Greek Language Studies

BGRI 530 Greek IA (3 credits)
A study of the essentials of Greek morphology and syntax designed to prepare the student for translation and exegesis of the New Testament. Greek IA does not apply toward fulfillment of degree requirements. (Exception: MATS, Biblical and Theological Studies concentration.)

BGRI 531 Greek IB (3 credits)
Continuation of Greek IA. Greek IB does not apply toward fulfillment of degree requirements. (Exception: See BGRI 530 above.)

BGRI/BNTI 502 The Pastoral Epistles (3 credits)
An expository and exegetical study of I and II Timothy and Titus with emphasis on their exegetical and interpretive problems and on their theology and practical relevance for society and the Church, especially church leadership. Two separate programmed syllabi have been prepared where seminary credit is desired. One syllabus requires a knowledge of Greek with the careful use of the specified commentaries. A separate syllabus for the course does not require Greek.

BGRI 503 The Epistle to the Romans (3 credits)
An exegetical-theological study of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans in the Greek text. It involves the treatment of selected historical, grammatical, structural, and lexical data which evaluate the meaning of this important New Testament document. Special emphasis is given to the theological themes and over-all argument of the Epistle. This course assumes a basic skill in Greek exegesis and the ability to make grammatical and textual critical evaluations and to do Greek word studies.

Hebrew Language Studies

BHEI 530 Hebrew IA (3 credits)
The essentials of the Hebrew language of the Old Testament with an emphasis on vocabulary and syntax. The course will equip the student for work in exegesis using the Hebrew text.

BHEI 531 Hebrew IB (3 credits)
A continuation of Hebrew IA. Includes the translating of passages from the Hebrew text of the Old Testament.

New Testament Studies

BNTI 501 The Sermon on the Mount (2 hours credit)
The course is a consecutive exposition of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. The emphasis is upon the distinctive character that is expected of the Christian and upon the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. For the student desiring seminary credit, a programmed syllabus requires an expository and reading study with emphasis on the practical and spiritual application of the Sermon on the Mount and upon the theological issues and historical interpretations of that passage.

BNTI/BGRI 502 The Pastoral Epistles (3 credits)
(See BGRI/BNTI 502.)

BNTI 504 New Testament Survey: Gospels/Life of Christ (3 hours credit)
A chronological synthetic study of the four Gospel records, emphasizing the time, place, circumstances and persons involved in the events of our Lord’s ministry, with a view to the fuller understanding of the significance of His words and works.

BNTI 505 The Parables of Jesus (3 credits)
Methods of interpreting Jesus’ parables are surveyed and an eclectic model drawing on the best insights is applied to each of the major narrative parables in the Gospels. Conclusions are drawn concerning the theology and significance of this portion of Jesus’ teaching.

BNTI 506 New Testament Survey: The Epistles and Revelation (3 hours credit)
Using the English text, this course will survey the New Testament epistles and the Apocalypse. Of concern will be both the introductory issues as well as the basic content of the books. Students will do an inductive study of a selected passage according to the accompanying Inductive Bible Study syllabus.

BNTI 507 The Epistle to the Hebrews (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the context, content, major interpretive issues, and theological contribution of the Epistle to the Hebrews in order to strengthen their confidence in the superiority of Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to equip them to use the epistle to “encourage one another daily” in the church’s pilgrimage through life’s wilderness toward the better, heavenly country.

BNTI 508 1 Peter and Contemporary Ministry (3 credits)
This online course is an English Bible study of the First Letter of Peter with particular attention to its historical and social backgrounds, key theological themes, and relevance to contemporary ministry situations.

BNTI 530 New Testament Introduction (3 credits)
An introduction to the content and background of the New Testament, including the critical issues involved in the discipline of New Testament Introduction.

BNTI 642 The Gospel of Luke (3 credits)
This online course explores the social, historical, and literary backgrounds of the gospel of Luke with an emphasis upon applying this understanding to the contemporary ministry contexts.

Old Testament Studies

BOTI 501 The Pentateuch (2 credits)
A study of the contents of the Pentateuch against its archaeological background together with consideration of the particular Pentateuchal problems of evolution and higher criticism. The laws which form the basis of Israel’s theocracy will be examined with regard to their content, meaning, and applicability today.

BOTI 505 The Book of Psalms (2 credits)
An introduction to the book of Psalms with emphasis on the principles involved in the exegesis of the hymnic literature and the application of these principles in selected portions. Special attention is given to the various forms of the Psalms, their setting within the historical experience of Israel, and their application today within the Church. A knowledge of Hebrew is preferred but not required.

BOTI 506 The Book of Isaiah (3 credits)
An exegetical study of the Book of Isaiah. This course will not only survey the contents of the book, but also seek to develop the understanding and the skill of exegetical exposition.

BOTI 507 The Post-Exilic Prophets (3 credits)
A survey of the historical context and biblical context of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, with an exposition of each of these three books.

BOTI 530 Old Testament Introduction (3 credits)
An introduction to the content and background of the Old Testament, including the critical issues in the discipline of Old Testament Introduction.

Biblical Theology

BTHI 506 Understanding the Old Testament (3 credits)
A survey of the history of salvation in the Old Testament especially as it relates to the universality of Old Testament theology, i.e., the rule of God or the establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth. A working knowledge of Hebrew is helpful but not required for the course.

BTHI 509 The Christian and Old Testament Theology (3 credits)
A biblical and theological study of the foundational theology applied by the Old Testament for the New Testament and the Christian church. This study identifies and inductively derives the center or focal point for the theology of both the Old and New Testaments. It also deals with the amount of continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments. Included are the topics of saving faith, the people of God, the role of the law of God, the worship of God, the doctrine of atonement, relationship between the law and wisdom theology, kingdom of God, the Messiah, the inclusion of the Gentiles, the theology of the Holy Spirit, and the preparation of the new covenant.

BTHI/HISI/PCSI 601 Apostolic Ministry in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Tradition (3 credits)
Since the beginning of the twentieth-century, Pentecostals and Charismatics have sought to
restore the “apostolic” witness of the Early Church in doctrine, mission and practice. This
course explores the history and theological components of that agenda, as well as current
applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the local and global impact
of apostolic ministry on the church.

BTHI 602 The Book of Acts (3 credits)
An online study of the book of Acts. Emphasis will be placed on acquisition of relevant background information, development of an appropriate hermeneutical approach, and development of the ability to make practical application of biblical principles. Special attention will be given to matters of Pentecostal theology and praxis.

Historical Studies

HISI 505 Survey of Church History (3 hours credit)
The course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to the development of the Christian church from its founding at Pentecost to the present day.

HISI 506 The History of the Church to the Reformation (3 credits)
The course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to the development of the Christian church’s doctrine, faith and practice from its founding at Pentecost to the time of the Protestant Reformation.

HISI 507 The History of the Church Since the Reformation (3 hours credit)
The course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to the development of the Christian church since the time of the Protestant Reformation to the present day.

HISI 508 Reformation Church History (3 credits)
This course traces the historic development of the Protestant Reformation from its background prior to the 16th century to its impact on the world and church of today. The lives and teachings of the leading Reformers (Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox) are examined in some detail, along with the course of the Reformation in various nations: Germany, England, Scotland, France, and the Netherlands. In addition, both the rise of the major Protestant Movements—Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism and Puritanism—and the Roman Catholic and Remonstrance reactions are outlined.

HISI 509 The Ancient Church (3 credits)
This course examines the history of the ancient church in detail. Following a historical progression, the course covers the development of doctrine and introduces the student to the main figures in the Patristic age.

HISI 510 The Radical Reformation (3 credits)
This course examines the history of the Radical Reformation. It follows a topical, chronological, and historical progression, covering the genesis of the movement, its relation to the Renaissance and the Reformation, its various manifestations and the eventual development of the movement.

HISI 511 The Theology of Martin Luther (3 credits)
This course surveys the background and setting of Luther’s thought as well as his teaching on the range of topics which form Christian theology. It focuses on Luther’s doctrines of sin and grace, justification and faith, law and gospel, as well as on his understanding of Christian daily living in the midst of God’s callings within the world.

HISI/BTHI/PCSI 601 Apostolic Ministry in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Tradition (3 credits)
(See BTHI/HISI/PCSI 601.)

Cultural Studies and Religion

MCSI 504 Missionary Encounter with World Religions (3 credits)
An introduction to the theology of religions. A biblical theology of religions is developed against the background of extensive study of current models of approach. Using major religious systems as examples, five characteristics of all religions are sketched. Some practical suggestions for evangelistic approaches are proposed.

MCSI 505 An Introduction to Muslim Evangelism (3 credits)
A study of Islam to identify effective strategies for evangelization and church planting among Muslims. The tenets, traditions, history, worldview, and sacred literature of Islam are considered. When possible, the student will interview Muslims and visit a mosque as part of the course requirements.

MCSI/MSSI/PTHI/THEI 604 Ministry on the Edge: The Mission to Post-Christian America
(3 credits)
This video course focuses on the changing cultural and theological church scene. The
innovations needed to be a missionary to post-Christian America will be explored. Leadership
arts will be developed to: 1) read and interpret culture, 2) live and communicate cross-
culturally, 3) grow organic, missional ministries, 4) learn from emerging ministry models, and
5) live a Pentecostal spirituality in a postmodern context. This course is designed for individual
study, as opposed to the similar course, PTHI 620, which is offered for an online group
learning experience.

Missions History and Theology

MHTI 501 Introduction to World Christian Missions (2 credits)
An introductory survey of the theology, history, culture, politics, and methods of the Christian mission, with special emphasis on recent developments, crucial issues and future trends, ending with a study of missions in the local church.

MHTI 502 The History of Missions (3 credits)
This course traces the historic development of the Christian mission in chronological sequence from Pentecost to William Carey (1793). The modern period is developed along geographical lines: Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Europe. The course closes with an attempt to evaluate the achievements of the past and the prospects of the future.

MHTI/PTHI 621 An Incarnational Model for Ministering Cross-Culturally (3 credits)
This video course examines an incarnational model for ministering across cultural boundaries, with special emphasis on developing strategies for effective incarnational ministry.   The course incorporates the 2005 General Council Seminar facilitated by Drs. Judith and Sherwood Lingenfelter: An Incarnational Model for Ministering Cross-Culturally .

Missions Strategy

MSSI 503 Urban Mission and Ministry (2 hours credit)
A course that focuses on Christian missions and ministry in the world÷s growing cities. The biblical basis for urban ministry is presented and case studies of effective urban strategies worldwide are examined. Attention is given to urban issues such as ministry to the poor and homeless, pastoring and raising a family in the city, and planting urban churches.

MSSI/MCSI/PTHI/THEI 604 Ministry on the Edge: The Mission to Post-Christian
America (3 credits)
(See MCSI/MSSI/PTHI/THEI 604.)

Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies

PCSI/BTHI/HISI 601 Apostolic Ministry in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Tradition (3 credits)
(See BTHI/HISI/PCSI 601.)

Pastoral Theology and Evangelism

PTHI 501 Church Leadership and Administration (2 credits)
A course designed to develop leadership potential in students and to give them a familiarity with the various elements of the administrative process including: goal setting and achieving, organization, delegation, human relations, group dynamics, supervision, and the training of other leaders. Though the principles are universal, the focus of the course is the Christian organization, particularly the local church.

PTHI 502 Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management in Churches and Christian Organizations (2 credits)
An examination of the process of interpersonal communication and conflict management in human relationships within Christian organizations, with attention given to communication models, self-concept, nonverbal messages, stress and other strategies that will assist the Christian leader in developing interpersonal communication skills and the productive use of conflict.

PTHI 503 Spiritual Formation (3 credits)
An investigation into the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relationship to faith and practice in Pentecostal ministry.

PTHI/MCSI/MSSI/THEI 604 Ministry on the Edge: The Mission to Post-Christian America (3 credits)
(See MCSI/MSSI/PTHI/THEI 604)

PTHI 620 Ministry in Emerging Culture (3 credits)
This online course focuses on the changing cultural and theological church scene. The
innovations needed to be a missionary to post-Christian America will be explored. Leadership
arts will be developed to: 1) read and interpret culture, 2) live and communicate cross-
culturally, 3) grow organic, missional ministries, 4) learn from emerging ministry models, and
5) live a Pentecostal spirituality in a postmodern context. This course is designed for an online
group study, as opposed to the similar course, MCSI/MSSI/PTHI/THEI 604, which is offered for
an individual learning experience.

PTHI/MHTI 621 An Incarnational Model for Ministering Cross-Culturally (3 credits)
(See MHTI/PTHI 621)

Systematic Theology and Philosophy

PHII/THEI 502 Christian Worldview (3 credits)
An introduction to the nature and function of a worldview and noetic structure, with an argument for the value of developing and living an explicitly Christian worldview. A Christian worldview is developed out of a redemptive history model of biblical theology, which is then explicated using the philosophical categories of metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology. Throughout the course, the student will gain understanding of modern and postmodern thought, and how to critique them biblically. The enactment of a worldview approach to Christian ministry is emphasized.

PHII 602 Christian Ethics (3 credits)
An examination of the theories of obligation and theories of value from a philosophical perspective. A biblical theology of obligation and a biblical theology of value are presented along with their implications for decision-making in personal life and church life.

PHII/THEI 603 Exploring Approaches to Apologetics (3 credits)
The course compares biblical, historical, and recent approaches to defending faith in God, Christ, and Scripture. It emphasizes the contrast between Peter’s method of reasoning among the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2) and Paul’s among the Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17). It compares the still influential approaches of Augustine and Aquinas. However, the bulk of the course examines six approaches of apologists who led in the resurgence of evangelicalism during the last half of the twentieth century. Each approach uses different starting points and forms of argument: empirical/inductive, rational/deductive, self-authenticating presuppositions, self-authenticating mystical experiences and hypothesis/verification.

THEI/PHII 502 Christian Worldview (3 credits)
(See PHII/THEI 502.)

THEI 531 Systematic Theology I (3 credits)
An overview of the theological areas of prolegomena, revelation, theology proper, anthropology and Christology.

THEI 532 Systematic Theology II (3 credits)
An overview of the theological areas of pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology and eschatology.

THEI 601 Contemporary Theology I (3 credits)
In this course we shall attempt to examine some of the major trends in contemporary thought. In order to set the background for contemporary theological and philosophical discourse, we begin with a brief philosophical overview of the major developments in Western philosophy prior to Hegel. Discussion then turns directly to Hegel whose influence extends throughout the modern period. Kierkegaard represents not only a reaction to Hegel, but is also the first of the existentialist-oriented theologians we consider. After Kierkegaard, the course turns to Barth, Bultmann, and Tillich. Parallel to these developments in theology was the development of analytic philosophy. Our emphasis will be the philosophy of the earlier and later wittgenstein. The course then culminates in the “God is Dead Theologies” of Paul Van Buren and Thomas Altizer.

THEI 602 Contemporary Theology II (3 credits)
In this course we continue to examine some of the major trends in contemporary theology. Discussion focuses on theologies prevalent especially since the 1960’s. Theologies covered are Theology of Hope, Liberation Theology, the Feminist Theology of Elizabeth Johnson, Process Theology, New Age Theology, and four forms of Postmodern Theology.

THEI/PHII 603 Exploring Approaches to Apologetics (3 credits)
(See PHII/THEI 603.)

THEI/MCSI/MSSI/PTHI 604 Ministry on the Edge: The Mission to Post-Christian America (3 credits)
(See MCSI/MSSI/PTHI/THEI 604.)

Updated: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 3:42 PM