Find the full schedule on our Academic Calendar.
Term 1
August 15 - October 9, 2022
The Pentateuch, Part 1 (BIB503) – 3 credit hours
Professor Rev. Scott Simmons
The first five books of the Old Testament are commonly called the Pentateuch or Torah. They tell the story of the nation of Israel from creation to their preparation to enter the land of Canaan. But the Pentateuch is much more than a historical account of Israel’s origins. It is the collection of covenant documents that defines the character and vocation of God’s covenant people. This first half of our study focuses on the Book of Genesis and situates its original significance in relation to its first hearers, the Exodus community. Based on the lecture series The Pentateuch, produced by Third Millennium Ministries and hosted by Dr. Scott Redd, this course engages critical and evangelical scholars about the origin of the Pentateuch. It requires graduate level readings, spiritual formation activities, faculty tutorials, and engagement with a local mentor to understand and communicate the aims of the Book of Genesis to shape the identity and vocation of ancient Israel.
Building Your Theology (THE501) – 2 credit hours
Professor Dr. Drew Parlee
For many, theology seems complicated, dry, abstract, and disconnected from the practices of everyday life. This spiritual dryness indicates a lack of spiritual health, and a way of practicing theology that misses the mark of its true aim—applying Scripture to all of life. As an introduction to theological method, this course will help you build your theology on the sure foundation of Scripture for the purpose of forming the mind, affections, and practices of a follower of Jesus Christ. Based on the lecture series, Building Your Theology, produced by Third Millennium Ministries and presented by Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr, this course employs graduate level readings, spiritual formation activities, faculty tutorials and engagement with a local mentor to explore resources for doing theology from general and special revelation with the aim of equipping local churches for its mission of discipling the nations.
Worship Practicum (MIS501) – 1 credit hour
Professor (to be announced)
This practicum explores the scriptural elements of Christian worship, the history of its theological development, and its practice in a variety of cultural contexts. While the ministry of Word and Sacrament lies at its core, corporate worship reenacts the Gospel in other ways as well, including confession of sin and assurance of pardon, and our offer of ourselves, our gifts, both spiritual and material, and our praises and prayers back to God. This course uses graduate level readings, discussion forums, faculty tutorials, mentor meetings, and ministry activities to provide you with opportunities to worship God in different contexts and to reflect on practices of worship through the lens of Scripture, theology, and the history of the Christian mission where you serve.
Term 2
October 17 - December 11, 2022
The Apostles’ Creed (THE502) – 3 credit hours
There are many denominations, divisions, and theological disputes in the modern church. Despite these types of disunity, there is a common core of belief that all faithful Christians have affirmed throughout history. For almost two millennia, this doctrinal core has been summarized in the Apostles’ Creed. This course explains the history and use of the Apostles’ Creed, as well as the details and significance of each of its twelve articles of faith. Utilizing the lecture series, The Apostles’ Creed, produced by Third Millennium Ministries, this course integrates graduate level readings, spiritual formation activities, faculty tutorials, and engagement with a local mentor to explore the connection between the Bible and theology, and the usefulness of doctrinal summaries for discipleship today.
The Pentateuch, Part 2 (BIB517) – 3 credit hours, prerequisite: Part 1
The first five books of the Old Testament are commonly called the Pentateuch or Torah. They tell the story of the nation of Israel from creation to their preparation to enter the land of Canaan. This second half of our study examines the formative redemptive event of the Exodus and the giving of the covenant at Sinai to constitute Israel as a nation under Yahweh. This course, based on the lecture series The Pentateuch, produced by Third Millennium Ministries and hosted by Dr. Scott Redd, requires graduate level readings, spiritual formation activities, faculty tutorials, and engagement with a local mentor to understand how God’s covenant with Israel at Sinai echoes ancient near eastern covenants to form a nation with a peculiar vocation to reveal the wisdom, justice, and mercy of her God to the surrounding nations.
We Believe in Jesus (THE509) – 3 credit hours
This course investigates the biblical accounts about Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah of Israel and Lord of all. The canonical witness of the prophets and apostles provides the core content translated, interpreted, summarized, and developed in the doctrine of Christology. In this course, students will see how the teachings of Scripture about Christ have been applied as the gospel has entered new cultures and as its peoples have raised new questions about Christ and his kingdom. Employing the lecture series, We Believe in Jesus, produced by Third Millennium Ministries and hosted by Dr. Dan Doriani, this course requires graduate level readings, spiritual formation activities, faculty tutorials, and engagement with a local mentor to understand and apply the three offices of Christ in local ministry. How does Christ continue to reign as King, intercede as Priest, and speak as Prophet?