| ID | Title | Credits |
This course provides an historical overview and introduction to Anabaptism, with the emphasis on 16th century developments. Brief consideration will also be given to the later development of the Anabaptist movement up through the 20th century.
This course gives detailed attention to the development of the Mennonite and Amish movements from the 17th century through to the present. The American experience of both groups will be given special consideration.
This course focuses upon the historic developments of the first fifty years of the century of the Reformation. The writings of some of the greater Reformation figures are studied to develop insight into their thoughts and to determine their views on various significant topics. The political, economic and social milieu of the period will also be scrutinized.
An examination of the Methodist contribution to American Christianity and the rise of the perfectionistic and Pentecostal groups that resulted from it.
This course focuses on those individuals and groups, especially Anabaptist, who have contributed to the peace position in the Christian church. Consideration will be given both to the history of and a biblical and theological rationale for the Christian peace witness.
This course studies the history of Pietism, identifying the movements from which it sprang and noting the major people and institutions that are connected with classical Pietism of the later 17th and early 18th centuries. The course also gives some attention to how Pietism has expressed itself during the last two centuries and how it has contributed to the development of American Christianity.
This course focuses upon the distinctive theological contributions of the Wesleys to the larger Christian tradition, exploring the dynamic of living faith that characterized early Methodism and made the movement a potent source for spiritual and social renewal. It will explore vital Wesleyan syntheses and will intentionally integrate theology and the practice of ministry so as to demonstrate the relevance of a Wesleyan theological method and model for the contemporary church.
This course considers how Pietism has left its mark upon the development of Western Christianity. Pietism's varied expressions, both good and bad, will be studied and evaluated. A special focus will be how Pietism has affected the American church and influenced such movements as revivalism and missions.
This course considers the background and development of Brethren doctrine in the Brethren movement generally and The Brethren Church specifically. Attention is given to the beginnings in Anabaptism and Pietism and to how Brethren doctrine has developed from the eighteenth century to the present.
This course considers the historical development of the Brethren movement from its origins in Anabaptism and Pietism to the present day. Special attention is given to the Brethren Church since the 1880s.
This course explores the thought of the 16th century Anabaptists through a survey of representative Anabaptist writings. Figures to be studied include Michael Sattler, Balthasar Hubmaier, Pilgram Marpeck, Peter Riedemann, and Menno Simons. The course will consider both the distinctive beliefs of Anabaptists and the beliefs they held in common with other Reformation groups.
This course examines contemporary expressions of Anabaptist thought to discern both the distinctive emphases of the Anabaptist tradition and the divergent applications of that tradition. Students will be challenged to bring Anabaptists beliefs into conversation with other contemporary voices.
The purpose of this seminar is to examine the Christian doctrine of holiness from the perspective of biblical foundations and historical sources, with special attention to the Wesleyan vision of holiness of heart and life and its application to Christian discipleship today.
This course investigates selected issues in Anabaptist identity, history, theology, and ethics. Students will consider how the Anabaptist heritage can find expression in the modern and postmodern era.
This course sets the thought of classical 17th century Pietism against the backdrop of Protestant orthodoxy, developing its major points of distinction both in thought and tone. Because Pietism also has a characteristic spirit and practical expression, this side of the pietistic heritage will also be developed.
This course uses a seminar format to investigate the writings of some of the most influential Pietist leaders Johann Arndt, Phillip Jakob Spener, August Herman Francke, Gottfried Arnold, Johann Albrecht Bengel, Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, for example.
This course examines the form and expressions of piety within the Anabaptist and Pietist movements. Readings of devotional works in both of these traditions will make up the major part of the class.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Uncatalogued courses are offered occasionally to enrich the offerings of the major and to tap the resources of department faculty and visiting scholars. Specific course titles and descriptions are available when the course is scheduled.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The proposal phase of the seminar guides students through the process of developing their thesis proposals and prepares them to begin their research.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The writing phase of the seminar prepares students to complete their research, organize the results and write the thesis.
This course represents the credit awarded for the successful completion of a master's thesis. Students will consult regularly with their thesis advisors through the drafting and revising process until the thesis advisor determines that the thesis is acceptable. Students will then present the results of their research to fellow students and members of the department during May of the year they graduate.
This course will examine the enduring institution and changing dynamics of the Black Church from its inception in America to present. It will explore its changing history, theology, interpretation of the Bible, culture, education, ethics, nurture and ministry. It will examine the importance of the Black Church in the life of the community and its people.
This course will explore the role of education ministry within the Black Church context. Emphasis will be placed upon the synthesis of African heritage, biblical faith, and educational approaches that are relevant to the needs and conditions of African American people. This course will examine the tasks and purposes of Christian Education, the unique challenges that confront Christian educators in the Black Church as well as Afro-centric models for Christian Education.
An examination and interpretation of the history of the black church, including the seven historic American black denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Incorporated; the National Baptist Convention of America, Unincorporated; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; and the Church of God in Christ. The role of the black church in the black community will be emphasized along with the contributions to and distinctives within American Protestantism which the black church offers.
This course is a general introduction to call to ministry from an African American perspective. The call phenomenon has been a central tenet in the Black Church experience. The call to ministry has focused the church's ministry on the existential plight of African Americans. The course will examine the biblical, theological and historical basis of call to ministry from a Black perspective, especially the changing dynamics that the church faces in the post Civil Frights era.
This course examines the role of music in the Black Church and the prominent role African Americans have had in the evolution of music as it finds expression in the Christian tradition. This course will assist church leaders in teaching those in their context of ministry the importance of music both from a biblical and socio-cultural perspective as well as the importance of context in song.
The Black Church has historically been the center of black communal life in America as well as serving as an instrument for positive social change. This class will focus on the religious and ethical teachings of the Black Church. Various ethical stances will be discussed: nonviolent resistance, gradualism, social protest and liberation. Various ethicists will be examined: Martin Luther King, Jr., James Crone, W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm X.
This course is designed to be an exploration into primary and secondary sources in the African American religious experience in an effort to uncover indigenous material that reflects a distinctively African American spiritual formation tradition. In that regard the course will consider specific primary African American spiritual formation genres - slave narratives, conversion narratives, call narratives, prayers, sermons, art - as well as the life and works of selected personalities.
This course examines the development of the discipline of black theology in America since 1960. Focus will be placed upon the leading thinkers in black theology today, such as James Cone, J. Deotis Roberts and Gayraud Wilmore. A historical perspective of the richness of the black theological tradition will also be offered with references to the works of W.E.B. DuBois, Benjamin E. Mays, Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr.
A graduate seminar that focuses specifically on the intersection surrounding race, gender, sexuality and the Bible. It is part of a substitution theory of post-colonial biblical interpretation that takes seriously the hermeneutical shift from centering to decentering the politics of interpretation. A great deal of emphasis is placed on reading, reflection and dialogue.
This course examines in detail the enormous contribution of one of the greatest religious leaders of the 20th century. King's life and contribution to the black church and the Civil Rights Movement will be addressed. His work as a theologian and an ethicist will be studied with reference to his primary works, such as his speeches, sermons, essays and books. The course will discern the major themes of King's works, such as his doctrine of life and his ethic of non-violent resistance.
This course is an examination of the life, works, and contributions of Howard Thurman.
This course is a comparison and contrast, as well as an examination of the life, works, and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in America.
This course will examine the historical roots of hermeneutical ideologies and methodologies that have ignored and/or denied the influence of people of African descent in the Bible and upon the Bible. More basically, the course will examine the de-Africanization of the Bible, address this phenomenon by re-Africanizing the Bible and illustrate how the peculiar perspective and development of an African American hermeneutic contributes a fresh and needed insight for the Christian church as regards biblical interpretation.
This course is intended to introduce students to the history of the black preaching tradition in the United States, and to the various forms of preaching that are presently employed by black preachers throughout the country. The primary emphasis will be on the rich diversity of form and content that falls under the term "Black Preaching." This is not a how-to course that promises students that they will be able to preach in a certain way. Preaching is an art form and a system of work and study habits that each person must develop and refine over time. This course is meant to offer wide exposure to the concepts and definitions of Black Preaching.
This course will present an overview of issues, concepts, events, heritage, as well as customs that have evolved to comprise a general African American world view. The course will outline and explore the elements of Black culture that are expressed in the social institutions of Church and Family. The unifying cultural themes will be discussed as functional and central to personal identity and emotional equilibrium. Implications for pastoral care and worship will be discussed.
The primary objective of this course is to acquaint students with the reality of the uniqueness of pastoral care in African American Christian church experience. In conveying this perspective we will address the issues of 1) the range or scope of pastoral care; 2) special concerns of pastoral care; and 3) the practice of pastoral care in the African American Christian experience.
One of the defining characteristics of postcolonial biblical interpretation is distinguishing between the biblical reading strategies of dominant cultures and dominated cultures. Drawing especially upon cultural criticism, cultural studies, social location ideology, and cross disciplinary study, this approach seeks to unmask the power dynamics involved in biblical reading strategies in order to examine, critique, confront and challenge the effects upon both the individual and the culture. Moreover, this approach seeks to broaden the student's exposure as well as engage the student in a genuine global dialogue with voices from the marginalized, colonized, disenfranchised, and dispossessed with the goal of uncovering and using reading strategies that liberate and empower the powerless.
This course will provide students with an overview of Church Administration with a specific emphasis on the African American cultural context. It will examine the Biblical understanding of leader-administrator as a servant of God and a servant of people. It will examine the mission of the church, recognition of need, planning, organizing, staffing, communicating, budgeting and evaluation.
The format for this class is a graduate seminar that focuses primarily on theological literature produced by womanist scholars. Womanist scholarship gives expression to African American women's efforts - politically, culturally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually - to resist the interlocking system of multiple oppression, i.e., racism, sexism, and classism, that would thwart the life and well-being of all ages. Selected readings, dialogue, reports and papers are designed to give the student a broad appreciation for this literature and the issues addressed.
This course focuses upon the African American religious heritage and tradition in America. It will examine the discipline of religious history in relation to black people. It will trace the black roots and heritage in Africa and the Diaspora to the New World, North America. It will study the black religious tradition as it developed under the institution of slavery. It will study the conversion of blacks to Christianity with particular focus on the development of the black church. It will look at the contemporary black religious institutions in America and then focus upon the emergence of the discipline of black theology.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This course provides the clinical counselor an overview of components of the client's identity, focus, and direction from a spiritual perspective. Special attention is given to the self-concept, forgiveness, and suffering in clinical work. Attention will be given to the impact of spirituality on the healing process.
This course introduces the student to the history and trends within the counseling profession and information on professional counseling organizations. Students will obtain an understanding of the roles and functions as well as the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities of licensed counselors. Preparation standards for licensure as Professional Counselors (PC) and Professional Clinical Counselors (PCC) will be discussed.
This course is designed as a lab experience to reinforce learning from Counseling Techniques (CC 808) under the supervision of a small group professor. The course provides opportunity for Practicing the counseling techniques learned in class so as to equip the student with knowledge of the essential counseling skills such as attending, listening, probing, focusing, goal setting and challenging.
This course is designed to equip the student with a knowledge of the essential counseling skills such as attending, listening, probing, focusing, goal setting and challenging.
Surveys major concepts and practices of contemporary therapeutic systems. Attention is also given to the integration of biblical principles with sound behavioral science.
Provides a descriptive survey of the major categories of maladaptive behavior as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the APA. Major theoretical perspectives on etiology, prevention and remediation are addressed.
This course is an overview of the normal developmental processes and life crises through which a person generally moves from conception to death. Some attention will be given to the technique and teaching tools which a Christian counselor might use to assist the client who is struggling to pass productively through life's stages.
This is an overview of the major theories of personality. In addition to Christian, Gestalt, Behavioristic and Humanistic approaches, the perspectives of Freud, Jung, Adler, and Erikson are considered.
This course examines cultural and ethnic uniqueness and differences as significant issues for counselors and counselees. Emphasis is given to designing culturally and socially sensitive counseling interventions.
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the special models, theories, and techniques of crisis intervention. Crisis management resources are identified and special crisis situations are explored.
Advanced concepts are presented for the proper assessment of different categories of abnormal behavior. Special attention is given to the principles underlying the multiaxial approach of the DSM system. Includes material on conducting the diagnostic interview and the mental status exam.
Designed to help group members discover their interpersonal styles and improve their interpersonal skills such as self-disclosure, listening and responding. Students learn how to set and move toward individual personal growth goals. Process awareness skills are sharpened.
Continues the learning of interpersonal skills with additional attention to advanced empathy, constructive confrontation and immediacy. Personal growth goals are set and pursued and process awareness skills are sharpened.
Exploring and grasping the role and purpose of community through groups and how the dynamics of a group impacts the effectiveness of small groups will be an essential aspect of this course. The course will also explore basic principles in group counseling, including the purpose of groups, types of groups, pre-group assessment and screening of group members, various stages of groups, group dynamics and group leadership. Ethical, multicultural and profession issues will be examined.
Students will gain the requisite skills for successful participation in their practicum. Students will also be presented with basic information on ethics and professional practice in preparation for their practicum.
This practicum focuses on the basic counseling skills, providing opportunities for observation and active practice of these behaviors. Constructive feedback is provided by the practicum supervisor through the use of role-playing and structured exercises.
This course continues to build on the basic listening and speaking skills required for effective counseling. Sessions focus on practical role-plays. Feedback from practicum supervisor and peers is used to help in skill development.
This course is designed to prepare the pastoral counselor with a background for ministering to families. Attention will be given to history taking, problem assessment and therapeutic interventions.
An introduction to marriage counseling and special issues in family counseling. Attention will be given to history-taking, problem assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
This course will assist students in developing an understanding of death and grief based on biblical and historical perspectives which will help facilitate students' endeavors to embrace their own mortality, examine its implications for the way they live their lives, as well as provide practical skills for counseling the terminally ill and those who suffer from grief and loss.
This course deals with consultation theory and process as related to agencies and post-secondary educational institutions. Explores roles and functions of counselors and student personnel specialists in program and proposal development, conflict management, organization, administration, evaluation of services, public relations, and knowledge of community resources and referral process. Students will be helped to respond to the cultural context of each group, agency, or organization.
Designed to help the student develop a balanced view of the major concepts of various theoretical approaches to counseling. Includes discussion of techniques associated with the following perspectives: Crabbian, Psychoanalytic, Adlerian, Existential and Person-Centered.
This course is a continuation of CC 848. It includes attention to perspectives such as: Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Behavioral, Rational Emotive and Reality Therapy. Continues to help the student develop a style compatible with his/her personality. Also builds a broad base of techniques from which to provide what will best serve the client.
Promotes interpersonal skill development and personal growth through the group counseling experience. Covers basic skills in facilitating group development and promoting individual wholeness through group modalities.
Continues to provide opportunity for personal growth through group counseling. It also acquaints the student with a variety of group therapy models and techniques. Students explore their own leadership interventions.
This course is designed to give the student a deeper understanding of personality disorders. Attention is given to recognizing and addressing the dynamics the various personality disorders create in the therapeutic process and to adapting treatment plans to address Axis II diagnosis.
This course will present the dynamics of adolescent conflicts within the family system. Attention will be given to etiology, assessment, and treatment. The course will consist of both didactic and experiential learning.
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the dynamics and treatment of eating disorders. Attention is given to understanding the etiology, differential diagnosis, and special treatment factors.
Older adults comprise one of the fastest growing segments of the American population. This course examines normal and abnormal aging with special emphases upon assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment implementation. Ethical issues in working with older adults will also be explored. (Prerequisites; CC 811 and CC829)
This course will provide students with an introductory overview of Substance Abuse and Dependence. Emphasis will be given to the origin, diagnosis and treatment (including self-help programs) of substance related disorders, as well as their impact on the family of the addicted individual. This course will serve as a prerequisite for the other advanced courses for those students having no prior coursework in Substance Abuse and Dependence.
The sub-culture of self-identified Christian clients has unique needs in, and expectations from, counseling which result in clients benefitting from distinctively Christian counseling interventions. A variety of theories and therapies exist for use by counselors working with Christian clients. This course examines some of the better known models of counseling (and pastoral care), including religious cognitive-behavioral therapy, theophostic counseling, nouthetic counseling, Christotherapy, inner healing prayer, and other distinctively Christian interventions.
An intensive experience working in an area of interest for the student, designed to increase professional expertise through participation and observation.
Advanced concepts are presented for the assessment of personality using objective (i.e. non-projective) assessment instruments. Special attention will be given to the development, nature (structure), administration, and interpretation of objective personality instruments. Both scientific and practical aspects of these inventories will be addressed.
Students will receive an overview of significant professional, legal and ethical considerations applicable to the counseling process. Attention is also give to issues of licensure.
Advanced concepts are presented for the proper assessment of different categories of abnormal behavior. Special attention is given to the principles underlying the multiaxial approach of the DSM-IV. This includes material on conducting the diagnostic interview and the mental status examination.
This course is designed to assist the student in the development of assessment skills in working with substance-abusing clients. Focus will be on the DSM-IV criteria for intoxication, abuse and dependence. Standardized assessment instruments and interviewing techniques will also be covered.
This course is for anyone who may encounter children in their clinical practice. It offers clinical descriptions of childhood disorders commonly seen by mental health professionals including complete discussion of assessment, diagnoses, and treatment options from a Christian worldview. This course will cover the diagnostic consideration issues related to making a diagnosis. These issues include a broad description of childhood disorders, difficult differential diagnoses, prevalence of the disorder, course, and subtypes of the diagnosis. Broad assessment strategies will be covered that are useful in the assessment of more than one disorder. These tests tap broad psychological, behavioral, and social characteristics of the child, which may pertain to multiple disorders.
This course focuses upon the need for clinical counselors to arrive at the correct diagnosis by the end of the intake process and explores the method and means for doing so. Special emphasis is given to the appropriate use of the DSM-IV-TR (and the current version of the ICD) in terms of the symptoms, etiology and psychodynamics of the various mental and emotional disorders. The mental status examination will be highlighted during the course, as will the ethical, legal, and professional standards of care which apply to diagnosis.
Issues of death, dying, loss, and grief impact lives on a regular basis. This course will provide counseling students with foundational biblical, historical, and theological "end of life" principles. The course will provide an overview of current conceptualizations of grief and mourning. Interventions will be presented for supporting the dying, as well as individuals going through bereavement. Additional strategies will be presented for identifying and intervening with those who have clinically significant complicated grief. Throughout the course, the students will be encouraged to explore their own grief reactions, as well as to consider the meaning of life and death from a Christian worldview.
This class is to help the students gain a deeper understanding of theory, as it applies to clinical application. Specific techniques will be learned to help the student intervene in difficult patterns and situations.
This course is designed to broaden the student's theoretical understanding of family therapy. The course will also help the student assess dysfunctional family behavioral patterns and strategize intervention techniques that will disrupt rigid behavioral patterns among family members.
This course investigates major issues pertinent to counseling adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Major theoretical approaches, stages of treatment, therapeutic interventions, and professional issues are explored.
This course focuses on issues of sexuality in counseling. Students explore sexual development, sexual orientation and the fundamentals of sexual biology. Strategies will be presented for intervening and monitoring client change in commonly occurring sexual disorders, clinically significant sexual problems and paraphiliac conditions. Throughout the course, students will be challenged to develop and refine a Biblically-based theology of sex and theology of healthy sexuality.
This course focuses on the theory, research, and counseling interventions related to the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders (and related conditions). Special attention is given to the DSM-IV classifications and cognitive-behavioral interventions.
The treatment of children from several different theoretical orientations will be presented in this course. Because play is the language of children, much of the class time will be spent teaching play therapy techniques. Resources and equipment needed for treating children will be discussed. The course will include "hands on" experience of psychological methods used with children.
This course will focus on the current managed care climate, strategies for navigating this environment successfully, possible future trends, and brief therapy as the preferred treatment modality within managed care.
Provides the student with a review of the basic concepts and methods of social/behavioral research. Material to be covered includes: questionnaire construction, interview techniques, observational methods and statistical analysis.
Acquaints the student with the history and theory of psychological testing. Covers the most popular psychological tests, helpful interpretive concepts and application of psychological tests most available to pastoral counselors.
Acquaints the student with the history and theory of psychological testing. Covers the most popular psychological tests, helpful interpretive concepts and application of psychological tests most available to pastoral counselors.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the supervisory processes and procedures in the field of clinical counseling. Students will gain an understanding of various models of supervision, the supervisor-supervisee relationship, supervisory contracts, evaluation procedures, legal and ethical issues in supervision, documentation, and individual and cultural differences in supervision.
This course provides an understanding of the ideas, assumptions, goals, and methods of narrative therapy as they apply to the practice of clinical counseling. Conceptualization of client concerns from a narrative worldview, treatment planning, and the strategies and techniques for attaining treatment goals will be explored. Emphasis will be given to the varied needs of individuals, couples, and families seeking help.
This course will examine the value of treatment planning within the therapeutic endeavor, general guiding principles for treatment planning, and well-researched, effective treatment protocols for dealing with specific DSM-IV diagnoses. (A basic understanding of DSM-IV diagnostics, counseling theory, and mental health treatment is required for this course.)
An internship is a post-practicum, on-the-job experience in professional counseling which enables the student to refine and enhance basic counseling skills and to integrate professional knowledge and skills. The internship involves work with bona fide clients and is under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor who is an independently licensed mental health professional, acceptable to the Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board.
This course continues the experience of CC 896 in an on-the-job experience in professional counseling under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor.
This course will consider the history, philosophy, and theology of Christian formation in the church in order that the principles and processes that undergird the church's ministry of making disciples may be identified and utilized. Attention will be given to how the Christian leader can be an impactful force for Christian formation in the community of faith and the function of teaching in the church.
Faith Formation is considered by consulting human developmental theorists and their frameworks (e.g. Erikson, Fowler, Kohlberg, Westerhoff). This review is undertaken so that the Christian leader may consider the implications for discipleship ministry and develop imaginative strategies for Christian formation.
This course seeks to give grounding to the work of disciple-making by understanding the redemptive purpose and communal nature of the church. Relational practices for making disciples and building community will be emphasized. Additionally, biblical strategies for disciple-making will receive attention.
This course will explore the role of education ministry within the Black Church context. Emphasis will be placed upon the synthesis of African heritage, biblical faith, and educational approaches that are relevant to the needs and conditions of African American people. This course will examine the tasks and purposes of Christian Education, the unique challenges that confront Christian educators in the Black Church as well as Afro-centric models for Christian Education.
This is a study of the major approaches currently in use to aid pre-schoolers through sixth-graders as they grow in the practice and understanding of the faith. Emphasis is placed on curriculum development and organization for the most effective formation program.
This course examines the challenge of ministering to and raising Christian children in a secular society. There will be emphasis on providing ways for the church to empower parents to assist their children to live godly lives in the current cultural milieu. Special attention will be given to issues related to sex, substance abuse, and the mass media.
Adult Ministry is complex due in part to the evolving, changing nature of the lifespan and its inherent challenges. This course will introduce the foundational concerns of adulthood, and then consider ministry approaches to meet the needs of adults. Special attention will be given to the use of small groups.
This course will present an overview of issues, concepts, events, heritage, as well as customs that have evolved to comprise a general African American world view. The course will outline and explore the elements of Black culture that are expressed in the social institutions of Church and Family. The unifying cultural themes will be discussed as functional and central to personal identity and emotional equilibrium. Implications for pastoral care and worship will be discussed.
This course seeks to assist the student in becoming an effective teaching force in the learning space by exploring and utilizing principles, methods, and resources for impactful communication and instruction in the ministry context. Special attention will be given to teaching the Bible in the Church.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the chairperson of the respective department (Biblical Studies; Christian History, Theology and Philosophy; or Practical Theology) for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Independent studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This is an introductory course on the basic outline of church history from the early church to the present, noting the influence of culture upon the church and the influence of the church upon culture. Attention will be focused upon key events, people, institutions, and ideas that affected the development of the church.
An examination and interpretation of the history of the black church, including the seven historic American black denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Incorporated; the National Baptist Convention of America, Unincorporated; the Progressive National Baptist Convention; and the Church of God in Christ. The role of the black church in the black community will be emphasized along with the contributions to and distinctives within American Protestantism which the black church offers.
A chronological survey of outstanding devotional writings from the apostolic age to the present. The focus will be on the breadth of this literature as well as acquaintance with major authors and their works.
This course explores the various forms of Christianity on the continent of Africa from the apostolic age to the present day, paying particular attention to the interface of culture, history, and theology.
This course provides an historical overview and introduction to Anabaptism, with the emphasis on 16th century developments. Brief consideration will also be given to the later development of the Anabaptist movement up through the 20th century.
This course gives detailed attention to the development of the Mennonite and Amish movements from the 17th century through to the present. The American experience of both groups will be given special consideration.
A survey of the expansion of Christianity from a global perspective. The course emphasizes the Great Commission, the example of the New Testament Church, critical factors and themes in each historical era, the genesis of Protestant missions, influential missionaries, and the modern missionary movement including the major missionary conferences of the 20th century.
This course focuses upon the historic developments of the first fifty years of the century of the Reformation. The writings of some of the greater Reformation figures are studied to develop insight into their thoughts and to determine their views on various significant topics. The political, economic and social milieu of the period will also be scrutinized.
This is a study of Christianity in the American environment from the seventeenth century to the present. The transplanting of the European churches, the development of unique expressions in Christianity in America and the nature of Christianity will be examined.
An examination of the movements, persons, and ideas which shaped Christianity in America during its colonial period. Particular focus will be given to the effects of the First Great Awakening.
An examination of the Methodist contribution to American Christianity and the rise of the perfectionistic and Pentecostal groups that resulted from it.
This course focuses on those individuals and groups, especially Anabaptist, who have contributed to the peace position in the Christian church. Consideration will be given both to the history of and a biblical and theological rationale for the Christian peace witness.
The course examines the thought of the church from the Apostolic Fathers to the Reformation. The emphasis of the study will be upon major figures, literature and controversies as they affected Christian thought.
This course is a continuation of Historical Theology I and takes up the development of Christian thought with the Reformation and continues to the modern era. Special consideration is given to major figures, literature and controversies that have influenced the church in a significant way.
A study of women's lives, service and contribution to the church beginning with the Bible and early Christian writings. Women's roles and contributions will be surveyed in the apostolic period, the ascetic movement, the medieval period and the Reformation. The post-Reformation period will focus on women in America and the quest for ordination.
An introductory history of Christianity in Africa, Asia and South America.
A study of unity and diversity, orthodoxy and heresy in the ante-N?cene church, beginning with the New Testament materials.
An introduction to the history, practices, and ideals of Christian monasticism from its origins to the "new monasticism" of contemporary North America, with special attention to the Benedictine tradition. The seminar includes immersion in a monastic community.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the history and development of Christian ethical thought and practices from the early church to today.
This course studies the history of Pietism, identifying the movements from which it sprang and noting the major people and institutions that are connected with classical Pietism of the later 17th and early 18th centuries. The course also gives some attention to how Pietism has expressed itself during the last two centuries and how it has contributed to the development of American Christianity.
This course focuses upon the distinctive theological contributions of the Wesleys to the larger Christian tradition, exploring the dynamic of living faith that characterized early Methodism and made the movement a potent source for spiritual and social renewal. It will explore vital Wesleyan syntheses and will intentionally integrate theology and the practice of ministry so as to demonstrate the relevance of a Wesleyan theological method and model for the contemporary church.
An examination of the lives of representative figures in the history of Christianity, specifically analyzing the essential features of their message and mission as Christian leaders in response to the challenges of their age.
This course considers how Pietism has left its mark upon the development of Western Christianity. Pietism's varied expressions, both good and bad, will be studied and evaluated. A special focus will be how Pietism has affected the American church and influenced such movements as revivalism and missions.
This course considers the historical development of the Brethren movement from its origins in Anabaptism and Pietism to the present day. Special attention is given to the Brethren Church since the 1880s.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This course introduces students to the history, culture, and developments of thought in Judaism during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods, chiefly through the windows provided by the major documents written during this period. Students will read the Apocrypha, selected Dead Sea Scrolls, and other texts which throw important light on the world into which the church and its theology and piety were born.
A study of Christianity in the British Isles from Roman times to the present, noting groups and movements (such as Puritanism, Methodism, and Evangelicalism) that affect Christianity more globally.
A survey of English and American Puritanism in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and its legacy in the Christian world.
A study of Orthodox Christianity from the first century to the present, with a particular emphasis upon the Byzantine influence.
The course is a study of the developments of the left wing of the Protestant Reformation including the motives that brought it about, the directions it took and the results that followed it. The thought and developments of the Pietistic Movement are examined and the impact of the movement determined. The relation of the two movements to the Brethren will be examined.
Overview of the development and content of major world religions including tribal religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, the religions of China, Shintoism, and Islam, along with comparisons with Christianity, ways of relating to peoples of other religions, and some attention to the impact of these religions on American life.
This course is primarily a study of sectarian expressions dealing with the major bodies in America regarded as deviations from orthodox Christianity. These movements include Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism and the New Age movement.
The course provides an overview of the liberal-fundamentalist controversy in America that raged during the first third of the twentieth century. American Christianity during the nineteenth century will be studied as a background for the controversy. Attention will be given to the history of the controversy, the major issues of debate, and the leading figures on both sides of the conflict.
This course focuses upon the African American religious heritage and tradition in America. It will examine the discipline of religious history in relation to black people. It will trace the black roots and heritage in Africa and the Diaspora to the New World, North America. It will study the black religious tradition as it developed under the institution of slavery. It will study the conversion of blacks to Christianity with particular focus on the development of the black church. It will look at the contemporary black religious institutions in America and then focus upon the emergence of the discipline of black theology.
A survey of the significant eschatological views in America from the seventeenth century to the present. Consideration will be given to the historical roots of the views, the impulses which fostered their appearance, growth, decline and their impact on the broader life and thought of the Christian church.
This is a survey of the missionary imperative by the German Baptist Brethren from their first preaching tours in Europe and the United States to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the work of the Brethren Church.
This seminar is a collaborative examination of selected women in the history of Christianity who have contributed to the life of the church as theologians. This exploration of women theologians includes a study of women's faith development, the unique features of the women's theological vision, and a consideration of their continuing legacy in the life of the church. Beginning with the witness of Hildegard and concluding with contemporary global theological perspectives of women, particular attention is given to the holistic understanding of theology manifest in their lives and writings.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Uncatalogued courses are offered occasionally to enrich the offerings of the major and to tap the resources of department faculty and visiting scholars. Specific course titles and descriptions are available when the course is scheduled.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The proposal phase of the seminar guides students through the process of developing their thesis proposals and prepares them to begin their research.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The writing phase of the seminar prepares students to complete their research, organize the results and write the thesis.
This course represents the credit awarded for the successful completion of a master's thesis. Students will consult regularly with their thesis advisors through the drafting and revising process until the thesis advisor determines that the thesis is acceptable. Students will then present the results of their research to fellow students and members of the department during May of the year they graduate.
This course provides the counselor with an overview of components of the client's identity, focus, and direction from a spiritual perspective. Special attention is given to the self-concept, forgiveness, and suffering in clinical work. Attention will also be given to the impact of spirituality on the healing process.
This course explores the basic concepts and skills used in pastoral counseling. Students are helped to develop skills in attending, listening, empathy, probes, leads and the management of feelings, blocks, reluctance and resistance. Assessment of needs, problems, and assets is also covered, along with coverage of the initial interview and referral.
This course is designed to equip the student with a knowledge of essential counseling skills such as attending, listening, probing, focusing, goal setting and challenging.
This course is surveys major concepts and practices of contemporary therapeutic systems. Attention is also given to the integration of biblical principles with sound behavioral science.
This course provides a descriptive survey of the major categories of maladaptive behavior as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the APA. Major theoretical perspectives on etiology, prevention and remediation are addressed.
This course is an overview of the normal developmental processes and life crises through which a person generally moves from conception to death. Some attention will be given to the technique and teaching tools which a Christian counselor might use to assist the client who is struggling to pass productively through life's stages.
This course examines cultural and ethnic uniqueness and differences as significant issues for counselors and counselees. Emphasis is given to designing culturally and socially sensitive counseling interventions.
Designed to familiarize the counselor with the special models, theories and techniques of crisis intervention. Crisis management resources are identified and special crisis situations are explored.
Designed to equip the counselor with the concepts and skills necessary to do lifestyle and career assessment and to implement career goals in a plan of action from a Christian viewpoint.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of some of the holistic approaches to healing, with a major focus on the role of the Spirit in healing. As such, it complements both Biblical Themes in Pastoral Counseling (CO 801) and Counseling Theories (CO 809) by providing the student with an overview of the pastoral counseling process. Within this course, the theoretical and didactic will be wedded to the practical and experiential through the use of both large group presentations and small group interactions. Emphasis will be placed upon the student's personal and spiritual growth.
Advanced concepts are presented for the proper assessment of different categories of abnormal behavior. Special attention is given to the principles underlying the multiaxial approach of the DSM system. Includes material on conducting the diagnostic interview and the mental status exam.
Designed to help group members discover their interpersonal styles and improve their interpersonal skills such as self-disclosure, listening and responding. Students learn how to set and move toward individual personal growth goals. Process awareness skills are sharpened.
Continues the learning of interpersonal skills with additional attention to advanced empathy, constructive confrontation and immediacy. Personal growth goals are set and pursued and process awareness skills are sharpened.
Interpersonal skills are further developed with additional attention given to leadership styles and individual and group defensiveness. Personal growth goals and process awareness skills continue to be developed.
Provides students with practice in helping skills via activities such as written exercises, structured exercises, role-playing, verbatims and field exercises. Includes constructive feedback on student's practice of helping skills.
This practicum focuses on the basic counseling skills, providing opportunities for observation and active practice of these behaviors. Constructive feedback is provided by the practicum supervisor through the use of role-playing and structured exercises.
This course continues to build on the basic listening and speaking skills required for effective counseling. Sessions focus on practical role-plays. Feedback from practicum supervisor and peers is used to help in skill development.
An introduction to marriage counseling and special issues in family counseling. Attention will be given to history-taking, problem assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
Focuses on understanding and managing conflict in the church. Biblical principles and contemporary models permit the student to make adaptations to personal ministry objectives. Individual application will be addressed through self-assessment, case study and structured exercises.
This course will assist students in developing an understanding of death and grief based on biblical and historical perspectives which will help facilitate students' endeavors to embrace their own mortality, examine its implications for the way they live their lives, as well as provide practical skills for counseling the terminally ill and those who suffer from grief and loss.
This course deals with consultation theory and process as related to agencies and post-secondary educational institutions. Explores roles and functions of counselors and student personnel specialists in program and proposal development, conflict management, organization, administration, evaluation of services, public relations, and knowledge of community resources and referral process. Students will be helped to respond to the cultural context of each group, agency, or organization.
Designed to help the student develop a balanced view of the major concepts of various theoretical approaches to counseling. Includes discussion of techniques associated with the following perspectives: Crabbian, Psychoanalytic, Adlerian, Existential and Person-Centered.
This course is a continuation of CO 848. It includes attention to perspectives such as: Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Behavioral, Rational Emotive and Reality Therapy. Continues to help the student develop a style compatible with his/her personality. Also builds a broad base of techniques from which to provide what will best serve the client.
Promotes interpersonal skill development and personal growth through the group counseling experience. Covers basic skills in facilitating group development and promoting individual wholeness through group modalities.
Continues to provide opportunity for personal growth through group counseling. It also acquaints the student with a variety of group therapy models and techniques. Students explore their own leadership interventions.
Continues the work of CO 851. Additional attention is given to exercising leadership. Termination issues are explored.
This course provides theory, experience and training in the Blees Scenario (Group) Role Playing methodology. Using this method, the student will experience simulated life situations providing practice in interpersonal behavioral techniques compatible with Christian principles which focus on replacing dysfunctional behaviors.
This course provides students with practice in advanced helping skills via activities such as written exercises, structured exercises, role-playing, verbatim and field experience. Constructive feedback on students' practice of helping skills is provided.
This course serves as a continuation of CO 856 and focuses on the honing of advanced counseling skills, providing opportunities for observation and practice of these behaviors. Constructive feedback is provided by the practicum supervisor through the use of role-playing, verbatim, structured and written exercises.
This course continues to build on the advanced counseling skills practiced in CO 857, which are required for effective counseling.
Students will receive an overview of significant professional, legal and ethical considerations applicable to the counseling process. Attention is also give to issues of licensure.
Provides a basic introduction and overview of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies and their treatment. The pathology of addiction is explored while examining the signs, symptoms and stages involved.
An introduction to gerontology with a focus on the present gerontology situation, the nature and theories of aging, the needs of the aged, health care of the aged, retirement, aging parents and the role of the clergy and the aged.
Provides the student with a review of the basic concepts and methods of social/behavioral research. Material to be covered includes: questionnaire construction, interview techniques, observational methods and statistical analysis.
Acquaints the student with the history and theory of psychological testing. Covers the most popular psychological tests, helpful interpretive concepts and application of psychological tests most available to pastoral counselors.
This course will examine the value of treatment planning within the therapeutic endeavor, general guiding principles for treatment planning, and well-researched, effective treatment protocols for dealing with specific DSM-IV diagnoses. (A basic understanding of DSM-IV diagnostics, counseling theory, and mental health treatment is required for this course.)
An internship is a post-practicum, on-the-job experience in professional counseling which enables the student to refine and enhance basic counseling skills and to integrate professional knowledge and skills. The internship involves work with bona fide clients and is under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor who is an independently licensed mental health professional.
This course continues the experience of CO 896 in an on-the-job experience in professional counseling under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor.
This course continues the experience of CO 897 in an on-the-job experience in professional counseling under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor.
A survey of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratic philosophers to the contemporary period, noting those movements which have had the greatest impact upon Christian thought.
An introduction to issues surrounding the defense of the faith, with an emphasis up on practical methodology.
The Black Church has historically been the center of black communal life in America as well as serving as an instrument for positive social change. This class will focus on the religious and ethical teachings of the Black Church. Various ethical stances will be discussed: nonviolent resistance, gradualism, social protest and liberation. Various ethicists will be examined: Martin Luther King, Jr., James Crone, W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm X.
A study of the philosophical questions surrounding religion. Such topics as faith and reason, the theistic proofs and the nature of religious experience will be discussed.
This course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of Christian ethics. The course will integrate commitments to Christian virtues, discipleship, moral/spiritual formation and Christian ethics, in order to assist students in developing competencies in ethical analysis and moral discernment.
This course focuses on those individuals and groups, especially Anabaptist, who have contributed to the peace position in the Christian church. Consideration will be given both to the history of and a biblical and theological rationale for the Christian peace witness.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the history and development of Christian ethical thought and practices from the early church to today.
The course provides an in-depth and focused study of contemporary ethical issues and Christian moral responses. Topics may include bioethics, war and violence, sexuality, and human rights.
This course will explore contemporary issues in theology and ethics through critical and intensive readings of select authors. The goal is to attain greater awareness of the way in which contemporary realities present ethical questions to theological categories and ideologies. The course will rely on students' abilities to read texts critically, to engage in theological reflection and formation, to participate in informed interaction based on the readings, and to integrate course readings with other academic disciplines. It is highly recommended that students have at least one course in theology.
We live in a world of compressed interdependence and interaction between local and global contexts so that ethical issues impact all who share this planet. This course provides biblical, theological and missional frameworks for fostering global moral concern by the Church for the world. We will analyze macro-ethical issues, such as care for creation, economics, poverty, disease, religious violence and terrorism, and develop practical strategies of response for local congregations.
This course provides an overview of historical and contemporary models for understanding the relationship of the Church to society along with presenting theological foundations for social engagement. Particular attention will be given to theological and missional understandings of the Church's commitments to social justice, the challenges of political involvement, prophetic critiques of "the powers and principalities," and various ways of responding to social ethical issues from the perspective of Christian faith. Practical application will be made to current issues.
This course is designed to integrate theology and ethics with spiritual and moral formation. By looking at select writers, concepts, processes and aims of spiritual formation, and by exploring and participating in social activism as both a means and expression of spiritual formation, we will attempt to move toward a more holistic spirituality and morality that takes seriously the call to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8).
This course explores the social dimensions of religious expression as it is shaped by socio-historical forces and ideologies. Students will be introduced to perspectives and tools offered by the sociology of religion that are helpful for analyzing various expressions of Christian faith and practice in diverse social contexts.
An in-depth exploration of the life and work of selected thinkers in ethics or philosophy, giving attention to the context and development of their thought, their contributions to ethics and philosophy, and how their work informs our understanding of issues today.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson of the respective department for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This class explores the various dimensions of what has been called theological aesthetics or the "glory of God." It will include the examination of historical and contemporary expressions of this theme and will assess its appropriateness for a theological foundation of worship. In addition, the formative role of aesthetics in the life of the Christian will be explored. In addition to addressing the theological/philosophical aspects of aesthetics, various forms of expressing beauty through art will be examined.
This course provides a survey of Christian doctrine in the areas of theological method, Scripture, God, creation, humanity, sin, and the person and work of Christ. Together with Christian Theology II, this course will encourage students to develop a theology that is faithful to Scripture, conversant with Christian tradition, and relevant to contemporary contexts.
This course provides a survey of Christian doctrine in the areas of the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things. Together with Christian Theology I, this course will encourage students to develop a theology that is faithful to Scripture, conversant with Christian tradition, and relevant to contemporary contexts.
This course examines the development of the discipline of black theology in America since 1960. Focus will be placed upon the leading thinkers in black theology today, such as James Cone, J. Deotis Roberts and Gayraud Wilmore. A historical perspective of the richness of the black theological tradition will also be offered with references to the works of W.E.B. DuBois, Benjamin E. Mays, Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr.
A graduate seminar that focuses specifically on the intersection surrounding race, gender, sexuality and the Bible. It is part of a substitution theory of post-colonial biblical interpretation that takes seriously the hermeneutical shift from centering to decentering the politics of interpretation. A great deal of emphasis is placed on reading, reflection and dialogue.
This course examines in detail the enormous contribution of one of the greatest religious leaders of the 20th century. King's life and contribution to the black church and the Civil Rights Movement will be addressed. His work as a theologian and an ethicist will be studied with reference to his primary works, such as his speeches, sermons, essays and books. The course will discern the major themes of King's works, such as his doctrine of life and his ethic of non-violent resistance.
This course is a comparison and contrast, as well as an examination of the life, works, and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in America.
This course is a survey of Christian theology for students in counseling. Building upon key themes in biblical theology, the course gives students an overview of Christian doctrine, with special attention to issues important in counseling, in order to equip students to think theologically in a counseling context. Counseling students may substitute this course for their theology core requirement.
An investigation into the scriptural and theological understandings of the ministry of the Church through world mission and evangelism. Contemporary problems, syncretism, and praxis tension are examined.
This course focuses upon the historic developments of the first fifty years of the century of the Reformation. The writings of some of the greater Reformation figures are studied to develop insight into their thoughts and to determine their views on various significant topics. The political, economic and social milieu of the period will also be scrutinized.
This course will examine the primary works and writings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. The unique thought and contribution of each thinker will be studied in the context of the Reformation. Selected theological topics pertinent to each will also be addressed.
A study of the person and work of Christ that considers biblical, historical, and systematic formulations. Attention will be given to the implications of Christology for Christian identity, life, ministry, and witness.
A study of the doctrine of salvation in the Scriptures, in Christian history, and in the church today. Students will be encouraged to develop a theologically consistent and biblically sound soteriology and to consider the implications of soteriology for Christian life and ministry.
A study of ecclesiology in the Scriptures, in Christian history and in the church today. Special attention may also be given to models of the church in contemporary theology.
A study of the doctrine of the church, its ministry and its sacraments in light of Scripture, history and the contemporary milieu. Discussion of the church in ecumenical perspective will lead to consideration of baptism, the Lord's Supper and ministry in recent dialogue.
This course focuses on those individuals and groups, especially Anabaptist, who have contributed to the peace position in the Christian church. Consideration will be given both to the history of and a biblical and theological rationale for the Christian peace witness.
The course examines the thought of the church from the Apostolic Fathers to the Reformation. The emphasis of the study will be upon major figures, literature and controversies as they affected Christian thought.
This course is a continuation of Historical Theology I and takes up the development of Christian thought with the Reformation and continues to the modern era. Special consideration is given to major figures, literature and controversies that have influenced the church in a significant way.
This course is a detailed exegetical survey of the major topics of Pauline theology set in the context of his eschatological world view. The implications of his theological thought for ethics will also be addressed without focusing primarily on the ethical material in the Pauline corpus.
Examination of selected and important passages will deal with the place of eschatology in the New Testament, the relation of the work of Christ to eschatology and the New Testament understanding of history.
A detailed study of the doctrines of the person and work of Christ with special reference to the atonement. Special emphasis is given to its relation to the Trinity and theological motifs.
The course deals with the doctrine of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, biblically, historically and experientially. The work of the Holy Spirit is traced through the Bible and related to the church and Christian faith today.
A study of unity and diversity, orthodoxy and heresy in the ante-Nicene church, beginning with the New Testament materials.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the history and development of Christian ethical thought and practices from the early church to today.
A chronological analysis of the theological content of progressive revelation in the Old Testament. After a synchronic description of the theological content of each biblical covenant and epoch, the diachronic progression and unity will be noted in preparation for a future study of the loci of Systematic Theology.
A survey of the content of the New Testament revelation historically understood together with an orientation to the major schools of New Testament theology in current scholarship.
This course focuses upon the distinctive theological contributions of the Wesleys to the larger Christian tradition, exploring the dynamic of living faith that characterized early Methodism and made the movement a potent source for spiritual and social renewal. It will explore vital Wesleyan syntheses and will intentionally integrate theology and the practice of ministry so as to demonstrate the relevance of a Wesleyan theological method and model for the contemporary church.
This course is a basic introduction to the theories of the sociology of religion and the church. The course considers the church as a social organization, its natural life cycle, and its leadership structure.
This course examines the doctrine of the church from a Brethren and a Believers' Church perspective. It provides an overview of the organizational structure of the Brethren Church at the local, district and national levels. Consideration is given to both the doctrine and practice of the ordinances.
This course considers the background and development of Brethren doctrine in the Brethren movement generally and The Brethren Church specifically. Attention is given to the beginnings in Anabaptism and Pietism and to how Brethren doctrine has developed from the eighteenth century to the present.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This course explores the thought of the 16th century Anabaptists through a survey of representative Anabaptist writings. Figures to be studied include Michael Sattler, Balthasar Hubmaier, Pilgram Marpeck, Peter Riedemann, and Menno Simons. The course will consider both the distinctive beliefs of Anabaptists and the beliefs they held in common with other Reformation groups.
This course examines contemporary expressions of Anabaptist thought to discern both the distinctive emphases of the Anabaptist tradition and the divergent applications of that tradition. Students will be challenged to bring Anabaptists beliefs into conversation with other contemporary voices.
Contemporary theology deals with theological concerns and ideas currently in focus in Christianity. Through introduction of leading theological thinkers, reading of significant recent writings and exploration of current theological ideas, it is hoped that the student will gain some grasp of theological thought from the time of the Theological Revolution to the present.
This course will explore contemporary issues in theology and ethics through critical and intensive readings of select authors. The goal is to attain greater awareness of the way in which contemporary realities present ethical questions to theological categories and ideologies. The course will rely on students' abilities to read texts critically, to engage in theological reflection and formation, to participate in informed interaction based on the readings, and to integrate course readings with other academic disciplines. It is highly recommended that students have at least one course in theology.
A presentation of significant thinkers who have developed understandings of God, Christ, sin and grace in the attempt of the Christian Gospel to speak with relevance to the modern mind. Theologians such as Karl Barth, Reinhold Niebuhr, H. Richard Niebuhr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Emil Brunner, Hans Kung, and Carl F. H. Henry will be examined.
A study of the theology of suffering and pain together with the Christian response of grace and hope. Examination of biblical and theological sources such as the book of Job, Karl Barth, C.S. Lewis and Jurgen Moltmann.
An examination of the person and work of Christ as understood in contemporary theology. The study will include both Protestant and Roman Catholic thinkers such as Hans Kung, Eduard Schillebeeckx, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Karl Barth and Jurgen Moltmann.
The course provides an overview of the liberal-fundamentalist controversy in America that raged during the first third of the twentieth century. American Christianity during the nineteenth century will be studied as a background for the controversy. Attention will be given to the history of the controversy, the major issues of debate, and the leading figures on both sides of the conflict.
The purpose of this seminar is to examine the Christian doctrine of holiness from the perspective of biblical foundations and historical sources, with special attention to the Wesleyan vision of holiness of heart and life and its application to Christian discipleship today.
This course investigates selected issues in Anabaptist identity, history, theology, and ethics. Students will consider how the Anabaptist heritage can find expression in the modern and postmodern era.
A survey of the significant eschatological views in America from the seventeenth century to the present. Consideration will be given to the historical roots of the views, the impulses which fostered their appearance, growth, decline and their impact on the broader life and thought of the Christian church.
This course sets the thought of classical 17th century Pietism against the backdrop of Protestant orthodoxy, developing its major points of distinction both in thought and tone. Because Pietism also has a characteristic spirit and practical expression, this side of the pietistic heritage will also be developed.
The person, works and topics to be studied will be announced. This course will focus on the life, thought, perspective and contribution of the particular thinker chosen.
This course uses a seminar format to investigate the writings of some of the most influential Pietist leaders Johann Arndt, Phillip Jakob Spener, August Herman Francke, Gottfried Arnold, Johann Albrecht Bengel, Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, for example.
This seminar is a collaborative examination of selected women in the history of Christianity who have contributed to the life of the church as theologians. This exploration of women theologians includes a study of women's faith development, the unique features of the women's theological vision, and a consideration of their continuing legacy in the life of the church. Beginning with the witness of Hildegard and concluding with contemporary global theological perspectives of women, particular attention is given to the holistic understanding of theology manifest in their lives and writings.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Uncatalogued courses are offered occasionally to enrich the offerings of the major and to tap the resources of department faculty and visiting scholars. Specific course titles and descriptions are available when the course is scheduled.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The proposal phase of the seminar guides students through the process of developing their thesis proposals and prepares them to begin their research.
This seminar introduces students to methods of historical or theological research and prepares them to complete a master's thesis in these disciplines. The writing phase of the seminar prepares students to complete their research, organize the results and write the thesis.
This course represents the credit awarded for the successful completion of a master's thesis. Students will consult regularly with their thesis advisors through the drafting and revising process until the thesis advisor determines that the thesis is acceptable. Students will then present the results of their research to fellow students and members of the department during May of the year they graduate.
This class explores the various dimensions of what has been called theological aesthetics or the "glory of God." It will include the examination of historical and contemporary expressions of this theme and will assess its appropriateness for a theological foundation of worship. In addition, the formative role of aesthetics in the life of the Christian will be explored. In addition to addressing the theological/philosophical aspects of aesthetics, various forms of expressing beauty through art will be examined.
This course examines the role of music in the Black Church and the prominent role African Americans have had in the evolution of music as it finds expression in the Christian tradition. This course will assist church leaders in teaching those in their context of ministry the importance of music both from a biblical and socio-cultural perspective as well as the importance of context in song.
This ensemble experience is offered as an opportunity for personal growth and ministry. Requirements include a weekly rehearsal and ministry at Monday chapel services. A total of 4 hours of credit may be applied toward graduation. There is no charge for this credit, even if the total hours of credit in a given quarter exceed 16 hours.
This course investigates the role of technology in Christian worship and explores appropriate uses of technology in the areas of worship scheduling and design, video presentation, musicianship training, musical instruments, midi, and sound system basics. Special consideration is given to the issue of technology for small churches. Opportunities are provided for students to gain hands-on experience.
A study of the doctrine of the church, its ministry and its sacraments in light of Scripture, history and the contemporary milieu. Discussion of the church in ecumenical perspective will lead to consideration of baptism, the Lord's Supper and ministry in recent dialogue.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
The Canadian context is unique. In this course, students will investigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in the church in Canada. Students will examine ways of approaching ministry that is appropriate to Canadian culture. Course offered in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Canada has a great diversity of cultures and approaches to spirituality. In this course, students will investigate and experience a number of varied approaches to the spiritual journey, as they consider appropriate Christian responses to pluralism. Course offered in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
In this course, students will consider their personal understanding and approach to spirituality. Course offered in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
This course explores the interpretation of Scripture for the purpose of personal and ministry formation. Students will be challenged to develop a self-aware, consistent hermeneutic that integrates responsible interpretation with personal transformation. They will apply this hermeneutic to their own ministry contexts to enrich their use of Scripture in preaching, teaching, and spiritual formation.
This course will acquaint the student with the biblical, theological, historical, and contemporary dimensions of the church. The focus is on the leadership and spiritual formation aspects of the church's life. The student will come to a deeper understanding of the nature and mission of the church and experience unique elements that make the church community of Christ.
This course will focus on selected issues facing Christian leaders in an ever-changing world. Particular attention will be given to understanding the context in which the student lives and serves and how to develop effective forms of ministry that remain faithful to biblical principles, while being relevant, incarnational in approach, and culturally sensitive in presentation. The relationship between spiritual formation and leadership development will be included.
The purpose of this class is to prepare the student to write an acceptable proposal for a Doctor of Ministry project. The student will conceive and design a ministry project. The proposal is a document with a precise form that outlines the strategic planning and rationale of the ministry project. The class will include instruction in project design, assessment, and academic research.
The purpose of this class is to prepare the student to write an acceptable final paper for the Doctor of Ministry degree. The student will learn the expectations and design of each chapter in the final doctoral paper. The final paper is an academic report of the student's ministry project. The class will include instruction in academic writing and research.
The student who successfully completes this course will be able to develop a biblical and theological foundation for the work of formational counseling. They will be equipped to integrate the principles and practices of formational counseling with the relevant theological and biblical themes, most notably the concepts of brokenness, healing, grace, authority, and community. The student will be able to practice formational counseling from a strong biblical and theological base.
Students will explore the biblical, historical, and practical aspects of healing and well being, as well as learn to integrate the Spirit-directed ministry of formational prayer into the formational counselor's commitment to helping the broken person. Students will explore the process of formational prayer and the relationship that past woundings and traumatic events have upon dysfunctional behavior and emotional upheaval.
The demands of formational counseling strain the body and soul. This course addresses the issues connected with maintaining the caregiver's total well-being. Serving as a foundation for future courses, Self Care and the Formational Counselor will examine a variety of requirements for acquiring and maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual vitality. Particular attention will be given to the pilgrimage toward wholeness God has for us in Christ. This course will include a psychological assessment and personal interview for each student.
This course will expose students to the ministry of spiritual direction as it relates to formational counseling. Particular attention will be given to the biblical roles of prophet, priest, and storyteller, as each relates to helping broken people find hope and healing in Jesus Christ. Historical considerations relative to spiritual direction will be discussed as well as the practical application of spiritual direction in the ministry of formational counseling.
Formational counseling seeks to integrate pastoral care, spiritual direction, Spirit-directed counseling primarily focused on the use of formational prayers. Providing care to broken people in this way will bring the caregiver into contact with persons of deep woundedness. It is therefore crucial that the Formational counselor have at least a rudimentary understanding of the empirical clinical literature regarding the common syndromes which they will most often encounter. In this course students will learn from the integration of clinical information about Personality Disorders and Mood and Anxiety Disorders with the practice of Formational Counseling. An intentional focus will be maintenance of a scope of practice within the ethical and legal standards of state and local statues. In addition general diagnostic categories, and functional use of Spiritual Disciplines in the application of Formational Counseling will be topics of discussion.
Students will explore the transformational elements of Christian community as expressed in small groups that gather for healing care and formational prayer. Built upon biblical, psychological, and historical principles, students will learn to facilitate small groups in a practicum structure during the two week class intensive. A specific curriculum will be used as the vehicle for learning during this experience.
This foundational course will explore the holistic vision and mission of the Wesleyan Revival and introduce students to the constellation of practices that made it a potent movement of renewal in the life of the church. Special attention will be given to the historical and theological foundations of works of piety and works of mercy in the Wesleyan rediscovery of a missional church. The student who successfully completes this course will be able to develop a strong foundation for dynamic practices specifically related to discipleship, worship, mission, and evangelism. (Taught "inside" DM 912, but with a separate syllabus.)
This course explores the interpretation of Scripture from a Wesleyan perspective for the purpose of personal and ministry formation. Students will be challenged to develop a self-aware, consistent hermeneutic that integrates responsible interpretation with personal transformation. They will be introduced to Wesleyan approaches to and practices of biblical engagement and will apply this hermeneutic to their own ministry contexts to enrich their use of Scripture in preaching, teaching, and spiritual formation. (Taught "inside" DM 911, but with a separate syllabus.)
This course will focus on selected issues facing Christian leaders in an ever-changing world from a Wesleyan perspective. Particular attention will be given to the Wesleyan emphasis on incarnational practices and the importance of contextuality in relation to leadership. The student who successfully completes this course will be able to develop effective forms of ministry that remain faithful to biblical and Wesleyan principles, while being relevant and culturally sensitive. They will learn how to enhance the relationship between spiritual formation and leadership. (Taught "inside" DM 913, but with a separate syllabus.)
In this course students will explore a Wesleyan model of spiritual formation based upon accountable discipleship in small groups. They will examine and experience the means of grace (prayer/fasting, Scripture study, Christian fellowship, and Eucharist) and practice the General Rules of early Methodism that engage believers with the world. After having successfully completed this course, students will be able to implement and facilitate Covenant Discipleship Groups in their own contexts of ministry.
This course focuses on the centrality of worship in the Wesleyan paradigm of renewal, examining in particular the Spirit's use of lyrical (hymns and songs) and sacramental elements to breathe new life into the community of faith. Built upon a Wesleyan understanding of liturgy as "the work of the people" and the Eucharist as the primary place to meet God, students will explore and experience the transformative nature of worship. Students will be equipped to help transition passive congregations into passionate communities nourished at the family Table.
This course explores the Wesleyan rediscovery of a missional ecclesiology and the practices related to leadership, evangelism, and renewal that characterized early Methodism. Particular attention will be given to the integral nature of the mission-church paradigm and the way in which all Christian practices, for the Wesleys, revolved around participation in the mission of God. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to develop and implement strategies of mission and evangelism that are grounded biblically and reflect the missional character of early Methodism.
This course will expose the student to the disciplines that enhance an intimate pursuit of God's embrace, including the history and practice of spiritual direction, formative prayer, and formational reading of God's Word. The practice of direction will be included as part of the class experience.
This course is designed to empower participants to conduct constructive theological analysis and reflection on the various dimensions of our bodily life; to assist them in developing a formational ethic for our embodied lives; and to develop competency in applying ethics to various issues in Christian spirituality. While the focus of the course will vary from year to year in order to cover a broad set of ethical concerns, the unifying theme of incarnational spirituality will always be present.
This course will expose the student to the writings of the great contemporary spiritual writer and master, Henri Nouwen. The class will foster a depth of understanding of themes of the spiritual life from Nouwen's works. Topics such as God, Christ, prayer, silence, community, ministry, church, and world will be addressed. Students will integrate Nouwen's spiritual themes into some aspect of their ministry context.
This course will expose students to a survey of Christian spirituality from the biblical era up through the 20th century. Given the scope of this literature, the approach will be sampling for breadth. This approach will offer students an introduction to writers they may not have encountered, place those writers in historical perspective, make connections among writers with similar themes, and encourage students to explore selected writers in depth.
Competency in pastoral leadership involves both divine and human activity. The leader needs to have a realistic approach to his/her leadership and political situation of the environment. Staying personally healthy in the midst of political realities will be based on core values and the spiritual health of the leader. This class will seek to answer the practical question: "How do I combine pragmatism with spiritual values and actually get things done?"
To deepen and cultivate participant's knowledge of spiritual renewal theologically, historically and to practically equip them to experience, lead, prepare and organize the local church for renewal.
In a broken turbulent world change is an inevitable reality of leadership - both the leader and those led by a leader are all subject to the winds of change. Change can be both positive and negative, affecting all involved in the process internally and externally. Leading change requires the articulation of an authentic vision that motivates and casts direction. A vision must be cast in truthfulness and not deny the present realities of one's ministry setting. Rather than seeking to develop the "Hero-Pastor," this class will teach the Pastor-leader to mobilize a community of leaders, who will together become deeply involved in the formation of shared vision resulting in profound change or transformation of the church community.
This course will examine traditional and non-traditional approaches to biblical interpretation in order to determine how the Black Church can use the Bible as a tool of liberation in order to address the ills that afflict oppressed people.
This course will examine historical personalities, institutions, and movements in the black experience in an effort to discover paradigms, structures, and characteristics that will help make the institution of the Black Church and its leaders liberators of oppressed people.
This course will examine the intersection of the Black Church and culture in a variety of settings and times to explore how each affects the other. It will examine issues of power, character, personalities, and major events in order to access how the Black Church can best affect change in its culture.
This course will examine the intersection of the Black Church and ministry through a variety of ministerial applications such as mission, spiritual formation, faith-based initiatives, youth, family, economic development, counseling, music, and a host of others.
This course will examine the dynamics of black preaching and preachers in the history of the black experience in order to assess the role and power of preaching to liberate the oppressed. It will examine models, styles, personalities, structures, and content.
This course will examine theological and ethical approaches and voices, such as black theology, womanist theology, as well as other marginalized approaches and voices in order to construct a moral discourse that aids the Black Church in its theological and ethical formulations for the purpose of liberation.
This seminar will help the student prepare the proposal for their final project document. It will address research approaches, project design, and document structure.
You will carry out the strategic plan outlined in your proposal, implementing your project and assessing the results. Your project may apply the principles you've learned through teaching, process, or model. Or, your project may seek to explore the principles you have learned in their actual use in ministry. You will report your project in a final document. A "Final Document Symposium" will provide specific instruction and support for reporting your findings. The document will be reviewed at your final exam.
This course introduces students to the foundations of theological education at Ashland Theological Seminary. It explains the seminary's curriculum model, provides assessment of students in personal and professional areas, and leads to the development of a personal Formation Covenant that will guide the student through the seminary experience.
This course introduces students to the foundations of theological education at Ashland Theological Seminary. It explains the seminary's curriculum model, provides assessment of students in personal and professional areas, and leads to the development of a personal Formation Covenant that will guide the student through the seminary experience.
This course is an inductive approach to Bible study in which skills in observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture are taught. The main purpose of this course is to assist students to develop skills for the interpretation and application of the Bible. This presupposes a secondary purpose of leading students to understand the character of biblical literature as both ancient and canonical, with the Gospels especially in view. Thus this is a course that combines basic hermeneutical principles with exegetical procedure. A strong emphasis is placed upon the acquisition of necessary attitudes and tools for doing successful Bible study with a view toward ministry.
This course is designed to provide students with a foundation for understanding and using Scripture in the context of ministry by integrating Scripture with key areas of our curriculum. Emphasis will be given to three main foci: interpretation of the Bible, theology of Scripture, and the use of Scripture in ministry practices and formation.
OFFERED ONLY FALL QUARTER! Students should plan to enroll in IT 694 within the first 36 credit hours of course work. This is a hybrid course with an introductory seminar and online class work. The majority of the coursework is 200 hours of field ministry. The student is responsible to arrange the site and mentor for their Field Study. NOTE: IT 694 is only offered Fall Quarter! All students who anticipate beginning Field Study in an academic year must enroll in the Fall Quarter. Students may enroll in the course in the fall and wait to start the actual ministry of their Field Study later in the year. The 200 hours of ministry may span more than one quarter. Theological Field Education is the intentional use of ministry experience as a transforming opportunity aimed at personal and ministry formation. This Distance Learning course will examine the purpose of experiential education, the program requirements for theological field education at this seminary. Field Study involves direct mentoring, theological reflection, and case studies. The course focuses on achieving competency, if not excellence, in the student's area of study and their context of ministry. It encourages the integration of academic learning with the practice of ministry, while under the direct supervision of a Field Mentor. Each student will need a field site where they are actively involved with ministry and an on-site Field Mentor. The student will develop basic personal and ministry competencies and complete written reports based on their ministry experience.
Offered every Quarter. Students should enroll in IT 695 in the quarter immediately following the quarter in which they conclude their Field Study for IT 694. This is especially important if the student is planning to continue in ministry at the same Field Site. This is an online course, but includes one meeting with the Director of Field Education at the beginning of the course, and one Graduation Interview prior to graduation. The majority of the coursework is 200 hours of field ministry, which may span more than one quarter. IT 695 Capstone includes the compilation of a Capstone Portfolio and Graduation Interview which serves as the culminating experience for all MDiv students. (Prerequisite – IT 694) Theological Field Education is the intentional use of ministry experience as a transforming opportunity aimed at personal and ministry formation. This Distance Learning course is required for MDIV (non-counseling/non-chaplaincy) students and is to be taken during the senior year at Seminary. Each student will continue ministry involvement at a field site working under the supervision of a Field Mentor. The Capstone experience is to be a review and assessment of the student's seminary experience. The course requirements will include a Senior Portfolio for submission to the Seminary, a comprehensive case study based on the student's ministry experience, and an oral presentation at the Graduation Interview.
This capstone course provides an opportunity to integrate concepts in theological education with a variety of ministry contexts.
This course provides an introduction to writing reviews of recent publications in the field of religion. The goal is to produce review publications in religious journals. Students will attend one hour of class per week and prepare 2-4 reviews for publication under the supervision of the instructor. This is available only for students with more than 36 hours of study completed. A maximum of four hours is permitted.
The Senior Seminar is meant to be an interdisciplinary experience in which students conduct research in either a field of their special interest or a general topic selected by faculty leading the seminar. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect upon a topic from a biblical, historical or theological perspective. Students will share the results of their research in a paper presentation in a seminar format.
Through a case study approach, this course will examine the biblical view on how leaders accomplish the five categories of management: planning (determining vision and direction), organizing (organizational behavior), staffing (selection and training), directing (leadership in supervision) and controlling (evaluation and re-direction).
This course is a basic study of leadership as it relates to the organization and administration along with the basic principles of stewardship and financial planning for the congregation.
This course equips students to develop a philosophy of leadership, based upon a biblical, theological, and individual heritage of the student. This will include both character and competency issues that the leader must know, develop and apply within their context of ministry. Leadership is both about being and doing, finding the balance, and knowing that leadership development is a lifelong spiritual journey.
This course will focus on the spiritual dimension of Christian ministry as it relates to the individual leader, congregation and mission of the church. Particular attention will be given to spiritual formation, prayer, and spiritual warfare as they impact the work of the ministry.
This course will provide students with an overview of Church Administration with a specific emphasis on the African American cultural context. It will examine the Biblical understanding of leader-administrator as a servant of God and a servant of people. It will examine the mission of the church, recognition of need, planning, organizing, staffing, communicating, budgeting and evaluation.
Modern technology offers tools that can assist the minister and the church. This course will offer hands-on experience to enhance the work of research, study, preaching, teaching, counseling, evangelism, ministerial record-keeping and church administration.
This course will provide an overall view of communication and the process of conflict resolution in the administration of the local congregation including committees, boards and staff.
This course will focus on identifying spiritual gifts and skills among the laity, equipping them for the tasks to which they have been called and facilitating their involvement in ministry.
This course will focus upon three questions that the Christian leader must address in ministry: What does it mean to follow Christ? What does it mean to be formed in Christ-likeness? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit of Christ? These questions will be addressed as each relates to the Christian leader and to the task of leading people toward Christian maturity. The course seeks to motivate the Christian leader toward personal transformation as a servant of God and toward being an agent of transformation in the lives of God's people.
This course equips students to function in the local church with a missionary mindset, presents the missional church as a primary paradigm, and lays a biblical and theological foundation for its conceptualization (missio Dei). The course promotes the ideal of the "apostolic" church. It also exposes students to the worldwide context and encourages them to think and act like global Christians. It explores issues related to world evangelization, contextualization, missionary anthropology, world religions, the global church, and history of missions.
A survey of the expansion of Christianity from a global perspective. The course emphasizes the Great Commission, the example of the New Testament Church, critical factors and themes in each historical era, the genesis of Protestant missions, influential missionaries, and the modern missionary movement including the major missionary conferences of the 20th century.
An investigation into the scriptural and theological understandings of the ministry of the Church through world mission and evangelism. Contemporary problems, syncretism, and praxis tension are examined.
Provides aids for the spiritual, emotional and practical development of the missionary to enable a coping with cross-cultural stress, field deprivations, worker conflicts, power encounters and living conditions in areas divergent from the workers' own cultural situations. Introduces literature and resources that provide help for maintaining personal wholeness and applied ministry.
Provides the cross-cultural worker with the insights and tools to successfully communicate the Gospel in another culture. Receptor-oriented communication in missions includes both the anthropological concepts and communication skills required to make the Gospel relevant to non-Western audiences. Relates to multi-ethnic America as well as overseas situations.
Introduces the dynamics of the city with awareness of problems in both social and religious areas. The unique methods of evangelism and church planting needed are explored and researched within the concept of the world city.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a missionary contact and ministry technique for sharing the Christian faith. It includes methodology for teaching English conversation techniques, pronunciation, basic grammar, reading and writing, using games, drills, shared activities and friendships.
A study of crucial factors in same cultural and cross-cultural evangelism and church planting leading to growing churches. Explores such expansion dynamics as people movements, webs, redemptive analogies and procedures that stop growth or promote growth. Also applies church growth principles to the local setting with concern for visitation, discipleship, incorporation, and the use of gifts and ministry in the body.
A cross-cultural experience to observe and analyze the church in a specific context. Aspects of culture, mission/church relations, and ministry issues will be studied. The course will include both a study of the specific country or sub-culture in preparation for the trip and a debriefing afterward.
Explores the biblical concepts of spiritual power as they relate to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, Satan and demons, clarifying the influence of world views which accept or reject the concepts of the presence of spiritual power. It deals with spiritual warfare as it affects the personal lives of Christians and as it is encountered cross-culturally in bringing people from the control of Satan to commitment to God.
We live in a world of compressed interdependence and interaction between local and global contexts so that ethical issues impact all who share this planet. This course provides biblical, theological and missional frameworks for fostering global moral concern by the Church for the world. We will analyze macro-ethical issues, such as care for creation, economics, poverty, disease, religious violence and terrorism, and develop practical strategies of response for local congregations.
Overview of the development and content of major world religions including tribal religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, the religions of China, Shintoism, and Islam, along with comparisons with Christianity, ways of relating to peoples of other religions, and some attention to the impact of these religions on American life.
This study of movements, such as Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Unity and the New Age Movement, is designed to show how the religions began, developed, and changed, and how the systems of belief have been propagated. Includes seeing how failures of the organized church have led to their growth and how orthodox Christianity can be presented to the adherents.
The course provides an overview of the development and content of major aspects of Islam to include: Qur'an, the life of Muhammad, Hadith, Sunni, Shiite, geography, early history, rituals, pillars, and its relation with Christians and Jews. The course helps students to understand the Islamic mind and way of thinking so that students can develop interpersonal skills and a knowledge base that will allow them to minister effectively with people of the Muslim faith.
This is a survey of the missionary imperative by the German Baptist Brethren from their first preaching tours in Europe and the United States to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the work of the Brethren Church.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the chairperson of the respective department (Biblical Studies, Christian History, Theology and Philosophy or Practical Theology) for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Seminar courses provide for opportunity for intensive research and evaluation in specialized areas of mission/evangelism studies.
Allows the placement of students in U.S. or overseas settings such as Bible school teaching, evangelism and church planting. Participating missionaries provide on site supervision and evaluation after an initial preparation seminar. Requires a full quarter or summer. An interactive diary is submitted at the end of the field experience.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This course trains students in the principles of Greek grammar and challenges them to commit the fundamental framework of that grammar and a basic vocabulary to memory for ease of access to the Greek text of the New Testament.
In addition to the acquisition of Greek as a tool for New Testament interpretation, students are exposed to and exercised in a number of basic exegetical skills appropriate to the stages of their mastery of the language and invited to engage the New Testament in Greek for both purposes of study and spiritual formation.
This course builds on the linguistic and exegetical skills learned in Greek I and II and Foundations of Bible Study. The course will normally be based on a New Testament text that is short enough to be translated in its entirety during a ten-week quarter and is of sufficiently accessible Greek, but also rich in passages that address the matters of core identity in Christ, character, and calling, as well as offer windows into the challenges and stresses of particular pastoral situations (e.g., Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Timothy, or James). Provision will also be made for training students in, and giving appropriate assignments to reinforce devotional reading of the Scriptures in the biblical languages.
This course is an introduction to the four Gospels and the major methodologies used to interpret the Gospels. It will include a survey of interpretive approaches as well as a consideration of historical and cultural issues including the synoptic problem and the literary relationship of the Gospels; the problem of the historical Jesus; the genre of the Gospels; the historical setting of each Gospel; the message of each Gospel; and the structure of the Gospels.
This course is an introduction to the New Testament epistolary literature, Acts, and Revelation. It includes surveys of interpretive approaches as well as considerations of historical and cultural issues such as Acts and Hellenistic historiography; the new perspective on Paul and its criticisms; historical/pastoral setting of each epistle and Revelation; message of each epistle and Revelation; ancient epistolography and the New Testament; rhetorical criticism; and Revelation as an Apocalypse.
(English Text) Individual Gospel study will be offered in English versions in rotation. The introduction to the Gospel, the background and the purpose of the author will be investigated. An analysis, theological context and didactic values of each Gospel will receive emphasis.
As an introduction to the study of this New Testament book, attention will be given to literary and historical problems associated with it. The content will be studied as an integrated whole and an authentic report of the early history of the church.
A careful and detailed study of the organization of the epistle, with attention to the development of Paul's thought. The relation of the book to the whole of Pauline theology will be noted. The importance of the book in the life of the church will be pointed out.
There will be a study of the importance and significance of conditions in the city of Corinth in understanding Paul's Corinthian letters. The position and relationship of this correspondence to his missionary work will be emphasized. The epistles themselves will be carefully considered from the standpoint of the Christian pastor and congregation. The course may focus on either I Corinthians or II Corinthians or both.
(English Text) In addition to the Pauline works already offered, other works traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul will be offered in an attempt to survey his complete works. There will be emphasis on the structure, content and interpretation of the individual letters.
This course will examine the historical roots of hermeneutical ideologies and methodologies that have ignored and/or denied the influence of people of African descent in the Bible and upon the Bible. More basically, the course will examine the de-Africanization of the Bible, address this phenomenon by re-Africanizing the Bible and illustrate how the peculiar perspective and development of an African American hermeneutic contributes a fresh and needed insight for the Christian church as regards biblical interpretation.
Hebrews stands as a monument to early Christian reelection on the significance of the work of Jesus, his benefits, and the response to faith. Students will learn rhetorical analysis and cultural-anthropological analysis and apply these to a close reading of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
The authorship, background, purpose, intended readers, methodology and theology will be studied for the Gospel and the Epistles of John. Special attention will be given to style and such key words as Messiah, Son of Man, Son of God, Logos, Paraclete, life, truth, faith, love, etc.
This course consists of a study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Philemon will be studied as an approach to a practical social problem. Detailed examination will be made of Colossians, Philippians and Ephesians in relation to Pauline theology.
Revelation will be read as a sample of apocalyptic literature, a vision which transcends everyday spaces and time in order to motivate specific responses from the intended audience. A close exploration of Revelation's challenge to first-century believers in Asia Minor will lead to discussions of its ongoing challenge and encouragement to the churches.
Special attention will be devoted to this portion of Matthew's Gospel and the Lukan parallels. The form, context, and history of interpretation and application will be surveyed.
This course is a detailed exegetical survey of the major topics of Pauline theology set in the context of his eschatological world view. The implications of his theological thought for ethics will also be addressed without focusing primarily on the ethical material in the Pauline corpus.
Examination of selected and important passages will deal with the place of eschatology in the New Testament, the relation of the work of Christ to eschatology and the New Testament understanding of history.
A detailed study of the doctrines of the person and work of Christ with special reference to the atonement. Special emphasis is given to its relation to the Trinity and theological motifs.
This course continues the introduction to modern techniques of biblical criticism, extending the foundation to include social-scientific, cultural-anthropological, rhetorical, and ideological modes of analysis. Special emphasis will be given to discerning the kinds of questions each mode of analysis brings to a text, what theoretical resources each mode draws upon outside the discipline of biblical studies, and what fruits the student can expect from pursuing these lines of inquiry.
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the modern techniques of biblical criticism, focusing on those which address historical and literary aspects of interpretation. Special attention is given to the theoretical foundation and procedures of the various critical methods.
One of the defining characteristics of postcolonial biblical interpretation is distinguishing between the biblical reading strategies of dominant cultures and dominated cultures. Drawing especially upon cultural criticism, cultural studies, social location ideology, and cross disciplinary study, this approach seeks to unmask the power dynamics involved in biblical reading strategies in order to examine, critique, confront and challenge the effects upon both the individual and the culture. Moreover, this approach seeks to broaden the student's exposure as well as engage the student in a genuine global dialogue with voices from the marginalized, colonized, disenfranchised, and dispossessed with the goal of uncovering and using reading strategies that liberate and empower the powerless.
The social, economic, political, and religious arenas of the Greco-Roman world will be examined using selected primary and secondary sources. Selected passages from the New Testament whose perspective and content reflect or are illuminated by thought world of the first century will also be examined.
This course will deal with the findings of archaeology as they bear upon the interpretation and understanding of the New Testament and its original language. It will include examination of the literary, historical and cultural background of the New Testament.
This course will cover the life of Paul with attention devoted to the Greco-Roman world of his day. Special concentration will be given to the chronology of the missionary journeys and to a survey of the geographical and archaeological evidence for these journeys.
Upon request students will be given opportunities to explore a wide range of individual options in pursuing hands-on activities in the field of Biblical Archaeology. Participation on a dig in the Near East, work with the Robert Houston Smith Collection of artifacts and individual projects of research and study are several of the options available.
Aspects of the history and archaeology of the Oriental, Greek and Roman culture of the ancient world of the Mediterranean will be illustrated using materials from the Seminary's Pictorial Archives and artifacts from the Smith Collection of Palestinian ceramics. Special attention will be given to the philosophical and religious perspectives of the ancient Gentile and Jewish world which illuminate the history, literature and the theology of early Christianity.
A survey of the content of the New Testament revelation historically understood together with an orientation to the major schools of New Testament theology in current scholarship.
The format for this class is a graduate seminar that focuses primarily on theological literature produced by womanist scholars. Womanist scholarship gives expression to African American women's efforts - politically, culturally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually - to resist the interlocking system of multiple oppression, i.e., racism, sexism, and classism, that would thwart the life and well-being of all ages. Selected readings, dialogue, reports and papers are designed to give the student a broad appreciation for this literature and the issues addressed.
The student is given the opportunity to engage in the exegetical and interpretive study of the Gospels of the New Testament. The course is built around the exegesis of the Greek text and involves the grammatical, historical and linguistic tools of exegetical procedure. Special attention is given to the translation of selected passages related to twentieth century idiom.
This course builds on language skills developed in Exegetical Greek I and II with a view to facilitating their ongoing implementation in personal and pastoral/professional study of Scripture. Students will consolidate proficiency in abilities such as analyzing and critiquing translations, conducting word studies, gathering language-based insights from Scripture, and completing exegetical outlines in preparation for teaching or preaching. Passages selected for study revolve around a central theme which may vary from year to year. Representatives from Practical Theology and Biblical Studies Departments share development and instruction of this course.
Selected epistles are studied upon the basis of the Greek text. The perspective of the course will be to gain a grasp of the letter as a whole, as well as its parts. Emphasis will be placed upon the basic content of the letter in relation to the Christian faith and the church.
This course introduces students to the history, culture, and developments of thought in Judaism during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods, chiefly through the windows provided by the major documents written during this period. Students will read the Apocrypha, selected Dead Sea Scrolls, and other texts which throw important light on the world into which the church and its theology and piety were born.
This course is designed to round out the student's inductive experience by building on a solid foundation of grammar and syntax. Selected editions of New Testament Greek writings will be read.
This course is especially designed for students wishing to be exposed to the Greek of the Classical period. Essential syntax and grammar will be covered. Students will also read some selected passages from pre-Koine Greek.
A textual and exegetical study of selected readings in which significant distinctive differences occur between major textual traditions and the translations and versions of the New Testament. Facsimiles of ancient manuscripts will be used in this course.
A survey of Greek pedagogical method to develop an understanding of teaching a non-living language. In light of this theoretical base, the student will evaluate current Greek grammars, while participating in the Greek teaching process.
An analysis of the theory of meaning as well as methods of determining meaning from a text without the use of native informants. This is a study of what words mean and how we determine that meaning.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the chairperson of the respective department (Biblical Studies, Christian History, Theology and Philosophy or Practical Theology) for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
This course provides the capstone experience for students enrolled in the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) program. Students will write a seminar paper presenting the results of their investigation of a particular exegetical or hermeneutical problem in the interpretation of a text, or another appropriate research topic, in the context either of an advanced-level exegetical course or other biblical studies elective or an independent study project. Students will also be expected to present and discuss their projects at a gathering of other MA (BS) students and faculty during the late Spring.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This course trains students in the principles of Hebrew grammar and challenges them to commit the fundamental framework of that grammar and a basic vocabulary to memory for ease of access to the Hebrew text of the Old Testament.
In addition to the acquisition of Hebrew as a tool for Old Testament interpretation, students are exposed to and exercised in a number of basic exegetical skills appropriate to the stages of their mastery of the language and invited to engage the Old Testament in Hebrew for both purposes of study and spiritual formation.
This course builds on the linguistic and exegetical skills learned in Hebrew I and II and Foundations of Bible Study. The course will be based on an Old Testament text that is short enough to be translated in its entirety during a ten-week quarter and is of sufficiently accessible Hebrew, but also rich in passages that address the matters of core identity in Christ, character, and calling, as well as offer windows into the challenges and stresses of particular pastoral situations. Provision will also be made for training students in, and giving appropriate assignments to reinforce devotional reading of the Scriptures in the biblical languages.
This course offers the student a comprehensive introduction to the Pentateuch, a section of scripture that is foundational for the remainder of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Judaism, and Christianity. The reading and interpretation of scripture constitutes the focus on the course work, both in the classroom and in class assignments. The course provides an overview of the primary themes and content of the Pentateuch through an in-depth exploration of selected texts and the issues of theology, composition, historical and cultural context, and contemporary application that they raise. It also challenges students to integrate and refine the exegetical skills they have been introduced in the prerequisite course(s).
Introductory issues and the content of the prophetic books will be surveyed with special emphasis upon theological themes. The role of the prophet and the prophetic message will be explored in the context of the religion of Israel and the Ancient Near East.
A comprehensive consideration of the literary structure, content, and theological perspective of the book of Genesis. Special attention will be given to the many issues of Genesis 1-11.
Study of selected books within the Old Testament canon using English versions. In rotation these representative courses will be made available.
A comprehensive introduction that focuses on the theological tensions rendered in the books' account of the rise of the Israelite monarchy, joining narrative analysis with an analysis of the books' composition and rendering of history. The course will focus on the books' employment of metaphor to work through issues of power, leadership, and social transition.
A comprehensive study of the book that explores issues of composition, the intersection of biblical text and archaeological analysis, the literary character of the canonical book, its theological themes, and the challenges and promise of the book in speaking to contemporary issues of genocide, militarism, and the residue of colonialism.
An introduction to the twelve historical books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther) focused on the distinctive character of the Hebrew narrative tradition, its connection to questions of history, and the theological themes and perspectives that configure Israel's remembrance of its past.
A literary and theological study of the wisdom books of Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes as well as selected Psalms and the Song of Songs. Wisdom in the ancient Near East will also be explored.
An analysis of the Psalter as a product of private and public worship. Special attention will be given to theological themes and the abiding liturgical and devotional value of the Psalms.
A canonical approach to the book that explores the circumstances of its composition and the development of the major theological themes expressed within it, with particular attention to affirmations about Zion and Jerusalem's interaction with the nations.
A study is made of the vocation and message of Jeremiah in his historical context and in the prophetic traditions. The concept of divine pathos, the relation between true and false prophecy, and the tensions between Jeremiah the person and prophet will be examined in detail.
Tracing the rise of OT theology since its separation from systematics, we will explore selected writings of key OT theologians from Gabler to the present.
This course continues the introduction to modern techniques of biblical criticism, extending the foundation to include social-scientific, cultural-anthropological, rhetorical, and ideological modes of analysis. Special emphasis will be given to discerning the kinds of questions each mode of analysis brings to a text, what theoretical resources each mode draws upon outside the discipline of biblical studies, and what fruits the student can expect from pursuing these lines of inquiry.
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the modern techniques of biblical criticism, focusing on those which address historical and literary aspects of interpretation. Special attention is given to the theoretical foundation and procedures of the various critical methods.
One of the defining characteristics of postcolonial biblical interpretation is distinguishing between the biblical reading strategies of dominant cultures and dominated cultures. Drawing especially upon cultural criticism, cultural studies, social location ideology, and cross disciplinary study, this approach seeks to unmask the power dynamics involved in biblical reading strategies in order to examine, critique, confront and challenge the effects upon both the individual and the culture. Moreover, this approach seeks to broaden the student's exposure as well as engage the student in a genuine global dialogue with voices from the marginalized, colonized, disenfranchised, and dispossessed with the goal of uncovering and using reading strategies that liberate and empower the powerless.
An Old Testament background course surveying the histories of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Canaan, and their role in illuminating Old Testament events. Special emphasis on reconstructing synchronisms between ancient history and the Bible will be explored.
An Old Testament background course surveying the literatures of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Canaan in English translation, and their role in illuminating Old Testament literary genres, with special emphasis on the relevance of Canaanite literature for specific biblical passages.
A brief introduction to methods of archaeological research and the interpretation of the findings will be considered at the beginning of the course. Then will follow a survey of archaeological work in the Bible lands with particular attention to the cultural and religious life of Israelite and non-Israelite populations of Palestine and adjacent territories for exegetical study of the Old Testament.
The history and religious importance of Jerusalem will be portrayed for the student. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the geography, history and topography of the immediate locality. Students will investigate accounts of archaeological projects in and around the city and will become aware of certain specific problems of identification of controversial sites.
The texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls will be read in the latest English editions. The foundation, history, rites and theology of the sect will be discussed and thought parallels in the Old and New Testaments and Intertestamental Literature evaluated.
An exploration of textual transmission both in its oral and written stages. Scribal practices as well as those of translators will be studied. The selection of biblical texts (canon) will also be investigated. (Some knowledge of biblical languages is an advantage, though not required.)
Through study of textual and archaeological evidence from Israel and its neighbors, this course will place the Israelites in their anthropological, cultural, and religious world. The course will use computers to assist in instruction and interaction, so the face-to-face class contact time will be less than in a regular course.
Aspects of the history and archaeology of the Oriental, Greek and Roman culture of the ancient world of the Mediterranean will be illustrated using materials from the Seminary's Pictorial Archives and artifacts from the Smith Collection of Palestinian ceramics. Special attention will be given to the philosophical and religious perspectives of the ancient Gentile and Jewish world which illuminate the history, literature and the theology of early Christianity.
A chronological analysis of the theological content of progressive revelation in the Old Testament. After a synchronic description of the theological content of each biblical covenant and epoch, the diachronic progression and unity will be noted in preparation for a future study of the loci of Systematic Theology.
An exegetical and theological study of selected books of the Old Testament. These will be offered in response to the demands and requirements of individual students.
This course builds on language skills developed in Exegetical Hebrew I and II with a view to facilitating their ongoing implementation in personal and pastoral/professional study of Scripture. Students will consolidate proficiency in abilities such as analyzing and critiquing translations, conducting word studies, gathering language-based insights from Scripture, and completing exegetical outlines in preparation for teaching or preaching. Passages selected for study revolve around a central theme which may vary from year to year. Representatives from Practical Theology and Biblical Studies Departments share development and instruction of this course.
An exegetical and theological study of selected books of the Old Testament. These will be offered in response to the demands and requirements of individual students.
This course is designed to introduce the student to particular aspects of Hebrew language and thought as they are reflected in the diversity of genres that represent the Old Testament. Passages from an array of genres will be selected (e.g. law, narrative, wisdom) in order to acquaint the students with aspects of exegesis that are distinctive of each.
A deductive study of an assortment of Hebrew grammatical works, both traditional and descriptive.
A grammatical and exegetical study of the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, Daniel, Ezra and the glosses in Genesis and Jeremiah.
An introduction to the grammar, vocabulary and writing system of the best documented of the ancient Semitic languages. Selected texts in the NeoAssyrian script will be read. Offered on demand or by directed study.
An introduction to the vocabulary and grammar of this language which is so important for understanding the religio-cultural environment of biblical Israel. Offered on demand or by directed study.
An introduction to the language of Middle Egyptian, with primary focus on vocabulary and grammar, and secondary focus on culture.
An introduction to the writing, grammar and contents of texts from the Old Testament period which are found outside the Bible. The study could include seals, letters, stamps, weights and inscriptions in Hebrew and Moabite which illuminate biblical history and theology.
A survey of Hebrew pedagogical method to develop an understanding of teaching a non-living language. In light of this theoretical base, the student will evaluate current Hebrew grammars, while participating in the Hebrew teaching process.
An analysis of the theory of meaning as well as methods of determining meaning from a text without the use of native informants. This is a study of what words mean and how we determine that meaning.
This course will survey the textual traditions underlying the Greek text of the Old Testament. Reference will also be made to the corresponding Hebrew text. Portions of scripture will be read in the original. A survey of the extrabiblical literature of the intertestamental period will also be presented.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the chairperson of the respective department (Biblical Studies, Christian History, Theology and Philosophy or Practical Theology) for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
This course provides the capstone experience for students enrolled in the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) program. Students will write a seminar paper presenting the results of their investigation of a particular exegetical or hermeneutical problem in the interpretation of a text, or another appropriate research topic, in the context either of an advanced-level exegetical course or other biblical studies elective or an independent study project. Students will also be expected to present and discuss their projects at a gathering of other MA (BS) students and faculty during the late Spring.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This basic course in homiletics is designed to introduce students to the history, theories, methods and purposes of preaching. The course is also designed to introduce students to a variety of methods for the development, delivery and evaluation of sermons. The students will be aided in understanding how to do biblical exegesis for preaching and how to use a lectionary or some other method of text and topic selection that will allow them to keep their preaching biblically focused and doctrinally solid.
This course is designed to help church leaders plan services that engage the congregation in active and meaningful worship. Biblical/historical patterns of worship will serve as a basis for the development of a theology of worship. Contemporary models will also be studied.
This course examines the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for evangelism to include various concepts, models, techniques, and methods used in faith-sharing. Through classroom and field experiences, students will articulate a biblical theology of evangelism and develop practical skills for doing evangelism. In the process, students will be equipped to train others and lead a local church in the effective practice of evangelism.
This course is designed to introduce students to the historic practices of pastoral care as set forth both in scripture and in church history. Pastoral care will be viewed as the balance between preacher and shepherd, and the shepherd's role will be viewed as involving three distinct levels of activity: one-on-one interactions; the pastor equipping members of the congregation to care for one another; and the congregation embracing its responsibility to the surrounding community and the wider world.
This course addresses the overall well-being of the pastor as a person. The intent of the course is to equip the pastor with self-care strategies in physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social dimensions as preparation for ministry.
This course is designed for the student and spouse to participate in together as a couple. The purpose of the course is to help prepare both the student and his or her spouse for successful ministry together. Focus will be on exploration of pastor/spouse roles and expectations, and steps toward maintaining a vital relationship within the challenges of ministry. Guest clergy couples will share from varying ministry experiences.
This course is designed for the student and spouse to participate together as a couple. Focus will specifically be on exploring and enriching the marriages of those participating. Couples will learn to spot and address potential problem areas, build on relationship strengths and grow to a deeper level of intimacy and health in their marriage. Couples will then be equipped to lead couples they minister to on this same journey of healing and growth.
This class focuses on the birth, care and feeding of Christian small groups, particularly as they can function in the life of a local congregation. A variety of types of groups will be studied along with strategies for beginning and maintaining them in the church.
This course is designed to explore the biblical model of servant leadership through a study of biblical materials. It will also combine current thought and teaching on the role of Christian leaders in an attempt to help students discover appropriate models of leadership for the 21st century.
The course provides the student with an overview of the biblical, theological, historical, and contemporary views on women in ministry and helps women articulate their call, vision, and role as leaders in their local context.
This course provides opportunity for students to relate with persons from a variety of settings in ministry.
Principles of group process will be defined and experienced in the course.
This course is intended to encourage students to explore and experiment with new forms of sermon delivery, a wide array of sermon topics, and the use of sermons in such settings as Communion and Baptismal services, funerals, revivals and evangelistic meetings, and at rallies involving social and political issues.
An examination of the role of the pulpit as a form of public address in the current movements of thought and life in a free society.
This course is intended to introduce students to the history of the black preaching tradition in the United States, and to the various forms of preaching that are presently employed by black preachers throughout the country. The primary emphasis will be on the rich diversity of form and content that falls under the term "Black Preaching." This is not a how-to course that promises students that they will be able to preach in a certain way. Preaching is an art form and a system of work and study habits that each person must develop and refine over time. This course is meant to offer wide exposure to the concepts and definitions of Black Preaching.
This course is designed to provide students with multiple opportunities for oral communication in the context of Christian worship. Each student will preach twice in the class setting. Students will also be called upon to publicly read from selected portions of Scripture, pronounce calls to worship, lead in the reading of an appropriate church confession or statement of faith, and lead the class in spoken prayer.
This course is designed to introduce students to the challenges and opportunities of preaching from the various literary genres of the Old Testament. The course will focus on the major personalities, theological themes, and defining historical events of the Old Testament. Time will also be spent focusing on the points of continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testament.
Biblical, theological, and methodological principles will provide the framework for congregational understanding of ministry context, mission, leadership, change, and evangelistic methods and strategies. Students will design a strategy for developing a congregation where outreach is a core value.
An introduction to foundational principles and strategies of the Church Growth Movement, applied to the North American cultural setting, as one approach to fulfilling the Great Commission. Emphasis will be placed on congregational applications.
A biblical and historical study of the teaching and practice of evangelism as seen in the life and ministry of Jesus and the early church.
The major focus of this course is on methods and techniques for equipping church members to do the caregiving mandated by Scripture. Students will review contemporary resources and gain experience in designing and training others in caregiving skills.
The social sciences are applied broadly to presenting the Gospel to secular people who do not yet understand or believe in Jesus Christ as saving Lord. Emphasis will be given to research on attitudes, lifestyles, demographics, communication theory, social and cultural influences, values and worldview, and decision-making processes as they relate to ministry context.
This course examines the peculiar sociological and cultural dynamics of small membership congregations (averaging 100 or less in worship) from a pastoral perspective. It gives attention to ways of bringing revitalization to ministry and facilitating qualitative and quantitative growth.
This course explores the biblical, theological, and sociological characteristics of vital, healthy local churches and the divine and human resources for leading congregations to revitalization in their life and ministry. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the Holy Spirit and of human leaders, as well as approaches for effecting fundamental change in organizations.
This course examines the biblical, historical, sociological and theological principles particular to church planting. Emphasis will be given to methods and strategies faithful to God's Word and effective in producing new, healthy churches.
From a variety of approaches the issues facing today's Christian family will be explored along with concepts and principles involved in building and maintaining such a family.
The primary objective of this course is to acquaint students with the reality of the uniqueness of pastoral care in African American Christian church experience. In conveying this perspective we will address the issues of 1) the range or scope of pastoral care; 2) special concerns of pastoral care; and 3) the practice of pastoral care in the African American Christian experience.
This course will explore the biblical dimensions of, survey the current literature on, and develop possible strategies for pastoral leadership in the local church in the face of spiritual conflict.
This course will focus on the spiritual dimension of Christian ministry as it relates to the individual leader, congregation and mission of the church. Particular attention will be given to spiritual formation, prayer, and spiritual warfare as they impact the work of the ministry.
The course content looks at the not-yet-old to see what aging processes (gerontology) are underway and seeks to develop positive strategies for meeting inevitable needs. Course content then looks at the now-old and attempts to develop understanding and ministry.
This course focuses upon the essential ingredients of church health as they affect quantitative and qualitative growth. Principles will be based on biblical, historical, sociological and theological insights with a view to maintaining health in the local church and implementing strategies for renewal and redevelopment.
Ministry to the elderly in care centers is the intent of the course. Under supervision, persons serve as student chaplains at care facilities ministering to the residents. The course is geared to practice, not content.
This course orients students to chaplaincy and prepares them to do cooperative ministry in an extension setting as an endorsed representative of a faith community. Introduces students to the history, theology, and practice of chaplaincy ministries. Exposes students to the various chaplaincy settings, for example hospital, prison, hospice, military, policy, industry, and sports.
An examination of the lives of representative figures in the history of Christianity, specifically analyzing the essential features of their message and mission as Christian leaders in response to the challenges of their age.
This course will equip students to integrate the discovery and community components of the Pastors of Excellence program into their lives and ministries. Students will experience a process of self-discovery using several assessment tools, lecture, individual reflection times, and small group processing. Students will also experience covenant group formation and understand the critical place non-dualistic peer community must have in sustaining long-term pastoral excellence. This course in available only for those currently in the Pastors of Excellence program.
This course will equip students to integrate the personal well-being and spiritual vitality components of the Pastors of Excellence program into their life and ministry. Students will experience a process of formational prayer through lecture, spiritual exercises, individual reflection time, and small group processing. Students will also experience a process for spiritual vitality utilizing a spiritual formation paradigm and understand the critical place spiritual exercises hold in sustaining long term pastoral excellence.
This initial course focuses on the core skills needed to coach effectively. Classroom instruction would focus on a repeatable process for coaching and the skills required to deliver a high quality coaching experience. The field work connected to this course would build a baseline of coaching competence.
This course will focus on coaching's place in a larger toolkit, one that is aimed to equip a leader with insight from multiple disciplines with an eye toward organizational growth, ideally by multiplication. The relationship between various kinds of intentional relationships (coaching, counseling, consulting, spiritual direction, and mentoring, etc.) is explored. In-the-moment decision making maps are developed to ensure that coaches are approaching their coaching relationships situationally, but with solid coaching fundamentals at the core. A leadership multiplication pathway is explored.
This course is designed around higher level coaching skills. Once a coach has acquired baseline coaching skills and an appropriate level of experience, these higher level skills - based on the core coaching competencies - hone your coaching abilities. A personal and custom development plan is designed under the guidance of the instructor to match coaching strength to natural giftedness and passions.
This course explores the use of coaching skills to provide a framework for growing disciples. Using the fundamentals that all effective coaches use, as well as a storyboarded process, students will develop effective strategies for coaching for character and calling.
Building on a student's ability to coach for discipleship growth, this course covers the relationship between coaching leaders for maximum effectiveness and designing a culture that supports leadership development organically inside a church or organization. Coaching is a prime building block for both foci, but implementation will vary greatly from church to church and organization to organization. This course will also build skill in using assessments and tools in coaching situations.
While the other courses in this track are specifically built on individual coaching relationships (one on one), this course explores the distinctives in coaching a team or group, how that differs from one on one coaching, and best practices for maximum effectiveness.
This course is a basic introduction to the theories of the sociology of religion and the church. The course considers the church as a social organization, its natural life cycle, and its leadership structure.
This follow-up course to PM 511 assumes all of the skills and readings that were presented there. The focus in the practicum is to build upon the exegetical, sermon delivery and other skills that students encountered in PM 511.
The student assumes chief responsibility for the needs of a local congregation. Supervision procedures are under the direction of the Director of Field Education.
Extended learning experiences are offered in churches and other institutions. Supervision should be arranged by the Director of Field Education.
Using a seminar format, resource people, and appropriate lectures, the course will develop a philosophy for church planting and will observe various models projecting the philosophy. In addition there will be an introduction to the tools of church planting, along with an explanation of methods, and the involvement in field work.
This course examines the doctrine of the church from a Brethren and a Believers' Church perspective. It provides an overview of the organizational structure of the Brethren Church at the local, district and national levels. Consideration is given to both the doctrine and practice of the ordinances.
This course considers the background and development of Brethren doctrine in the Brethren movement generally and The Brethren Church specifically. Attention is given to the beginnings in Anabaptism and Pietism and to how Brethren doctrine has developed from the eighteenth century to the present.
This course considers the historical development of the Brethren movement from its origins in Anabaptism and Pietism to the present day. Special attention is given to the Brethren Church since the 1880s.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This is a course to satisfy various denominational standards in history, doctrine, and polity and can be arranged through the Academic Dean's office.
This course equips students to experience ongoing personal development necessary for effectiveness in pastoral ministry, focusing upon the 4 C's of core identity, character, calling, and competency, identified within the course as the upward, inward, outward, and forward journeys. The course will include in its content discussions of call, the movement toward a Christ-centered life, the place of spiritual formation in personal development, the use of spiritual disciplines, the reality of spiritual warfare, the need for formational prayer, the pastor's commitment to community, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit as it relates to personal growth and development. Various versions of the Person in Ministry course will be provided to address the needs of students in degree programs in addition to the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology, including the M.A. (Biblical, Theological, Historical Studies) and Master of Arts (Religion).
A workshop for students interested in writing for the religious press.
This course exposes students to a broad range of special issues relative to pastoral care/pastoral counseling. Topics will be developed in seminar format and addressed by members of the faculty and practitioners with expertise in the chosen topics. Topics may include: the person of pastoral care/pastoral counseling ministries, conflict resolution, ministry to the grieving, spiritual warfare, formational counseling, group process, spiritual direction, basic marriage and family counseling skills, crisis counseling, pastoral ethics, childhood sexual abuse, etc.
Every congregation faces challenges and opportunities related to serving people in time of health related crisis. Whether they are emotional or physical, short term or chronic, people experience deep and often debilitating issues that demand appropriate pastoral care and counsel. This course will provide students with the understanding and competency necessary to minister effectively to individuals experiencing these challenges.
This course is designed to equip students with the understanding and competency necessary to provide Christian nurture and counsel that leads to healthy Christian formation. Attention will be given to the place of spiritual direction, pastoral care, and basic counseling skills as each relates to soul care. In addition, the course will focus upon certain challenges in soul care, such as the dynamics of personality disorders arising in the church, boundary issues, developing partnerships with appropriate professionals, and understanding the relationship between scope of care and scope of practice issues.
This course will assist pastors in addressing the issues that arise within the church relative to marriage and family issues. Included will be understanding and skill development in pre-marital counseling, basic marriage counseling from a pastoral perspective, and counseling family dynamics. The course will integrate insights from Scriptures, pastoral theology, and basic pastoral counseling, as well as acquaint students with appropriate non-clinical assessment instruments related to these topics.
Pastors will often be called upon to mediate between individuals who are experiencing relational conflict. As such, this course will provide essential understanding and competency that equips the pastoral counselor to be an effective servant of reconciliation and relational well being. Insights into relational dynamics and problem solving will be provided in the course, as well as other skills appropriate to this need.
This course seeks to equip pastors in the competencies necessary for developing and leading effective small groups that are specifically designed for care and counsel. Attention will be given to the unique challenges and opportunities present in developing and leading such groups, as well as providing guidance in group dynamics and group development. An additional component of the class will be equipping pastors to mobilize, train, and supervise lay leaders for this specific form of ministry within the local church.
This course will focus upon three questions that the Christian leader must address in ministry: What does it mean to follow Christ? What does it mean to be formed in Christ-likeness? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit of Christ? These questions will be addressed as each relates to the Christian leader and to the task of leading people toward Christian maturity. The course seeks to motivate the Christian leader toward personal transformation as a servant of God and toward being an agent of transformation in the lives of God's people.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the chairperson of the respective department (Biblical Studies, Christian History, Theology and Philosophy or Practical Theology) for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
This course explores the basic concepts and skills used in pastoral counseling, as well as the relationship between pastoral counseling and the historic ministry of care traditionally located in the local church. Students will be equipped to do preliminary intervention in pastoral counseling, practice basic counseling skills, and mobilize lay people in the local church to engage in a broad range of care giving ministries. Pastoral counseling will be considered from a wounded healer paradigm of pastoral ministry, with attention to the biblical, theological, and psychological principles of care and well-being.
Designed to familiarize the pastoral counselor with the special models, theories and techniques of crisis intervention. Crisis management resources are identified and special crisis situations are explored.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of some of the holistic approaches to healing, with a major focus on the role of the Spirit in healing. Within this course, the theoretical and didactic will be wedded to the practical and experiential through the use of both large group presentations and small group interactions. Emphasis will be placed upon the student's personal and spiritual growth.
Students will explore the qualifications and preparation necessary to embrace a ministry of inner healing prayer. The course will focus upon the relationship between past woundings, false beliefs, emotional upheaval, and dysfunctional behaviors in the lives of broken people. Special emphasis will be given to the Spirit-directed process of helping hurting people find healing and freedom in Christ, balancing insights from both counseling and pastoral theology.
Designed to help group members discover their interpersonal styles and improve their interpersonal skills such as self-disclosure, listening and responding. Students learn how to set and move toward individual personal growth goals. Process awareness skills are sharpened.
This course will assist students in developing an understanding of death and grief based on biblical and historical perspectives which will help facilitate students' endeavors to embrace their own mortality, examine its implications for the way they live their lives, as well as provide practical skills for counseling the terminally ill and those who suffer from grief and loss.
This course is designed for students desiring a knowledge of basic Latin for biblical research. Through an inductive approach using portions of the Vulgate, students will be introduced to the Latin texts of the early church.
Students will be introduced to the grammatic and stylistic characteristics of Ecclesiastical Latin. Selected readings will include Church Fathers, the Vulgate and Latin manuscripts of the New Testament.
This course is designed for students desiring knowledge of German for theological research. Essential grammar will be reviewed and selected readings from German theological writings will be featured.
This course is a continuation of course RL 515 Theological German I and is designed to expose students to religious works penned in the German language from various time periods and authors throughout church history. An emphasis will be on the translation of materials in order to prepare the student for working with German language materials.
A chronological survey of outstanding devotional writings from the apostolic age to the present. The focus will be on the breadth of this literature as well as acquaintance with major authors and their works.
This course is designed to be an exploration into primary and secondary sources in the African American religious experience in an effort to uncover indigenous material that reflects a distinctively African American spiritual formation tradition. In that regard the course will consider specific primary African American spiritual formation genres - slave narratives, conversion narratives, call narratives, prayers, sermons, art - as well as the life and works of selected personalities.
The course examines how to read Scripture in a formational, devotional manner. Attention will be given to the Bible's various literary forms and the contribution of its major writers to spirituality.
A comparative, integrative study of developmental psychology, faith development and spiritual formation.
An introduction to the history, practices, and ideals of Christian monasticism from its origins to the "new monasticism" of contemporary North America, with special attention to the Benedictine tradition. The seminar includes immersion in a monastic community.
This course is an introduction to prayer in the Christian tradition in all of its variety and applications. The course seeks to develop the practice of prayer, not simply the study of it.
The course will involve study and experience of practices that historically have aided the development of spiritual formation.
A study of the theology of suffering and pain together with the Christian response of grace and hope. Examination of biblical and theological sources such as the book of Job, Karl Barth, C.S. Lewis and Jurgen Moltmann.
An exploration of the corporate dimension of spirituality as it pertains to both worship and service. The course will include participation in Christian community and ministry to the needy.
This course is designed to integrate theology and ethics with spiritual and moral formation. By looking at select writers, concepts, processes and aims of spiritual formation, and by exploring and participating in social activism as both a means and expression of spiritual formation, we will attempt to move toward a more holistic spirituality and morality that takes seriously the call to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8).
This course offers an in-depth study of the primary writings of prominent women in the field of spirituality throughout Christian history. Particular writers to be studied are Perpetua, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Susanna Wesley, Phoebe Palmer, Amanda Berry Smith, and Evelyn Underhill.
Credit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
Uncatalogued courses are offered occasionally to enrich the offerings of the major and to tap the resources of department faculty and visiting scholars. Specific course titles and descriptions are available when the course is scheduled.
Independent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.
Students will explore the qualifications and preparation necessary to embrace a ministry of inner healing prayer. The course will focus upon the relationship between past woundings, false beliefs, emotional upheaval, and dysfunctional behaviors in the lives of broken people. Special emphasis will be given to the Spirit-directed process of helping hurting people find healing and freedom in Christ, balancing insights from both counseling and pastoral theology.