Criswell College expands programs

DALLAS?The Criswell College is expanding its bachelor’s degree program to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies combined with tracks in either humanities, youth ministry, women’s ministry or worship leadership. At the same time, a significant tuition discount is being offered to the children of all Southern Baptist ministers.

Founded in 1971 by W. A. Criswell, the Dallas-based campus equips students preparing on the diploma, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. The school moved from the facilities of First Baptist Church to its present location on Gaston Avenue, east of the downtown area in 1991. The Vision 2010 capital campaign will provide funding to renovate a recently acquired seven-story building located across the street from the college, adding much needed dormitory space.

Since its affiliation with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, TCC has offered half-price tuition to children of SBTC ministers. That offer is being extended to all Southern Baptist Convention ministers with children seeking a college education. With the variety of course offerings, students will receive a thorough grounding in the Bible with the opportunity to follow tracks in counseling, pastoral ministry, evangelism and missions, women’s ministry, worship leadership, youth ministry or humanities.

The newly approved tracks in youth ministry and worship leadership are designed to meet the needs of Southern Baptist churches, explained Douglas Wood, associate professor of Christian education and worship leadership. “We recognize that churches are looking for youth ministers who are much more than just activity directors. They want a person with a strong biblical background to be able to work with youth in local churches in a much deeper, biblically-based ministry,” he added. “This degree will blend an excellent biblical studies program with cutting-edge youth ministry courses.”

Wood received the first Ph.D. in youth ministries offered by any Southern Baptist seminary and served at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, developing the largest youth ministry in the country at that time.

With 95 percent of all people who ever accept Jesus Christ as Savior making that decision by the time they are 21 years of age, Wood said churches should be pouring their resources into children and youth. “Statistically, if we don’t reach them for Christ by the time they are 21, we probably won’t reach them at all.”

Having researched what other Christian colleges and seminaries are offering in the area of youth ministry, Wood developed a program that addresses the unique needs of teenagers, parents and those who lead them. A required internship places students in a mentoring-type relationship with a dedicated youth minister so that the student will have a successful and strong “on-the-job” experience before graduating and taking his own position.

Another new program offering is the B.A. degree in Biblical Studies/Worship Leadership. “Many, many churches are looking for a minister to lead in worship who is much more than just a song leader,” Wood said. “They want someone with a strong biblical background who can effectively lead the church’s ministry of worship.”

Students who will receive the greatest benefit from this degree are those with some musical training either in junior college or beyond who want to add a biblical studies program and courses designed for local church worship ministry, Wood said. TCC is including courses that will help the minister address the challenges of worship styles, while understanding and leading churches in worship that is found in the Word of God. The hands-on approach will include Technology for Worship Leadership and Worship Leadership Practice in which the history and theology of worship are explored.

Students will have opportunities to assist in developing and leading various worship services at the college, as well as completing courses in voice, conducting and applied piano/instruments. Current thoughts in contemporary worship as well as understanding and appreciating the rich heritage of hymns will be featured.

“We find pastors are looking for the best in worship for their people and want worship ministers who have the ability to lead, learn, grow and provide a strong biblically-based ministry to the entire church body. This goes way beyond the music minister of the past,” he added. A required internship will team the student with an area minister of worship/music for further application of skills and knowledge.

Churches interested in providing internship opportunities for students preparing for youth or worship ministry are encouraged to contact Wood at 214-818-1330.

The newly launched humanities track will prepare men and women to serve the church within the marketplace of ideas by better understanding past achievements. “The classics are a critical part of a larger dialog that gives unity to the questions we ask and the answers we find,” the catalog listing states.