Master’s Level Courses

Day: 4 Saturdays: 1/16, 2/13, 3/20, 4/10

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Greenville & Online

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

Course Description:

In this one-semester course, students lay a foundation for other seminary courses by reading through the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments. The major events, persons, places, and chronologies of the biblical materials are introduced, as well as the major themes of each individual book. Finally, the redemptive-historical thread of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is expounded. Students may exempt themselves from this course by passing the Bible Challenge Exam administered by the Bible Department, and, in that case, they are to use the hours for another Bible course. All master’s-level students must complete this course or pass the Bible Challenge Exam in one of their first three semesters of enrollment. MDiv students may pass the Bible Challenge Exam or take this course as an elective. MAPM students normally take this course, although they may pass the Bible Challenge Exam and take a Bible elective in place of this course. MATS students may opt out of this course by passing the Bible Challenge Exam and will take a Bible/Theology elective in place of this course. Three hours.

Day: Thursday

Time: 6PM – 9PM

Location: Due West & Online

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

Course Description:

Prerequisite BR 405. This course teaches the remaining basics of New Testament (Koine) Greek grammar and pushes further into matters of syntax. Students read longer passages in the Greek New Testament and learn how to use Greek lexica. Prerequisite: GK 501 (biblical Greek I). Students taking the biblical languages must complete this course prior to taking their Greek exegesis course. Three hours.

Assistant Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies

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

Location: Online

Format: asynchronous with biweekly live video conference discussion sessions required

Course Description:

This survey course covers the historical, spiritual, and institutional development of western Christianity from the Renaissance to the modern era. Students examine the Protestant reformers, the Counter Reformation, the Enlightenment, Pietism, and the development of Evangelicalism. Prerequisites: Students should complete CH 501 Early and Medieval Church History prior to taking this course. Required for MDiv and MATS students. Three hours.

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

Day: 4 Saturdays: 1/30, 2/27, 4/3, 4/24

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Greenville and Online

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

Course Description:

This course surveys the history of the Christian Church from its origins to the present time. Within the broad sweep of the four main periods of the Church [early (50-600), medieval (600-1500), Reformation (1500-1650), and modern (1650-present)], the course will consider key persons, dates, developments, movements, and theological concepts. Required for MAPM students. MDiv and MATS students should not take this course. Three hours.

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

Day: 4 Mondays: 1/11, 2/8, 3/1, 4/12

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Due West and Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students (cross-listed with HT 801L & DC 910)

Course Description:

This course examines the Reformation led by Martin Luther from the perspective of its theological, social, political, and ecclesiastical roots. Students also study those people and groups within Luther’s circle (including Melanchthon, Karlstadt, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists) who shaped or condemned his vision for reformation. Elective. Three hours.

Day: Thursday

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Columbia and Online

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

Course Description:

This course examines the nature and principles of Christian ethics and the application of these principles to current social issues. Emphasis is given to the study of biblical morality. Elective. Three hours.

Day: Week long intensive: April 5–9, 2027

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Due West and Online

Format: In-person and live video conference for distance students (cross-listed with ST 801TM & DN 960)

Course Description:

Coming soon.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with biweekly live video conference discussion sessions required

Course Description:

The course explores the background, literary art, theological teaching, and contemporary message of Romans through Revelation. Attention is given to the canonical significance of these writings and to their value for ministry. Prerequisites: Students should complete NT 601 New Testament I prior to taking this course. Required for MDiv, MAPM, and MATS students. Three hours.

Day: 4 Saturdays: 1/23, 2/20, 3/20, 4/17

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Online

Format: Live video conference only (cross-listed with NT 800)

Course Description:

This course examines the literary and historical backgrounds, history of interpretation, and theology of the New Testament. The purpose of the course is to orient the student to the central issues in contemporary New Testament studies. This course builds on the introduction to the New Testament in NT 601 and NT 602. Prerequisites: Students must complete BI 502 Principles of Exegesis, NT 601 New Testament I, and NT 602 New Testament II prior to taking this course. Exegesis/Elective. Three hours

Day: 4 Saturdays: 1/16, 2/13, 3/6, 4/10

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Columbia and Online

Format: In-person and live video conference for distance students (cross-listed with BI 801MK & DN 932)

Course Description:

The course is designed to introduce the student to the content, structure, and theology of the gospel according to Mark. Selected passages of the gospel are considered, especially to ascertain their relation to the theological intent of the author. The minister’s continuing use of the gospel is kept in view. Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed BI 502 Principles of Exegesis prior to taking this class. Exegesis/Elective. Three hours.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with biweekly live video conference discussion sessions required

Course Description:

This course surveys the history and literature of Israel to the end of the united kingdom. In dealing with Israelite economic, social, political, cultural, and religious life, the Old Testament is illumined by studies in archaeology, geography, and ancient Near Eastern texts. Introductory issues such as canon, historicocritical approaches, and the authority of the Old Testament are also treated. Required for MDiv, MAPM, and MATS students. Three hours.

Day: 4 Mondays: 2/1, 2/22, 3/15, 4/5

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.

Location: Online

Format: Live video conference only (cross-listed with BI 801J & DN 907)

Course Description:

This course examines the history, content, milieu, text, structure, and meaning of the book of Joshua. Attention is given to its ancient historical settings and the light it sheds on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed BI 502 Principles of Exegesis prior to taking this class. Exegesis/Elective. Three hours.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with biweekly live video conference discussion sessions required

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the biblical-theological foundations of chaplain ministry and its history, key concepts, and unique place as a distinctive calling within the larger vocation of the minister of Word and sacrament. Students analyze the unique contexts and callings of eight different chaplaincy sectors: corporate, military, healthcare, public safety, institutional, sports, educational, and crisis/disaster relief. Required for MDiv-Chaplain Ministries elective for all other students. Three hours.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with biweekly live video conference discussion sessions required (cross-listed with DF 951)

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the biblical-theological foundations of chaplain ministry and its history, key concepts, and unique place as a distinctive calling within the larger vocation of the minister of Word and sacrament. Students analyze the unique contexts and callings of eight different chaplaincy sectors: corporate, military, healthcare, public safety, institutional, sports, educational, and crisis/disaster relief. Required for MDiv-Chaplain Ministries elective for all other students. Three hours.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with some live video conference sessions required

Course Description:

This course offers students the opportunity to work in a structured ministry setting with an approved supervisor. The focus of the learning centers on the student’s own learning goals which the student designs with emphasis on spiritual formation, theology, and ministry practice. The classroom sessions help the student integrate theory and practice of ministry by the use of case studies, group interaction, and peer feedback. The instructor must approve the field supervisor and ministry setting prior to registration. The ministry setting must be in a church or religious agency that will support the student’s growth for leadership in ministry. This field experience must include 130 hours of ministry over the span of at least 13 weeks, with a minimum of one hour per week of direct supervision by the field supervisor. Prerequisites: PM 502 Christian Vocation and Transformation and at least 24 hours of coursework. PM 774 Clinical Pastoral Education I may be substituted for PM 705. Required for MDiv and MAPM students. Three hours.

Day: Monday

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Columbia and Online

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

Course Description:

This course continues a systematic presentation of the Christian faith. Using biblical constructs, historical developments, and confessional statements, students explore the doctrine of God, the doctrine of humanity, and the doctrine of Christ. Prerequisites: Students should complete ST 601 Systematic Theology I prior to taking this course. Required for MDiv and MATS students. Three hours.

Day: Tuesday

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Online

Format: Live video conference only

Course Description:

In this introductory course for the preparation and delivery of sermons, students will draw on their work in exegesis, history, and systematic theology. Students will be instructed in the classical expository model that roots sermons in the biblical text, proclaims the good news of the gospel, and calls listeners to an obedient response to God’s Word. Students will learn how preaching remains at the heart of pastoral ministry as a means of grace. Prerequisites: Students should satisfy the Bible competence requirement and complete BI 502 Principles of Exegesis before taking this course. Required for MDiv students; elective for MAPM and MATS students. Three hours. Prerequisites: Students should satisfy the Bible competence requirement and complete BI 502 Principles of Exegesis before taking this course. Required for MDiv students; elective for others. Three hours.

Location: Online

Format: Asynchronous with weekly/biweekly live video conference sessions required

Course Description:

Students will identify commonly encountered classical, modern, and postmodern challenges to the Christian faith, including non-Christian religions, secularism, and the new atheism; evaluate the classical and contemporary efforts to defend the Christian faith against these challenges; and develop strategies for setting forth Christianity’s truth claims in a world that is increasingly diverse and religiously pluralistic. Elective. Three hours.