Classes and Schedule

In this course you will study the foundational principles and interpretive procedures of the grammatical-historical method of biblical interpretation. You will also apply these principles and procedures in the study of the Biblical text. 2 credits.

The purpose of this class to introduce students to the subject and history of biblical theology, to investigate the unity of the Bible; to discover the ongoing flow of the revelatory and redemptive process, structured around God's major covenants, that reaches its climax in Jesus Christ; to learn a gospel-centered and Christocentric hermeneutic; and to explore the necessity and implications of biblical theology for ministry in the local church. 2 credits.

This course will prepare students to successfully complete a graduate program in theological studies and subsequent entry into ministry leadership positions. Students will articulate their vocational aspirations in light of their divine design which includes their unique gifts, temperament, and ministry experiences. 2 credits.

This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for study of the Bible by introducing Bible study methods. It begins with a focus on the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God and his gracious plan for redemption of sinful humanity. The historical books will show how God works among His people, blessing obedience and chastening the disobedient. We will conclude with a focus on the fear of the Lord and the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. 2 credits.

This course in Biblical Literature shows how God’s redemptive and kingdom programs are carried forward and advanced by the Prophets. Students will discover how the promises of God concerning the Messiah are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The study will demonstrate how Jesus' teachings, miracles, parables, death and resurrection advance the great story of the Bible. The course will include practical application of biblical truths encouraging students to have a meaningful encounter with God’s word and grow spiritually. 2 credits.

This course in Biblical Literature shows how God’s redemptive and kingdom programs are carried forward and advanced by Gospels. Students will discover how the promises of God concerning the Messiah are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The study of the Gospels will demonstrate how Jesus' teachings, miracles, parables, death and resurrection advance the great story of the Bible. The course will include practical application of biblical truths encouraging students to have a meaningful encounter with God’s word and grow spiritually. 2 credits

This course in Biblical Literature builds on the foundation of BL501 and 502 showing how God’s redemptive and kingdom programs are carried forward and advanced through the church in the Apostolic Period. The Book of Acts, the General Epistles and Revelation will be studied with a view to discovering how they advance and complete the story of the Bible. The course will include practical application of biblical truths encouraging students to have a meaningful encounter with God’s word and grow spiritually. 2 credits.

Those who desire to serve effectively as ministry leaders must be able to articulate a sound biblical theology of ministry and apply that theology to the ministry environment of the 21st century. This course is designed to help students integrate an understanding of the Word and the world in the development of a personal, Gospel-centered philosophy of ministry. 2 credits.

You will begin to cultivate your ability to think theologically by exploring how theology is done in various approaches in order to develop a practical theological method. Then you will probe God's progressive revelation focusing on the nature and authority of Scripture before pondering God's triune nature and work along with the reality and impact of other spiritual beings. Your passion for carrying out God's mission in His world will expand as you begin to understand how the Father's revelation has impacted the world He created. 4 credits.

You will learn to articulate the gospel clearly and to develop your own skills in personal evangelism as well as through the local church. You will gain skill to communicate across personal and cultural barriers. 2 credits..

Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God and its depravity as sinful beings. You will study the person and atoning work of Messiah Jesus: His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, exaltation, and return. You will explore in depth the themes of His atoning work. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisite: TH501. 4 credits.

This is a core leadership course that builds upon ML501 and is designed for those who intend to be future leaders, committed to leading evangelical renewal. This course will move from definitions to the core of a godly leader; how to take a ministry through a vision process; engage in strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation; build great teams; work through conflict and change; delegate tasks; and effectively mentor the next generation of leaders. Models from the ministry, corporate, political, athletic, and military worlds will be compared and contrasted with leadership found in the Scriptures. 2 credits.

You will culminate the process of learning to think theologically by exploring the Spirit's life-giving work in the many aspects of our salvation. You will investigate the church as God's covenant community and instrument of His present working, ending with the consummation of His kingdom program in end time events. Throughout the course the Spirit will transform us as we see our part in His grand work. 4 credits.

In order to maintain and model ethical integrity, church and ministry leaders must be able to discern right from wrong, and apply that discernment consistently in life and ministry. You will become acquainted with some of the fundamental issues involved in developing a biblical approach to ethics. Building on this basis and growing in moral sensitivity and Christian character, you will become equipped to navigate difficult situations and the ethical dangers associated with ministry leadership. 2 credits.

You will develop an ability to address questions about the truthfulness or believability of Christianity through a biblically based and personally relevant apologetic strategy. You will develop strategies to identify and respond to crucial challenges to the truth of Christianity. 2 credits.

A survey of each major world belief system is presented in order to learn the common themes expressed in different religions. Strategies are examined for establishing an effective witness to the uniqueness of Christ to each of the major religions. Includes field trips to local places of worship. 2 credits.

The biblical concept of worship and the appropriate utilization of music in its public forms. Identifies the conditions, qualities, and ingredients that most enhance the integrity and meaningfulness of public worship. 2 credits.

In this course we will learn from the history of the Church from Pentecost to the present. We will focus on: (1) the Church’s people who, as saints and sinners, have been the flesh and blood of its history; (2) the Church’s doctrine which has developed throughout its history; (3) the Church’s writings which have exerted a tremendous impact on its history; and (4) the Church’s movements which have composed the ebb and flow, the progress and regress, of its history. We will also consider what the past can contribute to the present, seeking to learn lessons from the history of the Church for our own lives, ministries, doctrines, and churches. 2 credits.

Building on the exegetical, theological and ministerial foundations laid in the seminary curriculum, students will build an integrative approach to key issues in pastoral ministry. Prerequisite or Corequisite: TH501, TH502, TH503. 2 credits.