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BCOM Viewbook

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Get an inside look at Bethany College of Missions!

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Page 1: BCOM Viewbook

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OverviewThe Bethany Family ................................ 4President’s Message .............................. 5

Basic Info BCOM Profile ......................................... 6Endorsements ......................................... 7

Programs BA in Intercultural Studies ..................... 8Global Internship .................................. 10AA in Global Christian Ministries ........... 12Certificate in Bible & Missions ............... 14

Campus Life Spiritual Life .......................................... 16Discipleship / Cell Groups ..................... 17Extra Curricular ..................................... 18Practical Training .................................. 18

CostsFinancial Info ......................................... 19

Connect Campus Visit ....................................... 20Connect Online .................................... 20

ApplyApplication Process ............................ 21

FAQs General FAQs ....................................... 22Admissions FAQs ................................. 23

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Bethany Press InternationalPrinting Christian books for leading Christian publishers

Bethany International MinistriesBethany missionaries serving in 25 countries and facilitating Global Access Partnership site development

Bethany Center for Global StudiesOnline learning Intercultural Studies Masters degree and certificate programs

Believers PressAssists individual authors, ministries and small publishers with publishing and production services

Short-Term Evangelical Missions (STEM)Facilitating short-term missions trips for local churches

GO 100Starting and serving national missionary training schools world-wide

Bethany College of MissionsMobilizing and equipping students for intercultural ministry

For more information visit:www.BethanyInternational.org

The Bethany International Family of Ministries

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President’s Message

God is looking for people who love Him above all else, to befaithful witnesses of the gospel to all nations. I suspect that if you’re checking out Bethany College of Missions, you have felt God’s calling in your life to become one of those people. You are not the average student – you are asking extraordinary questions about what it means to make a difference in your generation and for eternity. Bethany’s unique intercultural studies training will equip you to be God’s agent of transformation.

As a Bethany student you will engage in a prayer and missions-focused community, reaching the unreached for Jesus, wherever they are. You will receive a solid foundation for your life and ministry comprised of biblical knowledge, intense Christian discipleship, and a genuine and intimate relationship with God.

But, this is just the beginning. You will put it all into practice as you serve on an extended Global Internship, living and working with experienced missionaries overseas during your junior and senior years.

You will do missions! You will spend 16 months with your team at one of our many Global Internship sites around the world – in Southeast Asia, Europe, Central Asia, Africa, or perhaps South America. You will learn a foreign language. You will interact with and minister to people of another culture.

You will partner with missionaries and national church leaders in a variety of ministry experiences, and you will choose to invest in one or more that particularly tug at your heart.

You will come home an intercultural Christian; someone who has not just been on a mission trip, but who can confidently enter any cross-cultural setting and flourish!

We’re looking for those who would gladly give their lives up for the purposes and glory of God and the salvation of the lost. At Bethany College of Missions you will get so much more than a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Intercultural Studies; you will gain a vision-giving, life-transforming experience. You will be equipped to GO where God leads you and to BE all He desires you to be.

Together serving Him,

Dan Brokke

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ProfileName: Bethany College of Missions

Parent Organization: Bethany International

Founded: 1945

Location: Bloomington, MN, USA

Denomination: Interdenominational

President & CEO: Dan Brokke

*Number of Students Enrolled: 107

Phone: 1-800-323-3417

Email: [email protected]

Address: Bethany College of Missions6820 Auto Club Road, Ste CBloomington, MN 55438

Website: www.bcom.org

Online Student Database: www.bcom.populiweb.com

Facebook: www.bcom.org/facebook

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bcom_network

*As of Fall 2010

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“Bethany College of Missions is a place where God is drawing youth with passion for God and compassion for people to come together in preparation to be poured out upon the nations.

The Bethany faculty is truly on fire and pursuing the Lord for the new mission movement that God is raising up in this hour and God’s Spirit is moving in their midst.”

Loren CunninghamFounder of Youth With A Mission

President of the University of the Nations

Ron LucePresident of Teen Mania Ministries

“Bethany has a rich heritage, a spiritual DNA of faith, international fruitfulness, and a great future ahead.”

“Bethany College of Missions is a place that goes far beyond the expectations of any college missions program. The impact made by its students is a testament to the true missions

orientation of this campus. They not only spend two years in the classroom learning, but follow that year up with 16 months of ministry on the missions field and then 4 months of debriefing. This school is serious when it comes to their passion for the nations and the real-life urgency

of the millions who have never heard the gospel.”

Shelley HundleySenior Leadership

International House of Prayer

“For more than thirty-five years we have seen the effectiveness of missionaries sent out from Bethany.”

George Verwer Founder

Operation Mobilization

Endorsements

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Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural StudiesOur BA degree will prepare you to effectively minister in any culture. You will gain a deeper understanding of the Word, grow in your own walk with the Lord, and develop an international and intercultural perspective on life and ministry.

As a BA degree student, your first two years of study will consist of pre-field training focused on biblical and theological studies, spiritual development, and courses in missions and ministry.

After pre-field training you will be ready to head overseas! You will spend the next 16 months on Global Internship, living and studying in another country with a team of fellow students. Global Internship is an outstanding catalyst to explore culture and participate in a variety of real life ministries.

At the end of Global Internship you will return to the Minnesota campus for a final semester designed to help you process and integrate all you have experienced. You will graduate from Bethany with an understanding of your personal strengths and spiritual gifts, ministry-focused career options, contacts in the US and abroad, and a tangible plan for the next step God has for you.

BA students have the option of adding a concentration to their studies in the following fields:

-Social Entrepreneurship (Business and Missions) -Kingdom Justice (Biblical Social Justice)-Early Childhood Development/Ministry to Children

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Program Features

Overview

Duration: 4 years

2 Years - Pre-field Training (On-campus)

16 Months - Global Internship (Overseas at one of our GI sites)

4 Months - Re-Entry (On-campus)

Academic Components

The BA program consists of 153 credits, with a minimum of:

30 credits of Bible & Theology• 36 credits of General Education•

The remaining credits are distributed within the following concentrations:

Intercultural Studies• Global Internship• Spiritual Development• Communications• Christian Ministry •

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Global InternshipThe purpose of Global Internship is for students to become truly intercultural (defined as “being able to comfortably move between two or more cultures”).

This goal is accomplished by providing a holistic experience encompassing formal and experiential learning, research, reflection, interaction with other students, and practical ministry application for maximized learning.

The ministry emphasis of Global Internship, primarily focused on church-planting, provides opportunities for students to gain experience in leading Bible studies, preaching, teaching, discipleship, friendship evangelism, child and youth ministry, teaching English, relief and development, meeting physical and social needs, and more.

Through Global Internship, students observe and engage in missionary life first-hand; applying knowledge gained in the classroom to life experience, and bringing life experience back into the classroom. Global Interns develop skills for working collaboratively in the context of ministry teams. They grow deeper in trust and reliance on God. They explore God’s leading for future direction as they discover and develop the gifts He has given them.

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Where are the GI sites?

Global Interns are sent in teams. Student teams live together in one of several different locations around the world. The Global Internship sites each provide their own unique environments, languages, cultural and religious contexts and ministry challenges, and opportunities.

Global Interns over the past several years have lived on sites in: Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Thailand, Austria, France, and Kenya.

New sites are continually being identified and developed to receive Global Internship teams.

Live overseas as a team at one of our Global • Internship sitesLearn a foreign language• Partner with missionaries and local ministries to • bring the Gospel to a people groupStudy social structures, religion, and worldview• Become interculturally-minded Christians•

What do the interns do?

During Global Internship, students will:

“The things that we learn on the field are important and are

changing my life. Every day I am learning practical ways to study culture, so I can better present

the Gospel to the people here.”

- Jarred, Global Intern

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Associate of Arts in Global Christian MinistryOur AA degree curriculum follows the same basic pre-field training format as the bachelor’s degree. AA degree students spend their first two years of study focused on biblical and theological studies, personal spiritual development, courses in missions, and ministry.

AA students also participate in at least two BCOM-sponsored short-term mission trips during the summer after their freshman year or as electives during the sophomore year. These trips average three weeks in length and give students an introduction to life and work on the mission field.

BA students have the option of adding a concentration to their studies in the following fields:

-Social Entrepreneurship (Business and Missions) -Kingdom Justice (Biblical Social Justice)-Early Childhood Development/Ministry to Children

Graduates of our Associates Degree program may elect to transfer their credits toward completing the BA program, if desired.

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Program Features

Overview

Duration: 2 years

4 semesters on-campus as well as two short-term trips

Academic Components

The AA program consists of 81 credits, with a minimum of:

18 credits of Bible & Theology• 18 credits of General Education• 6 credits of Short-Term Missions•

The remaining credits are distributed within the following concentrations:

Intercultural Studies• Spiritual Development• Communications• Christian Ministry•

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Certificate Programs

Certificate in Bible & MissionsThe Certificate in Bible and Missions is a foundational program consisting of the first year courses and requirements of our BA and AA degrees. These courses focus on biblical and theological studies, personal spiritual development, missions, and ministry.

Certificate in Pre-Field Preparation The Certificate of Pre-Field Preparation is designed for students who already come with a basic understanding of God’s Word and the Church’s missionary task, but are seeking to gain particular depth in intercultural understanding and skills. Prerequisites are a previous Associates degree or higher (including a minimum of 12 hours of Bible and Theology), and recommendation by a recognized missionary organization. Students are permitted to build their own program out of the available courses offered.

Certificate in Intercultural Montessori Training The Certificate in Intercultural Montessori Training is designed to provide the student with basic but essential tools to grow in relationship with God, and to understand His Word and the Church’s missionary task, while gaining skills in the Christian Montessori training method for young children. Prerequisites are a Certificate in Bible and Missions or its equivalent. Students in this program simultaneously pursue courses in intercultural studies and Montessori teaching methods. The skill set obtained through this certificate gives students a valuable credential, allowing them to teach children and influence families in intercultural settings in the US and abroad.

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Program Features:

Overview

Duration: 9 months

Location: On-campus

Academic Components

The certificate programs consist of 37 credits distributed within the following concentrations:

Bible & Theology • Intercultural Studies• Spiritual Development• Communications• Christian Ministry• Montessori Training•

The Certificate in Bible & Missions requires that 12 credits be taken in Bible and Theology.

The Certificate in Intercultural Montessori Training requires that 8 credits be taken in Montessori Training.

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Prayer & WorshipAt Bethany, we strive to keep worship and prayer at the core of our missions training. Students enrolled at BCOM are challenged to go deep in their walk with the Lord and cultivate a life of wholehearted communion with Him. Our desire is to see missionaries raised up who not only have the practical skills necessary for effective, sustained missionary work, but minister from the overflow of their love for God.

Students participate in regular times of extended prayer and worship, including a weekly prayer and fasting chapel, and are encouraged to pray together in the Bethany Prayer Room.

“Bethany was a spiritual greenhouse for me. I learned how to align my heart with God’s and to

really love Him. The program equipped me to love people unconditionally and to be able to train others

to serve in any context. Bethany’s approach to holistic missions training is by far one of the most

advanced and best in the world.”

- JasonCurrent Missionary

and BCOM alumnusClass of 2004

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Discipleship / Cell GroupsEach student is part of a cell group made up of 6–8 students who all live together in the dorms under the supervision of a resident mentor. Our mentors are top-notch individuals with proven leadership abilities, good organizational and communication skills, spiritual maturity, humility, and genuine love and concern for our undergrad students.

Mentors also have the support and assistance of an advisor, a volunteer from among Bethany International associates, Bethany alumni, or Bethany Church members, who have more life experience. Advisors are partnered with a mentor for the year and are available to help out with special concerns, to meet with students, and to offer advice and prayer.

Advisors and mentors together lead a weekly cell group time, in which their students discuss coursework focused on spiritual growth, pray together, encourage one another, and talk through concerns. Each student meets individually with his/her mentor every week as well, for accountability and support.

“I’ve learned how completely dependent on God I am, and have been challenged to walk in complete devotion and consecration to Him. The environment at BCOM has helped me to grow and mature in Christ, as I prepare for the ministry that God has called me to.”

-Ellie BCOM Alumnus

Class of 2010

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Extra CurricularOur campus is located in a beautiful, suburban neighborhood on the bluffs of the Minnesota River. There are plenty of trails for biking and running. The Isaak Walton nature preserve and Three Rivers Park District lands are right across the street and offer great nature hikes and wildlife viewing. Students can play soccer, football, and baseball on our outdoor playing fields, take their kids to our playground, or play frisbee in the courtyard.

Prefer to stay indoors? Students can use our gym for a racquetball match, play basketball, or use the fitness room. We have intramural tournaments throughout the year in different sports to create some organized fun. The Oasis (a student lounge in the Barn), and the Student Lounge in the T.A. Hegre Ministry Center are great for hanging out, checking e-mail, playing a game, or throwing a surprise party. Students are provided with wireless internet in the dorms and in other public buildings on campus.

Practical TrainingPractical Training (PT) is an essential element of each student’s experience at BCOM.

From the foundation of Bethany in the 1940’s, student involvement in on-campus mission, business, and ministry operations has proven invaluable in giving them “real world” experience and skills.

Because of the student PT program, we are able to keep our operating costs low. This allows us to offer every student an automatic Practical Training Scholarship to offset the cost of the college program.

The key benefit for students, however, is not simply financial. PT Supervisors and staff work shoulder-to-shoulder with students to stay in touch with the challenges our students face. It is part of the powerful mentoring model that creates a natural daily forum to develop students into world-changing leaders in God’s Kingdom.

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Financial InformationThough many factors influence a college decision, one of the most influential is the cost. At Bethany College of Missions, we are committed to providing the best intercultural missions education, preparation, and experience at the most reasonable cost possible.

To supplement your contribution toward your expenses and make your education more affordable, BCOM offers scholarships based on several categories of criteria, including academic performance, ministry involvement, and Christian leadership experience. In addition, Bethany offers need-based scholarships, payment plans, and low-interest loans. Every student also automatically receives a Practical Training Scholarship of up to $6,000 per year, based on the required Practical Training program. Combined, the average financial assistance package totals approximately $8,000 per student.

Please take a closer look at the financial assistance options available through Bethany College of Missions. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Program Costs

Specific costs can be found on the Finances section of the web site; however, here is a brief summary of expenses for the 2010-2011 year at BCOM:

Tuition, room and board = $8,245 per semester

Practical Training Scholarship = $3,000 per semester

Additional scholarships and grants = $1,000 per semester (average)

This brings the average cost per semester to $4,245*.

For information on low-interest loans, please contact the Admissions Department at 1-800-323-3417 or by email at [email protected].

*Additional one-time fees totaling $590 apply to new enrolling students.

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Campus VisitYou are invited to visit our campus anytime! Although we have a major campus visit event (“BCOM Preview”) each spring and fall, we also host individual and group visits year-round.

A visit usually consists of:

Sitting in on classes• Going to chapel (when scheduled)• Lunch with a student host• A campus tour• Meeting with an admissions counselor•

If you would like to stay overnight, guest rooms are available through our Services Department for a modest rate.

We encourage you to bring along family members, friends, or a pastor. If you’d like to set up a visit, contact our guest coordinator by calling 1-800-323-3417, or by email at [email protected].

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Connect Online

Visit the BCOM website at: www.bcom.org

You can also connect with us via social media at:

www.bcom.org/blog

www.youtube.com/bcomnetwork

www.twitter.com/bcom_network

www.bcom.org/facebook

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Visit www.bcom.org/apply to start the online application process or to download a PDF version of the application form.

You can also request an application packet by emailing [email protected] or by calling us at 1-800-323-3417.

Application forms can be submitted online or mailed to:

Bethany College of Missions6820 Auto Club Road, Suite CBloomington, MN 55438

In addition to the application form, please submit the following items:

Reference Forms• - Send links to the electronic reference forms from our web site or download PDF versions of the forms High school transcripts• - if you have taken less than 16 credit hours of college courseworkCollege transcripts• - if you have taken any college courses for credit

Transcript request forms are available on our web site.

International students have additional application requirements. See our web site for details.

Throughout the application process, please feel free to call us at 1-800-323-3417 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Application Process

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General FAQs

“Is BCOM accredited?”BCOM holds applicant status at the Certificate, AA, & BA level with the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130Orlando, FL 32822 Ph. (407) 207-0808 www.abhe.org. Applicant status is a pre-membership status granted to those institutions that meet the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as may provide a basis for achieving Candidate status within four years.

“Do I have to live on campus?”

If you live in the area you can attend as a commuter student. If you do not live in the area then yes, you must live on campus in order to complete the full BCOM program.

“What do BCOM graduates do after they finish the program?”

Bethany graduates are equipped to work in a wide variety of cross-cultural settings and ministries. Since our training is geared toward giving students tools for communicating Christ cross-culturally, our graduates are able to live and work effectively in those circumstances.

Alumni are missionaries with our own mission sending agency, Bethany International Ministries, and many other agencies, such as WEC, Operation Mobilization, SIM, Pioneers, Wycliffe, and YWAM, to name a few.

They are involved in teaching and training, literacy, teaching English as a second language, relief and development, medical and mercy ministries, agricultural work, orphanages, coffee house ministry, church planting, evangelism, missionary aviation, prayer and worship, and more.

Many of our graduates go on to full or part-time ministry positions either in the U.S. and Canada or overseas, and the vast majority of those graduates in the U.S. and Canada are actively involved in missions in their local church.

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“Can I transfer credits?”Some credits, particularly from Christian colleges, may be transferable. Send your official college transcripts in as part of the application process and we will notify you as to which courses might be eligible for transfer.

“When is the application deadline?”There is no set deadline for applicants, although we strongly recommend completing the application process at least 6 weeks prior to the semester start date.

“What is the minimum CGPA required to be accepted?”We require our applicants to have a minimum of a 2.0 CGPA.

“Is there an age limit for attending BCOM?”No, we accept people of all ages.

“Do other schools accept your students in graduate programs or your credits

in transfer?”

We enjoy good relationships with other Christian colleges and seminaries, both inMinnesota and all over the United States (a list is available upon request from our Admissions office and is on our web site). Although we cannot promise that all of our credits will transfer, many institutions do accept our credits (especially in related programs, like Teaching English as a Second Language, Biblical Studies, etc.), and a number of BCOM graduates have excelled in various graduate programs in the U.S. and Canada.

Admissions FAQs

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