Course Schedule

3 Units

An overview of Genesis through Malachi, focusing on the literary contents, historical contexts, and theological contributions of the Old Testament books. Highlights the major historical people, places, and events of the Old Testament while mapping them onto the overarching redemptive storyline.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the significance of key people, places, and events in the Old Testament.
  Identify the book and chapter references for important Old Testament concepts and events.
  Describe the historical setting of the Old Testament books.
  Summarize the messages and theological contributions of the Old Testament books, and their contemporary Christian relevance.

3 Units

An expository study of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, stressing its contribution to the doctrines of salvation and sanctification, and to understanding the place of Israel and the church in the divine plan. Assesses important perspectives on how to interpret Romans and explores how the theological and ethical principles of this epistle contribute to spiritual formation and relevant issues in contemporary society.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the message of Romans within its historical-cultural context and its location within salvation history.
• Identify the major theological themes of Romans and where they emerge in the epistle.
• Evaluate prominent views on the theology of Romans.
• Develop practical principles for Christian living in light of the message of Romans.

Weekend intensive taught by Dr. Bill Mounce. Details coming.

3 Units

A study of the art and science of leading effective small groups. Prepares students to improve their ability to facilitate sermon-based discussion, draw out application, ask good questions, and navigate common pitfalls.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand fundamental components of sermon-based small groups.
• Implement appropriate solutions to common small group pitfalls.
• Evaluate various methods of spiritual growth.
• Formulate principles for guiding others in one-on-one discipleship.

3 Units

A study of the organization, style, and delivery of expository sermons. Topics will include studying like a scholar, planning like a pastor, preparing like a preacher, prayer and sermon preparation, and crafting an effective sermon series.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Find good sources and conduct effective study for sermon preparation.
• Discern the pastoral intentions of the text in light of the select audience.
• Develop an effective Praying for Sunday
• Create a sermon series that is faithful to the text and relevant to the audience.

3 Units

A survey of the essential categories of systematic theology, including Christology (the person and work of Christ), pneumatology (the person and work of the Holy Spirit), soteriology (salvation), ecclesiology (the church), and eschatology (last things). Emphasis is given to how the theological topics covered impact personal discipleship and church ministry.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain how the work of Christ and the Spirit impacts the believer’s salvation and sanctification.
• Describe the mission of the church and its relationship to national Israel within the history of redemption.
• Defend important evangelical doctrinal commitments with Scripture.
• Apply theological truths in contemporary church settings.

3 Units

An expository study of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, stressing its contribution to the doctrines of salvation and sanctification, and to understanding the place of Israel and the church in the divine plan. Assesses important perspectives on how to interpret Romans and explores how the theological and ethical principles of this epistle contribute to spiritual formation and relevant issues in contemporary society.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the message of Romans within its historical-cultural context and its location within salvation history.
• Identify the major theological themes of Romans and where they emerge in the epistle.
• Evaluate prominent views on the theology of Romans.
• Develop practical principles for Christian living in light of the message of Romans.

2 Units

A study of the history, theology, and practice of the spiritual disciplines, including Bible study, scriptural meditation, prayer, fasting, giving, worship, fellowship, and service. Prepares students to approach spiritual growth and sanctification with thoughtfulness and intention, while providing strategies for assisting others to pursue the same.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify key signs of spiritual vitality.
• Explain how the spiritual disciplines contribute to spiritual growth.
• Study the Bible in a manner that is both simple and spiritually enriching.
• Design a long-term plan for growing in Christian maturity and spiritual intimacy.

3 Units

An introduction to Bible teaching, including principles on lesson preparation, exposition, verbal communication, illustration, and application. Provides insights relevant for biblical preaching and small-group leading.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify the telic point of a biblical passage.
• Design a lesson plan or outline suitable for an intended Christian audience.
• Illustrate biblical truths effectively.
• Exposit Scripture with clarity, accuracy, and relevance.

3 Units

An historical survey of the development of the church and its doctrines, from the foundational period to the end of the contemporary. Highlights key persons and influences, as well as significant theological disputes and ecclesiological outcomes.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify key persons and dates in church history.
• Explain the primary causes and consequences of the early ecumenical councils.
• Summarize the content and contributions of important creeds of the early church.
• Explain the causes and consequences of the Protestant Reformation.
• Summarize the origin and development of the church in America.
• Correlate ancient heresies with modern developments in theology.

3 Units

• A study of the principles and practices of defending the Christian faith, covering worldview, origins, science and faith, truth, God, miracles, the resurrection, the problem of evil, and more. Introduces students to different approaches to apologetics, including their respective aims and limits, and equips students with the requisite knowledge to dialogue about important contemporary issues with confidence.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the relationship between faith and reason and the significance of apologetics for evangelism, discipleship, and the church’s witness.
• Assess contemporary approaches to Christian apologetics.
• Defend crucial tenets of orthodox Christian doctrine from recent critics.
• Evaluate important events, movements, and ideas in contemporary society with sound reason and biblical support.