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Faculty: B. Hollon, G. Linville, S. Moroney, S. Nicholson, D. Phinney (Dean of the College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences), W. Quigley, La. Reinhart (Chair), J. Soza, D. Watson

Mission Statement

The mission of the Malone University Department of Theology is to provide practical theological education that transforms men and women into effective Christian leaders who bring glory to God.

By “provide” we mean the delivery of theological knowledge in both traditional (daytime, semester-long classes) and non-traditional (partial semester, evening, electronic) formats.

By “practical” we intend that the course of study offered be explicitly linked with the practice of Christian ministry in all its various forms, including youth ministry, sports ministry, pastoral ministry, evangelism, missions, and Christian education.

By “theological education” we mean courses in all the theological disciplines: contemporary theology, systematic theology, practical theology, biblical studies, biblical languages, and church history.

By “effective Christian” we mean individuals whose Christian faith is explicitly Evangelical and is clearly evidenced in their personal theology, piety, and morality. Theology, the intellectual component, includes correct and complete doctrine as well as biblical knowledge. Piety, the affective component, includes love for God as evidenced in prayer and worship. Morality, the behavioral component, includes a life characterized by service to others and personal holiness. While each of these components can be considered separately, we believe that in the life of an individual they are intimately interconnected.

By “leaders” we mean the broadest sense of the term. We recognize that Christian leaders do not only serve in churches or guide large organizations. They also operate in sports and campus ministries, on mission fields, in government, in business, in neighborhoods and in homes. They lead worship, lead prayer, lead small groups, lead organizations, lead work teams, lead peers, and lead families. Most importantly, they lead people into a personal relationship with Christ.

Vision Statement

The Department of Theology at Malone University wants to be a premier center for campus-based graduate and undergraduate theological education in the Great Lakes Region, and a top-tier center of technology-based theological education for the world. It will become the premier institution in Ohio for baccalaureate ministry preparation and pre-seminary education. It will be the most important theological education and ministry training facility for the Evangelical Friends Church. It will be a national center for training sports and youth ministers. It will train local non-ordained church leaders to more effectively serve their congregations. Undergraduates of other majors who take courses in the Department of Theology as part of their general education curriculum will come to see the theological disciplines as vital academic endeavors worthy of their most serious intellectual effort. The goal is for all students to be profoundly changed by their coursework and to be able to better apply their knowledge of scripture and theology to their chosen vocation.

Majors

Seven majors are offered by the Department of Theology. These include Bible and Theology , Educational Ministries , Sports Outreach Ministries , Youth Ministry , and three combination majors: Sports/Educational Ministries , Youth/Educational Ministries , and Youth/Sports Ministries .

The Bible and Theology major is designed to provide an understanding of the Bible, history of Christian thought, and theological doctrines. It provides excellent preparation for students who desire to pursue graduate studies in a seminary or university. Students following God’s call to missionary service, pastoral leadership, preaching, and teaching are encouraged to pursue this major.

The other six majors are designed to equip students for specialized ministries. The Educational Ministries major prepares students to become Directors of Christian Education and oversee all educational ministries of a local church. The Youth Ministry major prepares students to lead ministries which touch the lives of adolescents and young adults. The Sports Outreach Ministries major prepares students for innovative ministries involving sports as a tool to reach individuals for Christ. The remaining majors (Sports/Educational Ministries, Youth/Educational Ministries, Youth/Sports Ministries) provide students with broader preparation by offering combinations of the above majors. These combination majors prepare students for staff positions in local churches or in organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Young Life.

Upon entering the Department of Theology, each student will be assigned an academic advisor who will provide vocational guidance until graduation. Maintaining a major gpa of 2.5 is required for graduation from any undergraduate program in the Department of Theology. (See Graduation Requirements - Academic Policies and Procedures .)

Each student pursuing a major in the Department of Theology must complete a senior comprehensive examination before graduation. Information may be acquired in the Office of the Department of Theology.

Minors

Seven minors are offered by the Department of Theology. These include Bible , Biblical Languages , Educational Ministries , Missions and Cross-Cultural Ministries , Sports Ministry , Theology , and Youth Ministry .

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