This course orients students to the literature of the Old Testament in its various literary, historical, and theological contexts and to Old Testament interpretation in service of Christian practice. The books of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, 2 Samuel, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel will be the focus of study. 

Select two courses in Biblical Studies. At least one of these courses must be in the opposite testament of your  exegetical coursework. For instance, when a student takes an exegetical course in the area of New Testament, at least one of the biblical studies electives should focus on Old Testament studies.

Select one of the following two courses to enhance your theological acumen in light of your research interests, vocational goals, and scheduling/modality considerations:

ST505 Trinity, Revelation, and Salvation

Systematic Theology 1 is a survey of systematic (doctrinal or constructive) theology that focuses on the doctrines of the revelation, Trinity (patrology, christology, pneumatology), and salvation. In keeping with systematic theology’s nature as an integrative discipline, the course considers carefully biblical, historical, philosophical, and contemporary theological materials, with a special focus on global, contextual, and diversity issues. Throughout, interdisciplinary connections are pursued and investigated (even beyond theological disciplines). The implications of the trinitarian faith to current issues such as liberation, justice, equality, gender, environment, and religious plurality are carefully discussed with the ultimate goal of helping the students learn to practice “embodied” theological thinking for the sake of the diverse ministry settings in the Global Church. 

ST506 Creation, Church and Consummation

Systematic Theology 2 is a survey of systematic (doctrinal or constructive) theology that focuses on the doctrines of the creation, providence and divine action; theological anthropology, church and her mission, and eschatology. In keeping with systematic theology’s nature as an integrative discipline, the course considers carefully biblical, historical, philosophical, and contemporary theological materials, with a special focus on global, contextual, and diversity issues. Throughout, interdisciplinary connections are pursued and investigated (even beyond theological disciplines). The implications of the trinitarian faith to current issues such as liberation, justice, equality, gender, environment, and religious plurality are carefully discussed with the ultimate goal of helping the students learn to practice “embodied” theological thinking for the sake of the diverse ministry settings in the Global Church.

Select one of the following three courses to hone your historical awareness in light of your research interests, vocational goals, and scheduling/modality considerations:

CH500 Early Church History

A survey of the early church from the post-apostolic fathers through the Council of Chalcedon.

CH502 Medieval and Reformation History

The further development of the church, especially in the West, from Gregory the Great through the Reformation.

CH504 The Modern Church in a Global Historical Context

This course introduces the more important themes and events in the life of the church around the world from the seventeenth through the late twentieth centuries. Beginning with the post-Reformation period, students will survey the growth and contributions of the church in Europe and throughout the world (with occasional glimpses at the United States). Attention will be given to many of the important historical, theological, and cultural developments that have shaped (or been shaped by) specific regional and global historical contexts.  

Select a course with a missiological focus (catalog prefix beginning with M) to enhance your understanding of God’s mission in light of your vocational goals, research interests, and scheduling/modality considerations

Select a course in leadership to grow as a Christian leader in light of your vocational goals, research interests, and scheduling/modality considerations:

LD 500 Leadership

This course is a survey of leadership that introduces the student to the practice of Christian leadership in both congregational contexts and in contexts beyond the congregation (e.g. nonprofits). The course will give specific attention to intercultural leadership. 

YF 502 Leadership in Youth Ministry

Strategies for implementing a youth ministry: recruitment, budgeting, administration, planning. 

Select a pastoral ministry course (any course with catalog prefix beginning with PM) to profoundly encounter the meaning and substance of pastoral ministry in light of your vocational goals, research interests, and scheduling/modality considerations. Examples of previously offered courses in this area:

PM 503 Pastoral Theology

Theology of the ministry, theology and conduct of worship, liturgy, hymnody, parish responsibilities and procedures, church administration, community relations and ministerial ethics. MDiv core: MIN6  

PM 559 Fundamentals of Chaplaincy

This course provides an overview of the nature and history of the chaplain’s identity, purpose, and functional roles. You will examine the biblical and theological foundations of a ministry of presence comprising the core of chaplaincy ministry. You also will review the various types of chaplaincy and explore the commonalities, distinctives and expectations of military, health care, public safety, correctional, sports, campus and disaster relief chaplains. Additionally, the course will develop biblical-theological knowledge, skills and abilities for ministry leadership in chaplaincy. Supplemental areas of expertise will be introduced at a basic level focusing on specialized skills in pastoral, caregiver and emotional/spiritual support for a chaplain. The emphasis is to develop a basic understanding of how chaplaincy impacts organizations with the Gospel message in military, institutional and organizational communities. (from Summer 2017 ECD description).

Select an approved course in the areas of Preaching or Communication to refine your public speaking ability with reference to your vocational goals. The following are two possibilities:

PR500 Homiletics

Both theological and practical questions about the nature of preaching are explored and discussed. A practicum element is an essential part of this course. 

CO 510 Speech and Thought. 

This course explores the interrelationship between speech and thought in the context of public speaking skill development. It provides students with resources and opportunities that will enhance their abilities to think through and craft, well-structured speeches. Through weekly self-evaluation, and peer and instructor critique, students improve their public speaking skills and become more effective in ministry.