THEOPHILUS COHORT
2 YEARS | 26 CREDITS
Theophilus is a cohort at Western Seminary that offers flexible, face-to-face ministry training in a condensed discussion-based format. The 26 credits of courses you complete (coming to class just once a month for two years) apply to the Master of Divinity, MA (Biblical and Theological Studies), MA in Ministry and Leadership, or MA in Global Leadership degrees.
The biblical character Theophilus is somewhat of a mystery. We don't know where he was from or what he did, and he is only mentioned twice in the New Testament (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). We do know that Luke wrote to Theophilus so that he might have certainty of the things he had been taught (Luke 1:4) and we know that his name means "lover or friend of God."
At Western Seminary, we believe in the goal of training God-lovers. The Theophilus Cohort accomplishes this in the following ways.
- ECCLESIAL | Courses are geared toward church leadership roles
- DIALOGICAL | Discuss and participate in small, seminar-style courses
- CONDENSED | Meet just one Friday a month
- PRESENT | Engage fully in on-site learning at our Portland campus
- CORE | Complete 26 core credits toward a master's degree
PROFESSORS
|
JOSH MATHEWS |
TODD MILES |
|
DANIEL K. ENG |
RYAN LISTER |
|
JAN VERBRUGGEN |
SPECIAL GUESTS
|
MICHAEL LAWRENCE |
E.D. BURNS |
SCHEDULE
YEAR ONE
| SEMESTER | SUBJECT | PROFESSOR |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | BT501 Hermeneutics | Miles |
| Fall | BT502 Biblical Theology | Mathews |
| Spring | BL501 Genesis to Song of Solomon | Mathews |
| Summer | BL502 Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels | Verbruggen/Eng |
Note: MF501 - Introduction to Theological Study and Ministry Formation (Ron Marrs) is also required in a student's first year of the cohort.
YEAR TWO
| SEMESTER | SUBJECT | PROFESSOR |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | BL503 Acts to Revelation | Eng |
| Spring | TH501 Theology I | Lister |
| Summer | TH502 Theology II | Lister |
YEAR THREE (POSSIBLE)
| SEMESTER | SUBJECT | PROFESSOR |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | TH503 Theology III | Miles/Lawrence |
| Spring | CS502 Growing in Prayer and Other Key Disciplines | Burns |
| Spring | ML506 Ministerial Ethics | Mathews |
| Summer | CH501 Wisdom from Church History | Miles/Lawrence |
| Summer | ML508 Preaching Gospel-Centered Messages | Miles/Lawrence |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I become a Theophilus student if I've already started my degree?
Yes, you can request to join the cohort even if you've already started your degree.
What degree do these classes apply to?
These classes apply to these master's degree programs at Western Seminary:
How would I complete my degree if I did the cohort?
You may complete the remainder of your chosen degree through hybrid courses, other residential classes, or online courses. In the event that we add a third year to the cohort schedule, you will complete a total of 36 credits with your Theophilus Cohort.
How is the Theophilus Cohort different from the other programs?
The cohort is not a degree program itself, but a scheduling and learning option that allows you to complete a core set of courses that are applicable to several master's degree programs. It involves a seminar format, meets only once a month, and builds community with a constant set of classmates.
Can I receive advanced standing if I am part of the cohort?
We don't recommend advanced standing for this delivery format.
Why is the third year listed as "possible"?
We are only asking you for a two-year commitment, but if there is enough student interest we will continue into a third year as a cohort.
NEED MORE INFO?
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