Instructions for Degree Applications ONLY

(see below for occasional student application instructions)

Writing, reflecting and researching are essential aspects to theological education. To show these skills, please prepare two formal essays. They should demonstrate your ability to succinctly articulate and clearly organize both your thoughts and feelings. These essays will be evaluated for your admission to Bethany, as well as your, eligibility for scholarships (see below for additional instructions). Both essays should be typed, double-spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman 12 point font, with name and date.

Vocational Intentions (one page only)

All students must complete this essay for admissions to Bethany. In your essay, please specifically address your sense of call to ministry/vocation, your unique gifts for this ministry/vocation, and how a Bethany education will assist you in meeting these vocational intentions. 

In addition, this essay will be evaluated for the Church Service Covenant awarded to students who are preparing for a vocation that will serve his/her church. Serving the church is defined broadly and includes the following areas of intention:

-congregational pastor (either full time or bi-vocational)

-administrator in a church agency including a seminary or denominational or judicatory office

-teacher of theology and religion in an institution of higher learning

-formalized missionary or evangelistic work internationally or in marginalized domestic communities

-specialized ministry, including chaplaincy, campus ministry, pastoral counseling, spiritual direction or camp administrator

Theological Reflection (two pages only)

All students must complete ONE of the following essays for admission to Bethany.

PLEASE NOTE: This essay will NOT be judged or critiqued for its adherence to a certain theological perspective. At Bethany, we welcome theological diversity and strive to create a respectful and caring learning environment for all, including our Admissions Essays.

REQUIRED: In whichever essay you select, you may refer to passages from the Bible, and you must include at least one citation or reference to at least one source other than the Bible. This may be drawn from a variety of printed materials: a book, an essay, a journal article, or a reliable periodical. Citations from websites are not acceptable for this essay. Please provide full citation information for any sources you reference, including the Bible, following one of the standard formats (MLA, Chicago, Turabian). “A Turabian Style: Quick Reference Guide for Students” can be found on the Bethany website, if needed.

In addition, this essay will be evaluated for the Academic Excellence Scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Chose only one of the following questions for your essay:

1. Define a significant theological term (i.e., atonement, brokenness, salvation, grace, forgiveness, sin, etc.). While drawing upon credible resources to define this term, also reflect your personal understanding. Feel free to utilize poetry or parable, story or song, metaphor or myth to enhance how you define this term.

2. Bethany's mission states that God's shalom and Christ's peace are central to the message and ministry of Jesus. In what ways is this statement true or not true? In what ways does Jesus call us to peace-making and shalom-seeking in the 21st century? What concerns and cares of peace and justice (i.e., poverty, war, famine, sexism, racism, etc.) most speak to you and your ministry? Is Jesus central to the understanding of your mission, if so, how so?

3. Identify and describe a biblical character that connects and/or emulates your journey into ministry. How does s/he connect? In what ways are your stories dis/similar? How does God speak through this character and through you? How might this story prepare you for theological education at Bethany?

Instructions for Occasional Student Applications ONLY

Please write a one-page essay outlining how your personal and professional goals relate to the class(es) you plan to take at Bethany. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman 12 point font, with name and date. Please email to Amy Ritchie, ritchambethanyseminary.edu