BEN 701 The Benediction – Credit 2 hours              Â
The Benediction is designed as an endpoint or blessing to seminary studies. The primary objective is to integrate theological studies with ongoing preparation for Christian ministry in the student’s final year. The course involves work in three areas: transitions, self-care and ministry issues. Â
BIB 501 Introduction to the Bible – Credit 3 hours
An introduction to the Christian Bible and to basic issues of understanding and interpreting the Bible. Emphasis will be placed on the history and physical nature of the Bible, the types of literature found in the Bible, and varied perspectives on interpreting the Bible.
BIB 503 Biblical Hermeneutics – Credit 3 hours
An exploration of biblical interpretation. The course will introduce the study of the history of interpretation and theories of interpretation, as well as surveying some contemporary modes of interpretation. Prerequisite BIB 501.
BIB 505 Introduction to Biblical Language –Credit 3 hours
A study of the fundamentals of language and of biblical Hebrew and Greek in particular, with emphasis on phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, historical and comparative linguistics, sociolinguistics and translation theory.
BIB 507 Archaeology and Biblical Studies – Credit 3 hours
This course will study the interrelationship between archaeology and Biblical studies, and the appropriate role of each in the interpretation of data from the other. A survey of archaeological methods will be covered. The primary focus of the course will be on how discoveries from archaeological contexts aid in understanding Biblical texts. In addition there will be some discussion of how Biblical texts influence the interpretation of archaeological finds. Problems such as unprovenanced materials, site looting and forgeries will also be discussed.
CHH 501 Church History I – Credit 3 hours              Â
Introduction to Church History surveys the development of Christianity from the beginning of the Church up to the Reformation of the 16th century. Â
CHH 502 Church History II – Credit 3 hours           Â
Continued study covering period from the Reformation of the 16th century to the twenty-first century.
CHH 505 Baptist Heritage – Credit 3 hours              Â
The course is intended to acquaint the seminarian with the rich and varied history of Baptist-type Christians since the early 17th century. Current and future issues in Baptist life will be examined and discussed. Â
CHH 601 Classics of Christian Devotion – Credit 3 hours      Â
A study of the classics of Christian devotion in their historical context. Objective of the course is to furnish a historical introduction to some of Christianity’s greatest devotional writings, to learn more about the experimental and mystical element of religion, to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith, and to develop perspectives by which we can evaluate claims about religious experience.
CHH 603 Prayer in Christian History – Credit 3 hours
This course entails a study of the theology and practice of prayer in Christian history beginning with the New Testament and continuing to the present day. Because the materials are so extensive, however, the course will focus on the most important traditions in the theology and practice of prayer.
CHH 605 Kentucky Baptists in the 20th Century – Credit 2 hours        Â
A study of the role of Kentucky Baptists in the context of the larger world. The seminarian will gain an understanding of the forces that have influenced the Kentucky Baptist convention, individual churches, and persons of the Baptist faith. Â
CHH 607 Women in Christian History – Credit 3 hours
This course entails a study of the theology and practice of prayer in Christian history beginning with the New Testament and continuing to the present day. Because the materials are so extensive, however, the course will focus on the most important traditions in the theology and practice of prayer.
CHH 609 Introduction to Spirituality – Credit 3 hours            Â
Foundational course in spirituality, designed to help participants understand the nature of the human relationship with God, their fellow human beings, their world and to get started on a journey of spiritual growth. Goals are to help define the term “spirituality,” help in understanding different personality types and the development of personal disciplines. Course will introduce resources for continued spiritual growth. Â
CHH 611 Thomas Merton: His Life, Thought and Spirituality – Credit 3 hours
This course will focus on the life, thought and spirituality of Thomas Merton, one of the most widely read spiritual writers of all time. Â
CHH 613 Theology of Religious Experience – Credit 3 hours
An effort to think about God in religious experience. The accent is on religious experience. How do people experience God? How does God fit into the picture in ordinary human experience and life? Because no available secondary source addresses the issue very directly, we will rely chiefly on primary source materials from scriptures and Christian history.
CHH 615 Early Christian Practices – Credit 3 hours
Entails a study of early Christian practices or institutions – baptism and catechumenate, worship and eucharist, discipline or penance, and ministry and organization. Â
CHS 601 Leadership in the Church – Credit 3 hours
The course will encourage an understanding of traditional and current leadership theories with a focus on how such theories relate to the biblical witness and the work of a local congregation. The course will develop the ability to both consciously develop a preferred style of leadership and to lead an organization in planning and realizing its future. Guidance will be provided in acquiring visionary leadership in a Christian institutional setting.
CHS 605 The Ministry as Spiritual Guidance – Credit 2 hours
The course is designed to help ministers to understand their role and to function as spiritual guides. An effort will be made to show the varied ways in which they may offer spiritual guidance beyond that for individuals. This course presupposes that participants possess basic knowledge of Christian spirituality.
CHS 607 Church Administration – Credit 3 hours
A study of administrative structures useful for the effective functioning of a local congregation. The course will examine how to strategically organize local church programming. Competencies will be developed in leading local church committees and organizations in identifying and carrying out their mission. Â
CHS 609 Age Graded Ministry – Credit 3 hours
The course will explore developmental theories, educational philosophies, and teaching strategies specific to people of various ages with a focus on how such items relate to the biblical witness and the work of the local congregations.
CHS 615 Social Ministry and the Church – Credit 3 hours
An introduction to the theology, theory, and practice of social ministry and the church from both the micro and macro perspective including human development, policy, poverty, ethics and resources. Attention will be given to current social issues and the church’s response.
CPE 615 Clinical Pastoral Education – Credit 6 hours
Clinical Pastoral Education is a clinical program of 400 hours of supervised pastoral care in an accredited clinical setting (hospital, prison, or parish) with a certified supervisor of ACPE. Area centers are accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, 1549 Clairmont Rd. Decatur, GA 30033, and Phone: 404-320-1472. Students must have prior approval from Dr. Wade Rowatt, ACPE Supervisor in order to enroll. A CPE application can be found at acpe.edu.
CTM 601 Contextual Ministry I – Credit 3 hour
Designed for students who are in their “second year” (have taken approximately 30 hours including Spiritual formation). Involves ministry placement, regular meetings with a mentor and peer group meetings with a facilitator.
CTM 602   Contextual Ministry II — Credit 3 hours
To be taken consecutively with Contextual Ministry I and involves ministry placement, regular meetings with a mentor and peer group meetings with a facilitator.
CUL 603 Christianity and Culture – Credit 3 hours           Â
The course will explore the historical interaction of Christianity and culture. The seminarian will gain an understanding of social, political, intellectual, and economic forces that impact all religions, in particular, Christianity. Â
CUL 605 Contemporary Cultural Issues – Credit 3 hours       Â
While the church has long felt the pressures of diverse cultures to become something other than what it is called to be, contemporary Christianity faces challenges that are unprecedented in their power to subtlety transform its sense of purpose and mission. This class will consider several of these phenomena – environmental destruction, technological hope, and market globalization and consumerism – to see how Christians can respond positively and in a manner faithful to Christianity’s rich heritage and teachings.
ETH 501 Ethics – Credit 3 hours  Â
Introduction to the sources and nature of the Christian moral tradition examining New Testament foundations and texts in moral theology which purport to direct human social action in the contemporary world. The course will also offer study of one or two selected moral issues which confront the church today. Â
ETH 601 Social Justice in Biblical and Historical Perspectives – Credit 3 hours
The course will deepen the student’s understanding of God’s passion for justice and will work to permit this deepening biblical understanding to permeate his/her own consciousness, shaping values, priorities and character. The course considers contemporary issues in light of biblical principles and the highest examples of Christian history as a foundation for Christian involvement in today’s world.
MIS 501 The Missional Life of the Church I – Credit 3 hours     Â
To develop biblical understanding and commitment toward the support of missions-evangelism for the individual church leaders and effective contributions through their leadership resulting in a vital focus on missions-evangelism in church life.
MIS 502 The Missional Life of the Church II – Credit 3 hours     Â
Course gives information and insight toward effective means and commitment for church leaders’ personal-life-ministry in missions and evangelistic efforts. In addition the church leader will gain skills in leading church members-congregations in commitment to biblically based and practical missions and evangelistic efforts.  Prerequisite MIS 501
MIS 505 The Biblical Theology of Missions – Credit 2 hours     Â
A study of the principal texts of the Old and New Testaments dealing with the missionary purpose of God in human history and the role of the People of God in that purpose. Through a study of the biblical text and models, as well as through exposure to a segment of current literature in the field of study, we will seek to develop both our theology and practice of mission.
MIS 507 Contextual Missiology – Credit 3 hours
Through the use of biblical historical, cultural, and anthropological materials, the student will explore the relationship of the Gospel and culture, analyze the methods of mission utilized through Christian history, conduct an ethnographic study, develop skills to enable believers in a given context to freely and intentionally theologize, and to formulate his/her own theology of mission.
NTS 501 Introduction to the New Testament – Credit 3 hours     Â
Introduction to the writings of the New Testament, with attention to the literary character and history of the texts; the historical context of the life of Jesus and the rise of the church and Christian faith; and the role of the New Testament texts as a contemporary foundation for Christian faith.  Prerequisite BIB 501
NTS 505 Introduction to New Testament Greek – Credit 3 hours  Â
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, focusing on basic principles of word formation, grammar, and syntax. This course is designed to provide a foundation for learning to read and interpret the Greek New Testament.
NTS 605 Greek Reading – Credit 3 hours           Â
This course is a reading course in New Testament Greek, focusing on the application of basic principles of word formation, grammar and syntax to the translation of particular New Testament texts. The course will also introduce more advanced concepts of semantics, grammar and syntax. Prerequisite NTS 505
NTS 611 Synoptic Gospels – Credit 3 hours
An investigation of the synoptic gospels, with attention to past and present methodologies employed in the understanding and interpretation of the synoptic tradition. The course will focus on the stories told by the gospel writers, on the synoptic traditions about the actions and teachings of Jesus, and on the synoptics’ contribution to our understanding of the historical Jesus. Â
NTS 643 Interpreting Hebrews – Credit 3 hours
An investigation of the epistle to the Hebrews with emphasis on understanding the argument of the sermon and exploring its relevance for contemporary Christian faith.
NTS 647 Interpreting Romans – Credit 3 hours
An investigation of Paul’s letter to the Romans with emphasis on understanding Paul’s argument and exploring the letter’s relevance for contemporary Christian theology. Â
NTS 648 The Book of Revelation – Credit 3 hours
A critical interpretation of the New Testament book of Revelation based upon the nature of apocalyptic language and literature, the historical setting, its internal structure and literary/grammatical, syntactical considerations to the end that the seminarian may understand the book as a pastoral word of hope in the midst of desperate circumstances and be enabled to apply that message to contemporary situations. Â
OTS 501 – Introduction to the Old Testament – Credit 3 hours
Introduction to the people, places, events, and themes of the Old Testament, with attention to the literary character and history of the Old Testament writings; the historical context of ancient Israelite religion; and the role of the Old Testament as Christian scripture. Prerequisite BIB 501
OTS 505 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew – Credit 3 hours
An introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew. The student will be asked to learn frequently used words from the Hebrew Bible. The primary concepts of Hebrew grammar will be introduced during the course of the semester. The aim is to acquire basic skills for the reading of the Old Testament in Hebrew.
OTS 605 Hebrew Reading – Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to review the material covered in Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Additionally, new principles related to grammar will be presented. Both review and new material will be taught in the reading of the Genesis text.
OTS 672 Jeremiah – Credit 3 hours              Â
This course will include an introduction to the prophet and his times, a survey of scholarly opinions about the book, an exegesis of the major passages in the book, and careful instruction on the critical methods of biblical study and how to apply them to the book of Jeremiah.
PAC 601 Introduction to Pastoral Care: Theory and Practice — Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to equip persons for effective pastoral care in a church, hospital, or other religious context. Basic theories and the practice of pastoral care will be evaluated in relation to both developmental and emergency crises situations. Models of caring within religious communities are compared and contrasted. Students will be asked to integrate social, theological, biblical, and psychological understandings of pastoral care.
PAC 603 Psychology and Theology of Family: Theory and Techniques — Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to explore the biblical/theological bases, research findings, and clinical issues for marriage and family theory and techniques. Students will consider a variety of foundational areas for marriage and family, examine their own beliefs and practices in those areas, and reflect on multi-cultural approaches to use in assisting others. This class will make use of a variety of teaching and learning methods.
PAC 605 Pastoral Care with Small Groups: Dynamics and Techniques — Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to address the pastoral care and counseling needs of a congregation from a small group perspective. Students will learn the theories, techniques, principles of leadership, and process of small groups. Various types of groups will include Bible study, support, recovery, educational, self-help, and counseling activities. Â
PAC 607 Pastoral Care with Children, Adolescents and Families — Credit 3 hours
This course will equip ministers to assess the developmental and crises needs of children and adolescents and their families. Students will learn to develop programs and to evaluate counseling approaches for adolescents and families. Students will be asked to integrate social, theological, Biblical, and psychological understandings of children, adolescents, and families.
PAC 609 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling: Theory and Techniques — Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to equip persons in church settings for effective counseling with individuals at a level appropriate to their role and education. Basic theories and techniques of counseling will be evaluated in relation to both formal and informal structures of caring within a faith context. Biblical and theological insights provide a foundation for integrating the behavioral sciences with pastoral counseling.
PAC 611 Psychology of Religious Experience — Credit 3 hours
This course explores the psychology of religious experience, spiritual formation, and transformation. Biblical/theological foundations are studied together with research in the fields of psychology of religion and social psychology. Attention will be given to students’ religious experiences as well as the ministry of guiding, sustaining, and interpreting the religious experiences of others. Students will be expected to participate in a variety of case studies and personal learning encounters in class.
PAC 613 Pastoral Care: Death, Dying and Grief — Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to equip persons in church settings for effective care and counseling with grieving individuals at a level appropriate to their role and education. It explores the biblical, theological, psychological, and social understandings of death, dying, and grief across the life cycle span. Ministry application will focus on the life and work of the local congregation, the ministry of chaplains, and pastoral counseling. This class will make use of a variety of teaching and learning methods.
PAC 615 Marriage and Family Counseling and Therapy — Credit 3 hours  Â
This course will equip persons for effective pastoral care and counseling. Family systems theory and counseling techniques will provide a basic framework for this class as students explore and evaluate marital and family issues. Students will explore these issues from the standpoints of both the congregational perspective and the role of marriage and family counselor. The class will make use of a variety of teaching and learning methods.
PAC 617 Pastoral Care and Counseling: Personality Theory and Abnormal Behavior – Credit 3 hours
This course is designed to investigate personality theories and abnormal behavior (DSM IV) as well as selected views of psychology, culture, and biblical/theological foundations. Students will be requested to look at their own beliefs and thoughts in these areas in order to consider applications for pastoral care and counseling. This class will make use of a variety of teaching and learning methods.
PRC 601 Preaching – Credit 3 hours
This course will introduce the student to some of the basic resources for the preparation and delivery of sermons. The student will be required to do fairly extensive reading of and about preaching itself, to reflect upon the calling and work of the preacher, to participate in classroom dialogue and to prepare, preach and critique sermons.
PRC 605 Preaching as Pastoral Care – Credit 3 hours
Pastoral care is offered in many venues and forms in the setting of a local community of faith. One of those venues is the preaching event. Within the context of a specific time and a specific biblical passage, preaching speaks to the heart of today’s listener conveying the hope of God. This course is designed to assist the minister in embracing opportunities to weave pastoral care through the sermon, guided by the biblical text, to address the human situation. Â
SPF 501 Spiritual Formation I — Credit 2 hours
Course designed as an intentional exploration of personal spiritual formation and its implications to ministry Goals are to assist students in the development of personal spiritual disciplines, to formulate ways in which spiritual formation can shape and direct ministry, and to recognize the harmony of loving God with both mind and heart.
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SPF 502 Spiritual Formation II — Credit 2 hours
Practicum course to continue exploration of personal spiritual formation and its implications to ministry. Prerequisite SPF 501
THE 601 Theology I – Credit 3 hours
The first part of a two-semester course in basic Christian theology. It is a course integrating theme-based material with the reading of classic texts, the writing of reflection papers on assigned theological topics, and vigorous peer dialogue on all materials. The course is designed for the student who has had no prior graduate course work in theology. Â
THE 603 Theology II – Credit 3 hours
The second part of a two-semester course in basic Christian Theology. It is a course integrating theme-based material with the reading of classic texts, the writing of reflection papers on assigned theological topics, and vigorous peer dialogue on all materials. The course is designed for the student who has had no prior graduate course work in theology. Â
THE 609 Significant Religious Thought – Credit 3 hours
This course will focus on the meaning of God in philosophical and religious thought. The course will survey three of the important books in modern Christian thought, Jonathan Edwards’s Religious Affections, William James’s Varieties of Religious Experience, and C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity. Each of these writers frames the question of God quite differently in their philosophical views, and we will use these differences to explore central issues in the philosophy of religion.
THE 613 Novel Theology – Credit 3 hours
The course will explore a variety of novels that develop religious themes of personal transformation, relationship with God, moral choices, and the conflict between good and evil. The purpose of the course is to enable the student to develop skills in the theological analysis of fiction. This will prepare the student to encounter new texts and enable a broader conversation with voices in the society of literature. The student will also deepen their own theological reflection through interaction with the ideas and descriptions in these texts.
THE 619 Church in a Postmodern Age – Credit 3 hours
Current discussions in the church—from emergent “postmodern” congregations to mainline “missional” congregations—are increasingly grappling with philosophical and theoretical questions related to postmodernity. In light of these questions this course will examine theological and practical issues that confront ministers and congregations as they struggle together with integrity and trust to discern what it means to be and to practice Christian community in our postmodern society.
WOR 601 Worship – Credit 3 hours
This course will introduce the student to some of the history, theology and practices of Christian worship. The student will be required to read, reflect and write on liturgical issues, past and present, prepare a series of public prayers suitable for Sunday worship, report on on-site observations of various congregations at worship, participate in classroom dialogue, formulate a sound personal theology of worship and design a complete worship service.
WRL 607 World Religions – Credit 3 hours        Â
A study of the emergence and tenets of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism with emphasis given to basic concepts, major figures, and cultural and historical development.
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