This course explores in depth the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, with its biblical foundations in God's revelation, the nature of theology, the foundational historic creeds and controversies, key elements and current obstacles to a fully Christian faith in the Triune God. This course examines vital implications of the doctrine of the Trinity for ethics, worship, the church and proclamation of the Gospel of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ in the Spirit. [Short syllabus]

This course introduces the work of Thomas F. Torrance, the great Edinburgh theologian. We will study his theology in the Light of the covenanted relationship between God, Man, and the World the actual nature of the relationship that exists between Christian Theology and Natural Science. We look at his contribution to the Church's understanding and announcement of the Kingdom of God in our time. [Short syllabus]

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. [Short syllabus]

This course examines Paul’s letters to learn about the theological insights that were involved in Paul's written responses to the churches' various circumstances. Lectures will discuss theological topics that span all of Paul's letters; students will examine a topic in one or more letters. Prerequisite: Epistles of Paul (NT04) [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]

This course studies 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. [Short syllabus]

This course develops the theology of Paul through a survey of his letters to churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica. Paul's pastoral theology is viewed through the Pastoral Epistles. The theme of reconciliation illuminates Paul's theological development. [Short syllabus]

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. [Short syllabus]

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. "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. [Short syllabus]

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 is designed to help the student think about who Jesus is for humanity in his ministry to the Father and to the world in the communion of the Holy Spirit. That understanding is applied to the practice of preaching, worship, evangelism, discipleship, and the administration of the Church. [Short syllabus]

This course provides an introduction to the nature of counsel, and highlights various elements of counselor development. Topics include biblical and presuppositional basis for pastoral counseling, basic dynamics of the counseling process, appreciating a biblical view of human needs, and applying appropriate skills for helping those in need. [Short Syllabus]

This course explores the issue of women serving as leaders in the church. Students will learn the historical place of women in Greek, Roman, and Jewish societies at the time of Jesus and then the early church. Discussion will include how the New Testament writers valued women and addressed their contributions to the community of faith and how the role as church leader and its challenges has been recorded from the early church until today.[Short syllabus]

This course examines the relationship of theology and youth ministry practice as it has developed in North America. The course explores the centrality of Jesus in all ministry in the relationship that Jesus already has with young people. That relationship is explored in its post-Christian, post-modern cultural context, with an emphasis on the importance of mentoring as a relational/incarnational tool in youth ministry. [Short syllabus]

This course integrates learning from biblical, theological, and ministry studies into a research thesis that expresses one's theology of ministry. This course is conducted as an independent study under the guidance of the professor as the capstone course for the Master of Pastoral Studies degree. Prerequisite: Student must be within 8 units of completing the Master's program. [Short Syllabus]

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