Summer and Fall 2026 Course Offerings
SUMMER 2026
Praying the Psalms
Instructor: Dr. Peter Spychalla
Day/Time: Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 PM (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Jun 2 – Jul 28
Credits: 2
This class is a blend of exegetical study of selected psalms (sampling each type of psalm), exploration of how to use each type of psalm in prayer, and practical experiences of praying psalms and reflecting on all of this from a spiritual formation perspective.
The Doctrine of Election
Instructor: Dr. Todd Daly
Day/Time: Monday, June 8 (6-9 PM), Friday, June 12 (6-9 PM), Saturday, June 13 (9 AM-4 PM), Monday, June 15 (6-9 PM) (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: June 8
Credits: 2
The doctrine of election as it relates to salvation, tracing its development from Augustine, through the Middle Ages, to the Reformation up to current times. Students will be exposed to the writings of key figures as well as contemporary writings by those on both sides of the debate.
Christianity and King Arthur
Instructor: Dr. Melody Green
Day/Time: Thursdays 6:00-9:00 PM (CT)
Location: Zoom Online
Start Date: Jun 18 – Aug 13
Credits: 2
Knights in shining armor, the round table, the quest for the holy grail: stories of King Arthur and his court have been told for 1500 years. Throughout that history, Christianity has played a variety of roles in the stories, shaping the symbols, values, and even storylines at different times. This class will look at the role Christianity has played across the ages, beginning with excerpts from the oldest known Arthurian stories to some of their most recent iterations—including texts published in the first half of 2026.
Silence
Exploring the Novel and Its Film Adaptation
Instructor: Dr. Pearce Durst
Day/Time: July 24-25
Location: Zoom Online
Start Date: July 24 (6-9 PM) and July 25 (9-4 PM) (CT)
Credits: 1
The novel Silence and its film adaptation, directed by Martin Scorsese, explore how missionaries in 17th-century Japan try to spread the Gospel but face violence as the emperor seeks to eliminate Christians from the land to restore a secular society. While the novel written by Shūsaku Endō’ is introspective and psychological, and the film is visual and visceral, these works collectively portray God’s perceived silence, human weakness, and costly faithfulness. Together, during this one-weekend course, we’ll explore how similar themes are at work in our pluralistic culture today.
FALL 2026
Old Testament Survey
Instructor: Dr. Kenneth Cuffey
Day/Time: Thursday 6:00-9:00 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 27
Credits: 3
An introduction to the literature, content, and history of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, with reference to Israel’s setting in the Ancient Near East. An analysis of the coherent message of and critical issues in interpretation of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and an overview of the history of the religion of Israel.
To Timothy in Ephesus: Advice on Touching People’s Lives for Christ
Instructor: Dr. Kenneth Cuffey
Day/Time: Wednesday 6:00-9:00 PM (CT)
Location: Zoom Online
Start Date: Aug 26
Credits: 3
An inductive study of 1 and 2 Timothy and the advice on ministry Paul offers a younger pastor. The events of Acts, along with the city and culture of Ephesus, as setting for the ministry of Timothy. Foundational principles for ministry for any believer who desires to impact others’ lives in discipleship (not only for pastors). Consideration of authorship, date, genre, and issues raised by the books–qualifications for leadership, roles of men and women, the nature of the church, setting priorities in ministry and life, inclusion of all classes of people.
New Testament Greek I
Instructor: Dr. Peter Spychalla
Day/Time: Monday and Wednesday 4:00-5:30 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 24
Credits: 3
An introduction to the Koine Greek language of the New Testament. Emphasis will be placed on acquisition of basic vocabulary, introduction to the grammar, verbal voice, tense, and aspect. The course offers graduate credit for students in programs other than the M.Div. degree.
History of World Christianity I: Early and Medieval
Instructor: Dr. Joe Thomas
Day/Time: Tuesday 6:00-9:00 PM (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 25
Credits: 3
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.
Theology I
Instructor: Dr. Todd Daly
Day/Time: Monday 6:00-9:00 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 24
Credits: 3
An overview of the Christian doctrines of revelation, scripture, God the Father, Christ the Son and the incarnation.
Theology & Contemporary Issues
Instructor: Dr. Todd Daly
Meeting Dates: Aug. 28-29 (Fri/Sat 6-9/9-4), Sept. 25-26 (Fri/Sat 6-9/9-4), Oct. 23-25 (Fri/Sat 6-9/9-4), and Dec. 4-5 (Fri/Sat 6-9/9-4)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 28
Credits: 3
A study of selected topics in which contemporary cultural and church issues are addressed from a theological perspective. The course will focus on topics to be determined both by student input and interest and changing cultural phenomena. Prerequisite: CT 501-502 or permission of the instructor.
Preachers on Screen
Instructor: Dr. Pearce Durst
Day/Time: Tuesday 6:00-9:00 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Oct 13 (8-week course)
Credits: 2
This course examines the depiction of preachers in film, utilizing cinematic narratives as a foundation for theological reflection and cultural critique. By analyzing a diverse selection of films across various genres and historical periods, we will investigate how preaching is represented, embodied, challenged, and understood in popular media.
C.S. Lewis
Instructor: Dr. Melody Green
Meeting Dates: Thursday 6:00-9:00 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 27
Credits: 3
An overview of the writings of one of the most influential writers in western Christianity during the twentieth century, C. S. Lewis. This class will focus on themes that most heavily shaped his work, as well as the various genres in which he worked, including fantasy, science fiction, theology, apologetics, poetry and even a little of his literary theory.
Gospel-Centered Application of Scripture
Instructor: Dr. Luke Herche
Day/Time: Tuesday 6:00-8:00 pm (CT)
Location: Zoom online
Start Date: Aug 25
Credits: 2
This course will encourage the student in understanding the gospel from the text of Scripture and then to apply that in everyday life. The focus will be on discerning applications from the text of Scripture that flow from the gospel and do justice to the redemptive-historical shape of Scripture itself. This will focus on how Christian leaders can preach and teach those applications in a way consistent with the gospel message.