Cross-Cultural Missions

Have you felt a calling to cross-cultural missions?

Have you felt God calling you into the mission field? Perhaps God has placed a burden on your heart for a specific people group or perhaps you have simply felt the Holy Spirit moving you in the direction of Christian missions. Here at KMBC, we trust God will continue to clarify His calling on your life as you are being equipped to serve.

Missions – both foreign and domestic – can be a real challenge in today’s changing world, but it is also exceedingly rewarding! At KMBC, you’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to help you succeed. Full-time ministry graduates of KMBC are 390% more likely to remain faithful to the calling in the long haul than the national average. If you’re serious about missions, KMBC is the place for you!

Julianna Keaton, Class of 2015

Uganda Missions Trip

Rural Missions with Bill Ryan, Class of 2007

WGM Missionary in Kayo Sirpi, Honduras

Rural Missions with Beth Ryan, Class of 2007

WGM Missionary in Casa Sola, Honduras

Missions at KMBC:

Here at KMBC, we love missions! Every Friday Chapel service is what we call “Missions Chapel.” These are special chapel services dedicated to missions outreach. Our student-led missions committee will often invite missionaries to speak in these chapel services. This provides a great way to ask questions of missionaries who are actively serving on the mission field. Those missionaries come from a variety of mission agency backgrounds, giving you the opportunity to become familiar with them before making your final decision.

Additionally, at KMBC, your missions academic advisor will be a great prayer partner and asset in helping you find the right missions organization.

A great way to get a brief taste of missions is to go on a short term mission trip. KMBC students are going on mission trips every year. Many of these are being led by fellow students, faculty, or friends of the college.

How do I become a missionary?

A calling to missions comes in all shapes and forms. God’s call to the mission field could take you as close as the inner-city of Indianapolis or a town on the US-Mexican border. For some, the calling has taken them to the bustling mega-city of Tokyo, Japan or on a remote three day journey through swamp and savanna of La Moskita, Honduras. KMBC graduates have ministered in 54 countries around the world. What does all this have in common? First and foremost, each has completely sold out and surrendered to Christ. Secondly, each of these missionaries received their biblical training and preparation at Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Each has a differing testimony of how God called them and ultimately brought them to their current mission field.

One of the best ways to successfully land on the mission field is to partner with a missions sending agency. Our graduates have partnered with a number of missions organizations including World Gospel Mission, One Mission Society, the Church of the Nazarene, and many others.

Most missions’ agencies require a college education or at least two years of Bible College. After the initial interview, paperwork, and acceptance into the organization, your missions’ agency counselor will help you find the right location for ministry. At this point, you will likely begin fundraising and perhaps language studies before landing on the field.

Children's Program with Shushan Richardson, Class of 2011

WGM Missionary in Berdyansk, Ukraine

Credit Hours

130 Credit Hours

What classes will I study?

As a student in the cross-cultural missions program, you will be focusing on classes to prepare you as a missionary, preacher, and teacher. In addition to the general education core, you will be studying a variety of biblical texts, theology, and missions practices. For a complete list, skim through the list below.

Cross-Cultural Missions Core

  • Comparative Religions


    A study of the leading non-Christian religions with emphasis on their origin, history, doctrines and ethics. The uniqueness of the Christian message is emphasized along with the challenge of communicating that message both abroad and to the pluralistic society at home.
  • Christian Counseling


    Focuses upon the basic concepts and techniques of Christian counseling. The student will develop broader understanding and a working knowledge of counseling skills in order to help people who have spiritual and life adjustment problems.
  • Advancing the Indigenous Church or Practical Missions Today


    Advancing the Indigenous Church

    This course will introduce the potential cross-cultural worker to indigenous principles as they relate to church planting and growth on today’s mission field. Consideration is given to developments in theological education and to the development of a mission strategy in cross-cultural contexts.

    Practical Missions Today

    This course explores creative applications to missions work and training in a modern context.

  • Cross Cultural Communication or Cultural Anthropology

    Cross-Cultural Communication

    This course investigates the principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another with a focus on understanding other peoples and their cultures and on the relevance of the Incarnation as the model for intercultural communication of the gospel. This course will provide a blend of communication, anthropological, and missiological concepts.

    Cultural Anthropology

    A study of the basic principles of anthropology from a Christian perspective. The course provides a blend of anthropological and missiological concepts with the specific objective of equipping the student for effective communication of the Gospel cross-culturally.

  • Media Ministries

    This course examines the application of various media in ministry contexts in a web-centered world. Media examined include video, audio, desktop publishing, graphics, computer presentations, and websites. Emphasis is given to integrating these media with web technologies. The course assumes the student possesses a working knowledge of typing, word processing, internet navigation, and Windows.

  • Intro. & Advanced Homiletics


    Introduction: A general overview of the art and craft of preaching. Attention is given to the preacher, study helps, and sermon development.

    Advanced: An advanced course in the principles of construction and delivery of sermons.

  • Principles and Practices of Missions


    The course deals issues from the call to missions, the candidate’s preparation, acceptance, and assignment. The student will gain insight into missionary life both on and off the field and some understanding of the principles which are foundational for success in cross-cultural ministry today.
  • History of Missions


    An historical overview of the development and progress of Christian missions from its inception to the present. Emphasis is given to the personalities and methodologies which have guided the global advance of the Christian faith into the twenty-first century.
  • Apologetics


    An introduction to terminology, methods, and tools of apologetics.
  • Discipleship or Introduction to Christian Education


    Discipleship

    A survey of the principles, content, method, and materials for directing the spiritual growth of new converts and preparing them for leadership. Emphasis is given to skill building and to program development within the local church.

    Introduction to Christian Education

    This course emphasizes the biblical foundation of Christian education. Needs of the various age groups, current methods and approaches, curriculum and materials, organization and administration in the local church are practical aspects surveyed.

  • Evangelism


    This course provides an introduction to the biblical principles and practices of evangelism and discipleship and their applications to contemporary life.
  • Parliamentary Law


    The development of skills in the standard method of conducting and participating in business meetings is the focus of this course. Robert’s Rules of Order is the guidebook employed.
  • Introduction to Missions


    This course provides a biblical, historical and practical survey of world missions. Included in the course is a focus on the importance and role of the sending church in global evangelization.

General Education Core

  • Spiritual-Academic and Worldview Formation


    This course is designed to introduce the student to the spiritual and academic disciplines necessary to begin college life and to become a lifelong learner and Christian disciple. It provides an introduction to prominent contemporary worldviews and lays a foundation for developing a biblical worldview.
  • English Grammar


    A study of the fundamentals of English grammar with a view to proper construction. Emphasis is placed upon conciseness and correct diction.
  • English Composition


    Practice is given in various kinds of writing, including the formal research paper and the informal/formal essay to enable students to write clearly, concisely, logically and creatively.
  • Physical Education


    Promotes practices of good health and the development of Christian character through team play in competitive sports, both in class and through the program of intramural athletics. Students may be exempted from this course upon presentation of a doctor’s certificate requesting exemption from such activities.
  • Introduction to Communications or Introduction to Sociology

    Introduction to Communication

    The course introduces the process of communication as a critical element in human relationship and society, and examines various aspects of communication: information processing, interpersonal communication in dyadic relationships and small groups, organizational communication, and mass communication.

    Introduction to Sociology

    The course introduces the basic concepts of the discipline and major theories of social behavior. Factors underlying the formation and function of society, group life, social institution and processes are studied. Additionally, various current social problems are analyzed from a biblical world view.

  • Basic Public Speaking


    This course provides an introduction to the various types and components of public speeches. Class assignments and activities are designed to develop skills in preparing, refining and delivering public addresses.
  • History of Civilization I & II


    The courses survey the history of civilization from ancient times to the modern period and focus on the religious, political and legal aspects of the ancient, medieval and modern world as seen from the Christian perspective.
  • General Psychology


    Provides an introduction to psychology focusing on its major topics, methods, theories, and applications from a Christian perspective.
  • Music Appreciation


    A course which integrates basic music elements and appreciation for sacred and secular masterworks.
  • Church History


    A survey of the development of the Christian Church from apostolic times to the present with special attention being given to councils of the Church, medieval monasticism, the Protestant Reformation, Wesley and Pietism, and the North American church.
  • College Mathematics


    This course is designed to give the essentials of college algebra. Reasoning ability is developed by stressing application to physical problems. A grasp of algebraic principals and problem solving techniques will enable the student to think analytically, which has widespread application.
  • English Literature


    A critical study of certain chosen literary works from the Middle Ages to the present including some attention to the lives of the authors. Interpretations are sought in the light of historical and social backgrounds.
  • Marriage and Family


    This course considers the dynamics of marriage and family relationships. The emphasis will be upon the development of relationships from dating through courtship and marriage, with a special consideration for enrichment skills such as communication, conflict solving, budgeting, and role concepts.
  • Earth Science


    Taking information and operating principles from the study of various science disciplines, this course is a multi-disciplinary introduction to the earth’s processes and environment. The biblical account of creation is held to be accurate, and a six literal day creation period lays the foundation for this study of the earth.
  • Introduction to Philosophy


    Focuses on the terminology and methodology of philosophy including an emphasis on the classic concepts and thinkers of Western philosophical thought. Students are enabled to think critically and analytically about current philosophical trends from a Christian world view.

Bible Study Core

  • English Bible Survey


    This course is an introduction to the content, theology and history of the Bible with a special emphasis upon the major people, places and events. The various literary genres are studied in order to discover their basic teachings and place in divine revelation. The course is a prerequisite to all other courses in biblical studies.
  • Gospels


    A comprehensive study of the life and ministry of Jesus presented by the four gospel writers.
  • Pentateuch


    An historical and theological study of the first five books of the Old Testament which emphasizes the characters and the covenant. The Pentateuch is examined as the foundation for the remainder of the history of God’s revelation to humanity.
  • Acts


    The history of the origin, rise, and expansion of universal Christianity as presented in the Acts of the Apostles.
  • Prison Epistles

    The four Epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written by Paul during his Roman imprisonment. This class will consider the theological truths and practical applications contained in these letters.

  • General Epistles


    An inductive study of the epistles of James, Peter, John and Jude with emphasis on important doctrines and principles relating to Christian living. Attention is given to learning the use of different resource materials and the inductive process.
  • Romans


    A study of the Epistles of Romans which focuses on the theological truths and their application to the Christian life.
  • Hebrews


    A study of the Book of Hebrews which views the Old Testament in the light of the New Testament and informs Christology and Soteriology especially as they pertain to Entire Sanctification and Christian perseverance.
  • Isaiah-Jeremiah


    A study of the books with emphasis on the historical, social, moral and religious background of the prophet and their times. Major elements of the class include historical, eschatalogical, and New Covenant significance along with present-day application.
  • Biblical Studies Electives


    This is where you may customize part of your learning experience here at KMBC. What books are you interested in studying? Perhaps the Minor Prophets, Historical Books, Psalms and Wisdom Literature, the Apocalyptic Books, Galatians and Thessalonians, Romans, Corinthians, or a perhaps an advanced inductive study on a topic that interests you!

Theology Study Core

  • Foundations of Faith


    A foundational course in theology designed to give the student a basic understanding of the doctrines of God, man, and sin, and emphasizes the saving relationship into which God calls all human beings.
  • Doctrines of Holiness


    An intensive study of the doctrine of Christian perfection and entire sanctification as a second work of grace as it comes to expression within Scripture and Wesleyan theology which are integrated with experiential material for the purpose of instructing, clarifying, and establishing students in their personal experience of entire sanctification.
  • Cults


    This course will familiarize students with the beliefs and practices of the major cults and new religious movements. A special emphasis is placed on strategies for effectively sharing truth with the cultist.
  • Systematic Theology


    A comprehensive and systematic study of the major doctrines of the Christian faith in their organic interrelatedness and contemporary relevance which are foundational to Christian thought and life. This first course covers the sources and methods of theology, revelation, the inspiration of and canon of Scripture, the doctrine of God, the Trinity, anthropology, sin, Christ, and the atonement. The second course addresses the doctrine of Christian ethics, the Holy Spirit, the Church, the means of grace, and eschatology.
Have more questions?

Ms. Barbara Deaton

Meet the Missions Department advisor. Ms. Barbara Deaton will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding the program. Otherwise, request more information to get in touch with our admissions team.

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“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” – William Carey