Review the Bachelors program textbooks. You may substitute two books for books that we may not have in our curriculum. Such texts must be pre-approved by TTS. Please email or write us about books you may wish to substitute in your Degree program. We will be pleased to work with you in making your experience at Trinity Theological Seminary as fulfilling as possible
BIBLICAL STUDIES
B-101. Introduction to the Old Testament An introduction to the broad theological scope and chronological sweep of the Old Testament. Covering each book of the Old Testament in the order in which it appears in the Hebrew Bible. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination by Walter Brueggemann.
B-110. Introducing the Old Testament An informative conservative introduction to the collection of writings that lie at the heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition. A plain guide to the principal religious ideas of the Old Testament. Prof. Drane is an adjunct professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Introducing the Old Testament by John Drane.
B-120. Introduction to the New Testament Covers the entire scope of the New Testament, moving book by book through the basic content and issues of the New Testament. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: B-101 or B-110
Required Text(s): An Introduction to the New Testament by Raymond E. Brown.
B-122. A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey of the New Testament An engaging survey offering an up-to-date New Testament introduction which presents disputed and controversial issues fairly, neither dictating conclusions nor privileging skepticism over faith-based perspectives. The quintessential ‘user-friendly’ introduction to the New Testament. A companion Web site features a wealth of additional resources. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: B-101 or B-110
Required Text(s): Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey by Mark Allan Powell.
B-125. A New Testament Survey A guide to reading and interpreting the New Testament from a conservative evangelical theological perspective which also notes other positions and literature. This course goes beyond providing background information and technical introductory material. Each chapter begins with a list of study goals and ends with a summary, including an overview and of people, places, terms to remember, and review questions. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: B-101 or B-110
Required Text(s): A Survey of the New Testament (4th Edition) by Robert H. Gundry.
B-130. Introducing the New Testament A conservative approach to Biblical studies that introduces the student to the New Testament. Based upon plenary, verbal inspiration encouraging one to believe the Bible as it is written. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: B-101 or B-110
Required Text(s): Introduction to the New Testament by Henry Clarence Thiessen.
B-135. The Book of Acts Devotional, practical, and Christ-centered, this reissued classic is a fine resource for preaching and teaching from the Bible – and for personal study as well. Offers a clear, concise thematic survey of the history of the New Testament church. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Acts: An Ironside Expository Commentary by H.A. Ironside.
B-141. Genesis 1-11:26 This course is an “exegetical and theological exposition of the Holy Scripture”. Usong the New American Commentary, it assumes the inerrancy of Scripture. The introduction analyzes the literary structure of Genesis, the structure of the Pentateuch and its relationship to Genesis, the theology of Genesis, Genesis and ancient literature, and creation and contemporary interpretation. The main body of the book consists of a verse-by-verse anaysis and commentary on chapters 1-11:26. It also includes: Interpreting the “Image of God”, The Human Soul, The Origin of Civilization in Ancient Near East Mythology, and The Revelation of the Divine Name. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Genesis 1-11:26, New American Commentary by Kenneth Matthews.
B-142. Exodus Israel’s liberation from bondage to Pharaoh is one of the great turning points in Old Testament history. Defending the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and the historicity of the plagues and wanderings in the wilderness, this course throws considerable light on the book’s literary, theological, and sociological dimensions. Decidedly evangelical and assuming the inerrancy of Scripture. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Exodus, New American Commentary by Douglas Stuart.
B-143. Isaiah 1-39 Examining the words of admonition, rebuke, hope and faith within Isaiah and relating those themes to today, this course is on the first half of Isaiah. Using the text, it encourages believers today as individuals and as a community to humble themselves, and fully trust in God. It reflects a high regard for scriptural integrity, and takes into account current scholarship while emphasizing Isaiah’s overall unity.. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Isaiah 1-39 New American Commentary Volume 15A by Gary V. Smith.
B-144. The Book of Daniel The book of Daniel focuses on the sovereign hand of God in human history. The Lord’s power exceeds that of the world’s greatest empires, and his loving care for his people is unmatched on earth. This course on Daniel is based on a thorough but reverent analysis of the Hebrew and Aramaic text. It has scholarly depth but is also rich with practical application and homiletical insights. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Daniel, New American Commentary by Stephen R. Miller.
B-145. Mark Decidedly evangelical and assuming the inerrancy of Scripture, this study examines the Book of Mark from an exegetical and theological perspective. By exploring grammatical, textual, and contextual keys, Brooks unlocks the gospel’s meaning for readers living in the 21st century. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Mark, New American Commentary by James Brooks.
B-146. Matthew This course examines the three main stages of Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus’ ministry. It presents a theological understanding of the Gospel writer’s presentation of Jesus’ birth, teaching, mission, death, resurrection, and kingdom work. The interaction with contemporary scholarship coupled with fresh interpretations and applications make this course immeasurably valuable. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Matthew, New American Commentary by Craig L. Blomberg.
B-147. Romans This course assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship. It presents a mature reflection on Paul’s theological masterwork in Romans. It will both teach and edify even when, here or there, the student may opt for a different interpretation. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Romans, New American Commentary by Robert Mounce.
B-148. Hebrews Offering the best of evangelical scholarship, this course turns a keen exegetical eye to the Letter to the Hebrews. Pastors, teachers, and students will appreciate the verse-by-verse interpretation of the NIV text, masterful research, and practical applications. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Hebrews, New American Commentary by David L. Allen.
B-150. The Narrative of Mark’s Gospel A study that can be used in any contemporary setting which develops insights from analysis of the text’s rhetoric, its temporal and spatial frames, its plot and characters. The intent is to impress upon the reader the importance of understanding Mark on its own terms as a narrative. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Mark as Story, Second Edition by David Rhoads.
B-190. Bible Study A guide to understanding the Bible. You will discover the purpose of Scripture, rules and tools of interpretation, and how it will benefit you personally. 4 interactive Bible studies for individuals or small groups include an audio teaching from Max for each session, and a leader’s guide. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Becoming a Student of God’s Word, Max on Life Studies with CD by Max Lucado.
THEOLOGY
B-201. Fundamentals of Theology An introduction to all the major beliefs of the Christian faith in terms acceptable to a wide variety of believers. In additional to the traditional topics, the additional topics of creationism, the devil, miracles, the virgin birth and more are explored. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Faith of the Christian Church by Tyron Inbody.
B-203. Biblical Doctrine This introductory course on systematic theology has a strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem.
B-220. Understanding the Creeds An in-depth analysis of how and why the creeds of the church were developed. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Making of the Creeds by Frances Young.
B-221. Jesus and the Quest for Meaning Beginning with the individual’s quest for meaning and ending with the mission of love, justice, and hope, this course offers a personal and innovative interpretation of the Christian faith. It weaves together personalistic and sacramentalistic understandings of Jesus, the church, and its mission in order to elaborate the meaning of the Christian belief in God. It deals with a wide range of issues within Christian theology with attention to psychological significance and meaning. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Jesus and the Quest for Meaning: Entering Theology by Thomas H. West.
B-222. Mission Theology and Missiology Christian mission is no longer a matter of missionaries from the West going to the rest of the world. Rather, the growth of Christianity in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia is eclipsing that of the Western church. In the third millennium of the Christian era, Christian mission is truly global, with missionaries from all places going to all peoples. Veteran missiologist Samuel Escobar presents this introduction to Christian mission today. He explores the new realities of our globalized world and assesses the context of a changing mission field that is simultaneously secular and syncretistic. He also sets forth a thoroughly biblical theology of missions, considering how God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are at work around the world, with implications for how Christians are to go about the task of global mission. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone by Samuel Escobar.
B-225. Renewal Theology A study in charismatic theology. Gain insight into a variety of topics including redemption, salvation, the church, and the kingdom, and better understand how God works in your own life. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective, 3 Volumes in One by Rodman Williams.
B-230. Theological Principles A systematic theology that looks at all the classical topics in systematic theology (doctrine of God, Christology, eschatology, ecclesiology, etc.) approached through the lense of a three-part division — philosophical theology, symbolic theology, and applied theology. Philosophical theology draws in the connections between secular thought and theological reasoning. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Principles of Christian Theology by John Macquarrie.
B-235. Introduction to Process Theology A convenient guide to process thought. Also an expression of what “feminist” theology looks like. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): God, Christ, Church: A Practical Guide to Process Theology by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki.
B-240. Introduction to Evangelical Theology Evangelical thinkers in recent years have thrust differing and sometimes nontraditional views on the doctrine of God, the composition of the human person, and the nature of hell into the spotlight. Among the many topics discussed are baptism, the nature of the self, the foreknowledge and providence of God, the interpretation of Genesis 1-2, the destiny of the unevangelized, and the nature of hell. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology by Gregory Boyd & Paul Eddy.
B-243. Introduction to Roman Catholic Teachings An introductory look at the faith of Roman Catholics. Presented in layman’s terms which allows the reader to actually digest the material rather than chew on it for days in an attempt to acquire the flavor of it. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): “We Believe…”: A Survey of the Catholic Faith by Oscar Lukefahr and Justin Rigali .
B-245. Introduction to Christology Well apprised of the most recent developments, yet grounded in his own deep Reformed faith, Bloesch goes beneath current reconstructions of the Jesus of history to probe underlying issues of theological method, models of salvation, the plausibility of miracles, the language of faith and the doctrine of sin. “Christology constitutes the heart of theology, since it focuses on God’s work of salvation in the historical figure Jesus of Nazareth, and the bearing that this has on the history of humankind. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Jesus Christ: Savior & Lord by Donald G. Bloesch.
B-250. The Passionate Jesus In “The Jesus I Never Knew”, Philip Yancey reveals the real Jesus beyond the stereotypes, offering a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work—his teaching, his miracles, his death and resurrection—and ultimately, who he was and why he came. Relating the gospel events to the world we live in today, “The Jesus I Never Knew” gives a moving and refreshing portrait of the central figure of history. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey.
B-255. Contemporary Christianity C.S. Lewis sought to explain and defend the beliefs that nearly all Christians at all times hold in common. His simple yet deeply profound classic, originally delivered as a series of radio broadcasts, is a book to be thoroughly digested by believers and generously shared with skeptics. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
B-260. The Evangelical Theology of Karl Barth Barth’s theology is evangelical because it is God-centered– it stresses God’s encounter with man instead of man’s discovery of God. Its object, source, and norm is the God of the gospel. It is a theology which, says Barth, “nourished by the hidden sources of the documents of Israel’s history, first achieved unambiguous expression in the writings of the New Testament evangelists, apostles, and prophets; it is also, moreover, the theology newly discovered and accepted by the Reformation of the sixteenth the century.” Barth does not intend evangelical theology to be understood in a denominational or exclusive sense, because “evangelical” refers primarily to the Bible. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Evangelical Theology by Karl Barth.
B-265. The Courage to Be In this classic and deeply insightful course, one of the world’s most eminent philosophers describes the dilemma of modern man and points a way to the conquest of the problem of anxiety. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich.
B-270. The Dynamics of Faith Paul Tillich, one of the towering theological figures of the 20th century, often wrote in a dense, difficult-to-understand prose. This course encapsulates a number of his key ideas, and has been used as a succinct, accessible introduction to his thought for nearly half a century. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Dynamics of Faith by Paul Tillich.
B-275. Christ of Controversy Bible experts and researchers John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs sort out fact from fiction and provide answers about history’s most controversial figure – who Jesus really was, what He really taught, why He died on a cross, and the evidence for His resurrection and His claim to be the Lord and Savior of this world. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): What’s the Big Deal About Jesus? Why All the Controversy? Is He Relevant? Does It Matter to Me? by John Ankerberg, Dillon Burroughs.
B-278. The Misunderstood Jew In The Misunderstood Jew, scholar Amy-Jill Levine helps Christians and Jews understand the “Jewishness” of Jesus so that their appreciation of him deepens and a greater interfaith dialogue can take place. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine.
B-280. The Quest for the Historical Jesus In the early twentieth century, the work of Albert Schweitzer brought historical Jesus research to a close. This was re-invigorated by Ernst Kasemann and the New Quest for the Historical Jesus. But that project reached its limitations as well. This research has been renewed in what has been called the “Third Quest.” In this volume, N. T. Wright, one of the most prominent voices in New Testament research today, concisely explores what he sees as the six major questions historical Jesus research must always address. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Contemporary Quest for Jesus by N. T. Wright.
B-285. Theology & Poverty To adopt the viewpoint of the poor is to discover the Gospel anew as the Good News of Jesus Christ, liberator of the victims of every form of oppression. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): When Theology Listens to the Poor by Leonardo Boff.
B-290. I and Thou In three main parts, paralleling the three of I and Thou, and focusing upon Martin Buber’s key concepts such as “nature,” “spirit becoming forms,” “true community,” the “real I,” the “eternal Thou,” “turning,” and the two fundamental dialogues (I-Thou and I-It), the course clarifies, puts into practice and vigorously affirms the moral validity of Buber’s philosophy, with its extension to love, marriage, the family, the community, and God, in the conviction that “genuine dialogue” will effect better relations with one another, the world and God. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Martin Buber’s I and Thou: Practicing Living Dialogue by Kenneth Paul Kramer.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS
B-301. Situation Ethics ‘Situation ethics’ basically states that sometimes other moral principles can be cast aside in certain situations if love is best served. It is one of the main ethical theories studied in all introductory courses on Christian ethics. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Situation Ethics by John Warwick Montgomery and Joseph Fletcher.
Optional Text(s): Situation Ethics: The New Morality by Joseph Fletcher.
B-304. Christian Ethics and the Community This course articulates the shared features of Christian faith and shows how that communal commitment forms our values, character, virtues, and “eagerness to do what is right.” Who we are informs what we choose. This dynamic, dialogical basis for ethics is an open framework. This is applied it to a host of tough, real-life dilemmas such as affirmative action, end-of-life decisions, medical ethics, truth telling, environmental justice, and war-making. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Ethics in the Community of Promise: Faith, Formation and Decision by James M. Childs, Jr..
B-308. Biblical Ethics: An Introduction This course will develop a pattern of ethics into which biblical concerns are brought coherently, building a bridge between biblical studies and ethics. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Bible & Ethics in the Christian Life by Bruce C. Birch & Larry L. Rasmussen.
B-310. Virtue Ethics Major themes covered include the foundations for virtuous living; the theological virtues and the moral virtues; the daily cultivation of virtues and the importance of relationships, example, and personal experience to the development of virtue. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Everyday Virtues by John W. Crossin.
B-320. Moral Theology Covers the cardinal virtues (temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice) as well as theological virtues (faith, hope, and love). Rooted in the Catholic tradition, this overview will also appeal to non-Catholics interested in virtue ethics. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues by William C. Mattison III.
B-330. Case Studies in Christian Ethics The course presents hypothetical situations and then a commentary on the situation from a Christian Ethics point of view. Presents Christian ideas towards a resolution, while leaving the reader with several possibilities, none of which are ideal, but all of which could be real. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Christian Ethics: A Case Method Approach by Robert L. Stivers, Christine E. Gudorf, Alice Frazer Evans, Robert A. Evans.
CHURCH HISTORY
B-401. Introduction to Church History I The standard text in many college classrooms over the nation. What separates this book from others is its clarity, both of language and organization. This book treats history as the story of people-their motivations, the issues they grapple with, the decisions they made–and the result that is history reads like a story almost as dramatic and moving as a novel. Spans the Age of Jesus and the Apostles up to the Reformation (including Wyclif and Hus). [Specific Chapters in Study Guide] . 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Church History in Plain Language, (2nd or 3rd Edition) by Bruce L. Shelley.
B-402. Introduction to Church History II This course represents the second half of Bruce L. Shelley’s “Church History in Plain Language.” Covers the Reformation Period – through the Modern Age. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Church History in Plain Language, (2nd or 3rd Edition) by Bruce L. Shelley.
B-410. Augustine, Luther & Calvin The lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin reveal the glory and grace of our perfect God in the imperfect lives of his faithful servants. As we consider their lives, we behold the glory and majesty of God and find power to overcome our weaknesses. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God’s Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin by John Piper.
B-415. The Protestant Reformation Covers all the major reform movements of the 16th century, including Lutheran, Calvinist, Zwinglian, and the Anabaptist traditions; English; and the Roman Catholic response. By focusing on the social, political, economic, and religious contexts of the Reformation, this course weaves together a remarkable overview of the complex, often obscure, history of Europe in this formative period. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Protestant Reformation, 1517-1559 by Lewis William Spitz.
B-420. Work, Family, Race and Religion in Contemporary Society Until recently, religious institutions have been organized to suit the traditional American family, where the wife stayed at home, caring for children. Work, Family and Religion in Contemporary Society discusses how churches and synagogues today are beginning to adapt to the reality of the American family: dual-career marriages, high levels of divorce, interfaith marriages, partnerships that may not be marriages. Religious organizations must serve families that don’t fall into the “Ozzie and Harriet” mold. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Work, Family and Religion in Contemporary Society: Remaking Our Lives by Nancy Ammerman.
Optional Text(s): Being Human: Race, Culture And Religion by Dwight N. Hopkins .
B-430. The Ecumenical Future In 2003 a group of 16 theologians who had met at Princeton for 3 years in a row, had published a skinny yet concise analysis of the contemporary ecumenical history, a critique of what churches were doing right and what they are not doing right, and also a proposal on where and how the 3 main branches in Christianity need to change in order to achieve Unity. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Ecumenical Future by Carl E. Braaten (Editor), Robert W. Jenson (Editor).
PASTORAL CARE
B-501. Introducing Pastoral Care This course provides a basis of counseling ministry – Christ’s indwelling presence that brings the power of the incarnation into wounded lives. Deals with healing, spirituality and Christian life. Jungian perspective in the tradition of Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Healing Presence by Leanne Payne.
B-510. Lives in Transition It’s easy to talk about changing your life. This course is about how to actually do it. It is about change – positive, quality change that can help you: experience deep and lasting joy; engage in a growing and dynamic relationship with God; feel healthy, rested, and peaceful; build intimate relationships marked by honest communication; attain financial security and contentment; enjoy sharing your faith naturally and consistently. By making small adjustments in just the right places, you can set off a chain reaction that will redefine the landscape of your life. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Seismic Shifts: The Little Changes That Make a Big Difference in Your Life by Kevin G. Harney.
B-520. Pastoral Care to the Aged A nuts-and-bolts guide to visiting the elderly, in a variety of settings, to offer pastoral care and spiritual comfort. Kirkwood offers readers a thorough overview of the aging process, including the challenges of dementia and a look at the unique emotional and spiritual needs of the elderly. This course offers help to those who want to make visits to the elderly more meaningful. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Pastoral Care to the Aged by Neville A. Kirkwood.
B-525. Pastoral Care in Hospitals Bringing comfort to the sick or dying is never easy. Drawing from his own experience, Kirkwood shows laypeople and clergy what’s helpful—and what’s not—and provides a “theology of visitation” to guide your time with friends and patients. Includes an all-new section on the best practices for hospital chaplains; and prayers for specific circumstances. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Pastoral Care in Hospitals, Second Edition by Neville A. Kirkwood.
B-530. Pastoral Care of Children The Pastoral Care of Children focuses on the need for pastoral caregivers, clergy, and chaplains to develop relationships with youths and gives you suggestions to overcome the anxiety associated with caring for an acutely ill child through unique, playful, and child-centered approaches. This is a course about doing pastoral care with people under the age of eighteen. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Pastoral Care of Children by Daniel H. Grossoehme.
B-540. Counseling about God In Disappointment with God, Yancey tackles the questions caused by a God who doesn’t always do what we think he’s supposed to do. Insightful and deeply personal, Yancey points to the odd disparity between our concept of God and the realities of life. Why, if God is so hungry for relationship with us, does he seem so distant? Why, if he cares for us, do bad things happen? What can we expect from him after all? Yancey answers these questions with clarity, richness, and biblical assurance. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Aloud by Philip Yancey.
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
B-601. Spiritual Gifts Discerned Like every believer, you receive gifts from the Holy Spirit at the time of your new birth. But how can you know for certain what your gifts are? Once you do know, how should you use your gifts to best serve God? Discover Your Spiritual Gifts gives you life-changing answers to these questions and more. You’ll be involved in and enlightened by Peter Wagner’s self-guided questionnaire and the explanations of the 28 spiritual gifts he has identified in the Bible. You’ll also understand the difference between your natural and spiritual gifts. Most important, Discover Your Spiritual Gifts will equip you to use your gifts within the Body of Christ to become the person God wants you to be and to bless others! For easy use and self-scoring, a spiritual gifts inventory is included. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Discover Your Spiritual Gifts – Updated and Expanded by C. Peter Wagner.
B-610. Meeting God in Prayer In theory, prayer is the priceless point of contact between us and God. In practice, it’s often frustrating, confusing, and mysterious. Throughout this 6-session interactive journey, Philip Yancey explores this enigmatic intersection where we meet God, asking—and answering—key questions: Is he listening? What’s the point? Can prayer be more satisfying? Participant’s guides are available separately. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? DVD by Philip Yancey.
B-620. Accomplishing Extraordinary Things Do you believe that God can use you to accomplish extraordinary things? If you have any doubts, take a look at the heroes in the Bible. You’ll find people like Mary, Peter, David, Joseph and Esther–ordinary people who allowed God to work through them in amazing ways. This course presents some of the Bible’s most interesting lives. Come closer to God’s heart for you, by spending time with this cast of characters. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Cast of Characters by Max Lucado.
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MINISTRY
B-801. Preparation for Christian Leadership This course offers very practical formational teaching in Christian spirituality. It approaches spiritual formation from the very best sense of classic Christian praxis and the academe. At some points “cutting edge” but stays within the great traditions of the church universal. Insightful for any who would lead the church. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Spiritual Preparation for Christian Leadership by E. Glenn Hinson.
B-805. Christian Education – Teacher Training “How do you ‘do’ Christian education?” This course is the answer to this and many of the questions most frequently asked by new and veteran education and classroom teachers. A practical course that helps leaders plan, manage, and run their Christian education programs. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Nuts and Bolts of Christian Education by Delia Halverson.
B-810. Introduction to Pastoral Ministry Designed for both novice and bi-vocational pastors, this practical course helps pastors navigate the new terrain of ministry. Provides sage advice on the nuts and bolts of ministry –I ncluding preaching, counseling, leadership, conflict, evangelism, weddings and funerals. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): A Primer for Pastors by Austin B. Tucker.
B-820. Bi-Vocational Ministry This course offers creative and practical insight for pastors who minister and hold down another job. It defines bi-vocational ministry, describes the context of ministry, explains its risks and rewards, and then describes how this all works, including a week in the life of ministry. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Work of the Bivocational Minister by Dennis W. Bickers.
B-840. Using the Prayer Book in Liturgy Presented in the Episcopal tradition, intended to provide a background and reference for use of the Book of Common Prayer. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Prayer Book Rubrics Expanded by Byron D. Stuhlman.
B-850. Leadership Development Outlines the basics of effective leadership including exerting influence, determining priorities, empowering others, and implementing team strategies. It’s essential reading for any one wanting to make a positive difference at church, home, or office. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell.
B-855. Planning Evangelism Evangelism can be difficult – even intimidating. With all the evangelism resources available, where should you turn to find advice on how to share the Good News with others? Discover the ultimate model for sharing the ultimate message! Convinced that studying the Master would help to spread the gospel, this course sets out to show that Jesus offered the best blueprint for fulfilling the Great Commission. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman.
B-860. The Practice of Preaching A weaving of history, theology and hermeneutics into a practical, comprehensive and contemporary method of sermon preparation and preaching. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Preaching by Fred B. Craddock.
B-870. Christian Hymnody Surveys the many centuries of creative Christian musical experimentation. From its roots in Jewish and Hellenistic music, through the rich tapestry of medieval chant to the full flowering of Christian music in the centuries after the Reformation and the many musical expressions of now-global Christianity. Provides a glimpse of the imagination with which humanity has responded to the creator God. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): The Story of Christian Music: From Gregorian Chant to Black Gospel by Andrew Wilson-Dickson.
Optional Text(s): A Guide to the Practice of Church Music (A good future reference) by Marion J. Hatchett.
B-880. The Stewardship of Money, Possessions, and Eternity What does the Bible really say about money? This completely revised and updated version of the classic best-seller provides a Christian perspective about money and material possessions based on the author’s painstaking study of the Bible. Randy Alcorn uses the Scriptures to approach this often touchy subject head-on. Thought-provoking arguments challenge readers to rethink their attitudes and use their God-given resources in ways that will have an eternal impact. Alcorn deals straightforwardly with issues of materialism, stewardship, prosperity theology, debt, and more. An excellent choice for group study as well as individual financial guidance. Includes a study guide and appendix with additional resources. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn.
B-890. Personal Healing Longing to break free from your past—but feel paralyzed when you try? Help others step onto the path to real healing. An insightful and compassionate guide will help in redirect your focus beyond the pain to build new goals and look toward a brighter future. (Also available from CBD on compact disk). 4 credits.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Text(s): Reframe Your Life by Stephen Arterburn.
BACHELORS DEGREE THESIS
B-901. Credo. (“Credo”, I believe …) The writing of one’s personal theological beliefs and understandings on specific major doctrines and concepts in Christianity. This is the final element of the Bachelors study program. The student is asked to describe their personal beliefs, taking into account the course work that they have done, for each the eight following doctrines or concepts: (1) The Task of Theology; (2) The Work of Creation; (3) Sin and Evil; (4) Salvation; (5) Jesus, the Christ; (6) The Holy Spirit; (7) The Church; (8) The Relationship of the Church to the World. Refer to the style guide if you have questions on format and presentation of material. The paper should be double-spaced using a 12 point font, preferably Times Roman or Arial, with one inch margins. This project should be between ten and twenty pages in length. Each page should be numbered. Citations and references may be footnoted on each page or placed as end-notes after the body of the paper. 8 credits.
Prerequisites: All other course work must be completed prior to writing the Credo
Required Text(s): None.
Optional Text(s): The Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing and Publishing by Leonard G. Goss and Carolyn Goss.