Course Schedule

A survey of the essential categories of systematic theology, including bibliology (the Bible), theology proper (the existence, attributes, and triunity of God), anthropology (humanity), angelology (angels and demons), and harmartiology (sin). Introduces the various branches of theology, including biblical theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, and practical theology, and how they relate to systematic theology. 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:

• Summarize the attributes and promises of God.
• Explain the responsibilities and rebellion of humanity.
• Defend important evangelical doctrinal commitments with Scripture.
• Apply theological truths in contemporary church settings.

An introduction to the origin, transmission, and translation of the Bible, including its inspiration, canonization, preservation, and textual reconstruction. Addresses the major historical-critical questions relating to the Bible’s authority, and provides the student with an apologetic for the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.

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

• Explain when and how the biblical books were inspired and canonized as Scripture.
• Describe how ancient biblical manuscripts were transmitted and the original autographs reconstructed.
• Contrast the various methods used in modern Bible translation.
• Defend the authority and veracity of Scripture, as well as the significance of these doctrines for the Christian life and ministry.

An introduction to the principles and methods of biblical interpretation, focusing on the history of interpretation, the literal-historical-grammatical approach, and the primary tools for biblical study. Hermeneutical strategies will be used to interpret various literary genres, examine historical and literary contexts, analyze structural relationships, perform word studies, and develop principles for practical application.

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

• Define key terms and concepts relating to biblical interpretation.
• Identify significant approaches, trends, and presuppositions of biblical interpreters, both past and present.
• Interpret various genres of biblical literature from a dispensational perspective.
• Employ the essential tools and methods of biblical research.

A study of worldview as a concept including examining the questions of identity, origin, morality, existence of God, etc. Beginning with Christian theism, the student will study the worldviews that make up the foundations of philosophy, religion, and science in order to effectively identify a person’s worldview in supporting an apologetic of Christianity. This class will be a great compliment to TH301 (Apologetics) and Cults and World Religions.

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

• Identify the 8 fundamental questions that every worldview seeks to answer.
• Evaluate and define the 8 primary worldviews that provide the foundation of the various belief systems of mankind.
• Identify the crucial differences between Christian Theism and these other worldviews including an ability to defend the merits of Christian Theism.
• Interact more effectively with the lost through understanding the worldview that provides the foundation for their beliefs.

An introduction to the principles and practices of biblical counseling and caregiving, including a theological justification for both, an overview of the roles of Scripture and wisdom in counseling, and insights into ministering to those who are suffering. Provides test cases for common counseling situations and opportunities to practice basic skills in a supervised setting.

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

• Evaluate contemporary approaches to Christian counseling.
• Assess the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.
• Apply relevant biblical passages to common counseling situations.
• Provide empathy and encouragement in thoughtful and effective ways.

3 Units

An overview of Matthew through Revelation, focusing on the literary contents, historical contexts, and theological contributions of the New Testament books. Highlights the major historical people, places, and events of the New 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 New Testament and the intertestamental period.
• Identify the book and chapter references for important New Testament concepts and events.
• Describe the historical setting of the New Testament books
• Summarize the messages and theological contributions of the New Testament books, and their contemporary Christian relevance.

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

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 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 sharing the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of others. Examines how these principles relate to biblical methods of outreach and spiritual formation. Provides opportunities for employing evangelistic strategies and discipleship techniques.

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

• Explain the gospel succinctly and persuasively.
• Design biblical strategies for engaging contemporary cultures with the gospel.
• Understand principles and practices of effective church planting.
• Summarize key people and events in the global expansion of the church.

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

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

• 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.

3 Units

TBD

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.