Every time I take a new course in this program, my spiritual life is refreshed. My desire to study God's Word is greatly promoted. My prayer life is deepened. I always thank God for sending me to this program. (Myanmar Grad '05)
I appreciate this degree programme for the excellent teaching of our professors, gaining immeasurable value in spiritual knowledge, and saving our time and money since we don't have to go abroad for studies. (Myanmar, '05 Grad)
My greatest appreciation for the vision of the seminary in bringing the training and tools to my country. (Philippine student)
Course Descriptions: Extension Courses
Seminar courses also available by Extension
Our popular ministry readings courses
Biblical Studies
BIB504 Understanding the Old Testament (3 credit hours)
The course provides a survey of the history of salvation in the Old Testament, especially related to the universality of Old Testament theology. Overall emphasis is given to the rule of God in the establishment of God’s kingdom in all the earth.
Textbooks: The Kingdom of God, Bright, Abingdon
Making Sense of the OT, Longman, Baker
The Faith of Israel, Drumbrell, BakerTaped Lecturer: Dr. Bruce K. Waltke
BIB523 Psalms (3 credit hours)
A study of the book of Psalms, giving attention to the various forms of the Psalms and their function within the historical experience of Israel. The course begins by focusing on the formulation and interpretation of the Psalms, then examines in detail the various types of psalms, giving sermonic treatment of selected psalms with application for today’s Church.
Textbooks: The student is not required to purchase any specific texts; it is assumed that he/she will have access to standard lexicons, concordances, exegetical aids and an expanded dictionary of biblical figures of speech.
Taped Lecturer: Dr. Bruce K. Waltke
BIB552 Gospel of Luke (3 credit hours)
A textual examination of the Gospel of Luke, highlighting significant theological themes found in the gospel. The course enables students to prepare narrative material for preaching and teaching.
Textbooks: Luke (New International Bible Commentary), Evans, Peabody
One other commentary of the student’s choiceTaped Lecturer: Dr. Darrell L. Bock
BIB553 Acts of the Apostles (3 credit hours)
An exegetical examination of the Acts of the Apostles with concentration on the biblical theology of the book of Acts, the historical background of events, and the theological emphasis of the speeches. Special attention is given to articulating the message of Acts in ways that are both textually accurate and contemporarily relevant.
Textbooks: Acts (New International Bible Commentary), Williams, Hendrickson
Acts (Tyndale N.T. Commentary), Marshall, EerdmansTaped Lecturer: Dr. Darrell L. Bock
BIB556 Pastoral Epistles (3 credit hours)
An expository study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, focusing on theological issues, interpretive problems, and practical relevance. Topics covered include the essential qualities of Christian leadership, the relationship of the law to the gospel, and the role of women in the church.
Textbooks: The Pastoral Epistles, Kent, Sheffield
1, 2 Timothy, Titus (New International Biblical Commentary), Fee, Hendrickson
Two other commentaries of the student’s choiceTaped Lecturer: Dr. John R. W. Stott
BIB557 Hebrews (3 credit hours)
An exploration of the background, context and content of the Epistle to the Hebrews, focusing on the key interpretive issues and theological contributions of this rich, Christocentric book and building confidence in the superiority of Jesus and the New Covenant.
Textbook: Hebrews, Lane, Word
Taped Lecturer: Dr. Dennis E. Johnson
BIB762 Parables of Jesus (3 credit hours)
Methods of interpreting Jesus’ parables are surveyed and then an eclectic model drawing on the best insights of each is applied to each of the major narrative parables in the Gospels. The course examines differences among parallel accounts and suggests plausible reasons for the variations, applying conclusions regarding the theology and significance of Jesus’ parables to life and ministry.
Textbooks: Interpreting the Parables, Blomberg, IVP
Studying the Parables of Jesus, Jones, Smyth & Helwys
The Parables of Jesus: Pictures of Revolution, Wenham, IVP
A synopsis or harmony of the gospels (NASV Harmony of the Gospels by Thomas & Gundry, Harper & Row is available from our office)
New International Version Bible (Not available from this institution)Taped Lecturer: Dr. Craig L. Blomberg
BIB780 Readings in Biblical Studies (1-3 credit hours)
An In-depth pursuit of personal interests in biblical studies through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of radings of your choice guided by a professor. You will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Theological Studies
THL515 Historical Theology I: The Early Church (3 credit hours)
A history of the ancient church from Pentecost to AD500, together with the men and writings of that era. Significant creeds are also analyzed for their intentions, influence and correctness. Students are encouraged to evaluate their own beliefs as compared to historical orthodoxy.
Textbooks: Early Christian Doctrines, Kelly, Harper & Row
Documents in Early Christian Thought, Wiles-Santer, CambridgeTaped Lecturer: Dr. Richard C. Gamble
THL526 History of the Charismatic Movement (3 credit hours)
A historical and theological study of the origins and development of charismatic thought with emphasis given to theological backgrounds and trends. In addition to a theology of spiritual gifts, the themes of worship, bibliology, sanctification and ecclesiology are analyzed. Throughout the course, the pros and cons of the various charismatic movements are presented so that students can make informed decisions on what a “victorious Christian life” entails.
Textbook: Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, Burgess & McGee, ed., Zondervan
Keep in Step with the Spirit, Packer, RevellTaped Lecturer: Dr. John D. Hannah
THL535 History of the Church in China (1949-1990) (3 credit hours)
This course treats the history of Protestant Christianity in socialist China between 1949 and 1990. It examines the impact of politics on religious life, and the Party’s influence on the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and independent house churches, with illustrations from the lecturer’s life experience.
Textbook: Reader, Chao, China Church Research Centre
The Resurrection of the Chinese Church, Lambert, OMFTaped Lecturer: Dr. Jonathan Chao
THL576 Christian Ethics (3 credit hours)
This course presents a biblical model for ethics in a postmodern world, examining the ethical theories of obligation and value from a philosophical perspective. A survey of various ethical systems identifies unstated assumptions in ethical theories and evaluates those theories for legitimacy, relevance and cogency, providing a Christian framework of values and ethics as a foundation for God-honoring decisions in the student’s life and ministry.
Textbooks: Ethics for a Brave New World, Feinberg, Crossways
Biblical Christian Ethics, Jones, Baker
Christian Ethics: Options and Alternatives, Geisler, BakerTaped Lecturer: Dr. James M. Grier
THL770 Apologetics (3 credit hours)
An investigation of the biblical, historical and modern approaches to defending faith in God, Christ and Scripture. The course emphasizes the apologetics of Peter among Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2) and Paul among the Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17), compares the approaches of early church fathers and focuses on the apologists who led the resurgence of evangelicalism during the last half of the twentieth century.
Textbooks: Testing Christianity’s Truth Claims, Lewis, Moody
Intellectuals Don’t Need God and Other Modern Myths, McGrath, Zondervan
The Universe Next Door, Sire, IVPTaped Lecturer: Dr. Gordon R. Lewis
THL780 Readings in Theology (1-3 credit hours)
An in-depth pursuit of personal interest in the theological disciplines through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of your choice guided by a professor. You will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Ministry Studies
MNS550 History and Philosophy of Educational Ministries (3 credit hours)
An individual research course that explores how the Church has attempted to educate its members in faith over the last two millennia. A paradigm for analyzing other educational philosophies as well as constructing one’s own educational philosophy is developed.
Textbooks:
Philosophy and Education: An Introduction in Christian
Perspective, Knight, Andrews
Foundational Issues in Christian Education, Pazmino, Baker
A History of Christian Education, Reed & Prevost, Broadman & Holman
MNS554 Role of Women in Ministry (3 credit hours)
A study of ministry to and by women, including biblical foundations for roles of women in the home, church and society, and principles for evangelizing, discipling and counseling women. Lectures focus on the history of women’s ministriesin the US, the role of women in the New Testament, and the contemporary context for women’s ministries, with a goal to aid men and women who minister to specific women’s groups or various areas of women’s ministries.
Textbook: Reader sold with course materials
Taped Lecturer: Dr. Lucy Mabery
MNS564 Urban Mission and Ministry (3 credit hours)
A course that focuses on Christian missions and ministry in the world’s growing cities. The biblical basis for urban ministry is presented and case studies of effective urban strategies worldwide are examined. Attention is given to urban issues such as ministry to the poor and homeless, pastoring and raising a family in the city, and planting urban churches, providing key logistics, strategies, models and insights from one of today’s leading experts in urban missiology.
Textbooks: The Urban Christian, Bakke with Hart, IVP
Cities: Mission’s New Frontier, Greenway & Monsma, Baker
Theology as Bib as the City, Bakke, InterVarsity PressTaped Lecturer: Dr. Roger S. Greenway
MNS626 Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management (3 credit hours)
An examination of the biblical principles of interpersonal communication and conflict management in human relationships within the body of Christ. Attention is given to communication models, self-concept, non-verbal messages, stress and other strategies that assist the Christian leader in developing interpersonal communication skills and managing conflict acceptably and productively.
Textbooks: Caring Enough to Confront, Augsburger, Regel
Christian Caregiving, Haugk, Augsburg
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Sande, BakerTaped Lecturer: Dr. Kenneth O. Gangel and Dr. Samuel Canine
MNS785 Readings in Pastoral Ministries (1-3 credit hours)
An in-depth pursuit of personal interests in homiletics or pastoral ministry through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of your choice guided by a professor. You will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
MNS786 Readings in Educational Ministries (1-3 credit hours)
An in-depth pursuit of personal Christian education interests through the reading of educational journals, periodicals, and books and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of your choice guided by a professor. You will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
MNS787 Readings in Intercultural Ministries (1-3 credit hours)
An in-depth pursuit of personal interests in intercultural ministries through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of your choice guided by a professor. You will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Seminar Courses available by Extension
The following courses are available both in seminars and on tape. Students who have difficulty attending seminars should contact the Singapore office for information regarding the textbooks and requirements for these courses. For course descriptions, see Course Descriptions: Seminars
BIB501 Biblical Hermeneutics
Taped Lecturer: David Turner, Th.D
BIB502 Old Testament Biblical Theology
Taped Lecturer: David Kennedy, Th.M.
BIB630 Wisdom Literature
Taped Lecturer: Bruce K. Waltke, Th.D
(The taped version covers Proverbs only.)
BIB632 Isaiah
Taped Lecturer: Allen P. Ross, Ph.D
THL572 Christian Worldview
Taped Lecturer: James M. Grier, Th.D
MNS500 Spiritual Formation
Taped Lecturer: John R. Lillis, Th.D