The one-year Certificate in Biblical Studies program according to International Ecclesiastical standards is open to high school graduates who have completed their Tawjihi (Jordanian High School Certificate – or equivalent). See the “Qualifications for Acceptance into the Academic Programs” section for more details.
Purpose. The purpose of this program is to provide students with a first-level encounter with theological study, theology, Bible and ecclesiastical history. This program will equip students to help in local church ministry, as well as better prepare them to stand strong in their faith if they go on to a secular university to complete their education. God may use this year to lead the student to continue on to the JETS B.Th. program of study (with this fulfilling most of the first year’s requirements).
Goals. The goals of the Certificate in Biblical Studies program include the following:
- To be established in the basic doctrines of evangelical Christianity.
- To understand and practice the disciplines of the Christian life.
- To have an overview of the structure, themes, and chronology of the Old or New Testament.
- To apply principles of hermeneutics to discover the meaning and relevant applications of a Bible text.
- To share the student’s faith with those in the surrounding Arab culture.
- To discover how God has individually gifted, designed, and called him/her for service.
Value. The Certificate in Biblical Studies (C.B.S.) program has proven over the years its importance in three ways. (1) This program offers subjects of sufficient variety for theological, biblical, spiritual, and practical studies to give the student enough tools for ministry in multiple fields. (2) This study gives strength to students who then enroll in one of the non-theological universities so that they are strong in the face of the currents they experience. Therefore, we advise all those who want to go to non-theological studies in regular universities, to enroll in the C.B.S. program. for a year prior. (3) This program has proven its importance for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in non-theological studies before entering the master’s level in theological studies. This choice is theirs. And the testimony of everyone who has studied this program is to express gratitude for this step before moving into the higher level.
