Courses

Explores biblical and theological foundations of spiritual formation and examines historical and contemporary understandings of Christian spirituality. Analyzes the processes of spiritual growth, the role of community in formation, and the integration of spiritual disciplines in personal and ministry contexts. Emphasizes critical reflection, theological coherence, and responsible leadership practices that foster mature Christian character and support the spiritual development of others.

Continues the study and practice of spiritual formation with particular attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and Christian community. Students examine themes of character, relational health, and spiritual maturity as they engage practices of daily devotion, theological reflection, and ministry participation. The course emphasizes growth in self-awareness, communication, and faithful relationships in the contexts of family, church, and society.

Examines the relationship between Christian mission and cultural context by integrating theological, historical, and social-scientific perspectives. The course analyzes how cultures shape belief and practice and how the church engages diverse social, political, and religious environments in local and global settings. Students explore biblical and theological foundations of mission, historical patterns of cross-cultural witness, and contemporary challenges such as pluralism, secularization, migration, and globalization. Emphasis is placed on contextual analysis, cultural discernment, and the development of informed ministry practices responsive to complex cultural realities.

Cultivates holistic Christian formation through guided communal practices within theological education and ministry preparation. Integrates reflection on Scripture, theology, and church history with sustained engagement in formative Christian practices, including prayer, worship, and disciplined attention to Scripture. Encourages reflective engagement with personal, vocational, cultural, and sociopolitical questions in light of Christian faith. Emphasizes relational formation through mutual accountability, shared discernment, encouragement, and service within a learning community. The course supports spiritual maturity, vocational clarity, and relational wisdom as integral dimensions of graduate theological formation.

Introduces the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship and surveys major expressions of corporate worship across Christian traditions. Examines core elements of worship while exploring the relationship between worship and culture. Emphasizes theological understanding, historical awareness, and foundational competencies for thoughtful participation in and planning of corporate worship within diverse congregational settings.

Examines the theological foundations and core practices of pastoral ministry within the life of the church. Explores pastoral identity, spiritual care, worship leadership, and key ministerial responsibilities, including prayer, preaching, administration of the sacraments, and congregational shepherding. Integrates pastoral theology with practical engagement in ministry practices, attending to biblical, historical, and cultural dimensions. Emphasizes the formation of pastoral judgment and competence for faithful leadership in contemporary ecclesial contexts.

Examines the theological foundations and methodological practices of biblical preaching with emphasis on genre-sensitive preaching, sermon development, and effective delivery. Students integrate biblical and theological reflection, contextual awareness, and homiletical skills to develop sermons. The course includes in-class sermon presentations with structured peer and instructor evaluation to support growth in preaching competence.

Examines pastoral counseling as an integral dimension of pastoral care and congregational shepherding. The course develops competencies in empathic listening, reflection, and discernment while addressing key pastoral counseling concerns such as crisis intervention, suicide prevention, premarital counseling, family systems dynamics, ethical practice, and appropriate referral. Students engage common mental health challenges encountered in ministry contexts, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and chronic mental illness. Emphasis is placed on experiential skill development and theological reflection on personal formation, relational systems, and emotional health within the life of the church.

Examines biblical, theological, and practical foundations for evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual formation in contemporary ministry contexts. The course emphasizes personal spiritual formation and disciple-making. Students engage models of evangelism, pathways of discipleship, and practices that foster Christian maturity and mission within diverse and pluralistic settings. Attention is given to forming leaders who embody faithful presence, cultivate spiritual habits, and equip others to follow Jesus within local church and ministry contexts.