Application Essay Instructions

Writing, reflecting, and researching are essential aspects of a theological education. At Bethany, we welcome theological diversity and strive to create a respectful and caring learning environment for all. Please note that your essays will not be judged or critiqued for their adherence to a certain theological perspective.

These essays will be evaluated for both your admission to Bethany and your eligibility for scholarships. Please submit them in the following format:

• Typed and double spaced
• One-inch margins
• Times New Roman 12-point font
• Include a title
• Your name and date at the top

Essay #1: Vocational Intentions (one page only)

For this short essay, please 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 your vocational intentions.

This essay will also be evaluated for the Church Service Covenant Grant.

Essay #2: Theological Reflection (two pages only)

Choose one of the following questions to address for the theological reflection essay:

1. Define a significant theological term (e.g., 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 peacemaking and shalom-seeking in the twenty-first century? What concerns and cares of peace and justice—such as poverty, war, famine, sexism, racism, etc.—most speak to you and your ministry? Is Jesus central to the understanding of your mission, and if so, how?
3. Identify and describe a biblical character that connects with and/or emulates your journey into ministry. How does this character connect? In what ways are your stories similar or dissimilar? How does God speak through this character and through you? How might this story prepare you for theological education at Bethany?

This theological reflection essay must include at least one citation or reference from an academic source. Biblical references may be used in addition to the academic citation. Citations from websites are not acceptable for this essay. Provide full citation information for any sources you reference, including the Bible, by following one of the standard formats: MLA, Chicago, or Turabian.

This essay will also be evaluated for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Submission of Essays

E-mail your essays as attached files in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or MS-Word (.doc or .docx) format to admissions@bethanyseminary.edu.