Doctor of Biblical Studies Program Description

The Doctor of Biblical Studies (D.B.S.) program is 36 semester hours in length. An advanced doctoral program designed for individuals who desire deep scholarly engagement with Scripture and theology. This program equips students to research, interpret, and apply the Bible with academic excellence and spiritual maturity, preparing them for teaching, writing, leadership, and advanced ministry roles within churches, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations. 

Dissertation Required, 6 Credits

Pre-Requisite: A Master's degree (Any discipline)

Application Fee:   $125 - One-time charge

Tuition:  $399 per 3 credit hours

Graduation Fees: $125

Dissertation:         $800

Learning Method 

The student will study independently and will utilize our Moodle Online Learning Management System. Each of the ten courses will comprise a Commentary which is approximately one hundred pages. Online quizzes and exams are included. The student will also need to read approximately 750 pages of outside reading and write a 12-20 page research paper germane to the course.

GBTH 660 The Fruit and the Gifts of the Spirit

This course examines the characteristics of the Believer on his way to maturity. It discusses each of the Fruit of the Spirit and how to cultivate and nurture them in the life of the Believer. The second part of the course discusses the Gifts of the Spirit. The commentary discusses the aspect that the gifts are still for believers today. It discusses each gift in detail and provides guidance on recognizing and using them.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical and theological foundation of the Fruit of the Spirit and its role in spiritual maturity.
2. Describe each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit and its practical expression in the life and ministry of the believer.
3. Explain the biblical teaching concerning the Gifts of the Spirit, including their purpose and continued relevance for believers today.
4. Identify and describe each of the Gifts of the Spirit and their function within the Body of Christ.
5. Integrate the Fruit and the Gifts of the Spirit into ministry practice with discernment, balance, and biblical order.

GBTH 640 Covenants

This course discusses all the Old Testament Covenants, how they culminate in the Messianic Covenant, and how they offer us valuable insights for today's society. The true biblical definition of the word "covenant" is discussed, along with its relevance to our modern world. It also compares the word covenant from both the Old and New Testament perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical definition of covenant and its theological significance within the Old and New Testaments.
2. Identify and describe the major Old Testament covenants and their historical and redemptive purposes.
3. Analyze how the Old Testament covenants culminate in the Messianic Covenant and God’s redemptive plan.
4. Compare Old Testament and New Testament perspectives on covenant, highlighting continuity and fulfillment.
5. Apply covenant principles to contemporary faith, society, and ministry contexts.

GBOT 611 Israel's History

 Israel’s History is an in-depth Old Testament course that examines the historical development of the nation of Israel from the conquest of Canaan through the return from Babylonian exile. This course provides a comprehensive study of the biblical books from Joshua to Esther, highlighting key events, leaders, cultural conditions, and spiritual themes that shaped Israel’s national and covenant identity. Each section begins with an overview of life in Israel during the period under study, followed by focused commentary on the major historical, political, and spiritual developments recorded in Scripture. Emphasis is placed on God’s covenant faithfulness, Israel’s obedience and rebellion, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive purposes in history. 

 Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the historical timeline of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the return from exile.
2. Identify and summarize the content, purpose, and major themes of the Old Testament books from Joshua through Esther.
3. Explain key events, leaders, and periods that shaped Israel’s political, social, and spiritual history.
4. Analyze Israel’s covenant relationship with God, recognizing patterns of obedience, disobedience, judgment, and restoration.
5. Apply historical and theological insights from Israel’s history to biblical understanding, teaching, and contemporary faith practice.

GBNT 620 Life of Christ

This course deals specifically with the life of Jesus. It follows his life from birth to his resurrection and ascension. It compares the four gospels to help the Believer gain a historical and spiritual perspective on Jesus' life. Some highlights of the course are: His early life, The Temptation, Judea and Galilee, His miracles, Training Disciples, and His trials.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the historical development of Israel from the conquest of Canaan through the return from exile.
2. Identify and summarize the major events, figures, and themes in the biblical books from Joshua through Esther.
3. Analyze the relationship between Israel’s historical experiences and its spiritual, social, and political life.
4. Evaluate key theological and historical themes within Israel’s history as presented in the Old Testament narrative.
5. Integrate Israel’s historical and biblical context into informed interpretation, teaching, and ministry application.

GBCU 627 Jewishness of Jesus

This course reveals the characteristics of Jesus in his daily life as a Jew. It introduces some of the prophecies that the Messiah must fulfill. It provides a historical perspective on the life and times of Jesus, explaining what was happening politically during the first century. It discusses Rabbinic Hermeneutics and the Kingdom of God. The latter part of the course gives an overview of the Feasts of the Lord.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the Jewish cultural, religious, and social context of Jesus’ daily life and ministry.
2. Identify key Messianic prophecies and analyze their fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus.
3. Describe the political, historical, and religious climate of first-century Judea and its impact on Jesus’ ministry.
4. Explain the principles of Rabbinic Hermeneutics and their relevance to Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God.
5. Identify and interpret the Feasts of the Lord, explaining their biblical significance and connection to the life and work of Jesus.

GBPR 655 Revelation Encounter

This course gives an overview of the Book of Revelation. It discusses specific images and the book's symbolism. Some of the topics included in the course are: The Seven Letters to the Seven Churches, The Seven Seals, The Two Witnesses, The Woman, Babylon the Great, The Millennium, and The New Heaven and The New Earth.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose, structure, and major theological themes of the Book of Revelation.
2. Interpret key symbols and imagery in Revelation using sound biblical and theological principles.
3. Analyze the messages of the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches and their relevance to the Church today.
4. Describe and evaluate major prophetic sections of Revelation, including the Seven Seals, the Two Witnesses, the Woman, Babylon the Great, the Millennium, and final judgment.
5. Articulate the biblical vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth and its significance for Christian hope and faith.

GBCU 685 Messiah and the Feasts of the Lord

This course specifically addresses the Feasts of the Lord and the Messiah's relationship to them. It provides an overview of the biblical calendar. The pilgrimage feasts are discussed as a unit. Then each of the eight festivals is discussed in detail, with spiritual symbolism given for each feast.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical calendar and its theological significance within the redemptive plan of God.
2. Identify and describe the Feasts of the Lord, including their historical context and biblical foundations.
3. Analyze the pilgrimage feasts as a unified framework within Israel’s worship and covenant life.
4. Examine the relationship between the Messiah and each of the Feasts of the Lord, highlighting fulfillment and prophetic meaning.
5. Interpret the spiritual symbolism of the eight biblical festivals and apply their significance to faith, worship, and ministry today.

GBTH 638 Exposing the Devil's Lair

This course deals with the occult and how the Believer should stand against it. It gives insight into warfare and witchcraft. It gives definitions, terminology, and symbolism of the occult. The Satanic ritual calendar is discussed and has an informative chapter on the abuses and signs of the occult.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the biblical worldview regarding spiritual warfare and the believer’s authority in Christ over occult practices.
2. Define key terminology, symbols, and practices associated with the occult, witchcraft, and satanic activity.
3. Analyze the nature and strategies of spiritual warfare as presented in Scripture and applied to contemporary contexts.
4. Identify the structure and purpose of the Satanic ritual calendar and its opposition to biblical truth.
5. Recognize signs and effects of occult involvement and apply biblical principles for discernment, protection, and ministry response.

GBNT 645 Epistles of John

This course gives a detailed look at books written by John the Beloved. It sheds light on all major points and provides commentary on each chapter. Each book begins with an outline and a brief overview, then proceeds to provide detailed spiritual and historical data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the historical background, authorship, and purpose of the Epistles of John.
2. Identify and describe the major theological themes found in 1, 2, and 3 John.
3. Analyze each epistle’s structure and key passages using sound biblical interpretation.
4. Evaluate the spiritual and historical context addressed in the Johannine letters.
5. Apply the teachings of the Epistles of John to Christian living, doctrine, and ministry practice.

GBNT 610 A Harmony of the Gospels

This course parallels the four gospels and treats them as a whole. It uses the gospels to present the Life of Jesus in chronological order. The topics included in this commentary are: Overall contents and introduction, The Preparation of Jesus, The Ministry of Jesus, and the Consummation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose, structure, and distinct emphases of the four Gospels within the New Testament.
2. Compare and harmonize parallel Gospel accounts to present the life of Jesus in chronological order.
3. Analyze the preparation, ministry, and consummation of Jesus’ life and mission as revealed in the Gospels.
4. Evaluate theological themes and historical events through a unified Gospel perspective.
5. Integrate a harmonized understanding of the Gospels into teaching, preaching, and ministry application.

DISS 701  Dissertation 

The Doctor of Ministry Dissertation is the culminating scholarly and ministry-focused project of the D.Min.  program. It is designed to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to integrate advanced biblical theology, ministry leadership, pastoral practice, and applied research to address real and pressing issues within the Church and ministry contexts.

The dissertation focuses on a practical ministry problem or opportunity, such as pastoral leadership, discipleship, counseling, church growth, spiritual formation, missions, conflict resolution, or community transformation. Unlike a purely theoretical dissertation, this project emphasizes the impact of applied ministry, showing how biblical principles can be effectively implemented in real-world settings.