Academics
Pastoral Theology Course Descriptions
Important note regarding when courses are offered:
Term notations of Summer, Pre-term, Fall, Interterm, Spring, or Post-term mean that the course is offered during that term every year. When a term notation is followed by odd or even, then the course is offered during that term only in odd or even years, respectively. For example, a course that meets Summer, Fall odd will meet every summer (e.g., 2011, 2012), but only during the fall semester of odd years (e.g., 2011, not 2012). A course that meets Summer even, Spring odd, will meet summer 2012, 2014, and spring 2013, 2015.
Courses that do not have a term notation are modules (e.g., DM and MM), offered in specific sequence (e.g., M.F.A. courses), or not offered on a set rotation (some electives). “DL” means distance learning.
The number of semester credit hours for a course is shown in parentheses following the title.
PT 501 Baptist Polity (1) This course presents historic principles and practices of Baptist churches noting the nature of the church, its membership, ministry, officers, ordinances, worship, witness, and discipline. A brief history of the Baptists is included in this overview of how Baptist churches are governed. Spring.
PT 513 Evangelism and Church Planting (1) This course presents a study of the biblical methods for evangelizing through the local church. The student learns the essentials of the ministry of church planting through an analysis of biblical and historical models for developing new congregations from initial evangelism. Spring even.
PT 531 Expository Preaching I (3) An introduction to homiletical methodology which emphasizes basic principles of sermonic organization. The course is designed to help the student increase his effectiveness in moving from exegesis to exposition and delivery with an emphasis on sermon preparation. Fall.
PT 532 Expository Preaching II (3) Prereq.: PT 531. Continues the study of homiletical methodology with special emphasis on expositional preaching and the development of communication skills. This course provides additional opportunities for the student to become more effective in proclaiming God’s Word. Spring.
PT 542 Philosophy of American Education (3) The general purpose of this course is for students to learn the philosophies that have influenced American education. Students will examine in detail the principles of philosophy that guide the fundamental Christian school movement. Summer, Spring, Aug. ’11, DL.
PT 567 Effective Expository Preaching (3) A detailed study of the basis, principles, and implementation of expository preaching. The course is designed to help the student increase his commitment and comfort with the process of preaching through books of the Bible. The class will focus on sermon exegesis, exposition and delivery with an emphasis on sermon preparation. May ’12.
PT 629 Christian Education (3) Students study, write about, and discuss issues and events influencing current thought and practice in elementary and secondary education. Students examine issues such as Dewey’s experience learning, Skinner’s behaviorism, Rousseau’s romanticism, and Smith’s holistic reading theory in light of their philosophical roots and their impact on traditional Christian education. Summer, Fall odd.
PT 631 Preaching Through a New Testament Book (3) Prereq.: PT 532. A capstone homiletical experience where students apply expository preaching methods to a New Testament book of the Bible. Students study the themes and message of the book with the objective of communicating these truths in the local church. Fall.
PT 632 Preaching through an Old Testament Book (3) Prereq.: PT 532. A capstone homiletical experience where students apply expository preaching methods to an Old Testament book of the Bible. Students study the themes and message of the book with the objective of communicating these truths in the local church. Spring.
PT 682 Management: Programming the Local Church (3) Ministerial students learn the methods of managing a growing staff and coordinating expanding programs in the local church. Emphasis will focus on how to coordinate all ministries of the church including a Christian day school. Spring even, Summer odd, Aug. ’12 , DL.