Academic Catalog — 2023

The Bible is holy scripture for the Christian and the theological guide for the church. Biblical Foundations is designed to give the student a fundamental understanding of the background, context, and overview of the biblical narrative, as well as basic interpretive skills in order to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of biblical and theological study. BIB 5601 is a prerequisite to all other Biblical studies courses. (6 credit hours)

Theological Foundations is designed to give the student a fundamental understanding of the principles, nature, and purpose of Christian theology, and to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of theology. (3 credit hours)

SPR 5301 is an introduction to spiritual formation and discipleship. It is meant 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. (3 credit hours)

This foundations course examines the nature of the church and its interaction with the world. The vocation of the church will be discussed, especially the mission of the church (missio ecclesia) in light of the mission of God (missio Dei), and the concepts of worldview and cultural hermeneutics will be introduced as means to help understand the culture in which we are immersed as well as the specific individuals around us. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on how the church as the people of God can effectively engage and bring the life of Christ to bear on its community. (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the theological and biblical foundations of homiletics and pastoral ministry and prepare them for further study in practical theology. This course cross-lists as MIN 5301. (3 credit hours)

LED 5301 explores a shared form of leadership, one that combines the servant leadership paradigm modeled in the New Testament with a contemporary approach that considers the various ways in which leaders communicate appropriately with their teams. (3 credit hours)

The Bible is holy scripture for the Christian and the theological guide for the church. Biblical Foundations is designed to give the student a fundamental understanding of the background, context, and overview of the biblical narrative, as well as basic interpretive skills in order to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of biblical and theological study. BIB 5601 is a prerequisite to all other Biblical studies courses. (6 credit hours)

The Pentateuch, consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, is foundational for the rest of the Hebrew scriptures and for the Christian New Testament scriptures. In this course, students will engage these first five books of the Old Testament in deep and intensive reading, learning the basics of biblical, theological, and cultural interpretation. (3 credit hours)

BIB 6302 reads the narratives of the history of Israel as presented in the Old Testament with an eye both to the particularities of the narratives and to their overarching canonical arc. Along the way, students will examine the special literary forms, characters, and theological problems inherent in the text. (3 credit hours)

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament provides insight into how the ancient Israelites understood how they were to live unto God in their own time and place, which in turn provides a wealth of resources for contemporary students to think through how we are to live unto God in our time and place. BIB 6303 is designed to lead the student into this treasure house of the past by deep readings of these texts. (3 credit hours)

The prophets were sent by God as covenant prosecutors, exposing to the Israelites where they had failed to keep the terms of the covenant they had made with their God. They were also sent by God as ambassadors of the saving grace of God, announcing the Messiah who was to come. The prophetic writings of the Old Testament form an integral part of the overarching story of the Israelites and of the economy of God’s salvation in Christ. BIB 6304 is designed to provide the student with a deep understanding of these Old Testament prophetic writings and their implications for our understanding of the Messiah of God. (3 credit hours)

The Psalms has been described as “the little New Testament.” Basically the hymn book of the ancient Israelites, the Psalms have their own history of formation, reception, and canonization, as well as a rich theology and theological worldview. In BIB 6305, students will read the Psalms, learn of their history and reception, and contemplate their potency for Christian life and prayer today. (3 credit hours)

After the rebuilding of the temple in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, Judaism’s anticipation for the coming Messiah continued to build. BIB 6306 is designed to introduce and work through the major writings of Judaism spanning from a couple hundred years prior to Jesus of Nazareth through the first couple centuries of the Common Era. These texts are very important for understanding the various ways that Judaism thought about the Messiah and his coming, and so for understanding the New Testament as well. (3 credit hours)

The New Testament continues and consummates the drama begun in the Old Testament. In particular, it focuses on Jesus of Nazareth as the solution to the cosmic problem originating in Genesis 3. This course focuses on the person, work, and teaching of Jesus provided for us in the four Gospels. (3 credit hours)

After his resurrection, Jesus of Nazareth instituted his church to continue his mission of reconciling fallen humanity to God. BIB 6308 focuses on the instituting of the church by the power of the Holy Spirit as recorded in the book of the Acts of the Apostles and their subsequent carrying out of that mission. (3 credit hours)

The majority of the New Testament was written by the early Christian convert, Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul. The Pauline Epistles not only make up the majority of the New Testament in terms of word count, they also represent some of the most profound and significant theological reflection on the mystery of Christ, God with us, in those first few decades of the Christian church. BIB 6309 takes a deep dive into these writings from Paul. (3 credit hours)

The General Epistles of the New Testament comprise Christian teaching on God, Christ, the Spirit, Salvation, and the Consummation, as well as practical teaching on church, leadership, Christian living, and more. In BIB 6310, students will engage these important biblical texts, covering their context and content in depth. (3 credit hours)

The book of Revelation is known for its seemingly obtuse and even fantastical use of imagery and symbols. It has proven to be one of the more difficult of the New Testament books to understand. Yet its title in the Greek, the Apocalypse, indicates an unveiling, specifically, the unveiling of Jesus Christ. In BIB 6311 explore this fascinating book, paying close attention to context, genre, and biblical allusions in order to come to a deeper understanding of the apocalypse of Jesus Christ. (3 credit hours)

BIB 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of biblical studies or biblical theology that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other BIB courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course explores advanced topics in biblical studies. The course content changes regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it.. (3 credit hours)

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Today there are abundant computer programs available to the Bible student, so the need to master the biblical languages seems superfluous. However, an overview of the biblical languages is crucial for a basic understanding of interpreting Scripture accurately. LAN 5301 provides the overview and introduces several accessible computer programs. (3 credit hours)

Theological Foundations is designed to give the student a fundamental understanding of the principles, nature, and purpose of Christian theology, and to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of theology. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6301 is a text-based course, in which students explore the foundationally important writings from the apostolic fathers, the early apologists, and theologians through the first several centuries A.D. Attention is also given to the seven ecumenical councils of the early church, from 325CE to 787CE, which represent the church’s early attempts to come to a consensus regarding the great mysteries of the Christian faith, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God, as well as regarding the practical matter of the worship of this God in the church. All of these theological and ecclesial texts elucidate early Christianity’s theological development as it reflected on the scriptural teaching of the prophets and apostles and engaged in the wider Greco-Roman culture of its time. (3 credit hours)

In the history of the Christian church, the Medieval period represents a great harvest of ante-Nicene and Nicene theology, as well as further developments from the more technical and systematic treatments of the scholastics to the deeply experiential insights of the mystics. THEO 6302 explores this rich store of resources by deep readings in primary texts of this period. (3 credit hours)

The Reformation is one of the turning points in the history of the Christian church. THEO 6303 traces the significant history of the Reformation by reading key texts ranging from the early polemical reaction of the magisterial reformers through to the developments of differing Reformation traditions—Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, and radical sects. (3 credit hours)

The theological landscape of our own time is vast. With deep roots in the Enlightenment, theology in the Modern period grappled with the profound changes in human knowledge brought about in particular by developments in philosophy and the natural sciences. By readings of key texts over this significant span o theological history, THEO 6305 follows the development of enlightenment rationalism—with its roots in both the radical reformation and in the “new philosophy” of its time— through the reactions to it in various romanticisms, to its wrestling with global political challenges brought on by world wars, and social and political injustices of communities, states, and nations. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6307 introduces the student to a meaningful and practical doctrine of the Trinity. Students will pursue questions about how we as humans can know the triune God and about how to think about the nature, the trinity of persons, and mission of God. This is an important foundational course to understand how the Father-Son-Holy Spirit desires to work in the hearts and lives of believers, the church, and the world. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6308 details the doctrine of creation for the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. This course engages the biblical creation texts and the human relationship to the rest of creation, as well as the role of humans as “apprentice creators” and what that role entails. (3 credit hours)

In THEO 6309 the student will engage biblical and primary theological texts from the church’s history on that central mystery of the Christian faith: God with us for us and our salvation. (3 credit hours)

The church today is suffering a case of mistaken identity. Many Christian believers are unsure of what the church is, why it exists, and what its actual mission is. THEO 6310 covers in detail the mission of the Holy Spirit and the genesis, nature, and function of the church as the “Body of Christ.” (3 credit hours)

THEO 6311 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. Application is made for clergy and lay people. This course cross-lists as SPR 6303. (3 credit hours)

The Apostle Paul teaches that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only for the justification of sinners but also a revelation of God’s plan for the new heavens and earth: it is the inauguration of the last things. In THEO 6312, students engage key texts from both the Bible and from the church’s theological reflection upon the plan of God to bring all things to their consummation in Christ. (3 credit hours)

Christianity, as well as any other religious expression that posits a divine being, relies upon the concept of “faith” to ground its religious belief as “truth.” In the post-Enlightenment era, “faith” has been ridiculed as “nonsensical.” However, the postmodern era has undermined much of that skepticism. THEO 6313 seeks to articulate a clear understanding of faith as the epistemic grounding and motivation for Christian faith and practice. This course cross-lists as SPR 6313. (3 credit hours)

One of the great gospel benefits that Christ has bestowed on his followers is that he has opened up the way of prayer. Prayer, then, stands at the heart of the Christian life and practice. THEO 6314 discusses the nature and practice of prayer. This course cross-lists as SPR 6314. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of theology that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other THEO courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course explores advanced topics in Christian theology. Content changes regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it. (3 credit hours)

SPR 5301 is an introduction to spiritual formation and discipleship. It is meant 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. (3 credit hours)

Expressions of Christianity have frequently veered in one of two directions: legalism or spiritual triumphalism. In SPR 6301 students will engage writings from the spiritual masters of the Christian tradition—from the desert fathers and mothers to the contemporary charismatic movements—in order to learn how to avoid dry and rigid legalism on the one hand and an overly triumphalist spiritualism on the other. (3 credit hours)

SPR 6302 develops a theology and praxis of the initiation and process of ongoing Christian transformation of individuals and communities by the gospel. The class examines historical models and modern paradigms for personal as well as community growth. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6311 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. Application is made for clergy and lay people. This course is cross-lists as THEO 6311. (3 credit hours)

Christianity, as well as any other religious expression that posits a divine being, relies upon the concept of “faith” to ground its religious belief as “truth.” In the post-Enlightenment era, “faith” has been ridiculed as “nonsensical.” However, the postmodern era has undermined much of that skepticism. SPR 6304 seeks to articulate a clear understanding of faith as the epistemic grounding and motivation for Christian faith and practice. This course cross-lists as THEO 6313. (3 credit hours)

Prayer stands at the heart of the Christian faith. SPR 6314 discusses the foundational nature, theology, and practice of prayer, and its attendant issues. This course cross-lists as THEO 6314. (3 credit hours)

SPR 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of spiritual formation or theology that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other SPR courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced topics in spirituality. Content changes regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it. (3 credit hours)

This foundations course examines the nature of the church and its interaction with the world. The vocation of the church will be discussed, especially the mission of the church (missio ecclesia) in light of the mission of God (missio Dei), and the concepts of worldview and cultural hermeneutics will be introduced as means to help understand the culture in which we are immersed as well as the specific individuals around us. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on how the church as the people of God can effectively engage and bring the life of Christ to bear on its community. (3 credit hours)

What does it mean to live and promote the “good news” of Jesus in the cultural, religious, and ideological mindsets of our times? Drawing insights from various approaches to Christian apologetics, this course will discuss engaging in relational dialogue with those adhering to a variety of Western secular worldviews (e.g. individualism, scientism, consumerism, nationalism) and various major world religions (e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism). Major objections to Christianity will be considered, along with ways to positively introduce and witness to Christ. (3 credit hours)

Culture is the context in which theology is written, explored, and practiced, as well as the milieu in which all spirituality is perceived. The good news of Jesus must be contextualized and communicated in ways that makes sense to the receiving culture. How do we practically apply Christian theology in a healthy manner within different cultural expressions? This course examines the essentials of cultural engagement and contextualization: how to interpret, understand, and witness within various cultural models and contexts. (3 credit hours)

CUL 6303 gives a basic overview of the theology and practices of the primary monotheistic world religions (e.g., Judaism and Islam), Asian religions (e.g., Hinduism and Buddhism), and selected marginalized religious expressions (e.g., indigenous religions) and considers them in comparison and contrast with the Christian worldview. The course will explore ways the church and individual followers of Christ can enter into meaningful dialogue and appropriate interfaith cooperation with members of these diverse faiths. (3 credit hours)

Christianity in the modern world became a sedate carrier of Western cultural values and lost its zeal for justice in the political realm. The postmodern critique of modern assumptions changed how faith and society engage. CUL 6304 serves as an introduction to political theology. (3 credit hours)

CUL 6305 discusses the history of the engagement between Christian thought and the various philosophical schools from the pre-Socratic Greeks to contemporary postmodern thought. The student will examine how various cultures have utilized or eschewed philosophical thought in their quest to understand the Christian faith and its theological commitments. (3 credit hours)

CUL 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of cultural studies, Christian apologetics, or evangelism that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other CUL courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course covers a variety of subjects concerning culture, environment, science and theology, and world religions. The content rotates regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it. (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the theological and biblical foundations of homiletics and pastoral ministry and prepare them for further study in practical theology. This course cross-lists as MIN 5301. (3 credit hours)

This course studies preaching from sermon construction to the delivery of the message, with special attention given to preaching context, verbal delivery, and the variety of preaching styles. (3 credit hours)

This course will explore advanced preaching styles, including narrative, exegetical, topical, and conversational. Students will learn how to construct sermons that are faithful to the biblical text and relevant to their audience. The course will also emphasize the importance of context and hearers in the preaching process. (3 credit hours)

This course will examine the ministry of preaching in the context of the emerging postmodern worldview. The course will explore the challenges that postmodernism presents to biblical preaching, and will examine the theology and methodology of expository and expository-narrative preaching. (3 credit hours)

COM 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of communication that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other COM courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced communications issues in the areas such as pastoral care, congregational communication, and communications for diffusing congregational conflict. Specific topics and foci of the course are dependent upon the instructor teaching the course. (3 credit hours)

LED 5301 explores a shared form of leadership, one that combines the servant leadership paradigm modeled in the New Testament with a contemporary approach that considers the various ways in which leaders communicate appropriately with their teams. (3 credit hours)

LED 6301 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 in order to explore the student’s vocation as well as enhance the mission of the contemporary ekklesia. (3 credit hours)

LED 6302 describes and gives the psychological, ideological, and physical roots of the conflicts and 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. (3 credit hours)

LED 6303 outlines an approach to leadership aptly called “coaching.” A popular concept in the secular business world, “coaching” is a one-on-one approach to intentional leadership with specific goals in mind. This leadership course details the approach to Christ-based coaching for the contemporary church leader. (3 credit hours)

Caring for the organizational side of pastoral ministry is an essential set of skills. The class provides a “best practices” and Biblical 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. (3 credit hours)

LED 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of leadership that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other LED courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced topics in leadership with relevance for the contemporary church. The course content changes regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it. (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the theological and biblical foundations of homiletics and pastoral ministry and prepare them for further study in practical theology. This course cross-lists as COM 5301. (3 credit hours)

MIN 5302 introduces the student to concepts of “ministry calling”, “ministry discernment,” and the nature of vocational ministry. Additionally, the student will discuss the “character of the minister” and the theo-ethical concerns that affect the minister and ministry. (3 credit hours)

Introduction to Christian counseling is one aspect of pastoral ministry, including self-evaluation, exploration of human spiritual/emotional frailty, the practice of basic techniques, and understanding movement toward both personal and familial wholeness. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6303 is an introductory course to pastoral ministry through studying its biblical-theological foundations and practical responsibilities. Students will learn how to shepherd and provide effective leadership in a local church or parachurch context. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6304 familiarizes the student with the various forms of ministry to youth (ages 12-18). No other stage of a human being’s life witnesses the physical, emotional, and spiritual life changes as does the “youth” category. This sub-group of the next generation is a crucial demographic when regarding the future of the local church. The course focuses on the student’s creation of meaningful ministry for these young men and women. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6305 introduces the student to ministries for adults and senior adults. Adulthood is concerned with a very different set of developmental issues than the youth and young adult stages. Issues such as marriage, career, debilitating illness, retirement, and aging, to name only a few of the issues, radically influence the ministries for adults and senior adults. A healthy, well-discipled adult generation brings stability and wisdom to a congregation. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6310 introduces the student to the crucial importance of self-care in ministry. The course discusses the stress-causing situations of ministry and a variety of strategies to effectively cope with these situations. See more details under Clergy Care Program. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6311 focuses on the pastor or minister who has either been fired or resigned from an abusive church situation. The course focuses on the wounded soul and suggests a variety of means by which the abused can find wholeness and recapture a healthy faith. See more details under Clergy Care Program. (3 credit hours)

MIN 6300 provides students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a particular topic of ministry that is either not covered or not covered in-depth in the other MIN courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced topics in ministry with relevance for the contemporary church. Course content changes regularly and is dependent upon the instructor teaching it. (3 credit hours)

The adventure practicum details two-to-four-day adventure experiences for the student requiring study preparation and execution. At least three practicum courses are required for the MA in Adventure Studies degree. Sample practicum courses include, but are not limited to: whitewater rafting; mountain biking; distance biking; hiking and camping; rock and mountain climbing; bungee jumping; ballooning; hang gliding; gear maintenance and repair; first aid; hunting and firearms; fishing; Nordic skiing; alpine skiing; backcountry skiing; kite skiing; and team sports. (3 credit hours)

ADV 5301 introduces the student to the fundamental nature of “adventure” ministry or “outdoor” ministry. It defines “adventure,” then touches on the biblical backgrounds for adventure ministry. It investigates the human understanding of adventure and why humans actually need adventure. Finally, the course discusses the physical issues of adventure and how adventure can negatively or positively influence mind and body. (3 credit hours)

ADV 5302 provides a theological base for Christian adventure. Drawing from sources as early as Plato and Aristotle, as well as more contemporary theologians, philosophers, psychologists, and anthropologists, ADV 5302 seeks to reconfigure the very idea of adventure from a daring, somewhat hazard-laden activity, to a way of being-in-the-world. Students will create their own theology of adventure with implications for ministry. (3 credit hours)

ADV 6301 provides a practical philosophy for church recreation ministry and examples of how recreation can and should operate within the church and also as an evangelistic tool for the church. ADV 6301 seeks to reconfigure recreation ministry from a youth activity, or an afterthought, to an integral part of the church’s ministry and mission in contemporary culture. Group games, camping, hiking, fishing, and select sports will be covered. Students will develop their own proposals for recreation ministries in their context. (3 credit hours)

ADV 6302 is a leadership course specifically designed for the unique context, rigors, and hazards of adventure ministry. (3 credit hours)

ADV 6303 deals with the development and execution of adventure ministry as a whole and its constitutive events. The course covers the origination and development of an holistic adventure ministry, what to expect in the various adventure contexts, how to prepare for the “unexpected,” and the actual implementation of an adventure event. Students will learn how to assess risk and manage the risk inherent in an event. Students must be physically able to endure varying kinds of weather, terrain, and exposure. Students unable to engage in the actual event will be provided with alternate opportunities to fulfill the course requirements. (3 credit hours)

The natural environment is the primary context for adventure ministry. This environment is living, and requires extraordinary preparation and care in order to protect the pristine “wildness” of the environment for future activities. ADV 6304 examines the issues surrounding creation care or environmental protection for adventure ministry. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced trends in adventure studies with relevance for the contemporary church. (Course may be repeated with content changes.) (3 credit hours)

Adventure studies concentrations in the MA program are required to submit a final project of between 15,000-20,000 words, not including bibliography or footnotes. The project will contain: 1) a theology of adventure (7,000-10,000 words); 2) two different adventure projects; and 3) an adventure project for the disabled (see student handbook for details). The project is to be submitted to the academic dean no later than one month before the faculty committee defense. The student must enroll in ADV 7302 during the two terms before he or she intends to submit his or her project. (3 credit hours)

The arts practicum consists of two-to-four-day creative experiences for the student, which requires study preparation and execution. At least three practicum courses are required for the MA in Arts & Theology degree. Practicums are offered in the fine arts (drawing, painting, mosaics, etc.); performing arts (music, dance, etc.); and art history. (3 credit hours)

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 as the conduit for aesthetics in human understanding and the role of the arts in social commentary and social justice and develop a rudimentary theology of the arts. (3 credit hours)

Of all the animal beings in creation, human beings are “artists” – admirers and makers of meaningful beauty. Indeed, quite often human beings find it easier to articulate a feeling, a belief, a love, a beautiful experience, or unpleasantness through artistic rendering, rather than simply through words. ART 5302 explores a theology of the arts that enables the student to understand why humans are profoundly influenced by art and how art has a greater connection to the divine than previously realized. Students will study the topics of imagination, creativity, art forms, and theologies of beauty. (3 credit hours)

ART 6301 covers Christian art history from its beginnings in the New Testament era through the high medieval period in the late 15th century. The course covers the contexts and artistic substance of the fine and architectural arts during this period. From the Roman catacombs to the great cathedrals of Europe, and from rudimentary drawings to the great stained-glass windows, ART 6301 seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the meaning of the arts for the church. (3 credit hours)

ART 6302 covers Christian Art history from the Protestant Reformation to the modern period. The course covers the contexts and artistic substance of the fine and architectural arts during this period. Emphasizing the rejection and evolution of the arts through the Reformation, to the great rediscovery of the arts in the 20th century, ART 6302 seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the meaning of the arts for the church. (3 credit hours)

ART 6303 introduces the student to the role of the fine arts and performing arts in worship settings and other community gatherings. The course studies the biblical backgrounds of the worship arts in both the Old Testament and New Testament, as well as the varieties of documented contemporary usage. (3 credit hours)

To “worship” is translated from the Hebrew, שָׁחָה or “bow down.” In the Greek it is προσκυνέω, or “kneeling or prostrating oneself in the making of homage.” To “praise”—יָדָה in the Hebrew—means to “to energetically give thanks, praise, or confession.” Worship is a posture before God of honor and respect. Praise is a joyful activity of adoration and tribute. ART 6304 details the nature of worship and praise, how they cooperate in the believer’s and community’s life, and the various ways in which worship and praise are manifested. (3 credit hours)

Description to come. (3 credit hours)

ART 7304 introduces the student to the ways in which the fine arts and performing arts can be utilized in the church – discipleship, worship, outreach – or in the community – public relations, exhibitions and informative performances, etc. The course studies the biblical and secular backgrounds of the arts, as well as the varieties of documented contemporary usage. Finally, the course enables the student to design and execute a plan for a fine art showing or performance of a work. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced trends in theology and the arts studies with relevance for the contemporary church. (Course may be repeated with content changes.) (3 credit hours)

Students in the Theology and the Arts study concentration in the MA program are required to submit a final project of between 15,000-20,000 words, not including bibliography or footnotes. The project will contain: 1) a theology of the imagination, beauty, and the arts (10,000-15,000 words); 2) two different arts projects – to be chosen from painting, poetry, sculpture, music, dance and story (chose one of each category); 3) an arts project for the disabled (see student handbook for details). The project is to be submitted to the academic dean no later than one month before the faculty committee defense. The student must enroll in ART 7302 during the two terms before he or she intends to submit his or her project. (3 credit hours)

The art and process of conducting research for a post-graduate degree is an important aspect of the degree program. CSC 5001 covers the following issues: how to construct a viable thesis statement; how to construct a research program around the thesis; the importance of chapter outlines and general structuring of the paragraph, to the section, to the chapter, and to the paper itself; and how to use databases in research. Non-credit. Meets for one 3-hour session. Required for all MA students. (3 credit hours)

Students in the Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Christian Theology, and Visionary Leadership concentrations in the MA program are required either to submit a thesis between 15,000-25,000 words, not including bibliography or footnotes, or pursue a research ministry project (see CSC 7302 below). The thesis is to be submitted to the academic dean no later than one month before the faculty committee defense. The student must enroll in CSC 7301 during the two terms before he or she intends to submit his or her thesis. CSC 5001 Research Methods Colloquy is a prerequisite for this course. (3 credit hours)

Students in the Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Christian Theology, and Visionary Leadership concentrations in the MA program are required either to submit a thesis or pursue a research ministry project (see CSC 7301 above). Students in the Christian Ministries concentration are required to pursue a research ministry project. The student will submit a research proposal to his or her advisor. This proposal will outline the nature of the intended study and give some indication of how research research will be conducted. Once the proposal is approved, the student will begin the qualitative and quantitative research required for the project. The research ministry project may be written from various perspectives and use various methods depending on the research topic and purpose of the study. Projects take the form of a case study in an area of applied theology, which must include theological reflection on the implications of the study. Projects are 3 credit hours and must be 5,000-10,000 words in length (inclusive of footnotes/endnotes, but exclusive of bibliography). CSC 5001 Research Methods Colloquy is a prerequisite for this course. (3 credit hours)