The following is a description of each course according to its theological category. The particular teacher and dates of each course can be found in the Course Schedule. Prerequisites are indicated where needed.
Biblical Theology
BT 311 Old Testament Survey – Pentateuch and Historical Books (2 Credit Hours)
This is the first of three Bible survey courses. It is a study of the contents of Genesis through 2 Samuel, considering the authorship, dates, purpose(s), significant persons, theology and peculiarities of each book.
BT 321 Old Testament Survey – Prophets and Writings (2 Credit Hours)
This is a continuation of the study of the Old Testament given the previous fall considering the books of I Kings through Malachi, with the exception of the five so-called poetic books, which are studied in a separate course.
BT 331 New Testament Survey (2 Credit Hours)
This is the third and final part of the survey of the Bible. The entire New Testament will be covered. A study will be made of authorship, dates, objective(s), significant persons, theology and peculiarities of each book. Students are required to read the New Testament for this course.
BT 341 New Testament Introduction (2 Credit Hours)
This course is concerned with the background and setting of the New Testament. Its recording, manuscripts, canon, transmission and various translations are studied.
BT 351 New Testament Theology (2 Credit Hours)
Consideration is given to the theology as it is presented progressively in the New Testament. Students will explore the unfolding of Christian doctrine from John the Baptist to John the Apostle. The events of the New Testament will be studied for their theological importance.
BT 361 Old Testament Theology (2 Credit Hours)
Consideration is given to theology as it is presented progressively in the Old Testament. Special attention is given to the progression of redemption in the covenant.
BT 381 Book of Colossians (1 Credit Hour)
From the English Bible a study of the book of Colossians is considered. After examining the authorship, the date of writing, purpose, problems and style, a study of the book itself will be made with an application of its truths.
BT 384 Book of Galatians ( 1 Credit Hour )
This course is a study of Galatians using the English Bible, considering the authorship, background, objective, outline, progression and literary form as well as its message for today.
BT 385 Book of Malachi (1 Credit Hour)
Using the English Bible, a study will be made of Malachi including the authorship, background, purpose, problems, style, etc.; then the teachings of the book will be applied to contemporary living.
BT 391 Hebrew Poetry ( 2 Credit Hours)
In this course a study is made of the various elements which comprise Hebrew poetry. Poetic literature of the Old Testament is studied for its poetic structure and message.
Exegetical Theology
ET 112 Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew (10 Credit Hours)
This is the basic course in Old Testament Hebrew. The text, Biblical Hebrew , by Page Kelley, will be used. After the introductory grammar is completed, students will translate from one of the Minor Prophets and learn how to make an exegetical workbook. Emphasis will be placed upon the practical use of Old Testament Hebrew in sermon preparation.
ET 123 Hebrew Exegesis (Spring) ( 3 Credit Hours)
Students who have attended the seminary during the previous fall and have completed the course in Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew must take this study course. It will consist of the student’s preparing an exegetical workbook on an Old Testament book. The student will write a translation and write an exegetical commentary on the book. The completed workbook is due during the first week of the fall semester.
ET 132 Hebrew Exegesis I (2 Credit Hours)
The prerequisite for this course is Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew or its equivalent. A detailed study based on the Hebrew text will be made of the book of Joel. Students are required to make an exegetical notebook of Joel. There will also be a study of the Hebrew vocabulary, grammar and syntax.
ET 142 Hebrew Exegesis II ( 2 Credit Hours)
This course is the same as the one by the same title given the previous year except that the book of Amos will be studied. Essentials of Old Testament Hebrew is a prerequisite.
ET 192 Hebrew Seminar (2 Credit Hours)
This semi-independent study for seniors will be conducted in conjunction with the Hebrew Exegesis course. Seniors must work on special assignments in Joel and be prepared to give oral reports on their independent research.
ET 212 Essentials of New Testament Greek ( 10 Credit Hours)
Using Ray Summers’ Essentials of New Testament Greek Revised and the teacher’s workbook, students will learn the essential elements of New Testament Greek. While covering the above text, students will also learn the essentials of Greek syntax. After this is completed, students will learn how to make an exegetical workbook based on the Greek text.
ET 223 Greek Exegesis (Spring) (3 Credit Hours)
Students who have been at school during the previous fall and have completed the course in Essentials of Old Testament Greek must take this study course. It is a study of a New Testament book. The student must describe the verbals , make a translation and write a commentary on the book. A workbook containing these must be turned in during the first week of the fall semester. Instructions on how to do this will be given during the previous fall semester.
ET 232 Greek Exegesis I (2 Credit Hours)
A prerequisite for this course is Essentials of New Testament Greek or its equivalent. There will be a detailed study of the book of Galatians based on the Greek text. Vocabulary, grammar and syntax are also studied.
ET 242 Greek Exegesis II ( 2 Credit Hours)
This course is the same as the one by the same title given the previous year except that the book of Romans will be studied. Essentials of New Testament Greek is a prerequisite.
ET 292 Greek Seminar ( 2 Credit Hours)
Seniors will do research on the book of Galatians in conjunction with the Greek Exegesis course and will be responsible to make reports on their findings.
ET 251 Exegetical Competence, M.A.E.T. Thesis (4 Credit Hours)
The Thesis Project for the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology is the final requirement for this degree. Through this four-semester hour project the student will demonstrate a competence in exegesis in either the Old or New Testament. The student may submit a proposal of his own project in an area of exegetical study that is of particular interest to him.
ET 622 Hermeneutics ( 2 Credit Hours)
Not only are the principles of Biblical interpretation studied, but examples of how they are used are explored by the students.
ET 632 Exegetical-Hermeneutical- Homiletical -Teaching Process (2 Credit Hours)
This course combines many separate subjects which are studied in seminary and puts them into a logical process resulting in a propositional sermon or Bible lesson.
Historical Theology
HT 631 Biblical Archeology (1 Credit Hour)
The study of archeology and its bearing on the Bible is enhanced by slide or video presentations of digs and explanations of the process of research and evaluation.
HT 641 Biblical Geography ( 1 Credit Hour)
The principal objective of this course is to show how a better understanding of the geographical environment in which the Bible was written and the Biblical events that took place sheds light on the interpretation of Scripture Texts.
HT 712 Church History I (2 Credit Hours)
The study of church history is divided into three courses which do not need to be taken consecutively. This course considers the history of the church from the New Testament (Acts) to the sixth century. Besides the book assignments there will be research on special topics.
HT 722 Church History II (2 Credit Hours)
The history of the church is studied from the sixth century through the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
HT 732 Church History III (2 Credit Hours)
The history of the Church is studied from the Reformation to contemporary times.
Pastoral Theology
PT 541 Church Music (1 Credit Hour)
A Biblical and historical background of church music is examined. A study is made of some outstanding hymn authors and composers. Suggestions for effective use of music in various phases of present day church work (worship services, Sunday School, evangelism, etc.) are considered.
PT 612 Homiletics ( 2 Credit Hours)
A study is made of the principles of preaching with a special emphasis on expository, propositional preaching. Topical and textual sermons will also be considered. Many of the outstanding textbooks on preaching will be read to determine what elements are essential for Biblical preaching. Tapes of well-known preachers are reviewed.
PT 811 (821, 831) Public Worship I (II, III) (1 Credit Hour)
This is a laboratory class. A weekly worship service is conducted by one of several ministers. After the service is completed there will be a critique and discussion of how the worship was led and the philosophy of worship and preaching. The purpose of this course is to give models which students may use when they prepare worship services and preach.
PT 812 (822, 832) Preaching, Teaching and Worship Seminar I (II, III) (2 Credit Hours)
During this laboratory course students will teach Bible topics and passages, conduct worship and preach, and make an application of their presentation. A critique is conducted after each session, and a feedback form is completed by all present.
PT 813 (823) Spring Ministry I and II (3 Credit Hours)
As a means of practically using the Spring Exegesis course, students must write ten lessons or sermons from their Old or New Testament Exegesis and teach or preach them to an audience of their choosing. The lesson plans and sermons are to be turned in the first week of the fall semester.
PT 841 Pastoral Duties (2 Credit Hours)
Some of the duties which are required of a pastor are discussed and practiced, i . e., communion, weddings, funerals, baptisms, church promotion, public relations, filing systems, church bulletins, ecclesiastical relations, youth work, official boards, innovative services and outreach.
PT 851 Pastoral Counseling (1 Credit Hour)
This is an introductory course in pastoral counseling. Different philosophies and methods of counseling will be studied and evaluated in the light of Biblical principles. Students will also role play various counseling situations.
PT 852 Biblical Conflict Resolution (1 Credit Hour)
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills of a Biblical systematic theology of confict resolution that can be immediately employed in a practical manner in the local church.
PT 861 Missions ( 1 Credit Hour)
The purpose, philosophy, methods, history and geographical points of missions will be considered. Usually a veteran missionary who is in the United States will be the teacher of this course.
PT 871 Church Evangelism (1 Credit Hour)
This is a study of the Biblical teachings on evangelism and the various methods which are used today. Students will be encouraged to examine what they have done and plan to do in the area of evangelism.
PT 881 Church Leadership (1 Credit Hour)
How to lead church meetings, follow parliamentary procedures, and use The Book of Church Order are skills covered in this course.
Systematic Theology
ST 412 Doctrine of Biblical Inspiration ( 1 Credit Hours)
An exposition of the doctrine of the Scriptures with special attention given to the matter of Biblical inerrancy.
ST 413 Doctrine of God ( 1 Credit Hours)
This course will study the doctrine of God with reagard to His nature, existence, attributes, decrees, creation and providence.
ST 421 Doctrine of Man (1 Credit Hour)
A study of the doctrine of man: his origin as a covenant creature and covenant breaker, need of salvation, redemptive state and glorification.
ST 431 Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit ( 2 Credit Hours)
An examination of the doctrine of Christ: His nature, states of humiliation and exaltation, three offices and atonement. This course will also consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity who applies the redemption purchased by Christ.
ST 441 Doctrine of Salvation (1 Credit Hour)
A study of the doctrine of salvation, dealing with calling, election, regeneration, justification and sanctification.
ST 452 Doctrines of the Sacraments (1 Credit Hour)
An exposition of the doctrine of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The study of the sacraments will explore the biblical and historical teachings of the meaning, means and recipients of the sacraments.
ST 453 Doctrine of the Church (1 Credit Hour) A study of the Biblical teachings of ecclesiology, the Church, visible and invisible, its power, purpose, offices and ministry.
ST 461 Doctrine of Eschatology (1 Credit Hour)
This is an examination of the doctrine of Last Things. Special attention is given to contrasting views of the millennium.
ST 471 Biblical Ethics ( 2 Credit Hours)
Such a study presents the Christian view of value, virtue and obligation, with some investigation of secular theories. Areas explored include the development of behavioral norms. Biblical principles are applied to various contemporary situations for practical discussion to aid students in ethical decision-making.
ST 611 Apologetics (2 Credit Hours)
This is an introduction to Christian Apologetics, a defense of the Christian faith to the world. There is also an examination of the apologetic principles of the New Testament, the early Church Apologists, and early Church Fathers. A survey is made of Apologetics in church history and of contemporary issues in this field.
ST 614 Comparative Biblical Theologies ( 1 Credit Hour)
This study will compare the differences between various biblical issues and theological approaches. Covenant theology, dispensationalism, views of creation and the charismatic movement will be examined biblically.
FULL AND PART-TIME STUDENTS
A student may start at the beginning of a Summer or Fall semester and continue for three years to complete the cycle of courses needed for graduation with a Master of Divinity or Diploma. A minimum of three semesters are required for the Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology degree. A student may come as a part-time student for whatever courses desired during the Summer or Fall semesters. If a part-time student decides to become a full-time student, it should be understood that it will probably take three years from the time he begins a full program to complete the program for graduation. The student is not required to repeat classes previously completed; however, due to the structure and schedule of the curriculum, it is unlikely a student would be able to complete all the requirements for graduation in less than three years.
Attendance
Christian maturity and stewardship require responsibility to attend class regularly, participate in class discussion and complete course requirements. Class attendance is expected. Arrangements for absence from class due to illness or other emergencies should be made directly with the instructor. A student who is absent for 2/13ths or more of a course without permission of the Director or Core Faculty will be automatically dropped from the course. A student who is absent without permission for 2/13ths or more from half or more of the semester hours of the courses being taken will be disenrolled from the seminary. A student who is absent up to 4/13ths of a course with the permission of the Core Faculty may make up work that is missed. Such work must be completed within the semester of the absences. A student may be given permission for absences up to 4/13ths of a course for their own sickness or serious illness or death in their immediate family. If a student must be absent for more than 4/13ths of a class, even with permission, the course must be dropped and an “Incomplete” received as a grade. An unexcused absence is considered as absenting oneself without prior permission, regardless of the cause of absence, unless a student is physically unable to communicate with the School. Three tardies are equivalent to one absence. The individual student is responsible to obtain any material missed due to his absence or lateness to class.
Class Standing & Grading
There are three classes of full-time seminary students: Junior (first year), Middler (second year) and Senior (third year). An entering full-time student is a Junior. Upon completion of 34 semester hours with a grade average of “C” or above, a student becomes a Middler . After having completed 70 semester hours with a grade average of “C” or above, the student becomes a Senior.
Percentile and letter grade equivalents:
A: 100 – 92, B: 91 – 82, C: 81 – 74, D: 73 – 66, F: 65 or below, CR: Credit, NC: No Credit, I: Incomplete Note: A plus after a letter grade indicates the highest two percentiles of that grade, and a minus indicates the lowest two percentiles. At the discretion of the teacher, pluses and minuses are not required. During a student’s first year a “C” average or above must be maintained. During the second and third years a student’s average must continue to be “C” or above for each semester in order to graduate. The Core Faculty, with the student present, shall consider any student’s grades or progress which is thought to be unsatisfactory. If the Core Faculty so deems, a student whose grades or progress is unsatisfactory may be placed on probation for one semester. A student dismissed for unsatisfactory grades or progress may be readmitted after an absence of one year or more. A transfer student may have courses accepted by this institution which are equivalent to courses offered by this School and for which a “C” or above was earned. The instructor will give grades for each course to each student at the conclusion of that course. In order for students to graduate from the regular three-year curriculum, they must complete all the courses in the regular curriculum, with a total of 105 semester hours.
Dropping Courses
A course may be dropped until it is 1/3 completed without appearing on one’s transcript. After 1/3 of it is completed, if the student drops a course, an “Incomplete” will appear on his transcript. If a student drops a course without administrative approval after 1/2 of the course is completed, it will appear on the transcript as an “F.” Students who drop a course will receive a refund for whatever percentage of the course time remains.