Program Courses (21 credit)
SS 510 - Theological Research Methodologies (1)
Research skills for use of library and theological reference works. Methods of theological writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation.BE 741 - Issues in Biblical Exposition (2)
A seminar focusing on selected technical and practical issues in the field of biblical exposition.SF 501 - Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation (3)
Introductory study‡of the nature of spiritual theology and formation, which attempts to understand the nature of new life in Christ, the process of formation in the Spirit and the directives for cooperating with His work. Attention is given to the implications of Spiritual Theology for seminary training and classroom experience. Particular attention is given to understanding the implications of life in Christ regarding guilt, shame and legalism as well as the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in transforming the heart in light of the dynamics of original sin, early relational development and the habits of sin developed over time. Attention is also given to developmental spirituality, how the Spirit transforms the heart over time and how this affects ministries of teaching, preaching and discipleship in the church.SF 503 - Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation (3)
A theological and experiential exploration into human relationships and issues related to gender, romance, marriage, family and parenting as they relate to spiritual growth.‡Course includes an investigation into the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Personal assessments and a one-day retreat are an integral part of this course. Students will experience spiritual community and intercessory prayer as they begin individual spiritual direction with a spiritual director and continue relationships within a cohort group to explore deeply their relational capacity at the heart of how Christ is formed in them, thereby developing deeper levels of trust and vulnerability.TH 511 - Theology I - Introduction: Revelation & Nature of God (3)
The nature, method and rationale of Christian theology. Revelation, both general and special, inspiration, canonicity and illumination of Scripture. The doctrine of God, including His existence, attributes and Trinitarian nature.TH 512 - Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin (3)
God's eternal plan including His kingdom purpose and redemptive focus; His work of creation and continued activity within creation. The angels, both good and evil; including their origin, present state, work and destiny. Creation of mankind in God's image, human nature, the fall and the effect of sin upon humanity. Human life in relation to the divine institutions of the family and civil government.TH 613 - Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit (3)
The person and saving work of Christ. The nature and application of salvation including the person and work of the Spirit. Special emphasis on the practice of sanctification in personal Christian living.TH 614 - Theology IV - The Church and Last Things (3)
A study of the broad kingdom purpose of God and the future events related to the destiny of history and individuals including Christ's second coming in its phases, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrections, the judgments and eternal state. The inception and nature of the church, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances, place and mission in God's purpose.BE 530 - Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages (3)
} Basic principles of language that are foundational to interpreting the biblical text. Overview of the structure of the biblical languages, evaluation of theories of Bible translation, and instruction in the use of various tools based on the original languages. The course will aid the student in understanding issues that arise in interpretation because of the original languages.BE 731 - Exposition of Old Testament Segments or Themes (2)
These electives (731, 732, 733) will be offered in cycle, with the breadth of the scope of each offering determined by: 1) the expertise of available faculty; 2) current issues of scholarly and practical importance; and 3) balance in regard to recent offerings.BE 770 - Life of Christ (3)
This course focuses on a chronological and expositional study of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry as recorded in the Gospels, with special emphasis on the model he provided as a master-teacher. The class emphasizes the historical, cultural and theological interpretation of key events and teachings in Jesus’ life, as well as the similarities/differences of the four gospel accounts.OT 745 - World of the Old Testament (2)
Old Testament backgrounds, including a study of the religion, literature, geography, archaeology, and culture of Israel in its ancient Near Eastern environment.OT 791 - Old Testament Seminar (2)
Supervised research of designated areas of concentration in Old Testament literature, history, interpretation or theology.NT 701 - The World of the New Testament (2)
New Testament historical backgrounds and archaeology, including a study of the religious developments, literature, geography and cultural setting of Judaism and the Hellenistic world at the time of Christ and the early Church.NT 791 - New Testament Seminar (2)
Supervised research of designated areas of concentration in New Testament literature, history, interpretation or theology.HT 505 - Patristic and Medieval Theology (3)
History of the church from the Apostolic Fathers to the eve of the Reformation with an emphasis on the development of doctrine. Discussion of key thinkers, such as Origen, Tertullian, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas and Scotus.HT 506 - Reformation and Modern Theology (3)
History of the church from the Reformation to the present with an emphasis on the key Continental and English Reformers, including Zwingli, Luther and Calvin. Discussion of the counter-Reformation, Protestant scholasticism, the Enlightenment, and important theological developments in the modern era. Opportunity is given for students to study the polity and history of their own denomination.TH 790 - Theology Seminar (1)
Intended as a capstone seminar, this course will summarize and apply theprimary lessons learned throughout the program. The integration of learning in this course is designed to better equip those entering or continuing in the fields of biblical studies and theology and/or Christian ministry. Students will be expected to share the findings of their thesis research and/or field education with a view toward refinement and development of further investigation.BE 726 - Expositional Methodology in Daniel and Revelation (3)
Application of expositional method to selected passages from Daniel and Revelation. Discussion of crucial background and critical issues, book structures, interpretive difficulties, practical implications and various approaches to understanding the text of each book.BE 750 - Old Testament Wisdom and Poetry (2)
An expositional study of key passages and themes in Psalms, Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. Special emphasis is given to the characteristics of Old Testament poetry, the unique purposes of Old Testament wisdom and hymnic literature and the theological relevance of each book in ministry today.PH 602 - Apologetics (3)
An examination of the Christian worldview and the various Christian apologetic responses in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy.PT 703 - The Church and Society (3)
A study of biblical ethics and the role the local church plays in the community. Special attention will be given to major social problems such as sanctity of life, chemical abuse, domestic violence, social ills, and the political process.TH 712 - Current Theological Issues (2)
An intensive study of the thought of particular contemporary theologians, prominent theological or theologically significant ethical issues in the light of biblical revelation.TH 720 - The Theology and Practice of Prayer (2)
A study of the biblical theology of prayer including its meaning, purpose and practice.TH 727 - Cults in the Eurasian Context (2)
The distinctive features of the cults in the Eurasian context with their significance in the development of religious thought and with particular reference to their treatment of the central features of orthodox Christian doctrine.TH 728 - Theological SystemsCredits (2)
Several major theological systems of thought emphasizing those within the Protestant perspective, but also including significant Roman Catholic and Jewish systems.CE 600 - Educational Ministry in the Church (3)
Analysis of ministries of edification as they relate to the personal, congregational and administrative aspects of ministry with people of all ages. Focus is on the explanation of various methods and resources available for ministry and on the development of individual skills in communicating and leading in these ministries.