Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Divinity
B.Div.
Preparing students for preaching and pastoral ministry through advanced study of Scripture, theology, and practical spiritual leadership.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Divinity program is designed to prepare students for preaching and pastoral ministry within Evangelical Baptist churches. In accordance with the practice and theological understanding of ministry within the brotherhood, this program is intended for men.
Special emphasis is placed on advanced study of Scripture, theology, and the development of spiritual leadership skills.
The program serves as a continuation of the associate-level program and assumes prior or parallel completion of foundational studies.
“Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11
At a Glance
Degree
Bachelor’s degree (B.Div.)
Length
6 years total (two three-year cycles)
Language
Russian (primary)
Format
Hybrid sessions (Friday evening & Saturday) + independent study
Open to
For men
Ministry focus
Preaching and pastoral ministry
Credits
24 bachelor’s-level credits
Who Is This For?
Is this program right for you?
This program is designed for men who:
- are preparing for preaching ministry
- currently serve or plan to serve as pastors
- participate in spiritual leadership within the church
- desire deeper study of theology and Scripture
- seek to develop mentoring, counseling, and ministry leadership skills
Applicants must meet the Institute's admission requirements, including church membership and prior completion of the required program. See requirements →
What You'll Learn
Key areas of study
01
Biblical and systematic theology
02
Interpretation and application of Scripture
03
Sermon preparation and preaching
04
Pastoral ministry and spiritual leadership
05
Counseling and discipleship
06
Slavic Baptist history and theology
07
Christian ethics and apologetics
Curriculum
Academic plan
The bachelor's program serves as a continuation of the associate-level program and assumes prior or parallel completion of the foundational program. The degree is awarded upon completion of the required credits below (200 — bachelor's level).
Theology — 6 credits
- TH 201 · Christian Ethics — 3 cr.
The biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics: moral decision-making, character formation, and the application of biblical principles in various life situations. - TH 202 · Apologetics — 3 cr.
The foundations of Christian apologetics, including elements of logic, philosophy, and worldview analysis, and approaches to major challenges to the Christian faith in contemporary society.
History — 3 credits
- HI 203 · Slavic Baptist History and Theology — 3 cr.
An overview of the history of the Slavic Evangelical Baptist brotherhood and its theological heritage: key stages of development, doctrinal distinctives, and ministry practices.
Ministry Practice — 6 credits
- PM 204 · Biblical Counseling — 3 cr.
The foundations of biblical counseling as a ministry within the Church: principles of counseling, the nature of spiritual and personal struggles, and pathways toward biblical change. - PM 205 · Evangelism and Discipleship — 3 cr.
The biblical foundations of evangelism and discipleship: the goals of the Christian life, methods and approaches to evangelism, and the process of spiritual mentoring.
Specialization Electives — 9 credits
- SP 206 · Christian Marriage and Family — 1.5 cr.
The biblical foundations of marriage and family life: the relationship between husband and wife, the raising of children, and the role of the family in the life of the Church. - SP 207 · Hymnology — 1.5 cr.
The theology and history of Christian hymns and sacred music, their role in worship and in the spiritual formation of believers. - SP 208 · Pastoral Ministry — 1.5 cr.
Advanced study of pastoral ministry based on biblical principles: spiritual leadership, counseling, preaching, and church administration, with emphasis on the personal spiritual formation of the ministry leader. - SP 210 · Comparative Theology — 3 cr.
Major Christian denominations, world religions, and religious movements, their doctrinal distinctives and differences from biblical Christianity. - SP 213 · Introduction to Biblical Languages — 1.5 cr.
The foundational grammar of biblical Hebrew and Greek, basic language structures, and principles for working with the original text of Scripture.
Source: Academic Catalog 2026–27. Each branch maintains its own schedule of offered courses. Download the catalog (PDF)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced understanding of biblical and systematic theology;
- apply principles of biblical interpretation in sermon preparation;
- engage in preaching and pastoral ministry;
- participate in spiritual leadership and mentoring;
- apply theological knowledge in the life and ministry of the Church.
Learning Format
Designed for students balancing study with work, family responsibilities, and church ministry. Courses are offered through a hybrid session format and include:
- classroom instruction;
- independent study;
- reading assignments;
- written coursework;
- practical ministry within the local church.
Ministry Opportunities
- preaching ministry
- pastoral ministry
- mentoring and discipleship
- counseling ministry
- leadership of church ministries
- teaching and spiritual leadership within the local church
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Be born-again believers, baptized upon confession of faith, and members of an Evangelical Baptist church for at least two years*
- Agree with and sign the doctrinal statement of Alliance Bible Institute
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent secondary education
- Submit all required documents, including a recommendation from a local church pastor
- Demonstrate motivation for study and Christian ministry
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bachelor of Divinity open to women?
The B.Div. program is designed to prepare students for pastoral and preaching ministry within Evangelical Baptist churches. In accordance with the practice and theological understanding of ministry within the brotherhood, this program is intended for men. All other Institute programs are open to both men and women.
How long does the program take?
Academic study at the Institute is organized in three-year cycles. One cycle is required for the Associate Degree (A.Th.), an additional cycle for a bachelor's degree (six years total), and another cycle for the master's degree (nine years total).
Can I study while working full-time?
Yes. The learning format is designed for students who are employed, enrolled in other educational programs, and actively involved in ministry. Each session consists of approximately 11 contact hours (Friday evening and Saturday) and about 22 hours of independent study.
May assignments be completed in English?
The primary language of instruction is Russian. Assignments may be completed in English with the approval of the instructor.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Transfer credits may be considered upon admission. Only courses completed with a grade of C (72%) or higher may be accepted, and no more than 30% of the total credits required for a program may be transferred. The President of the Institute makes the final decision.
Is there a practicum?
Each academic program includes a summer practicum completed either within a local church or in a missionary ministry context. Students are informed of the specific requirements prior to the summer break.
Ready to Begin?
If you desire deeper study of Scripture and preparation for preaching or pastoral ministry, the Bachelor of Divinity program can become an important step in your spiritual and ministry development.