700 Division - Practical Theology

Courses in practical theology are designed to prepare the student for the work of ministry. Instruction focuses on the personal development of the student for leadership roles within various Christian ministries.

701 Spiritual Formation 
This course introduces spiritual disciplines as a means of personal spiritual transformation. Through the study of scripture and the practice of classical spiritual disciplines, the student will come to both an intellectual and personal understanding of the means by which God transforms personal character. 2 hours

702 Biblical Philosophy of Leadership for Pastoral Ministry 
This course assists students in developing a biblical philosophy of ministry. Students are exposed to a study of the principles and dynamics of Christian leadership as found in Scripture and applied to the local church. 2 hours

703 Pastoral Ministry
This course is designed to assist the student in understanding and developing a biblical practice of pastoral ministry in the local church. 2 hours

704 Pastoral Counseling 
A course which develops a biblical theology of counseling. Students will understand the nature of men and women, how and why problems develop, and how to deal with problem resolution in appropriate and effective ways. 3 hours

705 Discipleship and Small Groups 
This course is designed to help the pastor, missionary, or Christian worker develop a personal and biblical philosophy for training others to enter into the Gospel ministry. The emphasis of the course is upon learning to reproduce biblical values, knowledge, behaviors, and skills in the life of a disciple. Spiritual reproduction and leadership multiplication is emphasized. A component of the course will consider small-group dynamics. 3 hours

706 Managing Ministries in the Local Church
This is a course dealing with practical leadership in the local church. Among the topics addressed are vision and goals, time management, policy making, leading staff and volunteers, administration of worship, evangelism, Christian education, missions, and finance, and legal and ethical issues. 3 hours

707 Theology and Philosophy of Women’s Ministry
A biblical and theological study of the role of women in the ministry of the local church. It will examine the significant contribution women have made in the church’s ministry, from the New Testament era to the present. It will also discuss the nature and place of women’s ministries in church and parachurch contexts. The student will formulate a biblically-based philosophy of ministry as a result of this course. 2 hours

708 Contemporary Strategies for Women’s Ministry
The student will be exposed to a variety of contemporary models and current programs of ministry to women. Students will study principles of team building, ministry management, techniques for planning special events, and develop strategies for implementing a ministry to women in the local church. 2 hours

709 Principles & Practice of Worship 
This course provides a broad overview of worship. The historical, theological, and artistic dimensions of worship will be explored. All will be related to the current practices in worship services of the local church. This practical course will aid in understanding worship and how to become a more effective worshipper and worship leader. 2 hours

710 Ministry Strategies and Models 
This course exposes students to the ministry strategies and models that are currently in vogue within the evangelical spectrum, surveying and evaluating the practices and methods of lively churches. 2 hours

HOMILETICAL STUDIES 

711 Philosophy and Methodology of Preaching 
This is a class designed to initiate the expository preaching skills of the student. It will focus on developing the various components of expository preaching and it will apply those concepts to actual preaching sessions. The class will be conducted in a highly interactive context, developing student analysis skills and formulating a personal philosophy of communication known as the Big Idea. Prerequisite: 203 or 303. 2 hours

712 Homiletics Laboratory I 
This course provides the student with the opportunity for preaching under encouraging supervision. Sermons are constructed according to biblical, exegetical and homiletical standards and evaluated by both the students’ peers and the professor. Special attention will be given to the development of preaching skills necessary for narrative literature. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating an oral style and a confidence to preach larger segments of Biblical literature. Prerequisite: 711. 2 hours

713 Homiletics Laboratory II 
We will study advanced communication techniques as they apply to expository preaching. Each student will enhance their preaching skills as they are guided through the development of their own individual communication style. Hymnic and Wisdom sections of Old Testament Scripture will be the literature component in applying these advanced homiletical skills. Prerequisite: 712. 2 hours

715 Preaching To Connect
The intent of this course is to examine elements that can increase the effectiveness of communication by a speaker and learn how to utilize them effectively in a public teaching/preaching ministry. The specific application of the material will be to the proclamation and teaching of the Bible. Attention will be given to methods of sermon preparation, construction of a Bible lesson, sermon or message, and the delivering of that message effectively. The course will include assigned readings, evaluation of sermons, practical exercises and an assigned preaching/teaching project.

716 Principles and Practice of Expository Communication
A course designed for students without language backgrounds to assist in formulating homiletical ideas from biblical texts with appropriate application to a given audience. Students prepare and deliver messages in class.

717 Leadership Essentials
This course will examine how divinely appointed personalities match with appropriate leadership styles.  Various models for leadership development will be examined.  Leadership situations calling for appropriating change, motivating others, delegating responsibilities, team building, and mentoring others in leadership will also be examined.  Basic Leadership skills will be introduced: strategic planning, financial oversight, productive management, effective organization, and Spiritual leadership principles. 2 hours

720 Ministry Management and Portfolio 
A capstone course designed to assist the student in preparing a professional portfolio in anticipation of ministry in a Christian setting. Students will refine previous coursework in personal ministry philosophy, theology, and practica into a polished presentation for employment and promotional considerations.

721 Ministry Internship 
This course gives the student practical experience in applying ministry courses to a ministry setting. This course is offered on a Pass/Fail basis. The course is repeatable. 2 hours

722 Spiritual Formation Seminar 
A capstone course that gives the student opportunity to reflect on and personalize the ministry calling and examine motivation, purpose, and other issues vital to one engaged in ministry. Certain standardized tests are incorporated into the course. This course is offered on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: 701; student must be in the final year of program. 1 hour

730 Issues in Women’s Counseling 
A counseling course with a specific focus on the special needs and challenges involved in counseling women. Special attention will be given to ministering to those who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, divorce, family fragmentation, single women, single parenting, and general pastoral care to women. 2 hours

732 Women’s Discipleship and Mentoring 
A study of the practice of discipleship and mentoring as it relates to women. Includes biblical investigation of discipleship patterns and practice with separate treatment of women mentoring other women in the spirit of Titus 2:4-5. Students will meet in peer groups to practice mentoring and discipleship. 2 hours

733 Women’s Ministry Elective 
Special offerings in women’s ministry under the direction of the faculty.

734 Internship in Women’s Ministry
Practical application of women’s ministry courses in a ministry setting. Students will engage in practical ministry settings with appropriate journaling and project development. Coordinated through the office of the Seminary Chaplain. 1 hour

735 Specialized Internship in Women’s Ministry
A directed research and practicum course of study related to a local church or ministry. Students may elect up to three course hours with appropriate reading, ministry responsibility and accountability, and project reporting. Coordinated through the office of the Seminary Chaplain.