OVERVIEW

The one year Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Pastoral Ministry, Theology, Biblical Studies and Counseling. Pursue if you want to enhance your biblical and theological understanding in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith.

CONCENTRATION:   Pastoral Ministry

DURATION:   1 Year

NUMBER OF COURSES:  10

PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM

The Pastoral ministry studies program helps students gain an understanding of the shepherding role of a pastor by developing skills in pastoral care and procedures, leadership, administration, preaching, teaching, and communication. Students will grow in their knowledge and application of Scripture and doctrine, develop a biblically-based philosophy of ministry and learn about issues related to pastoral ministry. Students will be given the opportunity to put the knowledge they gain into practice through completion of a guided supervised ministry (internship). After completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to serve in a congregational setting as a pastor or associate pastor in many denominations, or Bible teachers, missionaries, religious leaders, to enrich their ministries and lives, or apply for further studies in Pastoral Ministry or Pastoral Theology. Official transcripts and the Diploma in Pastoral Ministry will be awarded to students who successfully complete the 30 credit hours course program.

REQUIRED COURSES:

Core Courses and Description

OLDT101    Introduction to Old Testament Theology         (3 credit hours)

This course offers a comprehensive overview and general study of all books of the Old Testament. An introduction survey of the authorship, date, history, audience, themes and contents of the Old Testament books from Genesis through Esther.  Chronologically, the course covers the time period from Creation to the Exile.

NEWT102    Introduction to New Testament Theology        (3 credit hours)

This course offers a comprehensive overview and general study of all books of the New Testament. An introduction survey of the authorship, date, history, audience, themes and contents of the New Testament books.

BIBL103    Biblical Homiletics: Fundamentals of Expository Preaching            (3 credit hours)

This course offers practical communication skills in preaching and public speaking. A basic study in sermon preparation dealing with the parts of the sermon, structure and delivery. Emphasis is given to the analysis of student-prepared outlines, along with the actual delivery of sermons. This course will provide further methods of gathering and organizing materials, effective illustrations, audience adaptations and speech theory, with proper emphasis on Scriptural exegesis.

STH104     Systematic Theology 1                                             (3 credit hours)

This course surveys significant theology topics and study of the historic Christian beliefs, the existence and nature of God, His attributes and names, as well as the doctrine of the trinity, doctrine of revelation, creation, man, doctrine of incarnation, predestination, justification, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology.

BIBL105   Biblical Interpretation                                               (3 credit hours)

This course provides a practical understanding of the principles for biblical interpretation. It covers such areas as context, history, culture and grammar, as well as the use of different rules for the various types of literature found in the Bible. Model used to interpret any biblical text, task of the minister, exegesis, historical criticism and biblical theology.

PAST106    Pastoral Care and Counseling                              (3 credit hours)

This course survey the essentials of Pastoral Care and the task of caring, offering guidance, reconciliation, healing, sustaining presence and empowerment to those in need. The course will outline the quintessential elements pastors need to wisely minister in today’s context by discussing four major kinds of looseness, grief, illness, abuse and family challenges.

HIST107      History of Christianity 1                                        (3 credit hours)

This course provides an introduction to the history of Christianity and historical theology from the second to the seventeenth centuries. We will introduce you to the continuities and varieties of Christian experience and belief in different times and places across the globe-and to the complexity of Christianity’s social, cultural and political entanglements in these contexts. You will be exposed to the politics, ideas and actions that gave rise to Protestantism, and the intimate relationship of Protestant and Catholic reforms. This course will encourage you to apply the critical skills and aptitudes developed in your study of the past to situations of religious life, leadership and service today.

Elective Courses and Description

NEWT108   Pauline Epistles                                                       (3 credit hours)

Paul is a major force in New Testament thought and theology. This course takes in-depth exegetical study of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

PAST109     Pastoral Leadership                                               (3 credit hours)

The biblical nature of leadership, the importance of progressive leadership in church life, and practical strategies for effective Christian leadership are analyzed. Study of theoretical aspects of leadership and of administrative roles within the church. Secular and Christian ideas of leadership are examined and applied to Christian education in the local church.

SMIN111      Supervised Ministry                                             (3 credit hours)

This course provides the student with an opportunity to gain 100 hours of field education or supervised ministry experience in a local church or Para-church organization.