Course Descriptions (Biblical Literature, Christian Education, Christian Ministry, Theology & Youth Ministry)
Biblical Literature Courses (BLIT)
BLIT 601 - The Ancient World, 3 hours
This course focuses on the historical, philosophical, political, cultural, and social contexts in which and to which the Biblical texts were written. Particular attention is given to the comparative study of selected topics (from either the Ancient Near East or the Greco-Roman world) with reference to either the Old Testament or the New Testament. Included are the critical reading and evaluation of primary sources from the respective era, which are appropriated in the exegetical study of selected Biblical passages. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 605 - Current Methodologies in Biblical Studies, 3 hours
This course presents an in-depth exploration of critical methodologies that are currently being used in Biblical studies. A given course may give attention to one or more methodological approaches to the interpretation of Scripture. Areas of concern may range from grammatical-historical methodological approaches to the more recent focus on literary criticism. The course examines philosophical and theological understandings that underlie the various methodologies and demonstrate, by the examination of specific Biblical texts, how diverse approaches influence our understanding of and appreciation for Scripture. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 612 - Deuteronomistic History, 3 hours
This course will examine the basic structure, content, themes, and theology of the historical books of the Old Testament, including the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. Attention will be given to the critical study of the compositional history of the Deuteronomistic History. Selections of the principal scholarly works in the discussion on the development and purpose of the Deuteronomistic History, beginning with Martin Noth and continuing up to the recent period, will be examined. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 615 - Theological Interpretation of Scripture, 3 hours
This course presents an examination of the issues and methods in the understanding and interpretation of theology within a selected Biblical corpus. Specific attention is given to the critical evaluation of the following: various understandings of theology, the place and role of theology within a Biblical text, different approaches to the interpretation of theology as found in selected books of the Bible, and the scope of theological reflection within Biblical studies. Included in the course is the development of methodology that accounts both for the integrity of the Biblical text and for ongoing theological dialogue. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 621 - New Testament Exegesis, 3 hours
In this course, principles of sound Biblical interpretation are taught and applied to the exegesis of selected portions of the New Testament as preparation for preaching, teaching, or other avenues of Christian ministry. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 622 - Apocalyptic Literature and the Book of Revelation, 3 hours
An exegetical study of the Book of Revelation. Special attention will be given to Revelation as seen within the literary and historical context of Jewish apocalyptic. Apocalyptic literature in both non-canonical and canonical Jewish writings will be surveyed, and major theological themes of apocalyptic literature and the Book of Revelation will be addressed. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 625 - Old Testament Studies, 3 hours
This course presents a study of significant areas of contemporary and enduring interest concerning the Old Testament. The course integrates historical understanding, exegetical skills, and theological insight appropriate to the topic studied and may deal with such areas as a specific book, theme, or historic period. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 626 - New Testament Studies, 3 hours
This course presents a study of significant areas of contemporary and enduring interest concerning the New Testament. The course integrates historical understanding, exegetical skills, and theological insight appropriate to the topic studied and may deal with such areas as a specific book, theme, or historic period. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 630 - Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies, 3 hours
This course allows for advanced work either in a selected topic within Biblical studies or in a selected corpus of Biblical literature. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 632 - Cultural/Historical Influences and Biblical Interpretation, 3 hours
A critical exploration of the ongoing relationship between changing cultural/historical trends, interests, and understandings and the study of the Bible. Specific interpretative methodologies and assumptions involving the world behind, within, and in front of the text will be explored. Special attention will be given to current interpretative interests and methods and their implications for the church and society. Interpretative methods and transitions in interpretation will be demonstrated in relation to the study of specific biblical texts.
BLIT 645 - Old Testament Theology, 3 hours
This course will examine the Old Testament as Scripture of the Christian Church in order to hear and understand the biblical testimony to God and his revelatory and reconciling work in the world. It will examine the history of the discipline, which will include noting various methods of doing biblical theology such as: themes and ideas, history of salvation, literary approaches, cultural and sociological methods, and the bible as canon. It will also concentrate on an in-depth study of the major theological themes of the Old Testament such as: covenant, grace, faithful response to God, sin and accountability, holiness, and hope for the future; as well as a reflective analyses of the theological role of the scripture for today amid various and shifting cultural concerns. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 646 - New Testament Theology, 3 hours
An investigation of major themes of New Testament theology, the distinctive contributions of the biblical authors, and the issue of unity and diversity within the canon of the New Testament. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 667 - Pauline Epistles I, 3 hours
An exegetical study of Romans, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Philemon, and the Pastoral Epistles with the background provided in Acts. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 668 - Pauline Epistles II, 3 hours
An exegetical study of Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians and Philippians. The course will consider the background provided in Acts. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 671 - Pentateuch, 3 hours
A study of the historical background and the development of the Hebrew people as found in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 674 - Johannine Literature, 3 hours
An exegetical study of the gospel and epistles of John and the Book of Revelation. The study is based on the English translation. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
BLIT 675 - Luke and Acts, 3 hours
An exegetical study of the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Special attention will be given to the history and current state of Lukan studies, critical issues surrounding both Luke and Acts, and major theological themes. Issues relating to the continuity of Luke and Acts will be explored. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle.
Christian Education Courses (CHED)
CHED 631 - Ministry to the Family, 3 hours
A study of the unique characteristics and needs of contemporary families. The class will focus on developing the student's ability to provide effective ministry to families in the local church. Students will consider obstacles and challenges that face today's families and strategies for overcoming them. This course may be repeated with different subtitles.
CHED 634 - Dynamics of Children's Ministry, 3 hours
This course considers specific issues in children's ministry or ministry competencies. Possible topics include: curriculum development and assessment, advocacy for special needs, content delivery, staff and leadership, and evangelism. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
Christian Ministry Courses (CMIN)
CMIN 610 - Christian Worship, 3 hours
This course will introduce the student to Christian worship and the practice of preaching in the context of worship. This introduction will focus on four areas. First, we will explore the theology of worship and the theological implications of worship practices. Second, we will explore specific issues of worship planning and leadership and practical preparation. Third, we will explore the practice of preaching and the disciplines of preparation and delivery. Fourth, we will explore the pastoral implications of worship and worship leadership. In addition to a survey of these areas, the student will engage in researching the history, theology, or practice of Christian worship.
CMIN 620 - Biblical Tools for Hermeneutics, 3 hours
A concise introduction to the biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew) sufficient to look up words in those languages, to grasp some of their main grammatical features, and to use basic hermeneutical tools in Old Testament and New Testament Studies. The course focuses on knowledge and skills immediately applicable to ministry. Students with introductory courses in Greek and/or Hebrew should move directly to advanced courses in exegesis or biblical interpretation.
CMIN 624 - Cross-Cultural Ministry, 3 hours
This course will explore the fundamentals of intercultural communication and implications for social interactions. The course will cover a variety of topics, emphasize self-reflection, and engage participants in experiences designed to develop competencies needed for leadership in multicultural settings.
CMIN 630 - Organizational Communication, 3 hours
The purpose of this course is to examine and develop some proficiency in the skills that are necessary to effectively communicate within organizations as well as between organizations and their constituencies. This course provides an overview of general communication theory and analyzes organizational change, decision-making, developing trust, conflict resolution, and human resource development through communication.
CMIN 631 - Life Management and Personal Renewal, 3 hours
This course explores the significance of spiritual development and personal renewal in the life of a leader, with attention to practice and implementation as well as strategies for modeling and teaching healthy patterns as leaders.
CMIN 632 - Chaplaincy for Crisis Response, 3 hours
Providing effective chaplaincy ministry to individuals, families, and communities following critical incidents and in times of crisis requires special training, skills and understanding of the unique role of the chaplain. This course builds on the basic crisis intervention principles taught in the required prerequisite courses and seeks to prepare participants to provide chaplaincy services in diverse settings with diverse population groups. The focus is to provide strategic chaplaincy intervention for both the immediate post incident response, and helping connect survivors with critical support systems throughout the long-term recovery journey.
CMIN 635 - Leadership in Christian Ministry: Committed to Serve, Prepared to Lead, 3 hours
This course examines and identifies the core principles and best practices of leadership, bringing those principles and practices under the authority of Scripture, and applying those principles and practices to the student's specific context, with the goal of enhancing the student's capacity for effective Christlike leadership. It is the objective of the class to bring those principles and practices under the teachings of Jesus and Scripture to form the "ChristStyle Leader." The course will take into account the issues of modern and post-modern, traditional and emerging contexts.
CMIN 643 - Issues in Ministry, 3 hours
This course considers specific issues in ministry or ministry competencies.
CMIN 650 - Homiletics, 3 hours
The course focuses on the theology of preaching along with the construction and delivery of sermons. It will also consider the link between preaching and evangelism as well as the connection between preaching and pastoral ministry within a congregation. Some attention may be paid to the relation of preaching to sacrament, music, and worship.
CMIN 651 - The Minister as Leader and Administrator, 3 hours
A comprehensive study of the organization and activities of the local church and the pastor's leadership in these concerns. Class work will include such topics as understanding small-group dynamics, problem-solving, planning (including long-range planning), discipling other leaders (lay and staff), budgeting, accounting, raising funds, property management, leadership styles and skills, followership, conflict resolution techniques, fostering and maintaining relations with the denomination and especially the district, and personal ethics and financial budgeting.
CMIN 652 - Principles of Management, 3 hours
Management issues are explored from the perspectives of human resource administration and business management. Human resource administration topics include authority and ethics, conflict management, and team-building theory (utilizing Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and congregational life theory). Business management topics include finances, personnel, and time management.
CMIN 653 - Discipling, 3 hours
The purpose of this course is to develop students who effectively live a discipling lifestyle and are empowered to plan and implement disciple-making strategies. The model is Jesus, whose purpose was to make disciples and whose disciples continued to focus on this purpose. At the heart of their life and work is Christian community, where focus is maintained and purpose is fulfilled through strategic planning, which results in practical steps of action in developing an ever-expanding network of discipling relationships.
CMIN 654 - Introduction to Counseling, 3 hours
General techniques of counseling (both theoretical and practical) and cognitive therapy are presented to include listening; developing a relationship; accepting the unacceptable; responding, but not reacting; body language; and referral. Skill development in assessment, counseling, and referral are discussed, with respect to individual and family counseling, death and dying, and church problems. Crisis counseling is also discussed, with respect to child abuse, rape, suicide, and drug/alcohol abuse. Available counseling resources and questions of legal implications to counseling receive some attention.
CMIN 655 - Family Dynamics and Intervention, 3 hours
This course provides an introduction to the systems approach in understanding family dynamics. Related to the family, the topics include structural and cultural variations, Biblical and theological foundations, ministry program development, life-cycle assessment, and the application of theoretical concepts for practical ministry.
CMIN 656 - Community Relations, 3 hours
This course examines four key elements for developing a successful program that generates the needed resources. These elements include public relations/marketing, grant- and proposal-writing for funding, and fund-raising and community relationships, including advisory organizations.
CMIN 657 - Faith in Action Through Social Work, 3 hours
This course integrates the Christian faith with social work theory and practice. Topics covered are (1) the Biblical basis for social work, (2) the history of social work, (3) social work and Christian values and ethics, (4) social work practice, (5) case management, and (6) crisis intervention. There is a 45-hour social work practicum connected to this course.
CMIN 658 - Organizational Behavior, 3 hours
This course examines organizations on the individual, group, and external environment levels. Emphasis is placed on current organizational and leadership theories. Students also learn to analyze organizations as an open system. Topics of discussion include group dynamics, communication and interpersonal relations, strategic planning, goal-setting, change management, and volunteer administration. This course looks at both secular and Biblical styles of leadership.
CMIN 674 - Pastoral Care and Counseling, 3 hours
A study of the pastoral ministry to individuals and small groups, with attention to human development, spiritual formation, personality disorders, crisis intervention, counseling principles and techniques, premarital and marital counseling tools, and pastoral visitation agendas and techniques.
CMIN 690 - Master of Ministry Project, 3 hours
This culminating project is designed by the student in consultation with the project supervisor. It should integrate the learning experience of the program of study into a significant ministry application. Students registering for this course should obtain a "Guide for Master of Ministry Projects" from the Graduate Program Specialist, who is located in the School of Theology & Christian Ministry office.
CMIN 691 - Integrative Seminar, 3 hours
The concluding seminar for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. The student will present a project that integrates theory and application, theology and ministry. The seminar will include reading, discussion, writing, and reflection on ministry in contemporary society.
Theology Courses (THEO)
THEO 600 - Wesleyan Theology, 3 hours
This course is a study of the theological tradition inaugurated by John Wesley. The course focuses its attention on antecedents of the Wesleyan tradition, the theology of Wesley himself, the development of the tradition since Wesley's time, and/or ideas of specific prominent thinkers that help elucidate Wesleyan doctrine. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 606 - Introduction to Theological Research, 3 hours
After a broad sketch of the different forms of modern research, this course will focus on the types of research most common in theological and biblical studies. Guidance will be offered on preparing to write a thesis and how to formulate a proper thesis proposal. It will also introduce the student to a more effective use of the library, an understanding of the wide range of biblical and theological databases and how to use them, effective electronic searching, and the services offered by the library staff. Lastly, the course will direct the student to the proper format of a term paper or thesis using Turabian or SBL standards.
THEO 607 - Theology of Ministry, 3 hours
Students in this course learn the significance of theologically informed patterns of ministry and pastoral leadership, and they develop their own models for ministry that are intelligent and theologically informed. Special attention is given to the issues of ecclesiology as they relate to theological leadership.
THEO 611 - Topics in Christian Theology, 3 hours
A concentrated study of the work of one or more theologians, or of a particular theological issue or movement, or the theology of a particular era. This course requires significant research and writing. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 621 - Early Christian Theology, 3 hours
The Church Fathers are often cited in modern theological writing, but they are often poorly understood. This course will examine the thought of prominent Christian authors through the first five centuries of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the issues of creation, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, and ecclesiology. This course will feature an active engagement with and critical assessment of the primary texts.
THEO 623 - Systematic Theology I, 3 hours
An introduction to the clear and coherent presentation of the faith of the Christian church. The course will discuss the classical Christian doctrines of the Christian faith including Revelation, God, Creation, Jesus Christ, Atonement, Salvation, Holy Spirt, Church, Sacrament, and Last Things. While concerned to present the classical thinking of the church, especially in its Protestant heritage, the course will also clearly note and sympathetically explain the distinctives of the Arminian/Wesleyan/Holiness tradition. In addition, this course will give attention to such methodological issues as the norms of theology, thinking theologically about the contemporary church and society, and the interconnectedness of the various doctrines and teachings of the Christian church.
THEO 624 - Systematic Theology II, 3 hours
A continuation of THEO 623, Systematic Theology I.
THEO 625 - Philosophy for Theology, 3 hours
A study of philosophical topics, perspectives, and approaches that are particularly helpful to the study of theology. Particular attention will be given to issues such as the autonomy of reason, and theological understandings of the role of philosophy (and culture). This is not an introduction to philosophy or theology, which the student should have already taken. A previous course in the philosophy of religion would also be helpful, but it is not required. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 626 - The Early Councils and Their Creeds, 3 hours
The early Christian creeds and the first seven ecumenical councils played an important role in the historical development of Christian theology. This course will critically examine the key political and theological issues at stake during each council. The course will also pay significant attention to the ramifications and acceptance of each council and creed. Special attention will also be paid to smaller regional councils, as well as primary text research.
THEO 628 - Religious Experience, 3 hours
This course examines the experiential dimension of Christian religion in terms of a study of religious truth in relation to the experiences that Christianity attempts to express. An important focus is the analysis of the interplay between experience and doctrine. Comparison is made between the testimony of accounts of religious experiences with the formal theological statements of those experiences. Focus is placed upon both the crisis experiences of regeneration and entire sanctification and the process experiences of spiritual formation. Consideration also may be given to revivalism and rituals of Christianity. The method of study is an historical analysis combined with theological construction. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 647 - Biblical and Theological Studies, 3 hours
Designed to be flexible, this course is often, but not exclusively, taught in modular format. This course considers specific Biblical books or issues in Biblical study or Biblical theology, with a focus on the implications for ministry. The goal of this course is for students to reflect on ministry in light of the Bible.
THEO 648 - Theology and Ministry, 3 hours
Designed to be flexible, this course is often, but not exclusively, taught in modular format. This course considers specific theologians or theological issues and the implications for ministry. The goal of this course is for students to reflect theologically and intelligently on their ministry.
THEO 651 - Historic Christian Thought, 3 hours
This course is a study of significant movements, epochs, and theologians selected from the formative periods of the life of the Church prior to the modern age. Among the possible subjects of specific study are the early Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James Arminius, and Jonathan Edwards. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 656 - Christian Thought Since 1800, 3 hours
This course is a study of significant movements, epochs, and theologians selected from the recent life of the Church. Among the possible subjects of specific study are the rise of modern theology, recent and contemporary modes of theology, 19th-century continental theology, Søren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Wolfhart Pannenberg, and Jürgen Moltmann. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 657 - Topics in History of Christianity, 3 hours
This course is an examination of movements, persons, and ideas that have shaped the religious history and thought of Christianity. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 663 - Advanced Study in Systematic Theology, 3 hours
This course is a study of the central doctrines of the Church. This course examines the significance, the Biblical justification, the history of discussion, and the vital relevance of the Church's creedal affirmations. Among the possible areas of specific study are the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of the work of Christ. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 664 - Augustine, 3 hours
This course introduces the life of St. Augustine of Hippo and explores his foundational role in the development of the theology of the Christian church in the West. This course will give attention to his location in a transitional historical context and the ways Augustine reflects and influences the movement from the Roman to Medieval world. Attention will be given to considering implications for doing theology today. This course requires significant research and writing, and it may be repeated with a different subtitle.
THEO 665 - Theology in the Era of the Reformation, 3 hours
This course explores theological development in the Reformation period, giving attention to historical and theological context. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Study will be focused on key representative thinkers and the theological systems they both reflect and helped to shape. Attention will be given to the major streams of thought and development that led into and emerged from the Reformation. This course emphasizes research and writing, and it may be repeated under a different subtitle.
THEO 667 - Twentieth-Century Theological Ethics, 3 hours
A survey of Christian theological ethics in the twentieth century, focusing predominantly on Protestant thinkers. The relationship between theology and ethics will be analyzed throughout the course. It emphasizes research and academic writing, and it may be repeated under a different subtitle.
THEO 693 - Contemporary Issues in Theology, 3 hours
This course will explore recent trends and current issues in Christian Theology, examining them in light of their faithfulness to Scripture, Christian tradition and Christian practice. Attention will be given to their inner theological coherence and their impact on related Christian doctrines. A reading and research course which will give special emphasis to the critical examination of original documents. May be repeated under a different subtitle.
THEO 699 - Thesis, 3 hours
This option requires the completion of a 50-75-page thesis, the subject of which must be approved by the student's adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. This option demonstrates (1) the learner's ability to design, execute, and report on independent research, and (2) the learner's creative thinking, critical reflection, and writing ability. This option culminates with the learner's defense of the thesis. The School of Theology provides a detailed guide to the rules and regulations for the thesis, which is available from the Program Specialist.
Youth Ministry Courses (YMIN)
YMIN 612 - Foundations in Youth Ministry, 3 hours
The purpose of this course is to expose the student to the broad issues facing youth ministry today. This will be accomplished by using a two-fold approach: 1) seeking to understand the landscape of youth ministry by looking at adolescent development and secular culture; and 2) navigating this terrain by developing a blueprint for local church ministry. This blueprint will include the beginning of the development of a master plan for youth ministry. This master plan will focus on the study of adolescent spirituality and discipleship, a team-based approach to ministry, and the development of a Biblical theology as the compass for youth ministry.
YMIN 614 - Postmodernity, Youth Ministry and the Emerging Church, 3 hours
This class explores the cultural implications of postmodernism on the church, with a look at its effects on youth ministry in particular. This course will explore how the emerging church movement is affecting the church, and pay particular attention to how it is shaping youth ministry.
YMIN 620 - Youth Ministry and the Wilderness as Renewal, 3 hours
This course will explore the value and rationale for youth ministry in the context of wilderness camping. Special emphasis will be placed on the logistics of group camping in the wilderness setting, and how to plan and execute such a trip with the emphasis on the experience itself. Course participants will learn ways of using the wilderness experience for group building, leadership development and personal spiritual growth while on the trip. The course will involve a one-week wilderness experience. Limit: 10 students per trip. The backpacking experiences happen in May and October. Additional fees apply.
YMIN 630 - Developmental Theories and Adolescents, 3 hours
This class will explore the traditional learning theorists, focusing on Piaget, Kohlberg, Erickson, and Fowler, paying particular attention to what they say about adolescent development, and how they affect our approach to ministry regarding the emotional, mental, and spiritual development of students.
YMIN 645 - Family Systems and Implications for Local Church Ministry, 3 hours
This class is designed to look at the familial systems in place in society, and how the church can prepare to respond to the changing face of the family. How have the changing constructions of family, marriage, and relationships affected systems inside and outside the church, and how can the church continue to minister within the systems in place? What does a ministry to families look like in the church? How can the church partner with the family to minister to its students?
YMIN 650 - Spiritual Development of Students, 3 hours
The student will learn to develop a holistic approach to the spiritual formation of their students. It will seek to answer the following questions: What are the formative components to the spiritual development of students? What do students understand about God, sin, humanity, salvation, and the church? How do we help to shape the spiritual lives of students? How do teaching practices fit into the scope of youth ministry? How is youth ministry preparing them for life as a member of the kingdom of God and the Church?
YMIN 670A,B Mentored Ministry I, II, 3 hours each
This is taken in the second year of the two-year course cycle, placing the student in a mentoring relationship with a seasoned youth minister for each of the two semesters while completing the course work on a modular format. It is intended to help with the transitional issues related to the first year in ministry, develop a life-long appreciation for the mentoring relationship, and to help in the development, research, and presentation of the Master's Project.
YMIN 691 - Integrative Seminar/Project Presentation, 3 hours
This is the concluding course for the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry. The student will present a project that integrates theory and application to the local ministry setting. The seminar will also include reading, discussion and reflection on the projects presented by other students and their application to our ministry setting.