Philosophy and Religion
at Central Christian College

Augustus Toplady once said, "The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on his tiptoe."  That is why faith, Christian faith, is so vitally important.  For millennia, humanity has tried to downplay the importance of God.  We have tried reasoning, meditation, exploration, inner discovery, outer space, and even following the "bright light."  Still, we cannot escape the truth that we are incomplete unless we are actively involved in a personal relationship with our God and Father. All the learning in the world amounts to nothing, unless applied to a life lived for Christ.

It is when you take a "tip-toed philosopher" and merge it with a "knelt-down Christian" that life becomes truly alive.  That is when a life takes on meaning.  It turns careers into life-long callings, and hobbies into ministries.  It sweeps away the mundane and makes all that we do an incredible spiritual journey.  So, you can spend your college career trying to tippie-toe yourself higher on great learning, but unless it is coupled with the development of your faith in Christ, you will never truly see all that God wants you to see.  That is what makes the study of philosophy and religion so important, especially from a Christian perspective.  

Why Study Philosophy and Religion at Central Christian College?

Experience!  It does not matter if you are looking at going into full time ministry or just taking some Bible courses; each member of the Philosophy and Religion team is dedicated not only to helping you learn, but to helping you take what you learn and use it in real life.  Sure, Central is dedicated to an evangelical position.  Sure, Central emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  The difference is that we do more than talk about these things, we live it out!  

That means you will leave Central Christian not only with the knowledge needed to serve God, but also with the practical experience to do so.  There is a big difference between knowing how to ride a bike and actually riding a bike.  We want to be sure you not only know how, but you have actually had a chance to try. You can expect training which includes a strong emphasis on evangelism, small group experience, leadership, a solid Biblical foundation, and (you should have guessed this one) EXPERIENCE!

The Philosophy and Religion department has five Program Objectives:
Since the goal of the Philosophy and Religion department is to be sure you are ready for ministry in the real world, that means besides the quality instruction in Bible, theology, evangelism, small groups, leadership, care of persons, worship, ministry strategies, Christian education, and discipleship, you will also have the benefit of other academic pursuits.  We realize individuals in ministry today have many demands placed upon them.  Not only will you need to serve as God's appointed ambassador, but sometimes you may also have to oversee building committees, create budgets, or maintain web pages.  That is why Central Christian has created a program which allows you to be sure you are ready for "real world" ministry.

Oh, and don't worry about getting lost.  At some schools it is easy to become entangled in some theological knot and find yourself not (knot)  knowing where to turn. Central Christian boasts an average class size of 10 - 15 students.  That means you will have ample opportunity to ask your questions.  We view your education as a journey that we embark on together.  We will be there every step of the way.

What Can I Do With a Degree from Central?

Receiving a degree from the Religion and Philosophy department can open up many doors of opportunity.  You may choose to continue your education and move on to graduate level studies.  If so, your time at Central will have been well spent.  You will find that our comprehensive approach to your education will provide you with the necessary tools to succeed in your educational endeavors.  Students graduating from Central Christian have been accepted in a number of graduate programs, such as Kansas State University, Friends University, Asbury Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Oral Roberts University, Northpark Seminary, Fuller Seminary, and Seattle Pacific University.

If you would rather begin your career immediately after graduation, you can be confident that your education will assist you in securing an entry level position within the field of the Religion and Philosophy, such as:
Students who recently graduated from our program are currently working as missionaries, senior pastors, church planters, church musicians, associate pastors, and denominational executives.

Do I Have to be Part of a Certain Denomination?

Certainly not!  Central Christian College welcomes ministry students from all Christian denominations.  We seek to enhance the student's spiritual development through open reflection, interacting with God's Word, the student's religious tradition, and Central’s Wesleyan heritage.  The department has a strong relationship with many local churches providing many ministry opportunities, both on and off campus.

What Will I be Doing While at Central Christian College?

The Bachelor of Science in Ministry is one of three 4-year degrees offered at Central Christian College. The Bachelor of Science in Ministry emphasizes theory and practice in ministry education based on Biblical foundations.  You may choose from three majors:
If you are looking for a broader educational focus, you may want to learn more about the Bachelor of Science degree with a Liberal Studies major and a concentration in Philosophy and Religion.  This degree allows you to design an education program which meets your specific needs.

Who is Going to Help me Along the Way?

Every student declaring a concentration related to Religion and Philosophy can be assured of receiving personal and caring help from our talented team of faculty members. Our team includes: Upon declaring your major area of study, you will be assigned to a personal academic advisor.  This advisor will take the time to meet with you individually and help you plan out your college career.  He/she will take the time to listen to your specific needs and desires, and then prayerfully design your unique college plan.  One advantage of attending Central Christian College is that it is easy to access your academic advisor. You will not have to wait long periods of time to see your advisor, nor will you have to wonder if he/she has any clue who you are.  You can be assured that your academic advisor is looking out for you.

What Other Educational Opportunities are there at Central?

Central Christian College provides several opportunities for a student to enhance his/her learning experience in special ways, including:

Missions Trips
Several missions trips are scheduled each year.  These trips provide students with the opportunity to express God’s love in tangible ways and to share the Gospel to people in a different location or culture.  Recent destinations include Mexico, New Mexico, Chicago, New York, China, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa and Jamaica.

Focus on the Family: A Semester in Colorado Springs
One of the most exciting opportunities is a semester with Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Juniors and Seniors with a GPA of at least 3.50 may apply to participate in this joint venture of Central Christian College and Focus on the Family Institute.  Students are selected by a committee from Focus on the Family.

Courses include:

Christian Center for Urban Studies, Olive Branch Mission:  A Semester in Chicago
Students may apply for a semester of inner-city studies in Chicago, Illinois.  Juniors and Seniors with a GPA of at least 3.50 may apply to participate in this joint venture of Central Christian College and the Christian Center for Urban Studies.

Courses include:


How Do I Get Started?

We would love the opportunity to tell you more about Central Christian College and how we can help you prepare for a fulfilling career and life.  If you are interested in finding out more about Central Christian College, you can call us at 1-800-835-0078, or we would be happy to simply send you more information.  Of course, you can always apply online and really get the ball rolling.  Some students find it helpful to actually visit the campus, which gives you a chance to meet the instructors, sit in on some classes, and catch a glimpse of Central's unique educational environment.  If you are interested in visiting our campus, be sure to check out our Preview Days or schedule a campus visit.