2026–2027 Academic Catalog

ADV 5200 involves two- to four-day adventure experiences that require significant study, preparation, and execution. Sample practicum course offerings include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking and camping, rock climbing, skiing, first aid, and other outdoor or adventure activities. Offered every semester.

This hands-on practicum provides essential training in wilderness emergency response and first aid for outdoor leaders and ministry professionals. Students learn patient assessment, basic life support, treatment of injuries and illnesses in remote settings, and evacuation decision-making. The course follows American Red Cross guidelines and concludes with First Aid/CPR and Wilderness & Remote First Aid certification. Offered Fall even years.

This course introduces students to the fundamental nature of adventure and outdoor ministry. It defines the concept of “adventure,” explores its biblical foundations, examines the human need for adventure, and discusses its physical, mental, and emotional effects—both positive and negative. Offered Spring odd years.

ADV 6301 provides a theological foundation for Christian adventure. Drawing from Scripture as well as theology, philosophy, psychology, and anthropology, the course reimagines adventure not merely as a daring or risky activity, but as a distinct way of being in the world. Students will develop their own theology of adventure and explore its implications for ministry. Offered Fall odd years.

ADV 6302 is a leadership course specifically designed for the unique context, rigors, and hazards of adventure ministry. Offered Spring even years.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of adventure. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: ADV 5301.

ART 5201 offers the student a two-to-four-day immersive experience of learning creative skills and exploring inspiration from theology, scripture, culture, and assigned readings. The student will create a finished work during the practicum and write a reflection paper. Offered every semester.

Why do human beings experience attraction to the fine and performing arts? Why is art such a powerful representative of the human experience, including the experience of the divine? ART 5301 presents a history of the integration of belief and artistic creation. In this process, the student will come to understand the role of the imagination, art as worship, and develop a rudimentary theology of the arts. Offered every Spring.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of arts and theology. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: ART 5301.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the Old Testament, examining its historical, literary, and theological dimensions. Students will explore the four major sections of the Old Testament—the Pentateuch, the Histories, the Writings, and the Prophets—while giving attention to key themes, covenant development, and the unfolding story of God’s redemptive work. Emphasis is placed on interpretive issues and the Old Testament’s relevance for Christian ministry and theology. BIB 5301 is a prerequisite for all Old Testament courses. Offered every Fall.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the New Testament, examining its historical background, literary features, and theological message. Students will explore the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline and General Epistles, and Revelation, with attention to the life and teachings of Jesus, the development of early Christianity, and the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed on interpretive issues and the New Testament’s relevance for Christian ministry and theology. BIB 5302 is a prerequisite for all New Testament courses. Offered every Spring.

This course offers an in-depth study of the Pentateuch (or Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament), examining their historical background, literary structure, theological themes, and covenant development. Students will explore key texts in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, with attention to major interpretive issues and their significance for understanding the rest of Scripture. Offered Fall odd years. Prerequisite: BIB 5301.

This course offers a comprehensive study of what are called the “Former Prophets” (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah) in the Hebrew Bible. Students will examine the historical context, literary artistry, and theological message of these books, with special attention to key themes such as leadership, covenant faithfulness and eschatological implications. Emphasis is placed on interpretive issues and texts for understanding the full biblical narrative. Offered Spring even years. Prerequisite: BIB 5301.

This course offers a comprehensive study of the “Writings” - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and the Five Scrolls- in the Hebrew Bible. Students will examine the historical context, literary artistry, and theological message of these books, with special attention to key themes such as faithfulness, worship, wisdom, and suffering. Offered Fall even years. Prerequisite: BIB 5301.

This course examines both the major and minor Prophets. Students will explore the historical context, literary features, and theological messages of these books, with special attention to themes of judgment, justice, exile, restoration, apocalyptic hope, and God’s sovereignty. Emphasis is placed on interpretive issues and the relevance of the prophetic literature for Christian ministry and contemporary life. Offered Spring odd years. Prerequisite: BIB 5301.

This course offers an in-depth study of the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Students will examine the historical background, literary features, and distinctive theological messages of each Gospel, with special attention to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Emphasis is placed on major interpretive issues, the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels, and the significance of the Gospels for Christian thought, life, and ministry. Offered Fall odd years. Prerequisite: BIB 5302.

This course examines the Book of Acts, the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the General Epistles (James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude). Students will study the expansion of the early church, the theology of Hebrews, and the practical instruction found in the General Epistles, with attention to historical context, literary features, theological message, and relevance for contemporary Christian ministry and mission. Offered Spring even years. Prerequisite: BIB 5302.

This course offers an in-depth study of the life, ministry, and theology of the Apostle Paul through his thirteen letters. Students will examine the historical context, literary features, and major theological themes of the Pauline corpus, including justification, union with Christ, the church, ethics, and eschatology. Emphasis is placed on interpretive issues and the relevance of Paul’s writings for contemporary Christian theology and ministry. Offered Fall even years. Prerequisite: BIB 5302.

This course examines the Book of Revelation within the broader context of Jewish apocalyptic literature. Students will explore the historical setting, literary genre, and theological message of Revelation, while also studying selected Jewish apocalyptic texts from the Second Temple period. Special attention is given to major interpretive approaches, key themes such as judgment, hope, and the victory of God, and the book’s significance for Christian faith and ministry today. Offered Spring odd years. Prerequisite: BIB 5302.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Old Testament studies. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: BIB 5301.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of New Testament studies. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: BIB 5302.

This course prepares new master’s students for the rigors of graduate-level research and writing in a seminary setting. Students will develop essential skills in scholarly research, critical reading, source evaluation, and clear theological writing. Emphasis is placed on formulating research questions, organizing ideas, and crafting well-argued papers appropriate for seminary coursework. Required in a student’s first fall semester. Offered every Fall. Required in a student’s first fall semester.

In this course, students begin the research process for their master’s thesis or ministry project in close consultation with their faculty supervisor. Students will refine their research question or project focus, conduct preliminary research, develop an appropriate methodology, and prepare a formal proposal for approval. The course culminates in the submission and approval of a complete thesis or project proposal. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: Advisor approval.

In this course, the student completes a substantial research thesis under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The student will conduct in-depth research, develop a clear argument, and produce a well-written scholarly paper that demonstrates mastery of the chosen topic and contributes to the field of theological study. Required for students pursuing the thesis option. Offered as needed. Prerequisite:CAP 5101, CAP 7101, and advisor approval.

In this course, the student designs and implements a significant ministry project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The project integrates theological reflection with practical ministry application. The student will plan, execute, evaluate the project, and produce a substantial written report that demonstrates integration of academic learning with real-world ministry practice. Required for students pursuing the ministry project option. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: CAP 5101, CAP 7101, and advisor approval.

CAP 7200 is a two-hour education review and application course. This course is required for all MDiv students in their final semester of study, after they have completed most of their coursework. Led by the president and members of the faculty, students will engage in thoughtful dialogue on key topics from their coursework and explore the direct application of those concepts to their future ministries. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: Advisor approval.

SPR 5301 is an introduction to spiritual formation and discipleship. The course begins by discussing the nature of the human person, and the importance of adventure and the arts to spirituality. It then proceeds to give the student a basis to begin to reflect on their own spiritual journey and formation, as well as consider what practices and actions might further their journey toward being formed into the image of Christ. Offered Fall even years.

Expressions of Christianity have often swung between two extremes: rigid legalism or spiritual triumphalism. SPR 6301 engages key writings from the Christian spiritual tradition—from the desert fathers and mothers to contemporary charismatic movements—to help students avoid both dry legalism and overly triumphalist spirituality. Offered Spring odd years.

Prayer stands at the heart of the Christian life and is foundational to Christian discipleship and practice. SPR 6302 explores the nature, theology, and practice of prayer, along with the important issues that accompany it. Offered Fall odd years.

SPR 6303 examines the Christian mystical tradition, an important aspect of Christian spirituality. The course examines the rise of the Christian mystical tradition from the second-century Montanist and Gnostic movements through the medieval mystics to the early twentieth-century Catholic mystics. The student will become familiar with the cultural contexts, philosophies, and theologies that influenced these traditions. Offered Spring even years.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Christian Spirituality. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: SPR 5301.

This course examines the journey from effective exegesis of the biblical text to effective exposition and proclamation, guiding students in shaping and delivering studies and sermons. Emphasis is placed on the preaching and teaching context, personal communication skills, verbal delivery, textual accuracy, audience awareness, clarity, conviction, and pastoral sensitivity. Offered every Spring.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Homiletics. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: COM 6301.

CUL 5301examines how humans ‘interpret’ the various cultures, contexts, and social situations in which they find themselves embedded. The course then outlines various means by which the student can identify cultural memes, rituals, expressions, and artifacts with the intention of being able to clearly communicate in and to the culture. Offered Spring odd years.

CUL 6301 examines how the human imagination functions in the greater realm of thought, and more specifically in the determination of truth, reality, and knowledge. The student will acquire a greater understanding of how the mind works with reference to imagination, reason, will, and memory, as well as a more specific understanding of how imagination works in our understanding of scripture and the Christian faith. Offered Spring even years.

How do we effectively communicate the good news of Jesus and apply Christian theology within cultural contexts different from our own? This course explores the principles of faithful contextualization—how to present the gospel and Christian truth in ways that are both biblically faithful and culturally meaningful. Students will examine key issues in cultural engagement, learn to interpret and understand diverse cultural models, and develop skills for effective ministry across cultures. Offered Fall odd years.

CUL 6303 examines the role of political thought in the life of the Christian and the church, from the Greek polis to the contemporary nation-state. Specific discussion and application will be made in reference to the contemporary setting, the various manners in which Christians have reacted to politics, and how Christians should identify in the political spectrum. Offered Fall even years.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Christian and Culture. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: CUL 5301.

Course description to come. Offered as needed.

This course introduces students to the vocabulary, grammar, and structure of Koine Greek. Through guided study and practice, students develop a foundation for engaging the Greek New Testament in its original language. Offered Fall odd years.

A continuation of Greek I, this course deepens students’ understanding of Greek grammar and syntax while expanding their working vocabulary. Students continue building competence for engaging the Greek New Testament. Offered Spring even years. Prerequisite: LAN 6301.

A continuation of Greek II, this course further develops students’ command of Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Students gain increased proficiency in reading and interpreting extended passages from the Greek New Testament. Offered Fall even years. Prerequisite: LAN 6302.

This course emphasizes extensive reading of Koine Greek texts from a variety of sources. Students will engage with selected passages from the New Testament as well as other Hellenistic texts. The focus is on developing advanced reading proficiency and interpretive skills. Offered Spring odd years. Prerequisite: LAN 6303.

This course introduces students to the vocabulary, grammar, and structure of biblical Hebrew. Through guided study and practice, students build a foundation for engaging the Hebrew Bible in its original language. Offered Fall even years.

A continuation of Hebrew I, this course strengthens students’ grasp of Hebrew grammar and syntax while expanding their vocabulary. Students continue developing the skills necessary for working with the Hebrew text. Offered Spring odd years. Prerequisite: LAN 6321.

LED 5301 explores what it means to be a Christian leader in a postmodern, post-denominational culture. The class explores the latest in contemporary leadership theory with a focus on creative or “visionary” leadership. The class applies these leadership principles in conversation with biblical and theological resources to explore the student’s vocation as well as enhance the mission of the contemporary church. Offered Fall even years.

Caring for the organizational side of ministry is an essential set of skills. The class provides both a biblical and “best practices” approach on topics including the management and development of facilities, finances, lay leadership, leadership development, boards and committees, staff team, healthy ministry/life balance, events, systems, and ethical decision making. Offered Spring odd years.

LED 6302 investigates the psychological, ideological, and physical roots of the conflicts while facing the ethical issues a local church leader will encounter. The course uses case studies to help the leader understand and practice how to resolve these conflicts and issues. Offered Spring even years.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Leadership. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered Fall even years and as needed. Prerequisite: LED 5301.

This course explores the biblical, theological, and practical foundations of Christian ministry. Students examine ministry as service, calling, and leadership, focusing on ministers' character and roles while integrating faith, spiritual growth, and vocational discernment. It provides a broad framework for pastoral ministry and prepares students for further study and practice. Offered every Fall.

This course explores the biblical, theological, and practical foundations of pastoral care. Students will develop essential listening and counseling skills applicable to pastoral situations, including grief, trauma, and family systems. Emphasis is placed on providing Christ-centered guidance, understanding the limits of pastoral counseling, and making appropriate referrals. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: MIN 5301.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

This course examines pastoral ministry, covering its biblical and theological foundations and practical responsibilities. Topics include pastoral leadership, premarital counseling, officiating weddings and funerals, and leading the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Students will learn to shepherd and provide effective leadership in a local church or parachurch setting. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: MIN 6301.

This course helps students cultivate their ministerial skills and deepen their spiritual formation in the context of local church ministry, under the guidance of a mentor. Students will work with their advisors to arrange an internship at a local church, where they will complete 150 hours of ministry. In addition to fulfilling the ministry duties assigned by their mentor, students and mentors will submit monthly reports to assess students’ progress. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: MIN 5301.

How do we effectively communicate the good news of Jesus and apply Christian theology in a healthy manner within cultural expressions that are different from our own? The Christian message must be appropriately contextualized in ways that makes sense to the receiving culture while remaining biblically faithful. This course examines the essentials of cultural engagement and contextualization: how to interpret, understand, and minister within various cultural models and contexts. Offered every Spring.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Missions. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: MIS 5301.

THEO 5301 is a text-based course, in which students explore issues of theological method, reflection, and doctrinal development in foundationally important writings from the period of the Fathers through the scholastic and mystical traditions to the end of the thirteenth century. Offered every Fall.

THEO 5302 explores doctrinal development and those historical and methodological elements that contributed to said development in the period from the 14th century Renaissance through theological traditions of the present. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: THEO 5301

Since its inception, the Church has articulated what it believes in the form of specific confessions or teachings, called ‘doctrine.’ Unlike dogmatic or systematic theology, doctrinal theology has the goal of explaining the formative Christian teachings for the Christian faith in relation to the Christian life. THEO 6301 discusses the art and necessity of contemporary theological reflection, and, articulates the role of doctrine in the church today. Offered every Fall. Prerequisites: THEO 5301 and THEO 5302.

THEO 6302 asks the classical question of ethics: What makes for a flourishing human life? This course pursues an answer to this question by engaging primary texts, biblical and theological, from the Christian tradition written in answer to it. Offered every Spring.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Christian Theology. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisites: THEO 5301 and THEO 5302.

How we worship the triune God shapes what we believe about Him and about ourselves. Throughout history, the Church’s worship has not only reflected its faith but has also formed—and at times malformed—it. Therefore, the crafting of corporate worship is a weighty responsibility. WOR 5301 provides a theological and practical foundation for thoughtfully and prayerfully planning and leading Christ’s church in its dialogue with its Redeemer. Offered every Spring.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, students undertake intensive study of a specialized topic not covered in the regular curriculum. The faculty supervisor directs the scope, readings, assignments, and evaluation criteria for the course. This option is designed for students seeking advanced, individualized instruction in close collaboration with a professor. Requires prior approval from the supervising faculty member. Offered as needed.

An advanced seminar on specialized topics within the field of Christian Worship. Course content varies each offering, allowing students to explore emerging or focused areas of study. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: WOR 5301.