Course Descriptions: Seminar Courses
Biblical Studies
BIB501 Biblical Hermeneutics (3 credit hours)
An introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts. The course includes lecture, discussion and individual research.
This is a required course for all students and is available on tape as well as in seminar format. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
BIB502 Old Testament Biblical Theology (3 credit hours)
A study of Old Testament history, literature and theology with emphasis upon the historical development of key concepts of Old Testament biblical theology. This course is also available on tape. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
BIB503 New Testament Biblical Theology (3 credit hours)
A study of the leading themes of the New Testament as these themes correlate into a New Testament biblical theology.
BIB520 Genesis (3 credit hours)
Analysis of the English text in terms of the historicity, theology, cultural background, and significance of this book of beginnings.
BIB524 Daniel (3 credit hours)
An analysis of the English text of Daniel, its structure and message, and its contributions to Old Testament biblical theology, especially eschatology.
BIB550 Matthew (3 credit hours)
An exposition of this gospel with emphasis on its themes of Christology, Kingdom and Church.
BIB554 Romans (3 credit hours)
An exposition of this letter in terms of its significance for biblical and systematic theology.
BIB559 Revelation (3 credit hours)
An exposition of the Apocalypse in view of genre, history of interpretation, structure and theological significance. its historical setting, genre, history of interpretation, structure, and theological significance.
BIB600 Biblical Archaeology (3 credit hours)
A study of archaeological methods and an investigation of archaeological excavations in the Near East, emphasizing the contributions of artifactual data for understanding the history and culture of both the Old and New Testament periods.
BIB627 Ephesians (3 credit hours)
A study of the structure and content of the Epistle, integrating the teachings of Ephesians with life and ministry in Asia.
BIB630 Wisdom Literature (3 credit hours)
A study of the Old Testament wisdom literature, with comparisons and contrasts with other ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Course emphasizes student papers, class presentations, and interaction.
A taped course covering the book of Proverbs is available under this course title. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
BIB632 Isaiah (3 credit hours)
An inductive, biblical and theological study of the major passages of Isaiah. The student developswill develop an understanding of the prophet’s historical message and its futuristic aspect. The result is a compilation of the major themes of the book and their importance to the redemptive program of God. This course is also available on tape. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
BIB655 Johannine Theology (3 credit hours)
A study of the Johannine theology in its unique character.
Theological Studies
THL510 Historical Theology Survey (3 credit hours)
An introductory survey of the history of the church from the time of the Fathers to the modern day. This course highlights the most significant events, councils, persons and writings with spcial attention given to the development of doctrine and to Asian Christianity.
THL540 Systematic Theology I (3 credit hours)
This course introduces and practices systematic theology within the context of the large Story of Scripture that begins with creation, is centered in Jesus' first coming, and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth. We call this Story the Metanarrative which aids understanding of the histories of Scripture. The course also presents the doctrines of Scripture and God within the Metanarrative.
This is a required course for all students.
THL572 Christian Worldview (3 credit hours)
A philosophical elaboration of the Christian perspective upon all of life and reality with emphasis on the metanarrative framework of creation, fall, redemption and the new creation. This course is also available on tape. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
THL640 Systematic Theology II (3 credit hours)
This course continues the metanarrative approach in the study of the human race, its rebellion against God, its need and the great provision of salvation in the person and work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
THL641 Systematic Theology III (3 credit hours)
This course presents the eschatological people of God (the Church), our salvation, and the consummation of all things in the second coming of Jesus Christ, His Kingdom, and the new creation. These promises of God are presented within the context of the Metanarrative and from a pretribulational and premillenial perspective.
Ministry Studies
MNS500 Spiritual Formation (3 credit hours)
An investigation into the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relationship to faith and practice within contemporary cultural contexts. This course is also available on tape. Students who have difficulty attending residence seminars may enroll by extension.
MNS510 Organizational Leadership (3 credit hours)
This course presents the biblical foundation for leadership, studies its historical foundations and analyzes the administrative processes vital to ministry. In-class exercises use skills necessary to apply biblical truth to cultural settings.
MNS511 Theology of Church Ministry (3 credit hours)
A study of the functions of the church from an exegetical base, with emphasis on worship, evangelism, and education.
MNS534 Evangelism/Discipleship Ministries (3 credit hours)
A study of the New Testament principles and contemporary methods for evangelism and discipleship ministries in the context of church planting and church growth.
MNS536 Dynamics of Church Growth (3 credit hours)
A study of the theology, theory and practice of world-wide church growth applied to the planting and growing of New Testament local churches. Biblical, sociological and anthropological principles are explored to help the student develop a culturally sensitive model for effectiveness in local and global contexts.
MNS551 Theology and Culture (3 credit hours)
A study of the biblical basis of culture and of anthropological principles, leading to more effective communication in cross-cultural settings.
MNS563 History and Philosophy of Christian Missions (3 credit hours)
A study of the missions movement during the 19th and 20th centuries.
MNS621 Theological Issues in Asian Ministry (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to help students deal with current theological and biblical issues they face in their ministries in the light of Scripture.
MNS622 Theological Foundations of Education (3 credit hours)
An exploration of the biblical principles of education, the historic traditions that formed education in Asia, and the application of these foundations to the cultural and social milieu of the 21st century.
MNS636 Homiletics (3 credit hours)
An introduction to homiletics with attention to the philosophy and priority of preaching, skills in hermeneutical organization of sermons, and principles of delivery. Emphasis is given to exegetical expository preaching in a pulpit ministry designed to communicate for decisions in obedient response to the Word of God. The course will include a laboratory allowing each student the opportunity to prepare, deliver and evaluate messages.
MNS643 Adult Education (3 credit hours)
The dynamics of adulthood throughout its various stages is studied. Principles of andragogy are applied to the total program with special focus on the needs, characteristics and problems of adult learners. In-class exercises are used to practice the andragogical method.
MNS644 Curriculum and Teaching (3 credit hours)
This course focuses on a complete and systematic process of developing a Christian education curriculum program for a local church. The course begins with a practical framework for developing a church ministry philosophy. On that basis, the student is led through the process of designing a comprehensive teaching program for the church. The last half of the course equips students to develop life-empacting Bible lessons for all age groups and to teach them effectively and creatively.
MNS670 World Religions (3 credit hours)
An introduction to the history, significance, beliefs and practices of religions with special emphasis on the dominant religion(s) of the country in which the course is being taught. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the integration of other faith systems from an evangelical perspective.
MNS681 Pastoral Care (3 credit hours)
A study of the biblical concept of pastoral care and the varied responsibilities involved in caring for people in both individual and group settings, developed with an awareness of how cultural identity and preunderstanding relate to biblical principles, exposition and care.
