Bible, understand its central themes, utilize resources such as church history and systematic theology in a contemporary context, and to communicate effectively through preaching, teaching, and writing. They will learn administration, leadership and counseling, and how to perform ministry in a professional way. They will be developed in their own spiritual life and learn how to lead others to spiritual maturity.
The Master of Divinity degree requires 144 units, and may be based on a religious or secular bachelor’s degree earned at a regionally accredited or other approved college or university. A higher grading scale is used for Master’s course work, and extra work is required in every course in order for Master’s credit to be earned. The recommended balance of courses for this degree is:

Bible (30) | Theology (30) | Character (18) | Ministry (30) | Language (Greek and/or Hebrew) (10) | Evangelism (12) | Electives (+14) | Total (144)

Electives may be chosen to fit the student’s own needs. See “Course Descriptions” for more information on each course.

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

“The purpose of this degree program is to equip one for a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry than that achieved in the foundational work normally issuing in an M. Div. degree.” (ATS, Procedures, Stan-dards and Criteria for Membership, p. 25.)
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional de-gree. The pro-gram is designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education which re-news the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence and stimulates contin-ued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. Using the resources of the university, a program of study has been developed which provides options including emphases in church growth and evangelism, spirituality and renewal, marriage and family, small groups and Christian community, leadership and management, preach-ing and worship, and Bible and theology.
Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity for continuing education while remaining active in their local ministries. The program of study offers a critical assessment of experience with the guidance of leaders who have expertise in developing and sustaining effective ministry. The philosophy and goals of the program are to com-bine theoretical knowledge with a suitable full time ministry which results in a demonstrable competence.

Admission Requirements

General standards of admission to the university may be found later in this catalog.
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, as well as motivation to pursue further study in a recognized area of ministry.
Competence in theology normally will be demonstrated by having received a Master of Di-vinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved school; or by having earned a theological master’s degree from such a school that includes at least 96 semester or 144 quarter units. If not, the missing units must be taken in Master’s level courses.
Competence in ministry will be evaluated on the basis of at least two years in ministry after receiving the Master of Divinity or equivalent qualifying degree. The candi-date must have completed at least five years in ministry before being awarded the Doctor of Min-istry degree and must be currently involved in some form of full-time ministry. Continuation in the D. Min. program requires continued involve-ment in ministry.
The Admissions Committee evaluates appli-cants on the basis of transcript evidence, references, and two statements by the applicant—one describ-ing his or her experience in ministry, and one defining goals for participation in the degree pro-gram. The applicant must show growth and com-petence in church leadership and ministry skills.

Degree Requirements

The in-ministry/continuing education model of the Doctor of Ministry Program builds on the biblical, theological and professional foundations of an approved M.Div. degree, providing ad-vanced study in theology and ministry within the context of the candidate’s ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of 48 units of credit (quarter system). Eight units of credit are assigned for completion of the disserta-tion, ministry project, or ministry focus paper. The remaining 40 units are chosen from classroom courses. Students may enroll for up to 24 units in any twelve month period, completing the degree re-quirements in two to seven years. However, it is recommended that only 12 units be taken in one academic year. Only B work and above will count toward satisfying graduation requirements (ex-cept that one B- grade is allowed).

Each course has three components:

1. A reading assignment which must be com-pleted prior to classroom interaction (750 pages per 2-unit course). In the case of directed study courses, 1,500 pages per 2-unit course is required.

2. An intensive period of classroom interaction.

3. An extensive post session project which synthesizes reading and class work and applies them to the ministry situation.

Classroom activity is scheduled according to the needs and mix of the students currently enrolled in the program. Each appli-cant may design a program of study which best meets personal needs and vocational interests.

Final Project

The Doctor of Ministry program culminates with the completion of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project. A student may begin work on this final phase after complet-ing the following requirements: (1) 24 academic units of course work with satisfactory evaluation and grade reports; (2) faculty approval of a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project; and (3) completion of any admis-sion deficiencies. Students initiate the final project process by applying to the Dean’s office for permission and directions.
Dissertation. A dissertation may be prepared as the final project. The dissertation incorporates significant research, reading and class work done in connection with the course work, and aims at producing a publishable manuscript in the area of theology and ministry. The dissertation is written under the supervision of an assigned faculty men-tor, and is written in a style and format appropriate to doctoral level scholarship through use of exten-sive research and critical footnotes or endnotes. The dissertation will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance. Students who have approval to write a disserta-tion may register for a directed study for up to eight units of credit with their faculty mentor or another professor in order to do research and writing for the dissertation in areas not covered by the regular Doctor of Ministry curriculum. Disser-tation proposals are first submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Faculty Committee, at which time a fac-ulty mentor will be assigned.
Ministry Focus Paper. The ministry focus paper incorporates the reading and class work done in connection with seminars and courses and aims at designing a specific strategy for min-istry. It must include: (1) an analysis of the student’s present field or placement in ministry, utilizing theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry curriculum which provide tools for such an analy-sis; (2) theological reflection upon the ministry focus, interacting with the assumptions, methods, and goals of the particular ministry strategy to be used, from a Christian biblical perspective; and (3) a specific strategy and plan for ministry, drawing upon the theoretical components of the Doctor of Ministry program, relating the design and strategy to the ministry field analysis and the theological reflec-tion, resulting in a set of goals and objectives which are measurable and related to a time line for imple-mentation and evaluation.
Proposals for a ministry focus paper are to be submitted to the Dean’s office in the form of a brief synopsis and chapter outline. The proposal will then be submitted to the Faculty Final Minis-try Project Committee for approval. The ministry focus paper will be bound and placed in the library after acceptance.
Supervised Ministry Project. As an alterna-tive to the ministry focus paper, the student may elect to complete a supervised on-site ministry project, with parish involvement. Ordinarily, the ministry project will follow one of two broad categories: (1) an action/reflection project that seeks to apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results may be measured and evaluated (this is designed to demonstrate the person’s competence in ministry rather than yield experimental data or prove an hypothesis); or (2) an experimental research project which seeks to test an hypothesis or investigate a theory of ministry that can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study. The ministry project is designed primarily to train the person in research methodology as well as to yield positive results which can be reported to others.
A proposal for the project should clearly iden-tify the nature of the ministry project. Minimal objectives incorporated into the project proposal include: (1) a rationale for the project, identifying specific ministry needs to which the project relates, as well as the Doctor of Ministry course work on which the project is based; (2) a description of the ministry site in which the project will take place (i.e., geographical location, ecclesiastical setting, student’s position or role, etc.); (3) a design for the project, including strategy for implementation and time schedule (ordinarily from three months to one year in length); (4) an explicit strategy for parish involvement in the project; (5) criteria for evalua-tion of the project after its completion.
Final Project Mentoring. The mentoring pro-cess for the development and writing of the final project, whether it is a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or super-vised ministry project, is under the supervision of the Theological Mentor of the Doc-tor of Ministry Program. This mentoring process involves two stages: (1) A tutorial in theology of ministry that in-volves interaction and discussion, and (2) A tutorial on constructing and writing a dissertation, ministry focus paper, or supervised minis-try project. Students who have completed 24 units of study may submit proposals to this tutorial session.

Ministry Focus Areas

The Doctor of Ministry degree is normally a gener-alist degree. However, there are groupings of courses which can bring focus and concentration to the local church ministry. The student is free to design a program of study to meet special needs of ministry or to follow with flexibility one of the following ministry focus areas. Some typical concentrations are:

Church Growth and Evangelism

Foundations of Church Growth
Theology of Church Growth
Spiritual Issues in Church Growth
Mobilizing the Local Church for Cross-Cultural Outreach
Reinventing Evangelism: New Perspectives on Outreach, Conversion and Discipleship

Spirituality and Renewal

The Renewal of the Life and Mis-sion of the Church
Minister’s Personal Growth
Spirituality and Ministry
Spiritual Formation in History and Ministry

Marriage and Family

Marriage and Family Ministries in the Local Church
Building Strong Families Through the Local Church

Small Groups and Christian Community

Exegeting the Culture/Applying the Text
Mobilizing and Equipping Laity for Ministry
Building Christian Community Through Small Groups
Recovery Ministries in the Local Church
Equipping the Laity for Caring Ministry
Developing Cell-Based Ministries

Leadership and Management

Foundations of Church Manage-ment
Envisioning Your Ministry
Conflict Management in the Local Church
Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership
Lifelong Leadership Development
Managing Conflict
Changing Paradigms of Leadership: Revisioning the Church in the 21st Century

Preaching and Worship

Theology and Ministry of Wor-ship
Theology and Practice of Preach-ing
Preaching That Transforms

Bible and Theology

Theology of Ministry
The Hebrew Old Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry
The Greek New Testament in the Pastor’s Life and Ministry

Discipleship

Growing a Disciple-Making Congregation
Adult Formation Through Interactive Bible Teaching
Disciples Are Made, Not Born
Discipling Groups in the Great Commission: Making Disciples of Panta ta Ethne

Additional Areas Will Be Offered

These areas to be announced when available

Honorary Degrees

If an honorary degree is granted, it will be on the following basis:
Title: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) {Honoris Causa}
Rationale: Just as an earned doctorate is given to a person who shows promise of accomplishing something exceptional for the human race, so an honorary doctorate is given to a person who has already accomplished such a work. The honorary doctorate is an “earned” degree, but earned by actually producing doctoral level results in the real world.
Criteria: The recipient must have contributed in an exceptional way to the furtherance of the gospel and service of humankind for more than twenty years, and be obviously deserving of such an honor. The work accomplished must be related to the core principles of Harvest Bible University, which was founded for the purpose of furthering the gospel and serving people.

Ecclesiology – The Doctrine of the Church (2 units)

The church is the community of all true believers for all time. The church is so precious to Jesus that He calls her His “bride” and so very much bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh that He calls it His “body.” “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Eph. 5:31-32) The church is made of all those who are saved. Jesus said, “I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). The church that Jesus will build and protect is “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23).
Ecclesiology is the branch of systematic theology where we study the church of Jesus Christ in all its detail. In this course we will be looking in depth at the following aspects of the church: What is necessary to make a church? How can we recognize a true church? What is the purpose and function of the church? How can we have unity in the church? What makes a church that is pleasing in God’s sight? How should church discipline function? What kind of authority does the church have? How should a church be governed? What are the offices or leadership roles in the church? What are the different activities in the life of the church? Why is church attendance and participation important for every believer? What is the meaning of baptism? What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper and how should it be observed? What is worship and how should we worship in the church? What does the Bible, church history and the church fathers teach us about how church should function today? (2 units)


Character Development– Overcoming Temptation (2 units)

We all face temptations, and we all have certain temptations that we wonder if we’ll ever conquer permanently. This course in character will look at temptation in a new way that will help you get over the things that are keeping you from the abundant life God planned for you. This is not a shame-based approach, nor a guilt- nor condemnation- nor fear-based approach. Rather, it is a whole new way of looking at sin and temptation that will help set you free.
Character Development is a series of courses on the most important quality of a Christian: Christlike character. It’s the very opposite of the hypocrisy Jesus condemned in the religious leaders of His day. God wants us to walk in victory and become like His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Learning all about the Lord and the Bible is great. Learning to minister in power is wonderful. But if we do not develop His character we will eventually get shot down by the world, the flesh, or the devil. God has definite steps to achieve victory in each area of our lives and the twelve Character Development courses are where you’ll learn them. (2 units)


Spiritual Disciplines (2 units)

Sin as a condition works its way out through the “bodily members,” that is, the ingrained habits of the body (Romans 7:5). And there is no slavery that can compare to the slavery of ingrained habits of sin. Sin is part of the internal structure of our lives. No special effort is needed to produce it. No wonder we feel trapped.
Our ordinary method of dealing with ingrained sin is to launch a frontal attack. We rely on willpower and determination. Whatever the issue for us – anger, fear, bitterness, gluttony, pride, lust, substance abuse – we determine never to do it again; we pray against it, set our will against it. But the struggle is often in vain. What we must have is “an inside job,” an inner transformation. It is by God’s grace that we win our battle against evil.
God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving His grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us. In this course, we will learn about the Spiritual Disciplines from the Scriptures and practice them in the classroom. You will have an opportunity to both learn about and put into practice these treasures from God. Will you join me in this exciting quest? (2 units)


The Very Flame of Yahweh: in Song of Solomon (2 units)

The phrase “the song of songs, which is Solomon’s” is a Hebraic way of saying that this is the greatest song of all songs ever written, yet why is it so unique? On the surface it depicts a maturing love relationship between King Solomon and a young maiden, yet on a deeper level it reflects the Lord’s desire for greater intimacy with His people. God’s aim is to restore the first commandment to first place in our lives, which is to love Him with all of our heart. Yet how is wholehearted love for Him cultivated and grown? How are obstacles to intimacy with Him removed? How do we relate with God like He originally intended in the Garden of Eden? Answers to those questions can be found in the Song of Solomon, and during this course we’ll be studying the Song and learning its incredible promises, principles, and practical steps for both human and divine relationships. (2 units)


Aligning with God’s End Times Purposes 
(2 units)

We will be studying the scriptures concerning the End Times in the words of Jesus found in Matthew 24–25 and in the gospels of Luke and Mark. Jesus said these times will be marked with deception, wars, famine, earthquakes, Christian persecution and rising lawlessness. These are the beginning of birth pangs. Among Christians he prophesied there would be betrayal, hatred, false prophets and cold-heartedness because of lawlessness.
Yet in all this, Gods’ people will prosper in these times of darkness and His light on the church will shine the brightest, as it says in Isaiah 60:1-2: “Those who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32).
This class is meant to give us understanding of what we are entering into and to receive God’s provision for becoming the overcoming church. We are headed towards the greatest times of seeing God’s power and Spirit poured out on the church and the greatest world harvest the church has seen. Are you ready? (2 units)


The Gospel of Luke & The Cross of Christ 
(2 units)

In Luke 9:21, Jesus informed his disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.” According to Luke 9:45, “The disciples did not understand any of this.” Centuries later many people still don’t understand the cross of Jesus. Either it doesn’t make sense to them, or they think it was some kind of a tragic mistake. The Gospel records do not present Jesus as an unfortunate victim of the cross. Through the cross, Christ triumphed over death, made righteous the most vile of sinners, cancelled our debt, reconciled us to God, secured for us new life, triumphed over the demonic principalities and powers which oppressed us, and freed us from bondage to sin. Through the cross, Jesus transformed the most repulsive of objects into a symbol of victory and hope. In this course, you will grasp the meaning of the cross and experience its power in your daily life. You will learn what Paul experienced when he wrote, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ living in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave His life for me” (Galatians 2:20). (2 units)


Evangelism – Faculty
(2 units)

In The word “evangelism” means taking the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ to other people. Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor, and He is still doing that today through us, because we are His body (1 Corinthians 12:27). How do we learn to evangelize? Mainly by doing it. This is a “field experience” course, which involves witnessing for at least one and a half hours a week, turning in weekly lists of the people witnessed to, reading a missionary book (supplied) and writing five pages of notes on it. (2 units)


Saturday Seminar – To be announced
(2 units)

In a one-day seminar on a Saturday, 10AM–4PM. Date and topic to be announced.