Theology and Ministry Department

Seldom have Christians faced such a rapidly changing, complex world. The world needs Christians who deeply understand both the world and their own faith. As a division, we seek to guide students in careful reflection upon the Word of God, the world in which we live, and our response to the world's real and felt needs in light of the Word. We long to nurture critical thought, skillful ministry, and godly, Spirit-empowered lives.

The division desires to have an impact on every student's life through the required foundational studies courses. During your studies you will gain a broad understanding of the Bible and theology. You will acquire the tools necessary to adequately interpret the Scriptures. These studies aim to provide you with the foundation for a dynamic Christian life that critically engages our culture and the world. We hope you will enjoy this wonderful opportunity!

If you sense God's call to vocational Christian ministry, the division also provides a variety of majors to prepare you for your calling. Whether you feel called to ministry among adults, youth, or children in a local church or in a cross-cultural setting, we have carefully designed the curricula to include both theoretical underpinnings and experiential opportunities for your ministry. We have also recruited professors who combine ministry experience with academic qualifications obtained from some of the finest universities and seminaries around the world. We hope that you will grow in your understanding of ministry with us!

Study Abroad

Simpson University offers many study abroad programs that are designed to enhance your educational experience.

Israel Study Tour

Simpson University’s Israel study tour will give you the opportunity to study in the Holy Land. While working with the Jerusalem University College, you will learn about the physical features of the land of the Bible as you walk, study, sleep and eat where Jesus and other biblical figures once did as well. While you are in Israel you will focus mostly on the land's geographical factors and how it affects the people, their living arrangements and their communication in different areas. You will also be able to study maps and view class previews ahead of time to understand the background to each trip in the field. This tour allows you to see the actual places you have heard about in your classes at Simpson, making the archaeological, historical and biblical material you've studied come alive.

This study abroad program is not affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Australian Studies Center

Through the Australian Studies Center study abroad program you will be able to experience Australia through the dynamic evangelical Christian community at Wesley Institute. While attending this school, you will meet fellow Christians from a variety of locations, churches, languages and cultures. It won't be long before you realize that this institution is full of people who chase after a common goal: to be equipped to undertake ministry opportunities in all walks of life, a goal that we hope you will embrace as well.

As a student, you will be expected to take a course in the history, culture and society of Australia, as well as three or four other courses of your choosing.

Middle East Studies Program

Attending this study abroad program means you will delve headfirst into an entirely different existence halfway around the world. At the crossroads of the Middle East lies Egypt, home of three major religions and ancient civilizations. It is also the most heavily populated Arab homeland in the world.

As part of the Middle East Studies Program, you will live and study in Cairo, Egypt. You will also get to travel in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Turkey as you study the history, culture, religions and struggles of this dynamic area. This program will combine firsthand encounters of the Middle Eastern world with intense study opportunities.

You will develop a basic understanding of conversational Arabic by studying under a certified Arabic language instructor. There is no language prerequisite required for this trip. You will also develop your language skills as you interact with Egyptian students, other teachers, business people, and friends of MESP. You will even further expand your language knowledge by taking part in interdisciplinary seminar courses taught by the MESP director and invited experts.

The three seminars are Islamic Thought and Practice, Conflict and Change, and Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East. As a student of this program, you will live in a dormitory or apartment, as well with an Egyptian family for a 10-day home stay.

The program is 16 credits (4 for language and 12 for seminars).

These are just a few of the study abroad programs you can take for credit as a Simpson student.
View a complete list of our study abroad programs.