Ministry

The study of ministry pertains to the work of the Lord, courses of preparation and the service of God. Also covered is the training in the performance, duties, and responsibilities that come with being a member of the clergy.

Degree Information

Guarded Heart’s four year degree program is designed for Christian adults of any age and background who desire to serve in the local church at any level. All graduates of each degree program will:

• Know the Bible thoroughly.
• Interpret the Bible with sound exegesis.
• Understand the major doctrines of the Bible.
• Evangelize and disciple others at home and around the world.
• Counsel themselves and others from the Bible alone.
• Teach and preach for life-change.
• Think critically, according to a Biblical world view.
• Read, write, speak, and research with basic, college-level competencies.
• Recognize God’s unfolding plan of redemption in Church and world history.

Days & Times Of Classes

Classes for this program are offered during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms for both Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Classes typically meet weekly through each term on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm and 8:10 pm to 9:40 pm. 

Please refer to the Academic Calendar for exceptions related to the observance of holidays.

Academic Requirements

All degrees are earned through students meeting the expected course requirements.  The trimester hours required to earn our degrees may be earned through a combination of studies offered at GHBC and the credit we allow for our religious training and religious life work experience.

Academic Calendar

Fall 2024-2025

  • Enrollment/Registration: July 15th-August 9th
  • Late Registration: August 12th-August 16th
  • Term: August 20th-November 21st
  • Classes Begin: August 20th & August 22nd
  • Last Day to Add/Drop a Class: September 6th
  • Last Day to Withdraw with “VWD”: September 13th
  • School Office Closings (Holiday Observation): September 2nd & November 28-29

  • Enrollment/Registration: October 28th-November 22nd
  • Late Registration: November 25th-November 29th
  • Term: December 3rd-March 20th, 2025
  • Classes Begin: December 3rd & December 5th
  • Last Day to Add/Drop a Class: December 20th
  • Last Day to Withdraw with “VWD”: December 27th
  • School Office Closings (Holiday Observation): December 23, 2024-January 3, 2025

Spring 2024-2025

  • Enrollment/Registration: February 3rd-February 28th
  • Late Registration: March 24th-March 28th
  • Term: April 1st-July 3rd
  • Classes Begin: April 1st & April 3rd
  • Last Day to Add/Drop a Class: April 18th
  • Last Day to Withdraw with “VWD”: April 25th
  • School Office Closings (Holiday Observation): May 26th & July 4th

  • Enrollment/Registration: June 2nd-June 27th
  • Term: July 17-August 7th
  • Classes Begin: July 17th
  • School Office Closings (Holiday Observation): July 4th

Associate of Ministry (A.Min.) – 60 Credit Hours Required

Courses include:

  • Old Testament Survey 1 OT
  • New Testament Survey 1  NT
  • Maturing in Christ  MIN
  • Creative Bible Study Methods  BS
  • Basic Christianity  TH
  • Kingdom Living  MIN
  • Knowing God’s Voice  MIN
  • Ministry of the Holy Spirit  MIN
  • Basic Bible Doctrine  BS
  • Types, Shadows and Symbols  TH
  • History of the Israelite Kingdom  OT
  • Introduction to Biblical Counseling  CC
  • Church History 1  CH
  • Paul’s New Testament Letters  NT
  • World Religion  CPH
  • Foundations of Teaching in Ministry  CE
  • Basic Writing and Reading  GE
  • Biblical & Historical Foundations of Worship 1 (Elective)
  • Foundations of Christian Missions (Elective)
  • Introduction to Ethics (Elective)

Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) – 120 Credit Hours Required

Courses include:

  • Grasping God’s Word  BS
  • Evangelism and Discipleship MIN
  • Bible Doctrine 1  TH
  • Old Testament Survey 2  OT
  • New Testament Survey 2  NT
  • Fruit of the Spirit  MIN
  • Biblical Management Principles  MIN
  • Foundations of Christian Missions  MIN
  • Bible Doctrine 2  TH
  • The Tabernacle of Moses (by Kevin Conner) BS
  • Interpreting Isaiah  OT
  • Romans (by Kevin Conner)  NT
  • Church History 2  CH
  • Contemporary Error CPH
  • Introducing Christian Education  CE
  • Knowing God  TH
  • Holy Spirit in Counseling CC
  • Public Speaking  GE
  • Intercessory Prayer (Elective)
  • Biblical & Historical Foundations of Worship 1  Elective

Master of Ministry (M.Min.) – 30 Credit Hours Required

Courses include:

Apologetics

  • Introduction to Christian Apologetics
  • New Religious Movements

Biblical Studies

  • Old Testament Survey 2
  • Old Testament Survey 3
  • New Testament Survey 1
  • New Testament Survey 2

Christian Education

  • Educational Program of the Church
  • Discipleship

Historical Theology

  • Historical Theology: A Survey

Missions and Evangelism

  • History of Missions & World Christianity
  • Biblical Theology & Principles of Missions

Pastoral Theology

  • Homiletics or
  • Pastoral Care or
  • Biblical Counseling

Systematic Theology

  • Bibliology
  • Theology Proper and Creation
  • Hamartiology and Soteriology
  • Pneumatology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology
  • Hermeneutics

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) – 45 Credit Hours Required

Courses include:

  • Church Growth and Leadership
  • Conflict Management and Resolution in Church Life
  • Missions in the 21st Century
  • The New Apostolic Reformation
  • Psychology and Theology
  • Contemporary Theology and Evangelical Belief
  • Contemporary Worship
  • Dissertation (10 credits)

The required total amount of credits stated for the doctorate degrees is inclusive of credits from the Master’s degree.

A maximum of 16 credit hours can be transferred into the doctorate program from outside schools.