Department of Theology

Theology is an attempt to answer the significant questions of life using the data God has revealed in the Scriptures. Once the “queen of the sciences,” theology has either been ignored in our culture or has been corrupted by theologians who have rejected the uniqueness and trustworthiness of the Bible. This course will present an overview of various types of theology, outline principles for doing good theology, survey the historical development of evangelical theology, and assist you in identifying the importance of thinking theologically.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.

Spring I
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Mann
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Herbert
Saturdays, 10:35 am - Mann

This practical course in the principles of the Christian life addresses topics such as faith, prayer, guidance, work, temptation, witness, fellowship, and the place of the Bible in daily living. Only with careful attention to these basics can a believer grow in the faith. New Christians will gain instruction in beginning their newfound spiritual life. Older Christians will be revived in their quest to regain their first love.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.

Spring I
Mondays, 6 pm - Watson
Thursdays, 6 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 9 am - Thompson

This course is a practical and applicable class designed to help you implement a strategy for spiritual growth and change in the New Year. Covering such topics as Bible intake, prayer, worship, fasting, stewardship along with many others. Students will be informed and educated in the classic spiritual disciplines. A comprehensive set of notes and practicums is included.

Winterim 2011
Mondays, 6 pm - Watson

Almost every Christian desires to improve his or her prayer life. Getting guilt-ridden or getting psyched-up does not help develop effective conversation with your Heavenly Father. This insightful study of the Scriptures teaching on the principles and practices of prayer will develop and deepen your prayer life. You will grapple with questions like: How can prayer change things? Why would God answer prayer? How to handle unanswered prayer? What it means to pray in the spirit in order to become mighty in prayer?

Fall II
Thursdays, 7:35 p.m. - Taylor

This course will focus on the establishment of a biblically balanced foundation for understanding the theological dynamics of the world, flesh, and the adversary and how Christians can walk victoriously in Christ through prayer, the armor of God, and the Spirit-filled life.

Spring II
Thursdays, 6 p.m. - Valentin

Understanding who God is and what He has said forms the basis for living a meaningful life. Understanding the Bible’s revelation about God’s character and His work in the world is the starting point for developing a worldview based on truth rather than speculation. Holding that Scripture are the actual words of God enables the student to confidently search for answers to life’s most profound questions.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.

Spring II - Mann
Mondays, 7:35 p.m.
Thursdays, 7:35 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:35 a.m.

If God is love . . . and He is all-powerful . . . why does evil even exist? Various aspects of this great theodicy--practical, personal, social, theological, philosophical, and spiritual--will be discussed. Hope is offered to questions generated by the existence of suffering and affliction. The very charater of God and the cross of Jesus Christ are examined in our quest to address these concerns. Alternatives to a biblical worldview fall short. Grappling with the problem of evil will give rise to an enhanced biblical perspective and prove valuable as practical personal challenges arise. This will not oly prepare you to better articulate responses to difficult questions to those who are perplexed, anxious, or confused but also potentially open new opportunities to share the Gospel.

Thursdays - Grawehr
Fall II, 7:35 p.m.
Spring II, 6 p.m.

The great issues of life ultimately hinge on one’s view of human nature. Our world is plagued by the need to satisfactorily explain humanity’s great capacity for creativity, ingenuity, and expression in the face of gross displays of inhumanity. This course will explore God’s answer to these problems and provide hope for our human existence.
Required for Intermediate Certificate.

Fall I
Thursdays, 7:35 p.m. - Taylor
Saturdays, 10:35 a.m. - Taylor
Mondays, 7:35 p.m. - Blossom

The eternal destiny of each person is ultimately determined by one’s response to Jesus Christ. Jesus presented Himself as God’s Son by performing works consistent with His nature and speaking words full of grace and truth. Jesus declared His purpose in life as having come to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Accepting His provision of salvation provides entrance into the eternal kingdom of God. Understanding the full scope of this salvation provides motivation for serving Him acceptably while living within the kingdom of humankind.
Required for Intermediate Certificate.

Fall II - Mann
Thursdays, 7:35 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:35 a.m.
Mondays, 7:35 p.m.

The Holy Spirit is revealed in the Bible as a member of the Godhead, worthy of equal honor and active in all phases of God’s eternal plan. Who He is and what He does must be understood if we are to live lives pleasing to Him. It was the Holy Spirit who founded the Church and who now provides its ongoing vitality. This assembly of believers takes various organizational forms but its essential nature and purpose are clearly presented in the Bible. Contemporary views of the Holy Spirit and of the Church need to be liberated from the muddled thinking present in today’s Christian culture.
Required for Advanced Certificate.

Fall I
Thursdays, 6 p.m. - Herbert
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - Mann
Mondays, 6 p.m. - Watson