DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION

Information

Olive Hemmings, Ph.D. | Chair
Department of Religion
Richards Hall, Room 102

Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park MD 20912-7796
301-891-4035| Fax: 301-891-4189
religion@wau.edu

Faculty

Olive Hemmings, Ph.D.
Bogdan Scur, M.A.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through example and through rigorous preparation that is biblically based, theologically informed, historically and culturally mindful, morally astute and practically adept, we seek to form women and men who know and supremely delight in God and competently declare God’s glory in Seventh-day Adventist congregations and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

Based on our heritage and convictions, the Department of Religion at Washington Adventist University exists in order to:

Acquaint students with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Assist students in the development of their faith.
Challenge students to develop a commitment to the Gospel of Christ that is expressed in action and service.
Train pastors and Bible teachers for ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Religion at Washington Adventist University continues the rich heritage of this institution by training its students for Christian mission and ministry.

As the Seventh-day Adventist Church considers the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, our department provides an Adventist community of learning and preparation where people discover and embrace anew the biblical witness of both the Old and New Testaments. Scripture is central, as students follow Israel’s hope and fulfillment in the redeeming and reconciling life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In response to Christ’s call for the unity of the church and the commission to share the Gospel with the world, our department welcomes men and women from all cultures, nations and races. We celebrate our differences and use our diversity to promote better learning and understanding as we attempt to reach the world with the Gospel message. In the tradition of the earliest Seventh-day Adventists, we integrate faith and learning with ministry and mission in our local neighborhoods, throughout the Eastern Seaboard and the world.

The Department of Religion has an enduring commitment to foster the knowledge and love of God through thoughtful engagement with the best of Christian scholarship in the context of the contemporary needs of the world. Our department provides resources and training for churches that encourages continued reflection on ministry and mission, given the changing social and cultural realities of the world in which we live and serve.

For these reasons, our department enthusiastically embraces WAU’s identity as the “Gateway to Service.”

In gratitude for the possibilities of ministry and mission in our strategic location within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, our department provides an unparalleled program for students training for ministry in suburban and metropolitan settings. Our curriculum offers degrees in religion and theology with an optional concentration in urban ministry that seek to train students as pastors, teachers and/or lay leaders in their local worshipping communities.

We believe that all students at WAU should have the opportunity to reflect on ways their career training and faith are integrated, both now and for the rest of their lives. In addition to providing training for majors and minors, the Department of Religion works with the General Education curriculum of our university to provide interesting and challenging courses that integrate faith and learning. Every student is required to complete 12 hours of religion courses. See details of GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS .

Full-time and adjunct faculty in our department bring their expertise and proven leadership in denominational work to the classrooms. Even more important, they bring a dedication to Jesus Christ. They believe that WAU is located in a critical place and time for the Christian Gospel and the Seventh-day Adventist hope.

The Department of Religion unashamedly affirms the sovereignty of the triune God over all creation. We believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ as God’s saving word for all nations, in the renewing power of the word and spirit in life, and in the unity of Christ’s servant church as a redeemed community throughout the world.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The following goals and objectives are based on our department’s history and mission. Each General Education student will be expected to exhibit:

The ability to reflect on issues of faith in the context of a Seventh-day Adventist Christian community and the world.
The ability to competently articulate (in both oral and written form) faith and convictions.
The ability to competently interpret sections of Scripture (Old and New Testaments).
Knowledge of the principles of the Christian faith.
Knowledge of the key doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The proper use of research methods.
Respect toward diversity.

In addition, each Theology/Religion major and minor will be expected to exhibit:

The ability to use the principles of biblical interpretation necessary for ministry and/or seminary training.
The leadership skills necessary for serving Seventh-day Adventist churches and related institutions.
The spiritual formation essential for following God’s call to ministry in our world.
A commitment to nurturing community life through regular worship and participation in a local church congregation.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

All students majoring in theology and religion are expected to attend the Student Ministerial Association and departmental meetings as scheduled and to participate actively in the Ministerial Field Training program sponsored by the department.

STATEMENT OF STUDENT POLICIES

All theology and religion students are required to show awareness of and respect for the policies and procedures set forth by the Department of Religion in the Religion Department Handbook, as well as those found in the WAU Academic Catalog and WAU Student Handbook. Each student will receive a copy of the Religion Department handbook during the time of matriculation as a theology or religion student.

ELIGIBILITY TO REMAIN IN PROGRAM

The Department of Religion reserves the right to administratively withdraw a student if, for any reason, the student’s scholastic achievement, mental health, integrity and/or ability to work with people proves unsatisfactory.

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

a. All theology and religion students must maintain a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.50 at all times.

b. All theology and religion students must achieve at least a “C” grade in all religion and cognate courses.

c. A theology or religion student cannot repeat a religion course more than once, nor repeat more than two courses in the program.

d. All sophomore theology majors must receive “advancement to candidacy” in order to receive placement in a local church and the opportunity to interview with conference presidents during the junior and senior years of the program.

In the event of dismissal from the program, a person may apply to WAU as a theology or religion student only after receiving written permission from the Department of Religion.

Programs

Baccalaureate Degree

Minors