Major in Biblical Counseling
39 Credit Program

Purpose: To present Biblical Counseling as a model distinct from other models of counseling, whether secular or Christian integrationist, and to develop critical thinking skills necessary for writing a thesis on some aspect of counseling from the perspective of a biblical worldview.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will describe how the Bible functions as God’s instrument of change.
2. Learners will distinguish Biblical Counseling from non-Christian and Christian
   integrationist counseling models.
3. Learners will practice skills for effective Biblical Counseling.
4. For those pursuing a Thesis Option: Learners will exercise critical thinking skills
   necessary for interacting with the counseling literature and for writing a cogent thesis about some aspect of counseling from a biblical perspective.

Major Core – 30 credits

• BC 675 Biblical Foundations for Counseling
• BC 518 An Examination of Integrationism in Christian Counseling
• NT 510 Life and Letters of Paul¹
• BC 565 Marriage and Family Counseling
• BC 504 Depression and Anxiety
• BC 574 The Problem of Suffering²
• BC 562 Premarital Counseling³
• BC 500 Evaluating Professional Social Science Literature
• BC 640 Master’s Biblical Counseling Practicum*
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in New Testament (NT).
² Learners may replace course with an elective in Biblical Counseling (BC) or Conflict Management (CM).
³ Learners may replace course with an elective in Biblical Counseling (BC).

Biblical Counseling students will be asked to take BC 991 Biblical Counseling Pre-Program Assessment after completing RW 001 Trinity Tutorial and prior to beginning other course work. Students will also be asked to take BC 992 Biblical Counseling Post-Program Assessment after completing all course work and prior to beginning RW 991 Mission Outcomes Assessment. These are non-graded, non-credit assessments.

* Learners seeking the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) certification should contact NANC. Learners are encouraged to pursue remaining courses while in the counseling practicum course.

Major in Biblical Studies
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To develop in learners skills of analysis, synthesis, critical evaluation, and
communication of the Scriptures and related literature to be practiced in Christian
service and their own lives.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will engage in analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluations of the Old and New Testaments.
2. Learners will develop skills of biblical interpretation and apply these skills in the use of biblical commentaries and similar literature in doing graduate level research.
3. Learners will develop research, writing, and communication skills, producing written papers as a result of graduate level research.
4. Learners will make applications of the truths learned to their own lives and Christian service.

Major Core – 27 credits

• NT 513 The Book of Romans
• NT 515 Introduction to the New Testament
• OT 514 Introduction to the Old Testament
• OT 516 Genesis: In-Depth Study
• LG 693 Greek Grammar Part I
• LG 694 Greek Grammar Part II (Prerequisite: LG 693)
• NT 634 The Gospel of John
• Elective:
  • 1 course in Biblical Studies (BS), Old Testament (OT), New Testament (NT), or Theology (TH) – 3 credits
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

Major in Christian Management and Leadership
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To guide learners in the study of theoretical, theological and practical concepts and issues of management and leadership and apply this study to management and leadership in the church or para-church context to promote management and leadership and ministry effectiveness.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will analyze historically and theologically the various theories of management and leadership.
2. Learners will assess contemporary concepts of management and leadership.
3. Learners will explore best practices of management and leadership in the church or para-church.
4. Learners will analyze practical management scenarios and evaluate necessary attitudes and behaviors by managers and leaders to promote positive outcomes.
5. Learners will interact with the content of the chosen major via analysis, critical thinking, and synthesis, culminating in an applied research thesis.

Major Core – 27 credits
Students are asked to move through the Major Core of courses in the order that the courses are listed.  Completing courses in the order below will promote a theoretical and theological development of Christian management and leadership praxis.

• AD 515 Management Functions and Principles
  (prerequisite before enrolling for remaining AD courses)
• AD 637 Management and Leadership Theory
• AD 501 Human and Organizational Development
• AD 584 Human Resource Management
• LD 602 Accounting and Finance for Ministry
• CM 526 Managing Conflict
• AD 611 Case Studies in Management
• PM 542 The Art of Mentoring¹
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in Leadership (LD) or Pastoral Ministry (PM).

Major in Christian Philosophy and Apologetics
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To engage learners in the study of the main branches of philosophy and approaches to defending the faith.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will distinguish, explain, and analyze the different arguments in the philosophy of religion, including arguments for the existence of God, as found in classical and contemporary literature.
2. Learners will analyze competing worldviews and detect differences and similarities on the basis of certain sets of criteria.
3. Learners will explain and integrate philosophical classes and prescribe the uses of these classes in the realm of Christian philosophy.
4. Learners will estimate and explain the various merits and values of traditional and contemporary responses to the problem of evil and separate and analyze these responses.

Major Core – 27 credits

• AP 660 Principles of Contemporary Apologetics
• PH 555 The Thought of C. S. Lewis
• PH 543 Philosophy of Religion
• PH 599 Christianity on Trial in the World’s Court
• PH 566 The Philosophical Problem of Evil
• AP 661 Advanced Topics in Contemporary Apologetics
• PH 589 Systematic Logic
• Choose either course:
  • PH 696 Philosophy of History and Historical Thinking
  • PH 634 Moral Theories in the History of Philosophy
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

Major in Christian School Administration
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To give men and women academic and theological knowledge on which to
learn and develop critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills needed to lead as administrators in Christian elementary and secondary schools.**

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will identify and explain the essential components of effective school
   administration.
2. Learners will analyze and evaluate opposing educational philosophies.
3. Learners will analyze and evaluate practical school leadership scenarios in order to create effective solutions to the issues and problems involved.
4. Learners will create a personal philosophy of Christian schooling based on a set of criteria.
5. Learners will identify, explain, analyze, evaluate, and create methods and programs essential for the effective Christian school.

Major Core – 27 credits

• CS 510 History and Philosophy of Christian Schooling
• CS 513 Curriculum Design in the Christian School
• CS 512 Administration and Leadership in the Christian School
• CS 515 Christian School Finance and Development
• CS 514 Educational Research and Statistics
• CE 588 Dynamic Teaching Techniques
• CM 526 Managing Conflict¹
• PM 659 Strategies for Personal Evangelism²
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in Conflict Management (CM).
² Learners may replace course with an elective in Pastoral Ministry (PM).

** Learners seeking certification should check with their state or certification agency when entering this program.

Major in Christian Women’s Studies
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To equip learners with a biblical and theological base on which to engage in the study of women’s issues as well as enhance ministry skills and enable them to create new ways of viewing, examining, and understanding the world in which they live and work.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will explore the various biblical and theological concepts of the work and roles of Christian women in order to evaluate their understanding of ministry praxis.
2. Learners will identify, compare, and contrast from an historical and theological basis the various constructs in the field of Christian women’s ministry.
3. Learners will explain how concepts related to women’s issues and ministry praxis can be applied to personal spiritual development and ministry.
4. Learners will distinguish and interpret competing points of view that are expressed in women’s studies literature, both historical and contemporary, from a scriptural perspective.
5. Learners will identify, analyze, and differentiate between various strategies, techniques, and skills used in Christian women’s ministry in order to enhance personal knowledge and understanding at it relates to their life and work.
6. Learners will create and apply new strategies, techniques, and methods of doing Christian Women’s ministry.

Major Core – 27 credits

• WS 503 Current Issues of Women and the Church
• WS 541 Spiritual Formation for Women
• WS 622 Contemporary Women Theologians
• WS 625 Comparative Studies on Women in Scripture and Church History
• BC 675 Biblical Foundations for Counseling
• CM 526 Managing Conflict
• Choose either course:
• WS 531 Women Ministering to Women
• WS 504 Leadership Skills for Women
• Choose either course:
  • WS 505 Presentation Strategies for Women
  • CE 588 Dynamic Teaching Techniques
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis (Topic must be in Christian Women’s Studies)

Major in Conflict Management
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To introduce learners to the biblical truths, theological dialogue, social
theory, and practical methodologies in the interdisciplinary field of Conflict Management, and to foster inquiry into both the academic discourse and the skill sets required to be effective as a peacemaker between individuals and groups, especially as such conflicts occur within the context of the local church.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will have grounding in current Conflict Management scholarship,
   particularly as it relates to church conflict.
2. Learners will have an informed view of how Scripture deals with interpersonal and systemic conflict.
3. Learners will analyze conflict scenarios and suggest mediation strategies compatible with Scripture.
4. Learners will understand the dynamics of constructive and destructive conflict, and how to foster the one and deter the other in the church setting.

Major Core – 27 credits

• CM 526 Managing Conflict
• CM 565 Dealing with Difficult People
• CM 626 Implementing Positive Change
• CM 632 Christian Mediation
• CM 635 Interpersonal Forgiveness
• CM 650 Principles of Church Discipline
• PM 549 Small Group Dynamics
• Elective: 1 course in any area of study – 3 credits
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

Major in Leadership and Discipleship
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To equip persons for service in leadership and discipleship related ministries
in the local church or Christian non-profit organization through advanced training in the
Word of God and contemporary strategies for educational ministries.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will articulate a biblically-based Christian worldview of advanced leadership and discipleship principles and practices through informed perspectives expressed in academic activities in administration, teaching, spiritual growth, and small groups.
2. Learners will identify best practices that contribute to personal growth and spiritual formation through self-assessment and peer-evaluation academic activities.
3. Learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the advanced principles and practices of leadership and discipleship through critical reflection of scholarly resources and contemporary writings.
4. Learners will demonstrate advanced skills in leadership and discipleship through
   well-reasoned applications and evaluations deployed in life, work, and ministry.

Major Core – 27 credits

• CE 588 Dynamic Teaching Techniques
• CE 570 A Biblical Theology of Discipleship
• CM 526 Managing Conflict
• CE 690 Spiritual Growth in Christian Education
• NT 510 Life and Letters of Paul¹
• AD 637 Management and Leadership Theory
• CE 688 Christian Education for the Local Church
• PM 549 Small Group Dynamics
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in New Testament (NT).

Major in Pastoral Ministry
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To enhance an appreciation for Christian ministry through gaining competence in biblical interpretation and theological reflection.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will formulate a philosophy of ministry that addresses biblical and theological foundations; personal assumptions about pastoral care, the work and organization of the church, and pastoral leadership; and cultural implications.
2. Learners will evaluate various practices in church and ministry as to their effectiveness and biblical soundness.
3. Learners will create models of ministry that address current cultures and biblical foundations.
4. Learners will apply sound leadership theory and practice to the multiplicity of church experience.

Major Core – 27 credits

• PM 502 Pastoral Ministry
• CE 550 Spiritual Formation and Christian Discipleship
• EP 695 Contemporary Preaching
• PM 541 Theology of Ministry
• AD 504 Effective Communication for Leadership
• PM 555 Principles of Church Growth
• PM 659 Strategies for Personal Evangelism
• Elective: Any 1 course in Pastoral Ministry (PM) – 3 credits
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

Major in Pulpit Communication and Expository Preaching
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To provide an introduction to the ministry of preaching the Christian Gospel
through providing opportunities to gain skills in biblical interpretation and effective
communication in the context of contemporary society.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will examine and analyze the elements and principles behind the process of Pulpit Communication and Expository Preaching.
2. Learners will develop the ability to formulate solid hermeneutical foundations for
   biblical interpretations of Old Testament and New Testament Scripture units.
3. Learners will acquire the ability to determine the most appropriate techniques and message design for a particular preaching setting.
4. Learners will evaluate and critique their own sermons and those of others using the accepted classical and modern principles of homiletics.

Major Core – 27 credits

• EP 695 Contemporary Preaching
• AD 504 Effective Communication for Leadership¹
• PM 541 Theology of Ministry¹
• CE 550 Spiritual Formation and Christian Discipleship²
• CM 526 Managing Conflict³
• EP 675 Old Testament Expository Preaching
• EP 674 New Testament Expository Preaching⁴
• EP 500 Pastoral Care Through Preaching⁴
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in Pastoral Ministry (PM).
² Learners may replace course with an elective in Christian Education (CE).
³ Learners may replace course with an elective in Conflict Management (CM).
⁴ Learners may replace course with an elective in Expository Preaching (EP).

Major in Theology
36 Credit Program

Purpose: To develop in learners skills of analysis, synthesis, critical evaluation, and
communication of theological categories and systems to be applied to Christian service and their own lives.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners will engage in analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluations of the basic
   Christian doctrines.
2. Learners will develop skills of biblical interpretation and apply these skills in the
   evaluation of various theological systems.
3. Learners will develop research, writing, and communication skills, producing written papers as a result of graduate level research.
4. Learners will construct a consistent theology.
5. Learners will apply the theological truths learned to life and Christian service.

Major Core – 27 credits

• TH 511 Theology I
• TH 512 Theology II
• CH 575 Church History
• TH 606 Doctrine of the Bible
• TH 595 Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ
• TH 684 Doctrine of the Church
• TH 545 Principles of Contemporary Theology
• AP 660 Principles of Contemporary Apologetics¹
• RW 626 Applied Research Thesis

¹ Learners may replace course with an elective in Apologetics (AP).