Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Courses

Day: 4 Saturdays: 8/22, 9/19, 10/17, 11/7

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Greenville & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course engages the writings of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien as resources for theological reflection, cultural engagement, and pastoral ministry. Organized around the themes of moral order, imagination, cosmology, and suffering, the course explores how both authors address the intellectual and spiritual crises of modernity while recovering a richly Christian vision of reality. Students will critically examine Lewis’s apologetic method alongside Tolkien’s mythopoetic approach, assessing how each communicates truth, forms the moral imagination, and speaks to contemporary ministry contexts. Particular attention will be given to the role of longing, narrative, and beauty in shaping discipleship, preaching, and pastoral care. The course aims to equip ministry leaders to utilize these insights for preaching, teaching, and discipling others toward a deeper understanding of the gospel in a disenchanted age.

Research Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology

Associate Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology

Day: 4 Mondays: 8/31, 10/5, 11/2, 11/30

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: live video conference only

Course Description:

This course examines the history of Christianity in the United States from colonial times to the present. It traces the historical development of religious motifs and particular denominational expressions of Christianity, to better understand the context of Christianity in America today. Elective (Contexts). Three hours.

Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus

Day: Week long intensive: Sept. 28–Oct. 2, 2026

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course explores the growth of the Christian faith beginning within the Roman Empire and the Middle East and then its spread over the centuries into Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. It examines major missionary figures, themes, and events in missions from biblical, historical, and cultural perspectives. Students will evaluate missions models in light of biblical principles. Elective (Contexts). Three hours.

Associate Professor of Historical and Pastoral Theology | Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program

Day: Tuesday

Time: 6PM – 9PM

Location: Online

Format: live video conference only

Course Description:

This course equips students with the principles and strategies that can develop healthy, growing, reproducing churches. Students, in hands-on ways, learn how to formulate a biblical vision for ministry and core values for church growth. Lectures, discussion, readings, and workshop activities will support the students’ learning. Elective. Three hours.

Adjunct Professor of Church Planting

Day: 4 Mondays: 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/7

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Online

Format: live video conference only

Course Description:

This course situates the book of Daniel within the genre of apocalyptic literature and then considers in detail the history, composition, and theological message of the book. The intimate connection between Daniel and the gospel of Jesus Christ is explored. The implications of Daniel for contemporary ministry in a society in which the Church’s experience is one of “exile” are emphasized. Elective (Norms). Three hours.

Professor of Old Testament

Day: 4 Saturdays: 8/29, 9/26, 10/24, 11/14

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Columbia & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course will examine Matthew’s Gospel in its canonical role as the bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of all that the prophets have spoken. Special attention will be paid to Matthew’s use of the Old Testament, the theme of the kingdom of heaven, the polemic of Jesus against the Jewish corruptions of the Law and the Prophets, and the gospel for all the nations. Students will assess Matthew’s value for pastoral ministry and the life of the church today. Elective. Three hours.

The First Presbyterian Church – John R. de Witt Chair of Theology | Associate Dean for Erskine Columbia

Day: 4 Mondays: 8/24, 9/21, 10/26, 11/23

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Columbia & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course examines foundational issues such as the nature and centrality of the sacraments, the priesthood of the believer, and the mission of the Church in the modern world. Students explore historical and contemporary attributes and marks of the Church. Special attention is given to the biblical foundations of the Church in light of sociological reflections and theological constructs. Each student will produce a personal theology of Church and sacrament, making use of biblical, confessional, and ecclesial resources. Elective. Three hours.

The First Presbyterian Church – John R. de Witt Chair of Theology | Associate Dean for Erskine Columbia

Day: Intensive; Tues.–Thurs., Aug. 25–27 and Tues., Nov. 10; Required in 1 of the first 2 semesters

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course provides advanced guidance on the task of writing professional papers that integrate theological reflection with ministry experience. Attention is given to the process of choosing a theological/ministerial topic, conducting research, using technology in research, analyzing and articulating one’s findings, and writing advanced papers. Student research and writing is approached from a Christian perspective. Students are also given an overview of the DMin program. Required in one of the first two semesters. Two hours.

Cross-listed with TH 800

Associate Professor of New Testament | Director of the MATS, Th.M., and M.Div. Programs

Day: 4 Mondays: 8/24, 9/21, 10/26, 11/23

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

In this seminar, students examine the practice of ministry through the Church in the world, in light of the theological foundations of ministry. Special emphasis is given to the careful study of one’s ministry context, planning and implementing ministry, conducting research in ministry, and evaluating effectiveness in ministry. Required. Three hours.

Distinguished Professor of New Testament Emeritus