Grace Communion Seminary

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This course provides an introduction to the doctrines of the Christian church. It studies the nature of biblical revelation and inspiration from the writing of the texts to canonization of the New Testament. Primary focus is placed on the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and on the natures of Jesus Christ. [Short syllabus]

This course studies the nature of human beings, of evil, and the inherent effects of sin. The work of Christ in salvation history is central. Issues of predestination and the order of salvation are studied.

This course examines Paul’s letters to ascertain the theological insights that shaped Paul’s letters to the churches in their various circumstances. Students will examine a passage in one letter, or a theme that may span all the letters, and they will critique other student papers. Prerequisite: Epistles of Paul (NT04) or an equivalent class at an accredited seminary or graduate school. [Short syllabus]

This course studies the formation of the People of God according to the confession of the Five Books of Moses. The history of Israel as the People of God is understood in the light of the covenanted relationship posited by the Great I-AM (the Lord God is) as the Redeemer-Creator of his Creation. A theological understanding of the texts will be sought in the prophetic Spirit of the Lord and God of the People of God. [Short syllabus]

We will study the prophetic literature of the Hebrew Canon, the Former and Latter Prophets in order to grasp the foundation and formation of the Kingdom of God. We will seek to apprehend the establishment and development of the Monarchy with Ancient Israel as moved by the renewal of the Biblical Covenant Relationship that we are taught by the Prophets.

This course gives a brief survey of the historical context in which the New Testament was written – the history of Judea and the Jewish and Gentile cultures that the New Testament was written to. It also studies the process by which the New Testament was canonized, the quality of the copies that we have, the historical accuracy of the writings, and the way that the New Testament uses quotes from the Old Testament.

This course examines the four canonical Gospels to see what each of these four portraits of Jesus tells us. Students will explore the literary and theological relationships between the Gospels, and the major themes each one presents. Students will describe how the teachings of Jesus can be used in our very different circumstances today. [Short Syllabus]

This course chronicles the characters and events in the book of Acts to study the early development of the Christian church from its Jewish base to the inclusion of all peoples. The lives of the Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul set the background for studies of the General Epistles and Pauline Epistles. [Short syllabus]

This course surveys events, people, and ideas of Christianity from Jesus’ ascension to the Great Schism of 1054. The focus is on mastering the key dates and events of the period and introducing the student to the writings, thought and theology of key people from this period. [Short syllabus]

This course surveys the Christian Church from the time of the Crusades (1095) down to today's latest renewal movements. We study what Kenneth Latourette calls the search for the "greatness of His power" among those who name the name of Christ. "The Church reformed must always reform itself" is a central theme. It addresses the Western Church at the height of its power, the crisis that triggered the Reformation and the "great ideas" of Luther and Calvin. It examines the Enlightenment, modern Scientism, and pivotal American experience. Culture, theology, and grass-roots spirituality are seen as constantly interacting in this broad overview.

This course develops concepts of knowing oneself and developing plans for growth in relational skills for service in ministry. Practical concepts of personal mission and development of leadership traits, communication and problem-solving skills are examined. [Short syllabus]

This course studies transformational leadership in the first century church. The use of power and influence in management and leadership techniques of Jesus and Paul are studied. Organizational principles, strategies for ministry, situational leadership, and mentoring will be included. [Short syllabus]

This course provides an introduction to the nature of counsel. It studies various elements of counselor development: topics include connecting spiritual life with counselor awareness, understanding the history of counsel, comprehending the dynamics of the counseling process, appreciating a biblical view of human needs, and applying appropriate skills for helping those in need.