Graduate Bible Course Descriptions

General, Bible, Church History, Family Life Ministry, General Ministry, Greek, Hebrew, Theology, Youth Ministry

This course list includes courses that are a part of the regular course rotation. Such courses are generally part of a study core, track requirements, or part of an elective pool. Some courses offered on demand, independent study options including special topics, and infrequently offered seminars are not listed. Courses required for degree programs are offered on a regular rotation. Courses included in the elective course pool are scheduled regularly but with no guarantee that the every course will have sufficient enrollment to be offered.

 

GENERAL COURSES

BIBL 5013   Introduction to Graduate Biblical Studies

This is the foundation for the entire graduate curriculum. One of the main objectives of the course will be to equip the student for the use of research tools that are available in biblical and ministerial studies. This course will also include the use of the computer in research. Students for whom this course is required must complete this course as a part of their first 12 hours in the graduate programs.

BIBL 5023   Graduate Survey of the Bible

This course provides a student with less than 16 hours of undergraduate biblical text work an oportunily to become acquainted with the content of the biblical text and to demonstrate knowledge of the text through examination.  This course is a prerequisite for students taking Introduction to the Old Testement and Introduction to the New Testement who do not have 16 or more biblical text undergraduate course work.  This course cannot be used to satisfy biblical text elective requirements for the M.A. and M. Div., but can be used to complete the online Certificate in Christian Ministry

COMP 5900  M. A. Comprehensive Examination

Students in the M.A. degree program must enroll in this course the semester in which they will take their comprehensive examination.

COMP 5901   M. Div. Comprehensive Examination

Students in the M.Div. degree program are required to enroll in this one-hour course the semester in which they will take their comprehensive examination.

 

BIBLE COURSES

BIBL 5113   Introduction to the Old Testament

Although critical in nature, the aim of this course is practical. Responsible proclamation of the Old Testament requires an awareness and understanding of the major critical issues in Old Testament interpretation. Thus, this course will prepare the student for faithful preaching and teaching from the Old Testament by providing 1) a general critical introduction to the Old Testament and 2) special consideration of particular issues facing the Old Testament interpreter.

BIBL 5213   Introduction to the New Testament

This course provides a basic overview of the New Testament books and an introduction to advanced issues related to them. This will include a historical review of the intertestamental period and the setting of the books in their cultural, social, political, and religious environments important to the interpretation of the New Testament. Other topics such as text, canon, and history of interpretation will also be examined.

BIBL 5223   Seminar in the Gospels

This course deals with the structure, characteristics, and theology of the Gospels. It also focuses on the synoptic problem, critical topics on the life of Jesus, as well as how to exegete the Gospels. The successful student will also learn skills in preparing a presentation (either a sermon or class lesson) that will show how a teaching of Jesus can be used to authorize a specific Christian or ecclesiastical practice.

BIBL 5243   Seminar in Pauline Epistles

This course deals with the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Major emphasis will be on the exegesis of significant passages in the Pauline epistles and on passages that bring light to current problems being faced by the church and the religious world in general.

BIBL 5253   Seminar in Selected New Testament Passages

This course deals with the exegesis of texts in the New Testament. The selected texts may vary. Past seminars have focused on the books of Revelation and Acts. This course may be repeated as the content varies.

BIBL 5313   Wisdom Literature

This seminar offers an introduction to the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel and advanced exegesis of the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes). Specific objectives of the course include the enhancement of the student's understanding and, thus, the student's appreciation of Israel's wisdom literature, consideration of the value and relevance of Old Testament wisdom literature for Christian life, and reflection on the problem of theodicy (i.e., God and the suffering of the righteous) through a post-holocaust reading of Job.

BIBL 5363   Seminar in Selected Old Testament Passages

This course deals with the exegesis of texts in the Old Testament. The selected texts may vary. Consequently, this course may be repeated as the content varies.

BIBL 5603   Introduction to Old Testament Theology

This course will explore the history and problems of Old Testament theology, help the student develop a critical method for OT theology, present the major theological themes in selected texts, and reclaim the relevance of OT theology for contemporary life and the church (completion of BIBL 5113 is recommended but not required).

BIBL 5613   Introduction to New Testament Theology

This course prepares the student for in-depth study of the Bible. The course surveys the historical development of biblical interpretation, the methodologies currently employed to ascertain biblical meaning, and introduces the tools necessary for sound biblical exposition.

BIBL 5623   Advanced Biblical Exegesis

This course examines the historical quest for biblical and New Testament theologies and their subsequent demise. The development of recent "theologies" will also be surveyed. The focus, though, will be on the theologies of the various New Testament writers, the identification of an overarching "theme" in the New Testament, and the importance of these for the daily life of the church and its members. Prerequisite: either GREK 5113 or HBRW 5123. Replaces BIBL 5123.

 

CHURCH HISTORY COURSES

CHST 5003   Historical Theology I

A chronological study of the history of Christian thought and interpretation of Scripture, beginning with the second century and extending through the late Middle Ages. Particular attention will be given to the development of the Christian canon, to the first seven Ecumenical Councils and the theological controversies surrounding them, and to the Platonic and Aristotelian strands of thought and their effects upon Christian theology.

CHST 5013   Historical Theology II

A chronological study of the history of Christian thought and interpretation of Scripture, beginning with the Renaissance and Reformation period and extending into the contemporary postmodern period. Special attention will be given to the Lutheran tradition, the Reformed tradition, and Roman Catholic responses to them, as well as to theology in the Modernist and Post-Modernist modes.

CHST 5023   History of the Restoration Movement

In addition to studying the basic historical development of the restoration concept from the Middle Ages and Reformation to the present, students will read, analyze and discuss many of the primary documents of the movement. They will also discuss the relevance of the concept for today.

CHST 5033   Seminar in Selected Church History Topics
The content of this course varies depending on the interests of the students and teacher. The course may be repeated as content varies.

FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY COURSES

FMIN 5103   Family Life Ministry

This course examines the design, development and delivery of a comprehensive ministry to families in the context of the local congregation. Attention will be given to the biblical basis for family ministry, barriers, and programming ideas. Students will learn to develop a ministry to families in the church and local community. Formerly BIBL 5103.

FMIN 5113   Theology of Family Life Ministry

This course will ground the student in theological thought concerning marriage, family, parenting, and sexuality throughout Christian thought and writing. The course will consider the context of family in the Old Testament, intertestamental period, and New Testament. Special emphasis will be placed on the social and cultural influences that shaped family life in the first century. Students will gain a context that will serve as a foundation for practical ministry.

FMIN 5303   Applications of Family Life Ministry

This course addresses the practical implementation of a comprehensive preventative and therapeutic family life ministry. Students will explore methods, programs and the unique role of the family life minister. Congregational analysis from a systems perspective will be discussed. Case studies will be used. Formerly BIBL 5303.

FMIN 5403   Teachings in Family Relations

This course will integrate the fields of theology, adult education, and marriage and family as the foundations for Christian family life education. The course will examine the adult learner in the context of the family along with practical strategies for teaching. Students will explore methods such as case study, role play, lecture, and drama. Formerly BIBL 5403 and 5443; formerly titled Family Life Education.

FMIN 5503   Marriage and Family Dynamics

This course focuses on the unique interactions within the family structure and how those dynamics change with the inclusion and loss of members, life events, stresses and other circumstances. Formerly BIBL 5503.

FMIN 5543   Marriage and Family Therapy

This course studies the therapeutic process of diagnosing and treating marriages and families within the framework of Christian values. Students will learn how to utilize the principles and techniques of current therapies such as Strategic, Structural, and Bowen. Formerly BIBL 5543.

FMIN 5913   Family Ministry Field Education

Field education is designed to provide the student with a hands-on learning experience in a church or other ministry setting. This course is not simply a job, but a supervised on-the-job learning experience that stresses the application of lessons learned elsewhere in the program and the development of individually focused learning goals. [Note:  M.A. students with fewer than 5 years of full- time ministry experience upon admission to the MA program must take either FMIN 5913 and FMIN 5923, or FMIN 5916 to meet the requirement for six hours of field education. M.A. students with 5 or more years of full time ministry experience take FMIN 5913 to meet the requirement for three hours of field education.]

FMIN 5916   Family Ministry Field Education

See FMIN 5913. FMIN 5916 is provided for students who must take 6 hours of Field Education and can take all 6 hours in one semester. M.A. students only.

FMIN 5923   Family Ministry Field Education

Continuation of FMIN 5913 for students who need 6 hours of field education but cannot take all six hours in a single semester. M.A. students only.

 

GENERAL MINISTRY COURSES

GMIN 5003   Ministry in Cities and Small Towns

This course examines diverse aspects of the task of ministry within an increasingly urbanized world, both within the United States and abroad. Ministers face widely varying opportunities and demands, depending whether they are serving in a large city, a suburban situation, or a small town. Course readings, writing assignments, and field work will provide orientation as to how to research one's environment for ministry and devise appropriate strategies for enhancing the church's impact upon the surrounding community for the cause of Christ. Replaces BIBL 5133.

GMIN 5013   Christian Spiritual Formation

This course examines and explores the biblical, theological, historical, and practical applications of Christian spirituality. The presentation of this course intends to challenge and encourage students toward holiness and spiritual maturity. The content of the course promotes critical thinking, theological reflection, and contemplative thought. The format of the course requires individual as well as group activity in worship and in the practice of certain spiritual disciplines.

GMIN 5023   Congregational Leadership

This course will establish a biblical and theological framework for understanding congregational leadership, help students develop an awareness of their own leadership style and gifts, and develop practical skills for the exercise of leadership in the local church.

GMIN 5033   Small Group Ministries

In this course the successful student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the theological foundations and essential characteristics that should form a guide small group ministries. They will also show an in-depth understanding of the practical strategies for implementation, organization, leadership, training, curriculum, and birthing processes of small groups.

GMIN 5043   Adult Learning

This course will help the student gain an overall understanding of the field of adult learning and education with a special emphasis on the context of religious education. The student will also be exposed to a variety of instructional methodologies as well as competencies expected of an adult educator.

GMIN 5143   Coping With Non-Christian Religions
This course will examine several non-Christian religions in our culture that have either been attracting large numbers of followers in recent decades, such as Islam, Buddhism, and the New Age Movement, or otherwise have been exerting an influence in the culture itself through such avenues as alternative medicine and martial arts. Prominent doctrines and practices will be analyzed in terms of Christian discipleship, apologetics and evangelism. Same as THEO 5143.  Formerly BIBL 5143.

GMIN 5153   Philosophical Theology

This course is designed to give students a solid introduction to current scholarly issues concerning the evidence for the existence of God and the rationality of Christian faith. The core of the course will be an examination of a superb presentation of the case for atheism and two uniquely powerful but very different cases in defense of Christian belief. The majority of classroom time will be spent in Socratic discussion of the assigned texts. Same as THEO 5153.  Formerly BIBL 5153.

GMIN 5513   Congregational Development and Administration

This course gives special attention to the minister's crucial role in church development in such areas as planning, organizing, motivating, leading, staffing, and nurturing volunteers. It also provides the overall introduction to the role of ministers and their work. The successful student will learn and demonstrate skills in preparing a strategic plan for a specific ministry. Formerly BIBL 5513.

GMIN 5523   Biblical and Contemporary Evangelism

Since evangelism is a vital part of ministry, this course will equip the student both to do evangelistic work in the local community and to provide information for organizing the local congregation to carry on such work. Formerly BIBL 5523, Evangelism.

GMIN 5533   Preaching and Communicating Scripture

This course provides study of and practice in making sermons biblical, interesting, practical, and significant. Students will do readings, have class lecture and discussion, prepare papers, analyze the preaching of others, and deliver three sermons in class to be videotaped and critiqued.  Formerly BIBL 5533, Advanced Homiletics.

GMIN 5563   Directed Research

This course provides students an opportunity to research and study important issues related to family life ministry, youth ministry, or general ministry. Offered as an independent study with permission of the student's advisor. Formerly BIBL 5563 and 5863.

GMIN 5743   Counseling for Ministers

This course is designed to acquaint the student with many major issues of family life confronted on a regular basis by church leaders. Appropriate theories, models and responses will be discussed. The course will explore the impact of family issues on the larger church family. This is a survey course intended to give an overview of many areas of discussion. Formerly BIBL 5743.

GMIN 5833   Managing Conflict, Transition, and Change

This course is designed to give students an introduction to the nature of conflict in marital, family and church family systems along with an understanding of their own conflict management techniques. The process of transition and change management will be explored as natural opportunities for both growth and conflict. Specific application will be made to the work of the family life minister. Formerly BIBL 5833 and 5753.

GMIN 5843   Special Topics in Ministry

The content of this course varies depending on the interests of the students and professor.  Past special topics have included urban ministry, church growth and health, contemporary religious issues, and small groups. This course may be repeated as the content varies. Formerly BIBL 5843.

GMIN 5911   Ministry Colloquy

Field education is designed to provide the student with a hands-on learning experience in a church or other ministry setting. The ministry colloquy provides an opportunity to discuss and share lessons learned in ministry, how lessons learned elsewhere in the program may be applied, and how to develop individual applications consistent with individually focused learning goals. M.Div. students only.

GMIN 5913   Ministry Field Education

Field education is designed to provide the student with a hands-on learning experience in a church or other ministry setting. This course is not simply a job, but a supervised on-the-job learning experience that stresses the application of lessons learned elsewhere in the program and the development of individually focused learning goals. [Note:  M.A. students with fewer than 5 years of full- time ministry experience upon admission to the MA program must take either GMIN 5913 and GMIN 5923 or GMIN 5916 to meet the requirement for six hours of field education. M.A. students with 5 or more years of full time ministry experience take GMIN 5913 to meet the requirement for three hours of field education.]

GMIN 5916   Ministry Field Education

See GMIN 5913. GMIN 5916 is provided for students who must take 6 hours of Field Education and can take all 6 hours in one semester. M.A. students only.

GMIN 5923   Ministry Field Education

Continuation of GMIN 5913 for students who need 6 hours of field education but cannot take all six hours in a single semester. M.A. students only.

GREEK COURSES

GREK 5103   Elementary Greek I

An introduction to the basic grammar of Koine Greek. A translation of a simple gospel text in the first year will provide the immersion necessary for gaining facility in reading the Greek New Testament.

GREK 5113   Elementary Greek II

A continuation of GREK 5103.

GREK 5123   Intermediate Greek

Builds upon the foundation laid in GREK 5103 and 5113 to increase vocabulary and to increase the student's awareness of grammar and syntax.  This course may count as a textual course in fulfilling biblical electives.

GREK 5203   Selected New Testament Greek Readings

This course helps the student develop the ability to read the Greek New Testament. Having translated a simple gospel text in first year Greek, students will explore other biblical genres and writing styles, expand their working vocabulary, and develop an understanding of grammatical and syntactical structures. This course may count as a textual course in fulfilling biblical electives.  Prerequisite: first year Greek.

GREK 5213   Selected Greek Readings in the Gospels

This course helps the student continue to develop the ability to read the Greek New Testament. This course exposes the student to more difficult Greek readings while continuing to expand vocabulary and to become familiar with grammatical and syntactical structures. This course may count as a textual course in fulfilling biblical electives.  Prerequisite: first year Greek.

 

HEBREW COURSES

HBRW 5113   Elementary Hebrew I

In this introduction to biblical Hebrew, the student will learn the fundamentals of the Hebrew language and begin simple readings in the Hebrew Bible.

HBRW 5123   Elementary Hebrew II

A continuation of HBRW 5113, the second half of a two-semester course sequence that has as its ultimate goal an elementary grasp of biblical Hebrew and thus, a better understanding of the Hebrew scriptures. Specifically, by the end of this course, the student should be able to read most Hebrew narrative texts with the help of a lexicon, understand the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and syntax, have a basic command of approximately 500 Hebrew words, use basic Hebrew tools with skill, and have fair proficiency in the exegesis of Hebrew texts.

HBRW 5213   Intermediate Hebrew I

A course in the translation of Hebrew narrative. The class will translate the Joseph Novella (Genesis 37-50) and possibly other narrative texts in the Hebrew Bible. Prerequisite: HBRW 3113 and 3213 or HBRW 5113 and 5123 or equivalent Hebrew skills. This course may count as a textual course in fulfilling biblical electives.

 

THEOLOGY COURSES

THEO 5003   Contemporary Theology

Acquaints students with secular and religious thought that impacts contemporary life.  The course gives attention to such areas as secular humanism, liberation theology, authoritarian religions, Eastern religions, cults, fundamentalism, and liberalism.  Issues will be studied in light of biblical teachings. Replaces BIBL 5823, Contemporary Religious Issues. M.Div. students only.

THEO 5013   Ethics
This course surveys the history of Western theories about ethics and then engages in fairly detailed analysis of several important positions for current secular theorizing about ethical issues. This is followed by a detailed look at a seminal Christian critique of modern ethical theory and a significant work of constructive New Testament ethics.

THEO 5023   Systematic Theology
A topical or "systematic" study of Christian doctrines, arranged by the classical theological categories (anthropology, pneumatology/ethics, ecclesiology, eschatology, Christology, soteriology, and theology proper). Special attention will also be given to hermeneutics and contemporary theologies such as liberation thought, critical theory, process thought and liturgical theology.

THEO 5033   Seminar in Selected Theology Topics
The content of this course varies depending on the interests of the students and professor. The course may be repeated as content varies.

THEO 5143   Coping With Non-Christian Religions
This course will examine several non-Christian religions in our culture that have either been attracting large numbers of followers in recent decades, such as Islam, Buddhism, and the New Age Movement, or otherwise have been exerting an influence in the culture itself through such avenues as alternative medicine and martial arts. Prominent doctrines and practices will be analyzed in terms of Christian discipleship, apologetics and evangelism. Same as GMIN 5143.  Formerly BIBL 5143.

THEO 5153   Philosophical Theology

This course is designed to give students a solid introduction to current scholarly issues concerning the evidence for the existence of God and the rationality of Christian faith. The core of the course will be an examination of a superb presentation of the case for atheism and two uniquely powerful but very different cases in defense of Christian belief. The majority of classroom time will be spent in Socratic discussion of the assigned texts. Same as GMIN 5153.  Formerly BIBL 5153.

THEO 5853   Theology for Ministry

This course is a study of the theological bases for the primary activities of ministry in various contexts, including preaching, youth, and family ministry. Attention will be given to the minister's spiritual preparation for ministry and to the theology that grounds and shapes worship, counseling, evangelism, care for those physically or spiritually weak and for the dying and grieving, and care for the poor. Prerequisite: two of CHST 5003, CHST 5013, and THEO 5003. Formerly BIBL 5853. M.Div. students only.

 

YOUTH MINISTRY COURSES

YTMN 5103   Adolescent Culture

Learned behavior is transmitted through culture. Culture is an influential teacher and culture can set the norms for acceptable behavior and paint a picture of what one should look like. It is extremely important to know and be involved in the world of adolescents if one wishes to be an influence. This course introduces students to a study of present-day American culture in which churched and non-churched adolescents exist.  The course gives attention to the context of music, media, dress, values, norms, philosophy, peers, family, and school as they engage adolescents in our culture.

YTMN 5163   Adolescent Physical and Spiritual Development

This class will address issues in adolescent development from a life span perspective within the contexts of American adolescents.  Students will discuss theories, examples, case studies, data, and clinical and field research methods that have been applied to human growth and development.  The course will emphasize practical application of the course material through small group interaction, class participation, research projects, lectures, and class presentations.  Formerly BIBL 5163.

YTMN 5203   Teaching Adolescents

Faculty Facts

Dr. Mike Gipson, Professor of Biology, has won two Templeton Foundation Grants for conference at Oxford and a Mellon Foundation Grant for study at Rice. He has published articles in the Journal of College Science Teaching and the Journal of Research in Science Technology. Dr. Gipson has also given research presentations at national and international conferences for twenty-six consecutive years.

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