Bachelor of Theology

• History of Ancient Israel

  A study of the Old Testament historical books Genesis through Joshua focusing on chronological history. The course includes summaries and introductions to the various books, questions over the text, and information about the redemptive plan of God to save the world. Students will learn the facts of the text through lecture, discussions, assigned reading, and projects.

• Life of Christ

  Semester one covers the beginnings of the gospel up through the first year of ministry. It concentrates on the birth narratives, early Judean ministry, and early Galilean ministry. Major sermons: Jesus’ deity and credentials (John 5) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Students will concentrate on learning Jesus’ primary identity and proclamation of the kingdom.

• Romans

  An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and arguments of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

• Principles of Interpretation

  A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.

• Essentials of Christian Mission and Culture

  Studies fundamental areas of missions. Surveying world needs, tracing missions throughout Scripture, and studying the overview of the many roles of mission work around the world. Students develop both a broad and biblical perspective on missions. Lecture, media, reading, and discussion.

• Principles of Discipleship and Evangelism

  This course is a critical examination of evangelism and discipleship as one continuous development of the spiritual life. Students will be given models, strategies, and biblical examples that both individuals and churches can use to help people grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The class will include lecture, discussion, case studies, and course assignments.

Bachelor of Theology Program Description and Outcomes

• Program Description

  The Bachelor of Theology degree prepares students to integrate biblical scholarship with service to God’s church. Students who complete this 5-year degree will be ready to serve as preaching or teaching ministers in local churches and to continue in graduate study toward careers in academia.

  Unique aspects of the program include three years of biblical language study (including two years of biblical Greek and one year of biblical Hebrew), specialized courses in theology, and a capstone course using original languages for biblical exegesis. Students completing a BTh will also have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a ministry major as they are completing this degree.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the Bachelor of Theology will be able to:

  1. Use knowledge of biblical languages to conduct writing and research.

  2. Exegete a biblical text in conjunction with the original context of the document.

  3. Interpret and appropriately apply biblical texts for a ministry context.

  4. Explain theological categories and their relationship to biblical texts.

  5. Describe the Ancient Near Eastern, Jewish, and Greco-Roman contexts that surround and impact the biblical text.