BI 501 Old Testament Survey

An introduction to the literature of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible within the context of the history of Israel and the ancient Near East. The course will consider the interpretation of varied genres and will provide a survey of the individual books, their backgrounds and messages, and the developing revelation of God’s mission and saving work throughout history. Emphasis placed on pivotal themes such as creation, covenant, promise, and the coming Messiah. 3 hours

BI 502 New Testament Survey

An introduction to New Testament literature within the context of the Hellenistic-Roman world of the first century A.D. The course will consider the interpretation of various genres of material and will provide a survey of the individual books, their backgrounds and messages, and the culmination of redemption in the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Emphasis placed on the fulfillment of God’s mission by Christ and his Church. 3 hours

BI 510 Inductive Bible Study Methods

A survey of the steps and methods of systematic personal Bible study, with practice in using these methods with biblical texts. An introduction to principles for interpretation of the Bible. 2 hours

BI 600 The Bible: Canon and Unity

An introduction to the Bible as the Christian canon of Scripture. The development of the canon of both testaments into the Christian Bible, which is authoritative for the believer and serves as the foundation for biblical theology. Consideration of the structure and coherence of the canon, and the overall unity of the Scriptures. 2 hours

BI 601 Hermeneutics: Understanding the Bible

A survey of principles for and issues in interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis on the history of interpretation, genre analysis, the use of linguistics in biblical interpretation, and coherence analysis. Course will explore the major methodologies and resources available as aids to biblical interpretation, as well as the process of communicating the message of a biblical text. Recommended: BI 510. 3 hours

BI 605 Biblical Book Study: English Text

A study of a selected book or books of the Bible using the text in English translation. An in-depth consideration of historical setting, issues of authorship and date, literary structure of the book, and overall message. Students may repeat the course for credit as the book or books of focus change. 2-3 hours

BI 610 Hebrew Exegetical Study

An intensive study of the text of a selected book or books of the Hebrew Old Testament in the original Hebrew. Emphasis is placed on reading in the Hebrew text, along with consideration of historical setting, issues of authorship and date, literary structure and overall message. Consideration of exegetical method and the uses of textual criticism. Cross-listed with BL 610. Prerequisite: BL 551-552 or knowledge of Hebrew. 3 hours

BI 611 Greek Exegetical Study

An intensive study of the text of a selected book or books of the Greek New Testament in the original Greek. Emphasis will be placed on reading in the Greek text, along with consideration of historical setting, issues of authorship and date, literary structure and overall message. Consideration of exegetical method and the uses of textual criticism. Cross-listed with BL 611. Prerequisite: BL 501-502 or knowledge of Greek. 3 hours

BI 620 Old Testament Canonical Study: English Text

A study of a canonical portion of, or logical grouping of books from, the Old Testament. Consideration will be given to the interpretation of the appropriate genres, the development of the books, authorship, their ancient Near Eastern historical setting and message. The course will explore significant themes that receive emphasis in that portion of the Old Testament. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: The Pentateuch, Old Testament Historical Books, Old Testament Poetry, Wisdom in the Old Testament, or Old Testament Prophets. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 3 hours

BI 621 New Testament Canonical Study: English Text

A study of a canonical portion of, or logical grouping of books from, the New Testament. Consideration will be given to the interpretation of the appropriate genres, the development of the books, authorship, their ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish historical setting and message. The course will explore significant themes that receive emphasis in that portion of the New Testament. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: The Gospels, Acts and the Early Church, Pauline Epistles, Hebrews, General Epistles, and the Apocalypse. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 3 hours

BI 740 Topics in Biblical Studies

A study of a selected significant topic within the field of biblical literature. May be repeated for credit as topics change. 1-3 hours

BI 760 Independent Study in Biblical Studies

Individual research on an approved topic under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit as the topic of focus changes. 1-4 hours

CH 501 History of World Christianity I: Early and Medieval

A general historical survey of the Christian movement from its inception through the Medieval period. Particular attention is given to significant ideas, individuals, movements, crises, and institutions in the rise and development of Christianity prior to the Protestant Reformation. 3 hours

CH 502 History of World Christianity II: Reformation and Modern

A general historical survey of the Christian movement from the Protestant Reformation to the present. Attention is given to movements, significant ideas, individuals, crises, institutions, and turning points in the development of Christianity during the Reformation and modern periods. 3 hours

CH 601 The Patristic Age

A critical survey of the historical development of the Christian movement from its inception to the sixth century. Attention is given to notable figures, major historical movements, significant doctrinal controversies, developing institutions, worship patterns, and ecumenical councils. An exploration of the diversity and multiple forms of Christianity is highlighted as well as an investigation of the interaction of early Christianity with culture and the political environment. 3 hours

CH 603 The Reformation Era

A historical and theological overview of the changes in the history of Western Christianity in the sixteenth century. Topics covered include the condition of the late Medieval Church; the Lutheran, Zwinglian, and Calvinist reformations; the rise of Anglicanism; the Anabaptist and radical movements; and the Counter-Reformation. Special attention will be given to how the Reformation transformed the religious and cultural landscape of Western Europe. 3 hours

CH 605 American Church History

A historical interpretation of American Christianity with an emphasis on historical movements, significant trends, major institutions, intellectual patterns, and primary leaders. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspect of American Christianity within American culture and its involvement in social and political issues, and further focus on theological and liturgical developments. 3 hours

CH 740 Topics in Church History

A course offered on occasion examining a special topic dealing with significant issues in Christian history and thought. A student may elect to study the history and polity of a denomination with regard to needs for preparation for ministry in a specific denomination under this course number. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: The Contemporary Church in America, The History of Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism, Classics of Christian Devotion, or a History of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 or 3 hours

CH 760 Independent Study in Church History

Individual research on an approved topic under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit as topic of focus changes. 1-4 hours

MN 650 Practicum and Internship

This course will provide students with a practical, supervised experience in various ministry settings such as a campus ministry, a counseling setting, or a pastoral ministry role within a church. The student will average 10 hours of work each week for 1 credit hour, 15 hours each week for 2 credit hours and 20 hours per week for 3 credit hours in the internship. A 2-credit hour internship is equivalent to FE 100, 101, and 102. FE 500, 501 may be replaced by a 3-credit hour internship. The student must have the written permission of the academic dean to register for this course. 1-3 hours

MN 740 Topics in Ministry

Study of a selected significant topic in the field of Practical Ministry. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. 1-3 hours

MN 760 Independent Study in Ministry

Individual research on an approved topic under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit as topic of focus changes. 1-4 hours

FM 501 Ministry and Evangelism in Cultural Context

A critical analysis of the contemporary social and cultural context from a biblically informed perspective, focusing on God’s mission (missio Dei) in the world. Attention is given to the social processes that have shaped our culture, to understanding the relationship between the Church and society, the relationship between the individual believer and those who do not believe, and to the Church’s prophetic call to produce reconciliation and transformation. Consideration of the implications of postmodernism and a pluralistic society. 3 hours

FM 502 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

An exploration of the dynamics of the spiritual life as well as the process of spiritual growth. This will lead to personal assessment of the student’s character, temperament, gifts, and other traits relevant to ministry. Emphasis will be placed both on personal spiritual formation of the student as well as on guiding and counseling others in spiritual formation. Students will explore a scriptural approach to discipleship, as well as various spiritual disciplines, including prayer, meditation, and reading of Scripture. 3 hours

FM 503 Leadership and Vision

This course focuses on equipping Christian leaders to minister in a postmodern culture in whatever setting they may be. Attention is placed on biblical models for leadership, theories of leadership, finding and communicating vision. 3 hours

PM 501 Pastoral Ministry: Duties and Issues

An examination of the process of caring for people within the spiritual community. Consideration is given to issues that confront those involved in ministry and means of responding to those issues. Particular focus is given to the oversight of the ministries of the local church as well as the performance of typical pastoral duties, such as baptism, communion, dedications, weddings, and funerals. 2 hours

PM 502 Worship

A survey of the biblical and theological foundations of worship giving consideration to its nature and definition as well as to styles and traditions. Consideration is given to designing and leading worship in a local congregation or campus ministry. 3 hours

PM 503 Biblical Preaching

A basic course in the principles of biblical preaching and sermon construction designed to introduce the student to the purpose, nature, types, and techniques of preparing and communicating the sermon to contemporary people and society. An emphasis is placed on preparing sermons based on biblical integrity and structural soundness. The student will deliver several sermons for evaluation in delivery style, development, and skills. 3 hours

PM 504 Preaching Laboratory

In this lab experience, the student will develop and preach a minimum of two sermons and work with the professor to strengthen preaching skills. Prerequisite: PM 503. 1 hour

PM 505 Introduction to Christian Counseling

An introduction to the field of counseling from a Christian perspective showing the integration of psychology with theology. Attention will be given to basic approaches and theories along with practical implementation. 2 hours

PM 551 Educational Ministry of the Church

An introduction to educational processes and their integration into a comprehensive philosophy and strategy of local church ministry. The course will provide means to survey the needs of the local church administration and teaching focusing on the development of a local church educational program, working with volunteers, and creative strategies for teaching. 2 hours

PM 552 Discipleship Principles

A study of the theology and practice of discipleship in the church, in missions, and in parachurch settings. Specific attention given to an examination of Jesus’ and Paul’s strategies for developing disciples. A focus on implementation of discipleship as a personal lifestyle and in ministry settings. 2 hours

PM 553 Evangelism

An introduction to the biblical and theological basis of evangelism incorporating both theory and practice. The course also explores ways to prepare a church for outreach as well as considering ways for equipping the laity in knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective witnessing. 2 hours

PM 554 The World Christian Movement: A Gateway to Mission

A survey of the global cause of Christ in Christian missions. Biblical, theological, and historical foundations for missions, crucial issues of cross-cultural ministry, recent developments in methods, application in the local church, and future trends. Consideration of personal relational evangelism. This course will use selected materials from Perspectives on the World Christian Movement courses of the U.S. Center for World Mission. 3 hours

PM 555 World Religions

A study of the origins, history, beliefs, practices, and worldviews of the major religious traditions of the world. Special focus is placed on comparing and contrasting world religions with Christian traditions. 3 hours

PM 557 Introduction to Heart Motives Counseling

An introduction to the field of counseling from the perspective of the Heart Motives approach. Attention will be given to the biblical framework and foundations for counseling. Attention will also be given to basic approaches and theories along with practical implementation. 2 hours

PM 601 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Pastoral Care

A study of a particular issue or topic related to the work and ministry of the pastor. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Church Health and Growth, Healing Ministry, Institutional Chaplaincy, Urban Ministry. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 602 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Leadership

A study of a particular issue or topic related to Christian leadership. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Vision and Strategic Planning, Theories of Leadership, Community Organizing and Leadership. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 603 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Worship

A study of a particular issue or topic related to Christian worship. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Worship and Contemporary Culture, Worship and the Arts, Music and Worship, Liturgical Worship, The Church Year and Use of the Lectionary. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 604 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Proclamation

A study of a particular issue or topic in the discipline of homiletics. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Expository Preaching, Advanced and Innovative Preaching, Preaching the Old Testament. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 605 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Christian Counseling

A study of a particular topic or issue in the discipline of counseling, psychology, and the integration of theology and psychology. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Relationships, Marriage and Family Counseling, Crisis Intervention. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 606 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Education and Discipleship

A study of a particular area for ministry or issues in the disciplines of discipleship or Christian education. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Creative Teaching Methods, Small Groups, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult Ministry. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 607 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Campus Ministry

A study of a particular area for ministry or issues raised in the pursuit of ministry within a campus context. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: History and Philosophy of Campus Ministry, Ministry to Internationals, Parachurch Campus Ministries. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

PM 608 Advanced Practice of Ministry in Evangelism and Mission

A study of a particular area for ministry or issues in evangelism and Christian mission. Though not an exhaustive list, individual course sections might focus on one of the following topics: Contemporary Trends in Evangelism, Theology of Missions, Cross-Cultural Missions and Evangelism, Church Planting, Islam, Christianity in Global Context. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. 2 hours

FE 101-102-103 Field Education

Each Master of Divinity student preparing for full-time ministry must be involved in the ministry of a local church (or, with approval from the Field Education director, a parachurch ministry) under the guidance of a mentor. This is to involve ongoing ministry in an area chosen by the student in collaboration with the mentor as well as exposure to a variety of areas of the ministry of the local congregation. The expected student commitment is 3-5 hours each week. A 2-credit hour internship in a local church or parachurch ministry may fulfill this requirement. 0 hours

FE 500-501 Field Education

A continuation of FE 101-102-103 with a commitment to an on-going ministry of 7-10 hours per week. Self-analysis in ministry and further integration of the student’s educational experiences with actual ministry opportunities is emphasized. A 3-credit hour internship in a local church or parachurch ministry may fulfill this requirement. Prerequisite: FE 101-102-103. 0.5 hours

GN 500 Introduction to Graduate – Research and Study

An introduction to the nature of graduate research, the methods used in conducting research, strategies for writing, and resources and tools used in conducting graduate-level research. Required of all incoming students in all programs. 0 hours

GN 600 Theological Research

An introduction to research and writing in the field of theology for graduate students in an M.Div. or M.A.R. program. The course will focus on the purpose of research, research design, locating and reviewing the literature, writing the research paper, and evaluating theological research. 2 hours

GN 700 Integrative Senior Seminar

A synthesis of the student’s seminary studies with the goal of helping the student integrate the whole seminary experience into a more focused preparation for active vocational ministry, usually through a major research paper or practical project. Opportunity will be given to study candidacy and interview methods. The student will be required to complete the assessment portfolio for graduation as part of this course. Required of all M.A.R. and M.Div. students. Recommended during the last semester of a student’s program. 2 hours

GN 770 Thesis Research

Independent research and writing of a Master’s level thesis under faculty supervision. May be repeated a second or third time contingent on the degree program and the scope of the project. Will count as an elective in the M.A.R. and M.Div. programs. 3 hours