Pastoral Theology Department Course Descriptions

Homiletics: Master's Level

HM 5000 (561)      Theology and Methodology of Biblical Preaching
Theological foundations for preaching and sermon preparation with emphasis on biblical integrity and structural soundness. Course is divided between lecture sessions and laboratory preaching. Offered fall and spring. Two hours.

HM 5001                 Preaching Lab
Lab sessions-must be taken concurrently with HM 5000. Offered Quad B. One hour.

HM 5010 (511)      Preaching for Partners
This course offers the basics of preaching and encouraging those who preach. Not applicable toward the MDiv degree. One or two hours.

HM 6000 (675)      Current Studies in Homiletics
Topics selected deal with significant issues related to homiletics. One to three hours.

HM 6610 (620)      Homiletics: Preaching Narrative
Homiletics laboratory to provide students with opportunities to preach from narrative texts. Introductory lectures will focus attention on the hermeneutical and homiletical demands of that genre. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Pre- or corequisite (select one): OT 6216, OT 6217, NT 6221, NT 6222. Offered fall and spring. One hour.

HM 6620 (720)      Homiletics: Preaching Poetry and Prophecy
Homiletics laboratory to provide advanced students with opportunity to preach from poetic or prophetic texts Introductory lectures will focus attention on the hermeneutical and homiletical demands of those genres. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Pre- or corequisite (select one): OT 6216, OT 6217, NT 6221, NT 6222. Offered fall and spring. One hour.

HM 6630                 Preaching the Parables of Jesus
Homiletics laboratory to provide students with opportunity to preach from the parables of Jesus. Introductory lectures will focus attention on the hermeneutical and homiletical demands of that genre. Prerequisite: HM 5000. One hour.

HM 6700 (752)      Preaching Biblical Doctrine
Procedures for the preparation and presentation of sermons based on biblical doctrine. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Offered on demand. Two hours.

HM 6710 (651)      Hermeneutical Foundations for Preaching
Study of the principles of hermeneutics in the context of the task of sermon preparation. Special attention given to the interpretation and appropriate application of the various biblical genre. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Two hours.

HM 6715 (652)      Hermeneutical & Homiletical Foundations of Preaching
Focus on the hermeneutical and homiletical skills needed to develop biblical sermons with relevance to the urban setting. Three hours.

HM 7210 (751)      Expository Preaching of a Biblical Book
Procedures for handling a biblical book as a unity and planning and presenting a series of sermons on that book. May be repeated. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Two hours

HM 7260 (762)      Evangelistic Preaching
Preparation and presentation of sermons for various evangelistic and conference occasions. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Cross-list as ME. Two hours.

HM 7265                 Preaching for Transformation
In this course we will examine the nature and importance of preaching as it relates to the transformation of our lives. In addition we will discuss the content, structure, and approach to preaching that has its aim life change. Although this is not an introductory, survey course on preaching, we will review and build on the elements of effective expository preaching. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Two hours.

HM 7280 (732)      Preaching on Contemporary Problems
Using advanced methods, sermons on personal, community, and world problems are prepared and delivered. Prerequisite: HM 5000. Two hours.

HM 7400 (761)      Seminar: History of Preaching
Biographical and sermonic survey of homiletical and rhetorical theory and of Christian preaching from apostolic times through lectures and research with application to the improvement of preaching in our own time. Cross-list as CH. Two hours.

HM 8000 (845)      Seminar: Current Issues in Homiletics
Seminar discussion and advanced individual research on topics dealing with significant issues in homiletics. Two to three hours.

Pastoral Theology: Master’s Level

PT 5000 (520/525) Personal Assessment and Ministry Orientation
Designed to assist in personal assessment of character temperament, learning style, talents, abilities and gifts, ministry and relational skills, and other traits relevant to ministry. Based on these assessments, students will develop a personal plan to accomplish their goals through course work and an integrative paper. Should be taken during first or second semester of enrollment. One hour.

PT 5090 (110-128) Field Education
Specific subject sections noted below or as arranged with the Director of Field Education. Contact the Field Education Office, or review the online materials for current descriptions of these areas. Course begins with a one-hour required orientation offered the first week of classes and at other times during the semester (contact the Field Education Office for dates). Course registration confirmed after the orientation session is completed. Repeatable as needed in the program. Credit/No Credit. Zero hours

Subject sections include the following:

Academic Teaching

Adult Education

Campus Ministry

Chaplaincy

Children and Youth Ministries

Church Planting

Compassion and Justice Ministries

Counseling Ministries

Discipleship

Educational Ministries

Evangelism

Leadership and Administration

Media

Music and Worship

Pastoral Ministries

Urban Ministries

Women’s Ministries

PT 5095 (126)       Cross-Cultural Field Education
Required Field Ed topic for MDiv students. Contact the Field Education Office, or review the online materials for current description. Credit/No Credit. Zero hours.

PT 5145 (580)       Introduction to Urban Structure and Context
An examination of the history of urbanization with special attention to recent urban trends. Analysis of urban systems in the metropolitan context, with focus on the dynamics, problems, and opportunities in the central city. Students are challenged to reflect on the implications for ministry and the mission of the church in an urban environment. Two hours.

PT 5150 (769)       Introduction to Church Planting in North America
This course will provide the student with an overview of the theology, theory, and practice of a church-planting ministry. Special attention will be given to a model of evangelism for church planting, to the Pauline cycle, and to contemporary models of church planting. A preliminary assessment component for church planters is also included. Cross-list as ME. Three hours.

PT 5155                 Church Planting Bootcamp
Church Planting Bootcamp provides an introduction to the major start-up issues the planter faces. The objective is to provide a theological foundation and practical ministry skills that will enable the planter to start healthy, growing, reproducing churches. Four stages of church planting: preparation, conception, development, and birth stage are explored. Cross-list as ME. Offered each May. Three hours.

PT 6000 (675)      Current Studies in Pastoral Theology
Topics selected deal with significant issues related to pastoral theology. One to three hours.

PT 6155 (771)      Advanced Church Planting
Students will investigate church planting from a practitioner’s point of view. Particular attention will be given to leadership styles and skills, recruitment and training of leaders, and the integration of church growth principles with the practice of church planting. Prerequisite: PT 5150. Cross-list as ME. Two hours.

PT 6215 (576)      Personal Spiritual Formation for Ministry
An exploration of the culture and dynamics of spiritual life, with special attention given to the nurture of the inner life through spiritual disciplines and participation in Christian community. The course is designed to promote the leading of an exemplary Christian life amid the pressures of school and ministry. Two hours.

PT 7210 (732)      Pastoral Practices
A survey of the biblical foundations, qualifications, practices, and pitfalls of pastoral ministry in the context of the local church. Students will consider the importance of God’s call to pastoral ministry and how to maintain health and balance in the pastorate. Instructors will seek to foster wisdom that will assist students in various pastoral roles and settings. Prerequisite PT 5000. Offered fall and spring. Two hours.

PT 7220 (733)      Pastoral Leadership
Foundational insights concerning how pastors exercise leadership in local churches with emphasis on the ways a biblical theology of ministry informs practice. Students will critically engage contemporary perspectives on leadership in the light of a growing understanding of Scripture and the world into which they have been called. Prerequisites: PT 5000. Pre- or corequisite PT 7210. Offered fall and spring. Two hours.

PT 7225                  The Essence of Biblical Leadership
In recent years the issue of leadership has occupied a great deal of our thinking and attention. There is no shortage of resources and seminars on the subject. To be sure, there needs to be the infusion of fresh, godly, biblical leadership who are filled with the compassion of Christ and who are committed to advancing His Cause. But what is distinctively Christian leadership? What does the Bible teach about leadership? What is the relationship between leadership and our effectiveness in ministry? These and other questions will be addressed in the course. Two hours.

PT 7280 (770)      Christian Worship
The importance, basic meaning, and historical background of Christian worship, with attention to principles, plans, methods, and resources for worship planning. Offered fall and spring. Two hours.

PT 7281                 Christian Worship Lab
Building on the Christian Worship course, this lab provides further study and practice for students in the areas of worship planning, formulating and leading corporate prayer, and the public reading of Scripture. Pre- or corequisite PT 7280. Offered Quad B each semester. Cap of 12. One hour.

PT 7410 (738)      Denominational History and Polity
Designed for students seeking a greater understanding of, or anticipating possible placement within, a particular Protestant denomination. Attention paid to history, polity, doctrine, missionary outreach, and current trends. Students are challenged to consider these distinctives in relation to their own concepts of ministry context and potential. Offered for varying denominations as the need exists. This is an independent study course, enabling the participant to work with a pastor/administrator from, and study the history of polity of, a denomination other than the EFCA. Denomination or area of study must be indicated at the time of registration. Participants in the same course will meet as a group with the appropriate denominational representative. Consent of the instructor required to register. Offered fall and spring. One hour.

PT 7415 (737)      Evangelical Free Church History and Polity
Designed for students seeking a greater understanding of the EFCA or anticipating possible placement within the denomination. Attention paid to history, polity, doctrine, missionary outreach, and current trends. Students are challenged to consider these distinctives in relation to their own concepts of ministry context and potential. Offered fall and spring. One hour.

PT 7440 (670)      Seminar for Placement
Seminar designed for senior students who will be seeking placement in various local church ministries. Intended to help students present themselves for greatest possible consideration by prospective churches with an understanding of evaluating appropriate fit in particular ministry settings for long-term fruitfulness. Particular attention paid to ministry transitions and the candidating process. Recommended for students desiring to use the services of the Placement Office. Prerequisite: internship completed or in progress, or instructor consent. One hour.

PT 7450 (601)      Urban Ministry Practicum I
Focus: urban church education. A practicum that aims to develop skills in structuring Christian education curricula for a particular urban church setting. Opportunities for the student to acquire or increase practical experience and skill in working in, or restructuring, such areas as Sunday school evaluation, curriculum evaluation and selection, and adult education programming with the unique opportunities and problems of the city in mind. Enrollment limited to MA in UM students. Three hours.

PT 7451 (602)      Urban Ministry Practicum II
Focus: organization and administration of the urban programs of the church. A practicum that aims to develop increased skills in management, leadership, and development of leaders. Special attention given to practical organizational and administrative problems in an urban church setting. Enrollment limited to MA in UM students. Four hours.

PT 7452 (603)      Urban Ministry Practicum III
Focus: theology of urban ministries. A practicum that aims to help students develop and reflect upon doctrinal, philosophical, and practical bases for functioning effectively in the city. Enrollment limited to MA in UM students. Four hours.

PT 7460 (795)      MDiv Capstone Seminar
A capstone seminar integrating MDiv program components from the classroom and field experiences with the participant’s philosophy of ministry. Emphasis upon the application of ministerial wisdom in ministry dilemmas through case-study exploration. To be taken concurrently with, or as a prerequisite to, Internship. One hour.

PT 7465                 MDiv Internship (Part-time)
Designed for MDiv students completing the internship during two semesters. Specific subject sections noted below or as arranged with the Director of Internship. Contact the Supervised Ministries Office, or review the online materials for current descriptions of these areas. Considered half-time academic status. Prerequisites: all required Field Ed courses, HM 5000, EM 5000, PT 7220, and written consent of the Director of Internship for initial registration, pre- or corequisite PT 7460. Repeatable as needed. Letter grade only. One hour.

Subject sections include the following:

Academic Teaching

Adult Education

Campus Ministry

Chaplaincy

Children and Youth Ministries

Church Planting

Compassion and Justice Ministries

Counseling Ministries

Discipleship

Educational Ministries

Evangelism

Leadership and Administration

Media

Music and Worship

Pastoral Ministries

Urban Ministries

Women’s Ministries

PT 7466                MDiv Internship (Full-time)
Designed for MDiv students completing the internship during one semester, averaging at least thirty hours per week. Specific subject sections noted above or as arranged with the Director of Internship. Contact the Supervised Ministries Office, or review the online materials for current descriptions of these areas. Considered full-time academic status. Prerequisites: all required Field Ed courses, HM 5000, EM 5000, PT 7220, and written consent of the Director of Internship for initial registration, pre- or corequisite PT 7460. Repeatable as needed. Letter grade only. Two hours.

PT 7471 (781)      Urban Ministry Project Design/Research
Research and design for professional projects involving pastoral ministry and outreach in an urban context. Includes a careful statement of specific project activities, measurable objectives, and evaluation procedures. Prerequisite: completion of all classroom studies in the MA in UM. Two hours.

PT 7472 (782)      Urban Ministry Project Report
Implementation of the project designed in PT 7471, including adjustments as necessary to meet the needs of participants. Prerequisite: PT 7471. Three hours.

Pastoral Theology: Advanced Master’s Level

PT 7710 (740)      Maintaining Unity and Purity in the Church
This course is a study of two of the classical marks of the church: unity and purity. These marks will be explored biblically and theologically, and their practical outworking will be examined from the perspective of the local church and the broader church community. Topics to be explored include ecumenicity, multiethnic and intergenerational unity in the church, doctrinal and moral purity within the church, and church discipline and the restoration of those who are truly repentant. Two hours.

PT 7720 (741)      Perseverance, Assurance, and Pastoral Ministry
This course is a study of the soteriological issues of the perseverance of the saints and the assurance of salvation and their impact on pastoral ministry. Topics to be considered will include biblical and theological frameworks for understanding these doctrines, the goal of pastoral ministry in light of these doctrines, preaching, especially from the warning passages of Scripture, pastoral care, especially in times of suffering, dealing with doubt, discipleship of believers at various points in their spiritual journeys, and evangelism and the offer of assurance. Three hours.

PT 7722                 Developing a Healthy Congregational Culture
This course will explore a topic that is critical in the life of the church and yet is often overlooked: the formation of a congregational culture. In various ways, congregational culture impacts the shaping of the identity, mission, and spiritual formation of all local churches. However, the formation of the congregational culture becomes even more critical when a congregation is facing the challenge of forming or maintaining generational, ethnic, or socio-economic class diversity. In this course, we will seek to understand what congregational culture is, why it is so essential in the formation of a healthy church, and how it is formed. Two hours.

PT 7820 (696)      Developing Asian American Ministries
Given the Asian American church’s unique socio-cultural setting and the particular set of challenges it faces, how should it care for its people and carry out its mission to the world? This course will examine the Asian American church experience from historical, sociological, and theological perspectives and then explore some of the models/approaches of ministry that might be appropriate for this particular context. Two hours.

PT 7842 (725)      Understanding the Urban World
The main focus of the course will be on modern and postmodern patterns of urbanization. Urban systems will be analyzed in their metropolitan as well as global contexts, and special attention will be given to the social, cultural, and economic restructurings that are taking place within the city. The student will be continually challenged to reflect on the unique ministry and mission implications that the urban context poses for the whole church. Cross-list as CC. Two hours.

PT 7848 (724)      Ministry of the Urban Church
Through the lens of a biblical understanding of the church and its purposes, this course will examine the urban environment, with focused attention on the central city, the poor, and ethnic/minority communities as a context for ministry. The special needs in these contexts will be examined and related to the ministry challenge of the local church. The ministry task of the local church will in turn be examined in terms of the pastoral leadership role, including the personal dimensions of the minister’s life and preparation, as well as the actual practice of ministry. Two hours.

PT 7860 (723)      Social and Cultural Exegesis
This course seeks to equip the student to critically analyze the social and cultural context of today’s changing world from a biblical and theologically informed perspective. Special attention will be given to the social processes that have historically shaped our culture, from the post-1800s urbanization to postmodernism. The course will then seek to help the student to understand the dialectic relationship between the church and its surrounding culture/society and the church’s prophetic call to be a change-producing agent. Cross-list as EM, CC. Two hours.

PT 7870                 Ministry of Mercy and Justice
To equip students with biblical motivation and strategies for serving those who are in need in their communities. There are three course objectives, each of which involves the student developing a desire and ability to answer effectively the following three questions: (1) Do Christians have a responsibility to help meet not only the spiritual but also the material (social, economic, political) needs of people? (2) What means of structural change, if any, are allowable and most appropriate for Christians today? (3) How can Christians respond to particular contemporary challenges such as those posed by family breakdown, the media, business, racism and poverty? Two hours.

PT 8000 (845)      Seminar: Current Issues in Pastoral Theology
Seminar discussion and advanced individual research on significant issues in pastoral theology. Two to three hours.

PT 8235 (726)      Advancing Indigenous Churches
Cross-list as ME. Three hours.

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog