COURSE LISTING
ABTS programs emphasize the integration of biblical, theological, and ministerial disciplines, providing students with a holistic educational experience. See the lists below to explore the many courses that ABTS offers according to academic discipline.
COURSE LISTING
ABTS programs emphasize the integration of biblical, theological, and ministerial disciplines, providing students with a holistic educational experience. See the lists below to explore the many courses that ABTS offers according to academic discipline.
Bible Courses
An introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts. This is a required course for all students.
Formats: in-person, online, extension
A study of Old Testament history and literature, with emphasis upon key theological concepts in Old Testament biblical theology. Included is an introduction to the nature and methodology of biblical theology.
Formats: in-person, online, extension
A study of the New Testament history, literature, and theology, focusing upon the theological development of the NT. Included is an introduction to the nature and methodology of biblical theology.
Formats: in-person, online
A study of the structure, cultural background, and foundational concepts in the book of Genesis.
Formats: in-person
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.
Formats: extension
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.
Formats: in-person, extension
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.
Formats: in-person, extension
An exposition of this letter in terms of its significance for biblical, pastoral, and systematic theology. Particular attention is paid to the epistolary and rhetorical constructs contained in the letter and how these mechanisms affect its interpretation.
Formats: in-person
An exposition of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus based on their nature as occasional documents. The individual theological witness of each letter is emphasized.
Formats: in-person, extension
This course is an exploration of the background and content of the epistle to the Hebrews focusing on the key interpretive issues and theological contributions of this Christian homily addressed to a marginalized community of Christ-followers who were suffering for their faith and losing sight of the hope found in the promises and accomplishments of Christ.
Formats: online, extension
A study of the role and findings of archaeology in the Ancient Near East, emphasizing the contributions of artifactual data for understanding the history and culture of both the Old and New Testament periods.
A study of the Old Testament wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job) with emphasis on the literary structure and main message of each book.
Formats: in-person, extension
An inductive, biblical and theological study of the major passages of Isaiah. The student will 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.
Formats: in-person, extension
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.
Formats: extension
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 readings of the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
This is a course centered in the professor’s interest or research specialization, allowing in-depth coverage of material otherwise not available to the student. This course will be offered on an occasional basis.
Formats: in-person, online
Theology Courses
This course introduces students to the nature, methods, expectations and values of theological education at ABTS. Orientation to ABTS’s online learning platform, degree requirements, and research methodology are emphasized to prepare students for their program of study. This introductory course is the first course required for all students.
Formats: in-person, online
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 special attention given to the development of doctrine and to Asian Christianity.
Formats: in-person, online
A history of the ancient church from Pentecost to AD 500, 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.
Formats: extension
This course traces the historic development of the Protestant Reformation from its background prior to the 16th century to its impact on the world and church of today. The lives and teachings of the leading Reformers (Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Knox) are examined in some detail, along with the course of the Reformation in various nations: Germany, England, Scotland, France, and the Netherlands. In addition, both the rise of the major Protestant Movements: Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism and Puritanism and the Roman Catholic and Remonstrance reactions are outlined.
Formats: extension
A historical and theological study of the origins and development of charismatic thought through the 20th century with emphasis given to theological backgrounds and trends in the USA. 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.
Formats: extension
This course introduces and practices systematic theology within the context of the large story of Scripture (or metanarrative) that begins with creation, is centered in Jesus’ first coming, and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth. The course also presents the doctrines of Scripture and God within the metanarrative.
Formats: in-person
This course introduces contemporary theologies by tracing the
paradigm shift that took place with the emergence of liberation
theology as the foundation for contextual theologies. It will survey
various contextual and emerging theologies to identify their main
features, assumptions, methodological issues, and relevance for
evangelical theology and ministry today.
This course surveys the history of the Christian Church from the early
church to the present, focusing on the global expansion of the
church and its expressions in various cultures and time periods.
Special attention will be given to the history of the Asian Church and
contemporary world Christianity.
A philosophical elaboration of the Christian perspective upon all of life and reality with emphasis on the metanarrative framework of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation.
Formats: in-person, extension
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.
Formats: extension
This course continues the metanarrative approach in the study of angels, humanity, our rebellion against God, our need and the great provision of salvation in the persons and work of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Formats: in-person, online
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 premillennial perspective.
Formats: in-person, online
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 the student’s choice approved by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
This is a course centered in the professor’s interest or research specialization, allowing in-depth coverage of material otherwise not available to the student. This course will be offered on an occasional basis.
Formats: in-person, online
This course is designed to expose students to various research
designs, approaches, and methods of social sciences for theological
research. It will equip students to shape their research interest to a
topic, design their research, write a research proposal, execute a
research project, and prepare them to write thesis/dissertation.
This capstone course offers students a unique opportunity to explore
the intersection of social science research methods and theology
through the lens of interdisciplinary inquiry. Students will articulate
a research problem, gather and evaluate pertinent data, develop
suitable methods for data analysis, and ultimately compose a written
thesis adhering to established academic conventions.
Ministry Courses
A survey of biblical spirituality and helpful models of its application from church history for contemporary cultural contexts.
Formats: in-person, online, extension
This course studies the biblical foundations of leadership, the classical and modern theories of leadership, the visioning, planning, implementing and managing roles of leadership, leading high performance organizations, and creating organizational value and satisfaction.
Formats: in-person, online
A study of the functions of the church from an exegetical base, with emphasis on worship, evangelism, and education in and for Asian ministry contexts.
Formats: in-person
This course traces the concept of work as it is developed throughout Scripture and explores the implications of that investigation for integrating faith in the workplace. Priority is given to a comprehensive vision of calling and ministry with practical application to Asian work contexts.
Formats: in-person, online
An applied study of Christian moral action for the Asian workplace. Biblical principles will be applied to real-world case studies with the goal of helping students maintain Christ-like integrity and witness in the workplace.
Formats: in-person
A study of the biblical basis of culture/anthropology and of historical principles of cultural engagement. Emphasis is given to understanding one’s own culture and the culture of others in order to contextualize and communicate the gospel clearly in intercultural contexts.
Formats: in-person, online
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.
Formats: in-person, extension
An exploration of the biblical principles of education, the historic traditions that formed educational theories, and the application of these principles and theories to the cultural and social milieu of the 21st century.
Formats: in-person, online, extension
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.
Formats: extension
This course provides 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 clearer understanding of truth, richer relationship with God, and more obedient action in response to His Word. The course includes a laboratory in which each student will prepare, deliver and evaluate messages.
Formats: in-person, online
This course explores the dynamics of adulthood throughout its various stages. Principles of andragogy are applied to uncover the needs and characteristics of adult learners.
Formats: in-person
This course introduces principles and models of curriculum development for faith education programs while providing opportunity for reflective practice. Educational learning theories are also introduced for the purpose of creating better informed teaching practices.
Formats: in-person, online
This is a course centered in the professor’s interest or research specialization, allowing in-depth coverage of material otherwise not available to the student. This course will be offered on an occasional basis. Check with the ABTS office in advance of the class to determine applicability to MRE concentrations.
Formats: in-person, online
A study of biblical evangelism and the biblical, historical, and modern approaches to defending the faith. Emphasis is given to proclaiming and defending the gospel message in multi-religious contexts.
Formats: in-person
This course presents the tenets of the Muslim religion and discusses the points of contact with the Muslim for the gospel. It is a practical and theological study to introduce the student to Islam and to Christian witness and ministry within the house of Islam. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the Muslim mind and sharing the Savior within it.
Formats: extension
This course will provide an overview of the diverse religious beliefs
and practices of Hinduism, with special attention given to the Hindu
scriptures, socio-political realities, and lived Hinduism. Knowledge
and skills gained in this course will prepare students for effective
evangelism and apologetics in Hindu contexts.
This course will provide an overview of the religious beliefs and
practices of the various branches of Buddhism, including the
Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions. Special attention will
be given to the Buddhist scriptures, socio-political realities, and lived
Buddhism. Knowledge and skills gained in this course will prepare
students for effective evangelism and apologetics in Buddhist
contexts.
This course seeks to introduce the student to the current landscape of Christian counseling. While introductory in nature, students will be led through the process of evaluating several prominent models of Christian counseling, recognizing the complex factors influencing human behavior, wrestling with the value and challenges of integrating scripture with secular counseling theory, and investigating how the message of the Bible speaks to specific emotional wounds and distortions.
Formats: in-person, online
This course aims at helping students to grow in their practical ability to listen and care for others. In order to best accomplish this goal, readings and lectures will be offered in tandem with regular hands-on practice opportunities. Feedback on these opportunities will be provided from the professor, student peers, as well as the student’s own self-reflections.
Formats: in-person
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 worldview relate to biblical principles, exposition, and care.
Formats: in-person, online
During this capstone course, students engage in practical application through guided reflective and reflexive praxis. Theoretical analysis culminates to personalized real life intervention involving planning, implementation, reflection, and documentation.
Formats: online
An in-depth pursuit of personal interests in counseling ministries through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
An in-depth pursuit of personal interests in the homiletics or pastoral areas through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
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 the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
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 the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
An in-depth pursuit of personal interests in marketplace ministries through the reading of related books or periodicals and the presentation of reports. The course consists of readings of the student’s choice guided by a professor. Students will contract with the professor for the required reading and reports.
Formats: extension
Counseling Courses
This course provides a history, survey, and the development of
various theoretical approaches to counseling. Through study,
interaction, and research of the diverse linear and systemic
theoretical models, students are given the opportunity to evaluate
the models and establish a personal theoretical orientation to
counseling.
The purpose of this course is to provide historical, theoretical,
conceptual, ethical, and practical foundation for counseling diverse
couples and families from a systemic perspective. Students will explore a variety of theories, including a systems approach perspective to address the needs of couples and families in counseling. Students will also learn how to engage in the family assessment process to build a treatment plan and implement therapeutic interventions to assist with promoting optimal wellness and growth with couples and families.
This course will examine the purpose of clinical assessments in
counseling and how the usage of assessments can enhance the
mental health services provided to clients. Students will become
familiar with statistical concepts as well as ascertain basic
competency in the selection, administration, scoring, interpreting,
and relaying the results generated from psychological, educational,
and vocational assessments utilized in clinical practice. Students will
gain the necessary skills to effectively utilize information gathered
through standardized and non-standardized instruments to serve as
a supportive indicator for diagnosing, intervention planning and
clinical recommendations that contribute to symptom reduction,
behavioral change, and client wellness.
This course is designed to expose students to the theories and
dynamics of group counseling. A variety of group settings and
formats will be explored. Students will learn about group formation,
therapeutic factors and effective group leadership techniques that
impact the group process. Students will gain direct experience as a
member and leader of a counseling group.
Supervised independent study for advanced students in counseling. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.
An extended supervised field experience that provides students the
opportunity to practice clinical counseling skills in an established
professional counseling setting. Students will have the opportunity
to develop competencies in interviewing, clinical assessment, case
conceptualization and documentation when working with
individuals, couples and marital, family, and/or groups. Students clinical counseling abilities will be evaluated by both self-assessment and supervisory assessment throughout the placement.
This course explores the intersection between theology, psychology,
and spirituality. Emphasis will be placed on responsible praxis,
integrating theological principles alongside modern clinical
counseling without undermining either discipline in the process.
This course will examine the neurobiological and medical etiology of mental health, co-occurring and addiction disorders and normalcy across the lifespan. Students will gain experience in making efficient diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Relevant cultural factors, differential diagnosis and evidence-based approaches will be emphasized to make appropriate diagnoses.
This course is designed to introduce students to a meaningful
exploration of human development throughout the lifespan. Core
themes from the disciplines of individual and family developmental
psychology will be emphasized with consideration to a multicultural
context. Special attention will be devoted to studying broad
theoretical perspectives about the various aspects of optimal human
development as well as factors that impede or diminish a person’s
ability to thrive and flourish.
This course aims at helping students to grow in their practical ability
to listen and care for others. In order to best accomplish this goal,
readings and lectures will be offered in tandem with regular
hands-on practice opportunities. Feedback on these opportunities
will be provided from the professor, student peers, as well as the
student’s own self-reflections.
A formal class which addresses the interests of students and faculty.
Courses may include current issues in counseling and other subjects which call for special analysis.
An extended supervised field experience that provides students the
opportunity to practice clinical counseling skills in an established
professional counseling setting. Students will have the opportunity
to develop competencies in interviewing, clinical assessment, case
conceptualization and documentation when working with
individuals, couples and marital, family, and/or groups. Students’ clinical counseling abilities will be evaluated by both self- assessment and supervisory assessment throughout the placement.
