2025–2026 Academic Catalog

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 development of the biblical narrative as well as an overview of its prominent theological content, in order to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of biblical and theological study. BIB 5301 and 5302 are prerequisites to all 6000 -7000 level Biblical studies courses. (3 credit hours)

As human beings, we automatically interpret many things every moment of every day: gestures, news stories, speeches, actions, novels, music, weather, etc. in order to discover meaning. Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation. BIB 5302 answers the question, “how do we interpret properly?” This course is designed to give students the fundamental principles and processes of interpretation, and how they apply to interpreting the Bible, theology, philosophy, history and contemporary culture. BIB 5301 and 5302 are prerequisites to all 6000 -7000 level Biblical studies courses. (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. THEO 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Theological Studies courses. (3 credit hours)

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. SPR 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Spiritual Studies courses. (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. CUL 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Cultural Studies courses. (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. COM 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Communication and Ministry Studies courses. (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. LED 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Leadership Studies courses. (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 development of the biblical narrative as well as an overview of its prominent theological content, in order to prepare the student for further study in particular areas of biblical and theological study. BIB 5301 and 5302 are prerequisites to all 6000 -7000 level Biblical studies courses. (3 credit hours)

As human beings, we automatically interpret many things every moment of every day: gestures, news stories, speeches, actions, novels, music, weather, etc. in order to discover meaning. Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation. BIB 5302 answers the question, “how do we interpret properly?” This course is designed to give students the fundamental principles and processes of interpretation, and how they apply to interpreting the Bible, theology, philosophy, history and contemporary culture. BIB 5301 and 5302 are prerequisites to all 6000 -7000 level Biblical studies courses. (3 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 is a historical, literary, and theological study of the Old Testament historical books, with particular attention given to 1 & 2 Samuel through Nehemiah. The course is intended to facilitate a deep dive into the historical and theological significance of the rise of the kingdom of Israel through its split, into its exile, and to its post-exilic return. (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 a 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 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 fill out the online form, and 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)

LAN 6301 introduces the student to the nature of koine Greek, the Greek of the first century B.C. The course focuses on vocabulary, verb forms, and basic translation. (3 credit hours)

LAN 6302 continues the student’s educational journey in koine Greek. The course focuses on vocabulary, noun forms, grammatical construction and basic translation. LAN 6301 is a prerequisite for this course. (3 credit hours)

LAN 6303 focuses on a more advanced understanding of koine Greek, as it is used by different writers in the New Testament era. The course focuses translation facility of a variety of texts. LAN 6301 and 6302 are prerequisites for this course. (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. THEO 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Theological Studies courses. (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 of the first nine centuries, as well as the codification of those theological developments in the seven ecumenical councils of the early church, from 325CE to 787CE. Students will then explore continued developments in the university scholastic traditions and the monastic mystical writings of the medieval period. (3 credit hours)

The theological landscape of our own time is vast. Beginning with the Western split in the Reformation, and moving through the Enlightenment, theology in the Modern period has had to grapple 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 of theological history, THEO 6302 traces developments 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)

Since its inception, the Church has articulated what it believes in the form of specific confessions or teachings, called “doctrine.” Unlike “dogma,” doctrine is formed in the matrix of scripture, tradition, and culture, with the goal especially of explaining Christian dogma. THEO 6304 discusses the art of theological reflection, pursues the question of the role of doctrine in the church today, and applies these to questions of contemporary Protestant and evangelical theological debate. (3 credit hours)

THEO 6307 examines the primary and foundational mystery of the Christian faith, that God is Father, Son, and Spirit. In this course, students will pursue questions related to the construction of the doctrine of the trinity, biblically, theologically, philosophically, and liturgically. Further, they will explore practical questions about how to live in the light of this revealed doctrine. (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 in the process of salvation, from the inauguration of the church as the body of Christ unto the fulfillment of all things and the end of time. (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. (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 fill out the online form, and 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. 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. SPR 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Spiritual Studies courses. (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)

Prayer stands at the heart of the Christian faith. SPR 6303 discusses the foundational nature, theology, and practice of prayer, and its attendant issues. (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 fill out the online form, and 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. CUL 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Cultural Studies courses. (3 credit hours)

In post-Christian 21st-century Western culture, Jesus and His claims are often dismissed as irrelevant, unethical, and even dangerous. Christianity is perceived by many as condoning historical injustices (e.g., slavery, patriarchy) and as contrary to contemporary mindsets (e.g., individualism, scientism, consumerism, nationalism). This course discusses how Christ-followers can better understand their neighbors and their concerns, while considering caring, biblically-informed responses to those concerns and exploring how to creatively demonstrate through actions and words the goodness, beauty, and truth of Christ. (3 credit hours)

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. (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)

Throughout the centuries, the Christian faith has provoked a wide variety of questions and criticisms from thoughtful observers. CUL 6305 will discuss a selection of these issues (e.g., the existence of God, the problem of evil, the mind-body problem, the relationship between science and religion, the relationship between faith and reason, the origin of morality, the validity of religious experience, etc.) and consider the possibility of satisfactory accounts of these issues within the Christian tradition. (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 fill out the online form, and 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. COM 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Communication and Ministry Studies courses. (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. COM 6301 is a prerequisite for this course. (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 fill out the online form, and receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost.

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. LED 5301 is a prerequisite for all 6000-7000 level Leadership Studies courses. (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 fill out the online form, and 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)

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 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 fill out the online form, and 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 worship practicum consists of two-to-four-day worship experiences for the student, which requires study preparation and execution. At least three practicum courses are required for the MA in Worship Ministry degree. Practicums are offered in the worship leadership, choir, praise band, and liturgy. (3 credit hours)

The ancient Latin phrase Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (the rule of prayer is the rule of belief) implies that how we pray (or worship) the Triune God determines what we believe to be true about him and about ourselves. History has shown that the ways in which the people of God have worshipped have not only reflected faith but also formed (and, at times, malformed) their faith. Therefore, the crafting of corporate worship is a weighty task. Introduction to Worship Ministry provides the foundation for thoughtfully and prayerfully planning and leading Christ’s church into dialogue with her redeemer. (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. WOR 6301 details the biblical foundations of worship and praise, examines how various theological nuances and emphases cooperate in the life of the believer and the community, and explores the various ways in which worship arts manifest beliefs and relationship with the Triune God. Upon completing this course, students will craft a personal theology of worship and the arts. (3 credit hours)

The history of the arts in worship—liturgical forms, music, architecture, symbolic gesture, and all artistic expressions of faith—records how the church has incarnated her dialogue with the God who became incarnate on her behalf. This course surveys the liturgical arts from biblical patterns and practices to the present day. A particular emphasis is given to how the arts have both reflected the interplay of theology and culture and also played a formative part in theology and culture. (Cross-listed with ART 6302.) (3 credit hours)

WOR 6303 is designed to explore innovative expressions of worship as response to and dialogue with the Triune God, encouraging students to engage with a variety of artistic mediums, including music, visual arts, drama, and digital media all the while remembering Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi (“the Law of what is prayed [is] the Law of what is believed [is] the Law of what is lived”). (WOR 5301 is a prerequisite for this course.) (3 credit hours)

WOR 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 WOR courses. To register for this course, students must receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

WOR 7301 offers in-depth exploration of the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of Christian worship. The course seeks to deepen understanding of worship as a central aspect of Christian life and community. (Course may be repeated with content changes. (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 6301 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, students learn 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 6302 is a leadership course specifically designed for the unique context, rigors, and hazards of adventure ministry. (3 credit hours)

ADV 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 ADV 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 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 6301 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 6302 covers Christian art history from its beginnings in the New Testament era through the modern period in the early 21st 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 the country Protestant church to the emerging “black box theater.” From rudimentary drawings to the great stained-glass windows, 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 history and development of the liturgical and performing arts in the worship settings of Christianity. The course begins with biblical affirmations of worship and then proceeds through second temple Jewish origins, evolution of worship in the various cultural settings of the church, medieval worship, Protestant Reformation worship, Protestant hymnody, revivalist worship, and modern/contemporary worship. (3 credit hours)

ART 6304 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)

ART 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 ART courses. To register for this course, students must fill out the online form, and receive approval from their advisor and from the academic provost. (3 credit hours)

This course examines advanced trends in the arts, fine and performative, with relevance for the contemporary church and local communities. This course is repeatable for credit with a change in content. (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 5101 is a 1 credit course in which the student will learn the basics of formulating a research program, thesis statement, organization and structuring of the research findings (in the thesis or project report), and how to use databases in research. For guidelines and schedules for the prospectus and thesis, please consult “the Manual for Research Theses and Ministry Project Reports,” which students can attain through their advisor. Required for all MA students. (1 credit hour)

Students in the Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Christian Theology, and Visionary Leadership concentrations in the MA program are required to submit either a thesis or a research ministry project (see CSC 7302 below) at the conclusion of their studies. For the student who elects to write a thesis, they must first submit a prospectus to his or her advisor (see CSC 5101 above). Once the prospectus has been approved, the student will write their thesis, 15,000-25,000 words, not including bibliography or footnotes. For guidelines and schedules for the prospectus and thesis, please consult “the Manual for Research Theses and Ministry Project Reports,” which students can attain through their advisor. CSC 5101 is a prerequisite for this course. (3 credit hours)

CSC 7101 is a capstone course required for all graduating Master of Divinity students. The course revisits the key elements of the Master of Divinity program in order to enable the student to synthesize his or her education in service of the church. The course ends with capstone paper and faculty interview. (1 credit hour)

Students in the Adventure Studies, Arts and Theology, or Christian Ministries concentrations are required to submit a research ministry project at the conclusion of their studies. Students in Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Christian Theology, and Visionary Leadership concentrations in the MA program are required to submit either a thesis (see CSC 7301 above) or a research ministry project at the conclusion of their studies. For the student who elects to submit a research ministry project, they must first submit a research prospectus to his or her advisor (see CSC 5101 above). This prospectus will outline the nature of the intended study and give some indication of how research will be conducted. Upon approval of the prospectus, 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 Reports must be between 5,000-10,000 words in length (inclusive of footnotes/endnotes, but exclusive of bibliography). For guidelines and schedules for the prospectus and thesis, please consult “the Manual for Research Theses and Ministry Project Reports,” which students can attain through their advisor. CSC 5101 is a prerequisite for this course. (3 credit hours)

Equipping MDiv students for vocational ministry requires not only deep knowledge of Scripture, theology, and culture, but also a wide range of skills in communication, organizational leadership, counseling, and discipleship, as well as personal growth and spiritual formation of the student. For this reason, CSC 7501 is designed to assist students in the cultivation of these skills and the development of their spiritual formation in the context of local church ministry under the guidance of a mentor. Students will work with their advisors to set up an internship with a local church, where they will complete 150 hours of ministry. Along with completing the ministry duties assigned to them by their mentor, students and mentors will complete monthly reports to measure the student’s progress. The course concludes with a compilation of the monthly reports and a 3000 word reflection on ministry essay. CSC 7501 is required only for MDiv students. (5 credit hours)