Theology

Elementary Greek I
Elementary Greek I introduces students to the basics of Koiné Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, with particular reference to biblical texts (New Testament and Septuagint). Both this course and its follow-on, GREK 2200, develop a greater appreciation for the relation between the Greek New Testament and modern translations, and encourage students to explore the challenges and opportunities of communicating the ancient word of God in contemporary global contexts.

Elementary Greek II
Elementary Greek II continues the introduction of GREK 2100. Students translate a significant biblical text (e.g. 1 John) with the aid of appropriate Greek reference tools. Both this course and its predecessor, GREK 2100, develop a greater appreciation for the relation between the Greek New Testament and modern translations, and encourage students to explore the challenges and opportunities of communicating the ancient word of God in contemporary global contexts.

Intermediate Greek I
This course enables students to improve their skills in translation and grammatical analysis, with an emphasis on translation from selected New Testament passages.

Intermediate Greek II
This course enables students to continue improving their skills in translation and grammatical analysis, with an emphasis on translation from Greek Judeo-Christian material. Students also learn how to apply their skills in congregational or missional settings.

Elementary Hebrew I
An introduction to elements of biblical Hebrew prose, including basic grammar, verb forms, and common vocabulary. This course and its follow-ups develop the ability to read and translate the Hebrew Old Testament for more insightful ministry in the contemporary world.

Elementary Hebrew II
A continuation of the study of biblical Hebrew grammar, morphology, and vocabulary as introduced in Elementary Hebrew I, aiming to complete the basic preparation that students will need to be able to read and translate biblical Hebrew prose.

Intermediate Hebrew I
Reading of selected prose texts from the Hebrew Bible in follow-up to Elementary Hebrew I–II, with focus on basics of Hebrew syntax and use of lexicons and other biblical Hebrew exegetical tools.

Intermediate Hebrew II
Continuation of developing proficiency in reading selected prose texts from the Hebrew Bible, with focus on the use of biblical commentaries and other scholarly tools which are helpful for doing exegesis for preaching and teaching.

This course is an academic supplement to a study-abroad experience in the lands of the Bible, regions integral to the historic development of biblical literature and home to three diverse text-oriented communities, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Observation and engagement allow learners to reflect upon Christian thinking and personal ministry in an increasingly complex world.

This course equips students with the basic skills necessary to prepare and present biblical sermons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for preaching purposes; developing thesis statements, outlines, and support materials; and communicating effectively with contemporary listeners.

This course equips students with the skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching purposes, developing thesis statements and objectives, developing interactive and creative strategies, and using group dynamics to help individuals grow spiritually.

This course provides students with biblical, historical, and practical perspectives on how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. It gives special attention to using personal and interpersonal discipleship strategies to help individuals grow spiritually.

Introduction to Counseling Ministry
This course introduces students to the ministry of counseling and provides an orientation to the counseling field. This orientation includes the historical roots of the field, the person of the counselor, ethics, multicultural considerations, and professional development through the lens of a biblical worldview. Philosophical foundations for the integration between theology and psychology are also introduced and explored to aid the student in developing a sound worldview for counseling ministry.

Foundations of Student & Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, a theology of child & student development, an understanding of culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children and students.

Conflict & Communication
This course equips students with the self-understanding and skills necessary for effective and transformative communication in individual, group, and congregational/organizational settings.

Pastoral Ministry
This course focuses on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the pastoral ministry, such as applying for positions, ministry beginnings and endings, relationships with elders and staff, weddings, funerals, baptisms, visitations, office management, and discipleship ministries. Students also examine the underlying theology of the ministry of all believers.

Race, Culture, & The Church
A study of the sociological indicators, theories, and practices pertaining to race, culture, and the growing trend toward intentional multi-ethnic church planting/building. Students will become familiarized with the theories, foundations, opportunities, and challenges that accompany these areas, and applications across various ministry contexts will be explored.

Practices of Biblical Preaching
This course builds upon prior preaching courses and leads students to integrate preaching with worship, leadership, and biblical interpretation. Special attention is given to preaching from various biblical genres.

Theories of Biblical Preaching
This course builds upon the principles learned in Foundations of Biblical Preaching, leading students to a deeper understanding of the history and theology of preaching, various sermon forms, the significance of and methods for developing sermon series, and the application of Scripture to listeners’ lives.

Teaching Cross-Culturally
Students consider the challenges and joys of the cross-cultural educator. The course seeks to help teachers better understand their own culture of learning and teaching, while becoming effective teachers in a context other than their own. Cross-cultural teaching methods, techniques, appropriate lesson planning, and more are addressed for those who teach in cross-cultural or multicultural settings.

Missiology
This course presents a comprehensive and dynamic view of the mandate for Christian missionary activity. Students are challenged to a growing awareness that world evangelism is four-dimensional: biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic. A special emphasis is given to issues revolving around cultural and cross-cultural communication, along with how sensitivity in these areas can help further realize God’s global purpose.

Intercultural Communication
This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in intercultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student’s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries.

Worship Design and Leadership
This course introduces basic worship leadership skills as well as core biblical, theological, historical, philosophical, and pastoral considerations for gathered worship. Attention is given to 1) form and patterns of worship; 2) crafting the action and elements of worship; designing and planning worship; 4) executing the actions of worship; 5) leadership skills; 6) time and the narrative of Christian worship. Students actively demonstrate learning of course principles through several service learning experiences in class, on campus, or in a local ministry setting.