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MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness

Master’s of Arts in Biblical Mission and Wellness

Introduction

The MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness is a degree designed to prepare pastors and evangelists be a part of God’s forces to finish the preaching of the gospel in this generation. Ellen White wrote: “The heaven-appointed purpose of giving the gospel to the world in this generation is the noblest that can appeal to any human being. It opens a field of effort to everyone whose heart Christ has touched” (Education, p. 262).

 

The program emphasizes applied knowledge and skills to equip champions for God in this last part of earth’s history. Its aim is to follow Christ’s way of training His disciples and the curriculum of the schools of the prophets, as Ellen G. White describes it, “In both the school and the home much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings, and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study. The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of God, with the instruction given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system—the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world. A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were the students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified intellect brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy and sacred song.” (Ibid., p. 47.2).

 

The program combines academic and practical elements which will prepare the students to be thinkers as well as doers. It will give them a solid foundation to be positive agents of change, exercising faith and prayer wherever they serve.

Program Overview

The MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness program will have 60 credits of which:

(1) Forty -two (42) credits will be covered on Weimar University Campus. After this step, the students will move to their assigned churches for internship (18 credits).

(2) During the internship period, the student will be expected to revitalize a declining church and plant a new one. Experienced mentors will be available to monitor and assist students.

 

Why Pursue the Biblical Mission and Wellness at Weimar University?

The MA program in Biblical Mission and Wellness upholds Weimar University’s aim to “heal a hurting world”. The program intends to prepare pastors, evangelists and missionaries who are ready to be used by God as His forces to proclaim the final message of salvation to this generation. There will be emphasis on applied knowledge, equipping students with skills to minister to a declining church and to plant new churches as they make disciples for Christ. The uniqueness of the program is that students will be equipped with skills to combine the preaching of the gospel with health evangelism, community involvement for service and outreach. Special attention will be drawn to the importance of prayer, exercise of faith and diligent work for success in Biblical Mission and Wellness. As Ellen G. White says, “The heaven-appointed purpose of giving the gospel to the world in this generation is the noblest that can appeal to any human being. It opens a field of effort to everyone whose heart Christ has touched” (Education,262). Are you looking forward to one of the New Testament model of training as a pastor, missionary or evangelist? Then, Weimar University, MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness is for you.

Program Features

The curriculum of the MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness is a 2-year graduate program of

study at Weimar University and is composed of required courses taken in retreat setting and

special SDA historical location, face to face, online and hands on training in a local church. a 14

months internship will bring the program to its climax as student work under a mentor and the

conference supervision to revitalize a declining church and attempt to plant a new one. During

this internship, retreats will help students to share their strategies and achievements and learn

from one another.

Program Methods

Students receive the core courses on Weimar University campus for one academic year. The rest

of the program is completed while serving in the local churches via zoom. While on campus,

students also take health courses and go through two Weimar health programs, Depression and

Anxiety Recovery Program TM and NEWSTART TM lifestyle program as they prepare and plan to

have similar ministries in the assigned churches. For 14-18 months students are be in local church

setting before graduation, which allows them to be able to implement learnt theories in a local

church. Mentors are assigned to each student who work with him/her in order to maximize

success.

Course Work: 60 Units

Year 1: Semester 1 (Fall) (15 credits)

›   CHMN 570 A Life of Power by Prayer and Faith in Ministry3

›   CHMN 655 Principles of Biblical Disciple-Making3

›   GEMIN 605 Research Methods3

›   HLED 524 Principles of Health3

›   RELH 502 Development of the Adventist Theology and Mission3

Year 1: Semester 2 (Spring) (15 credits)

›   CHMN 608 Biblical Preaching and Teaching3

›   RELT 646 The Doctrine of the Sanctuary3

›   RELB 647 Biblical Hermeneutics3

›   RELH 570 Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program Clinical Rotation3

›   RELH 571 Disease and Lifestyle Medicine3

Year 1: Summer (12 credits)

›   CHMN 665 Church Revitalization and Church Planting3

›   CHMN 652 Small Group Dynamics3

›   LEAD 685 Biblical Principles of Leadership and Church Administration3

›   RELH 572 NEWSTART3

Year 2: Semester 1 (Fall) (9 credits)

›   CHMN 699 Internship Part I9

Year 2: Semester 2 (Spring) (9 credits)

›   CHMN 699 Internship Part II9

Year 2: Summer (0 credits)

›   CHMN 699 Internship Part III

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • PSLO #1
  • PSLO #2
  • PSLO #3
  • PSLO #4
  • PSLO #5
  • PSLO #6
PSLO #1

Spiritual Leaders

Students follow Christ’s example of faith-filled servant leadership and disciple making methods by rendering love-motivated church ministry that magnifies the universal principles of the Biblical Ten Commandments in speech and action.

PSLO #2

Comprehensive Evangelists

Students practice and promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing by leading in collaborative, community-based programming among diverse people groups domestically or internationally.

PSLO #3

Discriminating Readers

Students investigate a field-related question and display their ability to discern the bias and worldview of both scholarly and non-scholarly publications from the perspective of a biblical worldview by articulating a relevant question, analyzing a collection of publications, collecting and critically interpreting empirical data, and identifying strengths and weaknesses in methods and conclusions.

PSLO #4

Critical Thinkers

Students evaluate a controversy or problem related to theology or related problems where diverse perspectives of the controversy or problem are assembled, analyzed, and used to draw a biblically consistent conclusion or judgment.

PSLO #5

Effective Communicators

Students effectively communicate “threshold concepts” in religion or theology in both written and oral forms by leading other individuals to accept them.

PSLO #6

Biblical Scholars

Students proficiently identify relevant biblical concepts by accurately locating and reciting fundamental Bible verses and by using an appropriate Bible hermeneutic.

Who should attend this type of program?

MA in Biblical Mission and Wellness intends to train pastors, evangelists and missionaries who are ready to respond to the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20 as fulltime church pastors, supportive/independent ministers, missionaries, or part-time church leaders who will help churches get revitalized and be able to plant new ones. 

Program Graduation Requirements

The completion of the program requires 60 credits in 2 years which includes the following: 

  1. 42 credits of course work on Weimar University Campus at the normal tuition charge.
  2. 18 credits for the internship at 1/3 the cost. Each student team of two will participate in the practicum which will include a minimum of 1800 hours per student including the following activities:
    • Visitation and intercessory prayer for members and non-members
    • Health ministry programs for the community
    • Training/teaching church members to do the work of ministry
    • Creating bible study interests and sharing the Word of God with them
    • Total Community Involvement (TCI), serving and mingling with people in the neighboring community
    • One capstone strategy project paper
    • Quarterly progress reports for the projects’ implementation.  
    • A minimum of 3.0 GPA
    • A church revitalized or planted.

Accreditation

Regionally accredited by WSCUC

Program Cost

The cost approximation of the 2 year degree is $68,000, which includes dormitory style room and board.

Admission Requirements

Regular academic standing is granted to applicants who have acceptable character recommendations and who meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree (or non-U.S. equivalent) from an accredited college or university
  • Students who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree may be accepted to the program on the condition that they complete their bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the Master’s program.
  • Applicants with a degree in a language other than English must provide acceptable TOEFL or Duolingo scores.
  • The TOEFL iBT is made up of four sections:  Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.

The student must achieve an overall score of at least 80 and meet the following minimum requirements in each area: Reading – 19, Listening – 18, Speaking – 18, Writing – 18.

 

Duolingo Academic score should be 105.

 

  • Demonstrate maturity and a desire to help heal a hurting world through a Christ-centered approach within the mental health field
  • Present Official Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Have a letter of personal statement of faith and interest in Pastoral Ministry, Evangelism, Missionary work.
  • Have 3 letters of recommendation (one from faculty, one from a Church Pastor, or one from a Church elder)
  • Have successfully passed an interview with a department coordinator, a faculty member, a representative from one Conference of the Seventh day Adventist Church.

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ACADEMIC BULLETIN

TESTIMONIALS

The M.A. in Biblical Mission and Wellness program has played a vital part in my preparation for ministry. We are told the most destructive practice our ministers and lay people could venture into is separating the gospel and medical missionary work. To prevent this tragedy, a training which has a wholistic approach to the matter is indispensable. Such training is what we have been privileged to receive here at Weimar University. We have learned from men unto whom God has given wisdom and experience. I feel ready, not just to do much work, but to do it right.
Junior Sepako
M.A. in Biblical Mission and Wellness student

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Campus life at Weimar University offers a unique blend of spiritual fellowship, academic camaraderie, and opportunities for personal growth. You’ll be blessed by classes anchored in God’s Word and teachers who care about your spiritual growth. You’ll enjoy outings with godly friends to the nearby rivers or ski resorts.

You’ll form life-long friendships while you relish delicious, healthy food in the cafeteria. You’ll work alongside teachers and work supervisors dedicated to helping you develop practical skills you can use throughout life. We invite you to come and experience what campus life can be when Christ is the center and everything revolves around Him.

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We offer BA degrees in Religion, Natural Science (i.e., pre-med, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician’s assistant, pre-dental), Pre-Nursing/Nursing, Christian Education, General Studies, Christian Interdisciplinary studies, and Business. In addition, we now offer MA degrees in Counseling Psychology & Wellness, and in Biblical Mission & Wellness. We believe education must be relevant and practical. Our students graduate not just with the required knowledge, but with the ability to use that knowledge meaningfully in their life work. It is our prayer that, through each class, our students will deepen their relationship with God and be prepared to serve Him.

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Weimar University offers students the opportunity to gain the advantages of a distinctively Seventh-day Adventist higher education experience without breaking the bank. Nearly 57% of our students incur zero debt and over 71% graduate with under $2000 of debt!

Intentional spirituality, stellar academics, and a strong emphasis on health and practical training are each a characteristic part of us. Our low debt rates make it possible for you to become a part of us too.

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The nonprofit health and education ministry of Weimar University, Weimar Academy, and the renowned NEWSTART® Lifestyle Program, blesses thousands every year both physically and spiritually. By giving a tax-deductible gift today, you will help provide Weimar University with new opportunities to heal and coach those in physical and spiritual need. Your gift will help others accept the gift of Christ’s healing and salvation. Thank you for your gift and for your continued partnership.

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Why Study Here?

Weimar University was founded to impart a knowledge of God to its students. In order to do this, we embrace the principle that God offers the best, most effective methods of education, and that only by following these methods can we be sure of imparting true education to our students.

Are you ready to apply? Then click at the button below. Do you need more information about our Programs? Then find below a PDF with some information for you.

Lifespan Development (3 Credits)

From conception to old age, this course explores focuses on the biological, psychological, and social developmental issues and milestones for each stage of the lifespan, paying particular attention to the aspects of context, culture, and environmental issues. Topics include, but are not limited to: parenting style (child guidance), social contexts, social stress, poverty, low educational attainment, abuse and neglect, gender and family issues salient to relationships, separation, nontraditional and blended families and inadequate housing and how these affect development. Issues of aging and long-term care are included.

Moral Identity and Faith as a Counselor (3 Credits)

This course explores the formation of the student therapist’s identity as a counselor within the framework of Christianity and how this plays out in a secular world of counseling. This course presents philosophical and ethical perspectives integral to the understanding of the contemporary psychologies. Students learn how to analyze the ethical bias of psychotherapeutic psychologies, identify their underlying philosophical assumptions, and develop an appreciation for the moral components in individual, marital, and family identity formation. Also included will be a workshop to enhance spiritual development.

Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy: Basic Theories and Skills (3 Credits)

This course develops an understanding of the major theoretical orientations used by current practitioners, focusing on systemic approaches. Theories provide a coherent framework for understanding how people change. This course will highlight the Biblical understanding of how change takes place. This course covers the concepts and techniques associated with the primary theories of counseling psychology: psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and post-modern; in contrast with wholistic counseling techniques. Also included are the evidence-based treatments, limitations, and outcome research associated with each concept. The course also highlights cultural and spiritual diversity as it applies to the therapeutic process and awareness of the self, interpersonal issues, and spiritual values as they impact the use of theoretical frameworks. This course also introduces the student to basic skill in attending behavior, clinical interviewing and clinical intervention. Finally, this foundational course clarifies key issues in human nature and prepares the student for developing a worldview that is consistent with their theological and spiritual orientation.

Advanced Counseling Theory (3 Credits)

This course will examine several individuals, and family approaches for counseling. The development of specific behavioral, cognitive, humanistic/experiential, psychodynamic and systemic frameworks will be deconstructed. Student will distinguish Christian approach of addressing individual and family concerns. Students will be involved in experiential activities designed to relate the observation, demonstration and practice to research-based explanations. In this course, we will consider how each approach is used in clinical, school, and marriage and family counseling applications. Training in the use of the therapeutic relationship will be a focus for understanding and intervening with clients.

Group Processes in Counseling (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of group counseling with children, adults, families, and couples. The course focuses on basic group counseling theory including therapeutic group factors, stages of group development, and principles of commonly accepted and research-based group interventions. The course will cover different types of groups, such as support, psycho-educational, and process groups; the tasks, skills, and qualities of effective group leaders; roles of group members; and legal and ethical issues pertaining to groups, group leaders; roles of group members; and legal and ethical issues pertaining to groups. Importance is placed on responsibilities and skills and cultural considerations. Emphasis on small and large group processes and involvement in experiential activities is designed to relate the clinical process to theoretical explanations. Throughout, there is an emphasis on group work within community mental health settings.

Child and Adolescent Counseling (3 Credits)

This course provides an understanding of the broad range of childhood and adolescent problems and maladjustment behaviors. A variety of psychotherapeutic modalities are presented, providing the student with an opportunity to develop knowledge of basic child and adolescent therapy skills, assessments, and treatment strategies. The impact of the development aspects, family dynamics, social environments, and multicultural issues are addressed. In addition, legal and ethical issues and the role of hospitalization are considered.

Addictions Counseling and Treatment (3 Credits)

This course covers the prevention, assessment, and treatment of substance abuse/dependence, behavioral addictions, and co-occurring conditions. Theories of etiology, populations at risk, and the role of persons and systems in supporting or compounding abuse/addiction are discussed. The course reviews the cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects of psychoactive drug use and the impact of addiction on the family system. Best practices for the screening, assessment, and treatment of addictions and co-occurring behaviors are covered as well as community resources for individuals and family members. Additional focus will be placed on developing understanding of Recovery Oriented Care, social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position, and cultural awareness and competencies.

Counseling Diverse Populations (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the intersection and convergence of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, acculturation, and chronological age and how these inform effective mental health care. The goal is to increase awareness of multiple dimensions of diversity in order to prepare students to work sensitively and effectively with California’s multi-cultural population. Attention also is given to issues of privilege, marginality, and oppression, including sexism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism, and heterosexism. Theoretical perspectives on multicultural counseling will be examined as well as strategies for intervention and advocacy. This course will focus on eliminating biases, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination. Throughout, effective strategies for communicating about emotionally charged material is emphasized.

Couples and Family Counseling: Post-Modern (3 Credits)

This course continues the study of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, and families using interactional and brief models. This course provides advanced training in the theories and techniques of modern and post-modern schools of family therapy including Cognitive Behavioral, Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapy. Also included are the evidence-based treatments, outcome research, and limitations associated with each theory. Specific family issues addressed include: transition to parenthood, parenting young and school-age children, household division of labor, and blended families. Throughout, careful attention is paid to the historical and cultural context in which the theories were developed and the implications for working with diverse populations in recovery-oriented community mental health settings.

Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy: Advanced Techniques (3 Credits)

This course is designed to further develop the psychotherapeutic skills of students prior to their entry into a clinical placement. Students focus on developing proficiency in the core interviewing qualities, deriving goals for a clinical session, and in making contracts with clients for change. Additionally, students are encouraged to begin developing a theoretical and conceptual understanding of cases and trained to work with diverse populations. Students are also encouraged to address issues regarding the integration of their faith with the practice of psychotherapy.

Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (3 Credits)

This course examines the application of psychological instruments to the assessment of individuals, couples, and families. Fundamentals of psychological assessment are reviewed including standardized and non-standardized testing approaches, basic statistical concepts, and moral, ethical and cultural considerations in assessment. The course will also provide an overview of issues related to cognitive assessment, achievement, aptitude, and neuropsychological assessment. Emphasis will also be on clinical, behavioral, and personality assessment.

Knowing God Better Through Career Development: Theories and Techniques (3 Credits)

This course prepares students to address the intersections of career, values, and life roles in the context of career counseling and responding to career and work-related issues

for majority and marginalized groups. Students will gain core knowledge of major career development theories; examine the implications of sociocultural factors on career development, work transitions, and the career counseling process; gain experience with career counseling assessments and resources; and become familiar with current career development literature.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 Credits)

Students will develop a foundation for assessing and treating post-trauma reactions in adults along with an overview of trauma responses in children. We will begin by reviewing the variety of trauma populations followed by in-depth instruction on the mechanism of development major trauma concerns. The assessment and intervention of post-trauma conditions will be identified. Next, we will address clinical interventions including disaster mental health and exposure-based treatment. Finally, we will review issues affecting therapists working with trauma populations and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue.

Research and Evaluation in Counseling (3 Credits)

The goal of this course is to enable students to become informed consumers of psychological research and to use current research knowledge and tools to improve treatment outcomes. Students will explore methods and issues associated with the conduct and use of research concerning phenomena relevant to counseling psychology. The course provides an overview of hypothesis generation, research design, data collection and interpretation, and utilization of research findings in clinical practice, while considering systemic and sociocultural influences. Students will review seminal research findings including research on specific treatments and common factors across treatments that improve therapy outcome. The course also provides students with assessment tools for evaluating mental health programs and the effectiveness of one’s own clinical practice. Emphasis is given to helping students become knowledgeable consumers of research, including the use of research to inform evidence-based practice.

Clinical Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)

Fulfills the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirement for surveying the use of pharmacological agents in patient care. This course provides a basic overview of neurobiology in order to understand the biological bases of behavior and the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders. The course includes information about commonly prescribed psychiatric medications for children and adults – indications, contraindications, mechanisms of action, side effects, drug-drug interactions, iatrogenics, and variability related to age, gender, ethnicity, and medical condition. Students will learn how to work cooperatively and effectively with clients, family members, and prescribing clinicians. Additionally, controversies related to the medical model and to specific prescribing practices will be explored.

Psychopathology & Diagnostic Processes (3 Credits)

This course examines the major types of psychopathology. It explores techniques of intake interviewing and determining mental status to formulate a differential diagnosis based upon the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students will also recognize and understand the controversial history of the development of the DSM. The

course also includes a critical examination of the clinical and experimental literature in psychopathy. Etiologies of cognitive/affective functions and dysfunctions and implications for therapeutic intervention are also addressed.

Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy (3 Credits)

This course will provide students with an understanding of human sexual development with a particular focus upon sexuality counseling from a systems perspective. The goal of this course is to learn about the many facets of human sexuality and the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in a safe and respectful environment. Topics include the physiology, psychology, and sociology of sexuality, including the effects of sexual attitudes and functioning on individuals and families. Gender Identity and LGBTQ and sexual perspectives will be reviewed. Clinical applications, including the treatment of sexual difficulty and dysfunction will also be explored. Students will develop familiarity with the language and terms of sexology and demonstrate an ability to apply this knowledge to clinical situations. Finally, students will explore the above with a framework of Christian compassion and love, exploring how God created sex to be beneficial. A review of AIDS, HIV, and STDs will be given.

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the legal, ethical, and moral issues related to the practice of LPCC and MFT in the state of California. This course focuses on contemporary professional law and ethics and moral dilemmas related to counseling practice. Students review statutory, regulatory, and decisional laws related to the scope of therapy practice, including confidentiality, privilege, reporting requirements, family law, and the treatment of minors. Professional codes of ethics (ACA, AAMFT/ CAMFT, and APA) will be reviewed. California law that is relevant to the practice of counseling will be examined including goals and objectives of professional organizations, standards of training, licensure, and the rights and responsibilities of professional counselors. Case examples will be discussed. Consideration is also given to the student practitioner’s values and behaviors, especially in relation to becoming a Christian therapist.

Practicum in Counseling (6, 3 per term)

The purpose of this course is to develop counseling competencies when working with a variety of clients with unique presenting concerns. Specifically, the focus will be on your ability to engage your clients in treatment, establish a working alliance, identify dysfunctional patterns, and use either general strategies or ECBIS strategies to facilitate change. You will work toward the development of a personally acceptable and professionally effective style of establishing and working in helping relationships. We will work toward helping you to examine your behaviors and rationales and to modify for greater effectiveness.

Course Prerequisites:
This is the terminal course for the program and will run concurrently with a weekly seminar that will address issues in counseling practice.