MB Biblical Seminary Desired Outcomes

The mission of MB Biblical Seminary is to inspire and equip men and women to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to serve and lead in the church and in the world.

Theological Core Value Statement

We give witness to a biblical theology that is both anabaptist and evangelical, teaching that the church is called by Jesus Christ to represent God’s reign in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit as its community (being), servant (doing), and messenger (telling).

Outcomes for MB Biblical Seminary’s Fresno Campus

Every student shall
1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in Christian community
2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective
3. Interpret one’s own and other cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches
4. Practice leadership skills in __________
pastoral ministry: MDiv, MA in CM
intercultural mission: MA in IM
marriage, family and child counseling: MA in MFCC
educational leadership: MA OT, NT, Theology

Intentional Learning Practices
1. Clear and effective oral and written communication
2. Close reading of texts
3. Social analysis
4. Theological reflection
5. Collaboration
6. Integrity and originality
7. Practical application
8. Information research literacy

Below is a condensed version of the MB Biblical Seminary Education Outcomes. A full version (with additional subpoints) is available upon request at the front desk of the administration building.

Every student shall
1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community

1.1 Practice spiritual disciplines that promote maturing authentic discipleship

1.2 Demonstrate self-awareness that promotes maturing, authentic humanity

1.3 Accept coaching through mentoring relationships under the auspices of MB Biblical Seminary

1.4 Develop relationship with a cohort of fellow learners under the auspices of MB Biblical Seminary

1.5 Witness persuasively to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a postmodern secular context

1.6 Lead individuals and a Christian community in spiritual growth

2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective

2.1 Exegete biblical texts within a design that includes the descriptive, synthetic, hermeneutical, and pragmatic analytical tasks

2.2 Describe personal and denominational theological position in dialogue with values of Anabaptism and the rest of Christian tradition

2.3 Articulate and defend a biblical view of leadership and Christian ministry in the world

2.4 Analyze, synthesize, and engage contemporary church and world issues from a biblical theological perspective

3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches

3.1 Describe the missio Dei view of church as a people called and sent to represent God’s reign as community, servant, and messenger in dialogue with personal and denominational theology/sociology of church

3.2 Utilize theological and social scientific tools and practices to understand and interpret the culture of a ministry and the cultural context of the ministry

3.3 Assess the significance of cultural context for interpreting Scripture within and across cultures

3.4 Apply biblical theological perspectives in serving and leading in one’s own and other ministry contexts

3.5 Dialogue respectfully, witness effectively, and serve and lead faithfully among diverse cultural and religious communities

4. Practice leadership skills in pastoral ministry: (MDiv)

4.1 Proclaim the gospel message through words and deeds with the purpose of leading all people to faith in Jesus Christ and into a relationship with the church

4.2 Summarize, interpret, and integrate biblical, historical, and theological perspectives and theories related to faithful pastoral leadership in the 21st century

4.3 Describe how to minister among God’s people to evoke the trust, credibility, and confidence that a congregational leader requires during times of change

4.4 Explain how to nurture the imagination and growth of God’s people through the conviction that God’s reign is among them

4.5 Prepare and proclaim sermons that are faithful to the biblical text and relevant to God’s people in their cultural contexts

4.6 Plan and lead services of Christian worship that are biblical as well as appropriate to one’s congregational tradition

4.7 Provide congregational leadership with the recognition that leadership in the local church is team leadership shared by men and women whom the congregation calls to prepare, equip, and empower it for participation in God’s mission in the world

4.8 Attend to the pastoral care needs of the congregation

4. Practice leadership skills in marriage, family, and child counseling. (MA MFCC)

4.1 Articulate integrative views of humanity, theology, and counseling

4.2 Demonstrate understanding of individual and family life cycle development and intervention across the life span

4.3 Demonstrate appropriate use of one’s personal self in response to human need

4.4 Demonstrate practice consistent with the laws and ethics that apply to marriage, family, and child counseling

4.5 Demonstrate understanding of a wide variety of counseling theories and techniques

4.6 Demonstrate knowledge of mental disorders, within the scope of practice for marriage, family, and child counselors

4.7 Demonstrate proactive understanding, awareness, and relational skills across cultures, religions, and special populations

4.8 Demonstrate proactive commitment to a community of witness, justice, and peace

4.9 Develop ability to understand, utilize, and evaluate research and assessment tools

4. Practice leadership skills in intercultural mission: (MA IM)

4.1. Demonstrate a commitment to intercultural ministry by developing a biblical, theological and historical foundation for mission.

4.2 Demonstrate passion for cross-cultural and urban ministry by developing biblical contextualization skills.

4.3 Demonstrate the ability to serve and lead in cultural and religious diversity by applying biblical/theological perspectives.

4.4 Demonstrate skills for intercultural ministry by utilizing contextualization tools such as anthropology, sociology and missiology principles

4.5 Demonstrate preparedness for intercultural ministry by developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships and communication links with diverse cultural groups.

4. Practice leadership skills in Educational Leadership. (MA NT, OT, Theology)

4.1 Summarize, interpret and apply the assumptions, historical perspectives, theories, and relevant literature of the academic disciplines vital to educational leadership.

4.2 Demonstrate strong research and writing skills.

4.3 Develop a solid foundation in the chosen field of study (Th, OT, or NT).