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 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.

William H. Myers, PhD wmmhmyers@aol.com 216-431-5468

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.

David P. Mann, PhD, LPCC-S dmann@ashland.edu 419-289-5872

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.

Tony Donofrio, PhD, PC adonofri@ashland.edu 419-289-5180

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.

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.

Teresa Davis, M.A., P.C.C.-S.

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.

Tony Donofrio, PhD, PC adonofri@ashland.edu 419-289-5180

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.

Claudia Sadler-Gerhardt, PhD, PCC cgerhard@ashland.edu 419-289-5163

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.

Tony Donofrio, PhD, PC adonofri@ashland.edu 419-289-5180

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.)

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.

Lee Wetherbee, PhD, LP, LPCC-S lwetherb@ashland.edu 419-289-5995

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.

Michael B. Thompson mthomps5@ashland.edu 419-289-5707

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.

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.

Dale R. Stoffer dstoffer@ashland.edu 419-289-5985

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 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.

Dale R. Stoffer dstoffer@ashland.edu 419-289-5985

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.

William P. Payne, PhD wpayne@ashland.edu 419-289-5865

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 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.

Jerrolynn Johnson, PhD, DMin, LPC jjohns12@ashland.edu 248-559-1400

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.

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.

Jerrolynn Johnson, PhD, DMin, LPC jjohns12@ashland.edu 248-559-1400

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.

Jerrolynn Johnson, PhD, DMin, LPC jjohns12@ashland.edu 248-559-1400

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.

Brenda B. Colijn, PhD bcolijn@ashland.edu 419-289-5980

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.

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.

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.

Thomas W. Gilmore, DMin tgilmore@ashland.edu 216-264-4622

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 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.

Terence C. Mournet, PhD tmournet@ashland.edu 419-289-5181

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.

John Swope, PhD jswope@ashland.edu 419-289-5772

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.

John Swope, PhD jswope@ashland.edu 419-289-5772

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.

John Swope, PhD jswope@ashland.edu 419-289-5772

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.

William P. Payne, PhD wpayne@ashland.edu 419-289-5865

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.

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.

John Byron, PhD jbyron@ashland.edu 419-289-5722

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.

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.

L. Daniel Hawk, PhD dhawk@ashland.edu 419-289-5172

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 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.

William P. Payne, PhD wpayne@ashland.edu 419-289-5865

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.

Matthew Bevere, DMin mbevere@ashland.edu 419-289-5815

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 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 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 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.

Terry Wardle twardle@ashland.edu 419-289-5774

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 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.

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.