THY101 Biblical Interpretation

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces concepts of biblical interpretation. The study includes issues related to interpretation, an examination of major approaches, and tools necessary to understand best practices for interpreting any biblical text.

Course Objectives

1. Recognize the inherent difficulties in biblical interpretation

2. Understand approaches that have been used, examining their strengths and weakness

3. Adapt methods of interpretation that best suite the student’s strengths/weaknesses and ministry

 

BIBL101 Old Testament Context and Theology

Prerequisite: THY101

This course studies the context of the Old Testament and the prominent theologies that have developed from that context. While this course is not a book by book study, it will demonstrate the impact that the context has on each section of these writings and the theologies that contribute to the use of the Old Testament for teaching and preaching in today’s church.

Course Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of the central theme of the Old Testament writings that gives context to the content

2. Explain the prominent theologies that are used to understand the Old Testament, especially in a New Testament context

3. Acquire a working knowledge of how each division and the books in those divisions reflect the context

 

BIBL102 New Testament Context and Theology

Prerequisite: BIBL101

As with the sister course, Context and Theology of the Old Testament, the context of the New will be the primary focus. Within this context, relevant theologies are examined as to how they support, reflect, and protect the central focus of the Christian writings. As with BIBL101, this course is not a book by book study. However, it will demonstrate how the context drives the theologies. Additionally, special attention is paid to the historical-critical interpretation of the theologies studied.

Course Objectives

1. Identify the central theme that is the controlling context for the New Testament

2. Learn how the selected theologies depend on the context as well as defend the context

3. Acquire a working knowledge of the context and how this “equips the saints for the work of service to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).

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THY102 Theology Survey

Prerequisite: BIBL102

This course introduces the study of theology from a historical perspective. This approach examines the development of theology from the first century to the present day with emphasis on key turning points in the development of biblical and systematic theology. In this process, attention will be paid to key theologians in various periods of history to learn from their thought process.

Course Objectives

1. Acquire a grasp of the historical development of the current state of theology

2. Learn the key turning points in history that have had the greatest impact on the development of theology

3. Develop a sense for the different approaches to theology (dogmatic, systematic, biblical)

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MIN101 Exposition and Exegesis: Keys to Effective Preaching and Teaching

Prerequisite: THY102

This course is designed to facilitate the student in developing necessary insights in sermon and lesson preparation with special focus on discipleship and church growth. Methods and tools for a deeper study will be the focus as well as how to organize the study into sermons and lessons designed to build discipleship.

Course Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of the tools and methods necessary to dig deeply into Scripture

2. Develop the ability to see the one idea that the Spirit is needing expressed for the audience(s) addressed (the message of the day)

3. Establish the student’s personal best practices for study and expression of the study in sermons, lessons, and written format

 

MIN102 Leadership

Prerequisite: MIN101

Leadership is the capstone course in the Certificate Program. Having acquired a working knowledge of vital biblical and theological perspectives, this class focuses on Servant Leadership as the basic, biblical model of leadership. Leadership essentials, principles, and practices will be taught with the goal of producing Servant Leaders with the heart to Serve Like Jesus, influencing others by equipping them to become Serve Like Jesus leaders.

Course Objectives

1. Develop a Servant Leader’s heart so that it is natural to Serve Like Jesus

2. Gain a working knowledge of leadership essentials, principles and practices

3. Develop a biblical base to be a Servant Leader who equips other Servant Leaders