Course Descriptions

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Master of Arts

BIB5000Q Foundational Principles of Bible Survey (3)
This course is designed to introduce the student to a survey of the flow and the content of the beliefs, traditions and history of the Hebrew People as seen in the Old Testament literature and of Christians as seen in the New Testament literature. For certain students, the course is a Prerequisite for the Master of Arts degree BIB5000. For others, the course is an M.A. elective BIB5300.

BIB5010 Principles in Theology and Hermeneutics (3)
The theology component of this course will involve an introduction to covenant as a biblical paradigm, and its expression in a life of servant leadership. The hermeneutical component will study the critical place of presuppositions in determining interpretation of a biblical text, special problems in interpreting the text, problems in contextualization and re-contextualization. Taken in preparation for degree applicable coursework.

BIB5310 Covenant Theology and Hermeneutics (3)
The theology component of this course explores covenant as a biblical paradigm, and its expression in a life of servant leadership. The hermeneutical component provides an advanced study of the critical place of presuppositions in interpreting a biblical text, special problems in interpreting the text, problems in contextualization and re-contextualization.

BIB6120 Dynamics of Christian Community and Ministry (3)
This course analyzes the nature of the Kingdom of God; biblical and contemporary images of the church and their impact on "community;" the priesthood of all believers; foundations for servant leadership; love and grace as a foundation for the Kingdom community; and the dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in kingdom communities.

BIB6440 Matthew: The Kingdom Among Us (3)
Students explore the purpose, structure, content, theological claims, and enduring significance of Matthew's Gospel. Special attention is given to Matthew's presentation of Jesus' origin and identity, the nature and content of his Kingdom proclamation, and the facts and significance of his crucifixion and resurrection.

CDY5220 Principles of Servant Leadership (3)
This course will guide students through a process of discovering the factors contributing to their current leadership styles. Students will be encouraged to make shifts and improvements apropos to servant leadership. This will be done within the context of biblical teaching, management science and the demands upon leadership in current churches and non-profit organizations.

CDY5420 Preaching That Connects (3)
Students explore the facets of effective preaching, giving special attention to sermon styles, structure, and content for reaching a postmodern generation. The course also examines the physical elements of delivery and the skills of story-telling. It resources the student with contemporary illustrations and teaches how to bridge the world of the Bible and the contemporary world.

CDY5710 Building Effective Teams (3)
This course looks at the dynamics of teams - especially as they relate to the Church. It explores the distinctions between voluntary teams and paid staff teams, and proposes ways in which team building and team-leading can be done effectively in various contexts. The course also addresses the dynamics of vision-casting and DNA-building within teams to enhance effectiveness.

CDY5999 Seminar Credit (1-3)
This course code is reserved for students who will be converting seminar work into graduate credit for their Master of Arts degree.

CDY6800 Ministry Practicum (3)
The practicum is designed to give the student practical experience in the assessing of educational and programming needs in the local church, the establishing of goals and the selection of the most appropriate strategies to reach the desired goals.

ECC5460 21st Century Ecclesiology (3)
Students explore biblical teaching concerning the Church, along with its implications for the 21st century western world.

ECC5600 World Impact: Foundations for Christian Mission (1)
This course focuses on the theme of mission providing students with an understanding of its biblical roots. The biblical concept of shalom is a key element in the study of mission in this course. Special attention is given to ministry to the poor in the urban setting.

ECC5601 World Impact: Doing Justice & Loving Mercy (1)
This course examines a Kingdom lifestyle and witness that includes demonstrating mercy and justice in the Body of Christ and in the world, particularly the inner city.

ECC5602 World Impact: Evangelism & Spiritual Warfare (1)
This course focuses on inner-city evangelism as the proclamation of God's incarnation in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. It explores the ramifications of this incarnation in terms of deliverance from the devil and the effects of sin, with special attention to the inner-city context.

ECC5603 World Impact: Focus on Reproduction (1)
This course focuses on how to advance the Kingdom of Christ by evangelizing, equipping, and empowering people who will be salt and light in inner-city communities where they live and work. Emphasis is given to multiplying ministry in the urban context.

ECC6800 Practicum (6)
This course is designed to provide students with an experience that integrates academic study with practical experience in an urban setting. We seek to provide the opportunity for students to develop leadership and service skills through supervision and evaluation in an urban context.

ICS5102 - Management Communication and Conflict Resolution (3)
Communication as a component of the leadership function in management requires managers to explore the basic and contemporary principles and processes of communication that achieve clarity between various persons, cultures and backgrounds. This course is designed to relate these principles and processes to managerial communication and conflict resolution in support of the pursuit of organizational mission, goals and objectives.

ICS5125Q Understanding Worldview (3 units)
This course examines the process by which the foundation of cultural knowledge - worldview - is formed. It focuses on how cultural knowledge inter-relates with beliefs, assumptions and allegiances, habitually forming both inward and outward behavior of a cultural group. It also gives attention to change dynamics in relation to the Gospel, including power, truth and allegiance encounters in cultures that are opening up to receive the Gospel.

ICS5200Q Contextualization (3 units)
This course explores methods for contextualizing the Gospel and Christian beliefs in cross-cultural settings. It focuses on how we can apply God’s Word with sensitivity to the cultural expression and perception system. It also gives attention to strategizing contextually for church planting and development of the Christian movement.

ICS5520Q Mission Theology (3 units)
This course provides a biblical and theological framework - grounded in a missiological approach to Scripture and human history - to address a broad range of issues in connection with cross-cultural ministry and missiology. It explores mission as the central component of all theology and Christian praxis.

ICS6130Q Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally (3 units)
This course provides the student with the principles and processes needed to successfully communicate the Gospel across cultural boundaries. This course focuses on skills for intercultural relationships and the significance of the incarnational model Jesus presented to the world.

ICS6350Q Cultural Anthropology for Ministry (3 units)
This course focuses on the integration and application of anthropological and sociological insights in Christian ministry across cultures. Special attention is given to the fundamentals of culture theory and the differences in structure and organization from society to society. It is designed to give the student tools to analyze and interpret their context in order to successfully minister in diversity.

MIN5100 Ministry Block I (6-9)
In Ministry Block I, students choose five Tracks from those listed below. Each Block represents balanced coursework in the areas of biblical studies, professional studies, and personal development.

MIN5101 Biblical & Historical Christology (0)
This Track guides the student to a deeper understanding of biblical and historical Christology. It explores the Christological titles and themes found in Scripture and gives attention to the Christological debates addressed in the early Councils of the Church.

MIN5102 Systematic Theology for Worship (0)
This Track lays a systematic biblical foundation for understanding worship. It examines the biblical teachings on worship in the context of understanding the fallenness of man, the redemptive plan of God through Christ, the institution of the Church, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

MIN5103 Major World Religions (0)
This Track examines the primary tenets of the world's major religions. It gives attention to the classical teachings of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism as well as their "folk" expressions and social implications. Special attention is paid to the possible areas where a Christian could most readily dialogue with someone of the other faith.

MIN5104 The Holy Spirit - Biblical Perspectives (0)
This Track investigates the biblical teaching concerning the Holy Spirit, with particular attention to the gifts and fruit of the Spirit and His empowerment for ministry and leadership. It also addresses the New Testament exhortation to "walk by the Spirit" and its application to today.

MIN5105 The Person, Leader, and Experience of Worship (0)
This Track examines the importance of the worship life of the worship leader, the distinctions between talent and anointing, the worship leader as a teacher, and the worship leader's role as a mediator.

MIN5106 Christians & Social Justice (0)
This Track examines the biblical basis for Christian social action and gives specific attention to the contemporary social issues of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and homelessness. It also analyzes and critiques various Christian responses to these issues, and helps students think strategically about how to lead their communities to greater action.

MIN5107 Vision Catching and Casting (0)
This Track examines the role and significance of vision within the Church, the dynamics of developing and defining a vision in leadership, how to successfully cast that vision to a group of people, and keys to sustaining a vision.

MIN5108 Voice & Instruments in Worship (0)
This Track prepares worship leaders to be more effective in leading vocal groups and instrumental groups in the life of the church. It analyzes the dynamics of building strong ministries in these areas, in terms of organizational skills, philosophy of ministry, and practical issues.

MIN5109 Understanding and Responding to Worldview (0)
This Track studies the factors that contribute to the formation of a worldview and the implications of worldview for mission. It also proposes ways in which we can appropriately respond to different worldviews in contextually appropriate and meaningful ways.

MIN5110 Management Skills & Organizational Life (0)
This Track analyzes ways to increase the effectiveness of organizational life. It examines organizational dynamics and management skills with both paid staff and volunteers. It also explores various models for Boards in the life of the local church and how these models affect pastoral staff.

MIN5111 Platform Leadership & the Culture of Worship (0)
This Track addresses the worship leader and examines such issues as stage presence, verbal transitions, vocal transitions, vocal leadership, band interaction, and congregational engagement that help create an environment where people feel grounded, confident, and free. The Track also explores the larger issue of creating a "culture of worship."

MIN5112 Cross-Cultural Communication (0)
This Track explores the major principles of communicating across cultural boundaries. It focuses specifically on ethnocentrism, verbal and nonverbal communication in culture, and the significance of both formal and informal communication styles.

MIN5113 Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout (0)
This Track provides students with a variety of methods and concepts for managing the stresses inherent in ministry, in order to avoid becoming burned out from job stress. The Track will explore the overall experience of stress on human functioning and variables which can impact the effect of ministry stress. It will provide suggestions for healthy stress management in ministry setting. In addition, the Track will look specifically at the experience of burn out and depression in ministry.

MIN5114 Spiritual Formation of the Emerging Leader (0)
This Track looks specifically at the spirituality of the postmodern generation and explores the legitimacy of various sacred pathways to a deeper experience of God, including the naturalist, sensate, ascetic, activist, enthusiast, contemplative, and intellectual modes.

MIN5115 Classics Curriculum - I (0)
This Track creates space for students to explore themes related to their own spiritual formation, ministry, and personal relationships that emerge from Eugene Peterson's Contemplative Pastor and Thomas Kelly's A Testament of Devotion. The Track functions as a tutorial. Students read the books before the Block and come prepared to discuss the content in depth.

MIN5200 Ministry Block II (6-9)
In Ministry Block II, students choose five Tracks from those listed below. Each Block represents balanced coursework in the areas of biblical studies, professional studies, and personal development.

MIN5201 History of Hermeneutics (0)
This Track exposes the student to the hermeneutical methods of the apostles, the pre-Reformation Church, and the Reformation Church. Students examine and assess the validity of various historical methods that have had a lasting impact on the Church.

MIN5202 Worship & the Mission of the Church (0)
This Track provides a theological foundation for the premise that worship and mission function collaboratively. It guides the student to a different paradigm of worship, namely, worship as evangelistic tool. The Track examines practical ways in which this might be applied effectively.

MIN5203 The Nature, Structure, and Sacraments of the Church (0)
This Track studies biblical teaching concerning the nature (institutional and communal) and structure (hierarchical and egalitarian) of the church. It examines Biblical images of the church that shape our churches today and explores the biblical teaching concerning the sacraments of Lord's Supper and Christian baptism and their role as grace-agents.

MIN5204 Exegetical Method & Biblical Tools (0)
This Track focuses on the nature of exegesis and a proposed Seven- Step Exegetical Method for the English Bible. It guides students in a systematic approach to accurately interpreting Scripture.

MIN5205 Biblical Places, Lives, and Means of Worship (0)
This Track provides an analysis of key places (sites, locations, buildings), lives (individuals of faith), and means of worship in the Bible. It examines both OT and NT material and uses the analysis to draw conclusions about worship for the contemporary world and Church.

MIN5206 Applied Cultural Anthropology (0)
This Track applies anthropological and sociological insights to ministry in diverse cultural settings, with special attention to congregational contexts. It examines the foundations of cultural perceptions in social and religious contexts.

MIN5207 The Metaphors & Trends of Postmodernism (0)
This Track examines the major metaphors and trends of postmodernism and how these impact the local (emerging) church and shape future ministry. It grapples with the strengths and challenges of postmodernism for ministry.

MIN5208 Leading Small Groups Effectively (0)
This Track guides students to a deeper understanding of the value of the small group in the life of every church. It also provides tools and models for leading small groups more effectively. It builds a biblical and sociological foundation for small group ministry and trains students with the small group leadership skills of listening and facilitating.

MIN5209 Strategies for Mission & Global Evangelization (0)
This Track examines various strategies and models for mission and global evangelization in the 21st century. It gives attention to research, strategic planning, targeting of evangelism, and case studies.

MIN5210 Principles of Public Speaking (0)
This Track examines the foundational principles for effective public speaking in a variety of contexts. It includes basic communication theory and explores analysis of audience and occasion, determination of the speaking "style" and the mechanics and dynamics of actual presentation.

MIN5211 Dance & Drama in Worship (0)
This Track examines how to form and lead dance and drama teams. It proposes foundational principles to guide a dance ministry and looks at the process of acting, directing, and script writing for effective drama. It provides tools for the creative development of these crafts and shows how these artistic expressions can complement the mission of the Church.

MIN5212 Cross-Cultural Leadership (0)
This Track recognizes the challenges of leadership across cultural boundaries, both locally and internationally. It examines leadership theories for cultural relevance and biblical compatibility, as well as for applicability to mission contexts in general.

MIN5213 Handling Personal Temptations (0)
This Track helps students identify specific areas of vulnerability that could surface while involved in ministry. Students are guided to understand how the vulnerability develops, and what mechanisms have helped and hurt them in coping with it. Students form strategies for more effective protection and coping.

MIN5214 Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer and Scripture (0)
This Track explores the spiritual disciplines of prayer and scripture as means by which the student might grow spiritually and deepen their intimacy with the Father. Students are guided into practical exercises and develop achievable strategies for lifelong disciplines.

MIN5215 The Cycle of Spiritual Formation (0)
This Track guides the student to a deeper understanding of themselves by examining the typical stages of psycho-spiritual formation in people, and also grappling with the smaller cycles of spiritual formation that we all experience - cycles that include dryness and richness.

MIN6100 Ministry Block III (6-9)
In Ministry Block III, students choose five Tracks from those listed below. Each Block represents balanced coursework in the areas of biblical studies, professional studies, and personal development.

MIN6101 Understanding Pauline Theology (0)
This Track analyzes the structure and centerpiece of Paul's theology. It examines the foundational role of pistis ("faith") in the teaching of Paul and provides an analysis of Paul's understanding of "righteousness."

MIN6102 History & Liturgy of Worship (0)
This Track analyzes the history of worship as a means to better understand contemporary trends. It explores the development of corporate worship throughout church history (both eastern and western church) to enlarge the vision of the student for what might be meaningful today.

MIN6103 Servant Leadership in a Priesthood of All Believers (0)
This Track examines the principles of servant leadership and the significance of being a priesthood of all believers. The Track explores the implications of these principles for hierarchical leadership structures, the role of power and authority in the Christian community, the role of women in the Church, and other contemporary ministry applications.

MIN6104 Exegetical Analysis of Romans (0)
This Track is a systematic exegesis of Paul's epistle to the Romans and includes some topical studies. Students receive a clear understanding of the occasion, purpose, and outline of the epistle. The Track also devotes time to in-depth analysis of Paul's gospel message.

MIN6105 John's Gospel: Themes & Applications (0)
This Track is an exegetical analysis of John's Gospel from a thematic approach. It examines the philosophical and theological backgrounds to the Gospel and explores many of the subtle nuances of this non-synoptic Gospel. The Track makes application to life and ministry.

MIN6106 Theology of Mission (Missio Dei) (0)
This Track provides a coherent biblical foundation for mission and ministry, examining the foundational biblical theme of "sent." It looks at the Old and New Testament teaching on God's mission (Missio Dei) and how Christians might present the eternal message of salvation and plant churches in an ever-changing environment.

MIN6107 Building Effective Teams (0)
This Track explores some of the keys to team playing and team building. It examines the dynamics of healthy and dysfunctional teams and focuses on various ways to "enable" and "release" people in both paid staff teams and voluntary teams.

MIN6108 Worship Programming (0)
This Track analyzes the dynamics of creating a strong corporate worship experience. It explores how to program the event from earliest preparation to final production. It provides creative ideas for programming and discusses means for assessing the corporate worship experience.

MIN6109 Prayer Evangelism (0)
This Track provides a theological foundation for the prayer evangelism movement. It also examines the parallel movement of marketplace ministry and explores ways in which prayer evangelism might be appropriately implemented in the local church or parachurch context.

MIN6110 Leadership Styles & Principles (0)
This Track analyzes Daniel Goleman's six key leadership styles and guides the student to accurate self-assessment and strategic modifications. The Track also examines a range of key leadership principles relevant to every level of leadership. It explores how to transfer major principles into various ministry settings, regardless of size or focus.

MIN6111 Media in Culture & the Church (0)
This Track gives students insights into the power of media, and ways in which we might creatively harness various media for more effective media in the church. It studies the impact of media in both culture and the church and suggests ways we might enhance its impact for ministry.

MIN6112 Effective Urban Ministry in Multi-Cultural Contexts (0)
This Track provides a biblical basis for urban ministry by addressing God's love for the city. It addresses cross-cultural urban church planting and deals with the special urban challenges of drug use, gang affiliation, homelessness and poverty. The Track analyzes these special populations and how best to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

MIN6113 Heritage & Leadership (0)
This Track looks at the impact of our heritage and past experiences in shaping our leadership responses and styles today. It examines "attachment models," looks at "driven needs" and explores past dysfunctional experiences, as students learn to better evaluate their own pasts and the past's present influence on their lives.

MIN6114 Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting & Simplicity (0)
This Track explores fasting and simplicity as means by which the student might grow spiritually and deepen their intimacy with the Father. Students are guided into practical exercises and develop achievable strategies for lifelong disciplines.

MIN6115 Classics Curriculum - II (0)
This Track creates space for students to explore themes related to their own spiritual formation, ministry, and personal relationships that emerge from David Benner's Surrender to Love and Henri Nouwen's Reaching Out. The Track functions as a tutorial. Students read the books before the Block and come prepared to discuss the content in depth.

MIN6200 Ministry Block IV (6-9)
In Ministry Block IV, students choose five Tracks from those listed below. Each Block represents balanced coursework in the areas of biblical studies, professional studies, and personal development.

MIN6201 Biblical Ethics & Contemporary Issues - I (0)
This Track provides a biblical and theological framework for Christian ethics. How then should we live? Students explore the tensions of absolutes and relativism, and the biblical principles that undergird contemporary decision-making in a complex environment.

MIN6202 History & Theology of Art (0)
This Track provides both an historical and theological approach to art. Given the church's long history in the arts - particularly music, painting, sculpture, and iconography - this Track explores the relevance of the arts for today and ways in which the church might initiate a renaissance.

MIN6203 Syncretism and Power Encounters in Culture (0)
This Track examines the impact of syncretism in both biblical and contemporary cultures, and studies how "power encounters" function in biblical literature and their possible role in our contemporary world.

MIN6204 Biblical Ethics & Contemporary Issues - II (0)
This Track explores several specific contemporary issues, applying the principles studied in MIN6201. Topics may include homosexuality, just war, abortion, euthanasia, gambling, and multiculturalism. Topics will be finalized in consultation with the class before the Track is presented.

MIN6205 Story of Scripture & the Intertestamental Period (0)
This Track provides an extensive overview of Scripture and its metanarrative. It also introduces students to the history and literature of the intertestamental period and examines how that period impacted the formation of the early Church and New Testament documents.

MIN6206 Theologizing in Cross-Cultural Contexts (0)
This Track introduces students to the skills of doing theology in intercultural contexts, based on the culture's values, assumptions, and preconceptions. It also examines how to assess biblical motifs, metaphors, parables, stories, and truths in light of contemporary cultural sensitivities.

MIN6207 Church Growth & Health (0)
This Track discusses how churches grow through very identifiable stages and hit very regular barriers. These are strongly sociological. This Track examines the features of each stage, identifies the limitations, and proposes ways in which to push through to the next stage.

MIN6208 Worship Ministry Development (0)
This Track provides an holistic analysis of worship ministry. It explores foundational elements such as a philosophy of worship ministry, vision statement for worship, building a worship and creative arts team, introducing change, and incarnational worship ministry.

MIN6209 Communication Theory & Written Communication (0)
This Track introduces the student to communication theory and analyzes communication dynamics in individual and group settings. It acquaints the student with basic communication concepts, the differences between speaking and writing, and principles that can substantially strengthen written communication.

MIN6210 Conflict Management in Ministry (0)
This Track examines the factors that produce conflict, the dynamics of conflict, and ways in which conflict can be appropriately managed, especially in the environment of the church. It includes an exploration of such matters as clashing expectations, incompatible visions, and conflicting values.

MIN6211 Technical Production & Visual Arts in Worship (0)
This Track discusses forming and leading technical and visual arts teams. It explores how to train and empower teams, the role of sound, lighting and visual arts in worship gatherings, technical issues to keep in mind when programming a worship experience, communicating with the tech team as worship leaders, and programming the inclusion of visual arts in the worship experience.

MIN6212 Cultural Exegesis (0)
This Track provides specific methods and tools for discovering the cultural context and the cultural elements that form the lifestyles of people. It examines the process of cultural analysis, to facilitate Christian witness and the building of cross-cultural relationships.

MIN6213 Balancing Marriage, Family, & Ministry (0)
This Track explores the principles of setting boundaries. It helps the student develop a realistic perspective of ministry, marriage, and family. The Track also focuses on skills for maintaining a mutually meaningful marriage, and guides the student to identify areas of weakness and develop strategies for strengthening.

MIN6214 Spiritual Disciplines: Silence & Solitude (0)
This Track explores the spiritual disciplines of solitude and silence as means by which the student might grow spiritually and deepen their intimacy with the Father. Students are guided into practical exercises and develop achievable strategies for lifelong disciplines.

MIN6215 Hearing God (0)
This Track explores the theme of hearing God. In the midst of life's busyness and noisiness, how can we grow in our own ability to hear God in our lives? What can we learn from Scripture and the experience of God's people throughout history? How can we develop a conversational relationship with God?

THE5450 Lectio Divina: Reading in the Classics (3)
Guides the student through selected readings in the area of Christian spirituality (not systematic or historical theology) from the 2nd to the 20th centuries with both an analytical and attentive (lectio divina) style of reading. It examines some strategic texts from each of the five major streams of Christian spirituality - contemplation (prayer); holiness (virtue); charismatic (Spirit); social justice (compassion); and evangelical (Word) - which serve as a foundation for personal spiritual formation.

THE3600/THE5600 Reasons Institute: Creation vs. Evolution (3)
This course covers the following major areas of study: (1) scientific and biblical data about the origin of the universe, (2) astronomical discoveries that the earth was designed for human life, (3) scientific and biblical data about the origin of life, (4) biochemical design as a fingerprint for supernatural creation, (5) scientific and biblical data about the origin of humanity, and (6) scientific weaknesses of naturalistic evolution.

THE3610/THE5610 Reasons Institute: Creation and the Bible (3)
This course covers the following major areas of study: (1) biblical material related to creation, (2) relationship between general and special revelation, (3) overview of Reasons to Believe’s testable creation model, (4) examination of the scientific and biblical data [general and special revelation] on the age of the earth, (5) animal death before Adam, (6) reliability of radiometric dating techniques, (7) comparison and contrast between the global and universal flood theories, and (8) how to bring this information to others in the student’s personal sphere of influence.

THE3620/THE5620 Reasons Institute: Critical Thinking Skills (3)
This course covers the following major areas of study: (1) survey of key biblical passages related to developing critical thinking skills; (2) arguments skeptics present against Christianity; (3) introduction to various aspect of deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning; (4) survey of ways to test arguments; (5) application of the principles of logic to evaluate truth claims; (6) survey of major informal fallacies; and (7) strategies for dialoguing with non-Christians about moral and philosophical ideas.

THE3630/THE5630 Reasons Institute: World Religions and Science (3)
This course covers the following major areas of study: (1) comparative study of the core beliefs of Christianity and other world religions, (2) exploration of the ways other religions use modern science to justify their worldviews, (3) investigation of the philosophical implications of religious pluralism; (4) survey of ways of testing religious worldviews, and (5) strategies for dialoguing with non-Christians about religious ideas.