Theology

	Theology
"All the World Is Our Campus"

THL 111 Biblical Writing Basics (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory Placement Score.

Corequisites: None.

This course emphasizes writing theology research papers and for religious media to enable Christian servant leaders to develop the ability to produce clear expository prose. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.

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THL 112 Biblically Based Literary Research (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: THL 111 or ENGL 111.

Corequisites: None.

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies used in theological writing. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to summarize, paraphrase, interpret, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using standard research format and style.

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THL 114 Biblical Principles of Health and Wellness (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course aims to filter the vast array of health-related knowledge available in the world today through sound biblical principles. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle-related wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention within the context of a range of health topics. Upon completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate a cursory understanding of and basic skill set related to: healthy decision-making, consumer health education, healthy weight management, and other skills which will enable them to make health-enhancing choices and engage in health-enhancing activities to improve their quality of life.

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THL 135 Life, Ministry, and Teachings of Jesus (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course covers the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the four Gospels. Emphasis is on the analysis of the four Gospels in the context of the social, political, and religious conditions of the first century. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the background, purpose, message, and themes of the Gospels and the significance of Jesus Christ in the first century and beyond. The lecture core of this course is a series of recorded lectures presented by noted television evangelist, author, and pastor of pastors Dr. Roderick C. Meredith.

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THL 135S Vida, Ministerio y Enseñanzas de Jesucristo (3-0-0-3)
Requisitos: Ninguno.

Requisitos colaterales: Ninguno.

Esta materia abarca la vida, el ministerio y las enseñanzas de Jesucristo como es presentada en los cuatro evangelios. El énfasis de la materia se hace en el análisis de los cuatro evangelios en el contexto social, político, y en el análisis de las condiciones religiosas del primer siglo. Una vez cursado la materia, al término del curso el estudiante podrá explicar los antecedentes sociales, el propósito, el mensaje, los temas evangélicos y el significado de la persona de Jesucristo en el primer siglo y en los años siguientes. El centro de las clases son las clases grabadas y presentadas por el conocido evangelista que preside, presentador del programa de televisión, autor y pastor Dr. Roderick C. Meredith.

[Síntesis] [Lección de Muestra]

THL 136 Acts and the Writings of Paul (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Focused in the book of Acts of the Apostles this course deals with Paul’s life, times, and writings including the background, purpose, message, and themes of the Pauline epistles; his personal life and character; his companions; and the chronology of the apostle’s life. Emphasis is on the theology of his writings and the issues that Paul dealt with in apostolic times. Upon completion, students should be able to show the message of Acts and each of each of the Pauline Epistles and their implication and application.

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THL 150ab Introduction to Biblical Communication (1-1|2-2|0-0|2-2)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course provides a foundation for speaking to religious audiences. Emphasis is on dealing with challenges in effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis and presentation of subject matter in biblical communication. Upon completion, students should be able to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals, churches, and other groups, clarify information as needed, and facilitate an open exchange of ideas.

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THL 200 Principles of Christian Living (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course covers the purpose for human life; human nature; values, morality, and ethics; marriage and family, and career. Topics include values, beliefs, and mores; interpersonal communication, dating, courtship, marriage, and children. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and demonstrate a basic knowledge of practical Christian living. The lecture core is a set of contemporary lectures by Dr. Douglas Winnail dealing with the foundations of Christian living for successful life in today’s world.

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THL 211 Old Testament Survey I (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the Law and the Former Prophets focusing on background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events. Emphasis is on the Hebrew Scriptures as the background and foundation for understanding the New Testament. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the author, background, theme, and content of each book.

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THL 212 Old Testament Survey II (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: THL 211 or Consent of Instructor.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the Latter Prophets and the Writings, focusing on the background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events. Emphasis is on the Hebrew Scriptures as the background and foundation for understanding the New Testament. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the author, background, theme, and content of each book.

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THL 226 Christian Leadership (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the principles of Christian leadership and service. Topics include foundations of leadership, leadership skills, challenges facing leaders and case studies of great leaders of the Bible and secular history. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the qualities of a servant leader in a variety of settings.

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THL 236 Christian Camp Leadership (2-0-0-2)

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This course is designed to prepare students for service as a Christian camp counselor or activity leader. Emphasis is on techniques of Christian camp counseling and leadership; camp safety, activities and program development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various philosophies, administration, and programming of Christian camps; and serve in the capacity of a Christian camp counselor or activity leader.

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THL 250 Introduction to Biblical Doctrines (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with basic biblical doctrines. Topics include the Church, the Holy Bible, God, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, salvation, holy days and festivals, the law of God, the Sabbath, sin, being born again, church government, marriage, the second coming of Christ, the last judgment, and human potential. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate fundamental doctrinal understanding. Tomorrow’s World television presenter Richard Ames presents a series of lectures on foundational biblical doctrines.

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THL 260 Biblical Communication (1-2-0-2)

Prerequisites: THL 150ab.

Corequisites: None.

This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a religious setting and group discussion. Emphasis is on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support.

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THL 265 Applied Biblical Communication (1-2-0-2)

Prerequisites: THL 260.

Corequisites: None.

This course provides a comprehensive theoretical background for the practice of speaking in public religious settings utilizing rhetorical principles applied in a series of speaking experiences. Emphasis is on informative and persuasive advanced speaking skills. Upon completion, students should be able to construct, present, and critique communications that are complex, dynamic and purposeful.

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THL 320 Introduction to Church History (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course traces the history of the Church of God from apostolic times to the present day. Topics include the development of the Church through each of its seven distinct eras. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant developments in the history of the Church.

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THL 332 The Biblical Text (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the authority, inspiration, canonization, literary unity, and textual criticism of the biblical text. Emphasis is on Bible translations, versions, textual analysis, exegesis, and research. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of interpretation and textual research.

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THL 342 Christian Marriage and Family (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course provides a biblical perspective and an overview of research as it relates to marriage and family relationships. Selected topics include preparation for marriage, qualities for home and family life, the adolescent and young married adult, family management, and contemporary problems in marriage and family life. Upon completion, students should be able to describe biblical principles for marriage and family, to explain examined theories related to marriage and family, to summarize factors involved in mate selection and readiness for marriage, and to articulate principles of establishing and maintaining healthy family relationships.

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THL 344 Christian Women (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course attends to the unique role in life that a Christian woman fills with special emphasis on qualities relevant to the life and work of the Christian woman in the church. Selected topics include the lives and examples of outstanding women of the Bible and the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual issues affecting all Christian women and the practical, biblical methods of dealing with them. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate and explain the principles relevant to the life, work, and success of the Christian woman.

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THL 345 Early Childhood Education in the Church (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the influence of Christian family relationships on child development with emphasis on basic principles and skills for parent effectiveness, the developing nature and needs of children, and how they learn. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and demonstrate knowledge of major areas of child growth and development and effective Christian parenting.

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THL 346 Teaching in the Christian Home (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the issues and challenges involved in organizing an effective Christian home school including legal regulations; curriculum development; teaching Bible, literacy, science, mathematics, socialization, and history; testing requirements; graduation and record keeping. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and demonstrate a basic knowledge of the issues and challenges in home schooling.

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THL 394 Senior Thesis (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This is a special course for developing a thesis written on a work (or works) selected in conference with the thesis sponsor. In this course a student selects a thesis topic in consultation with a faculty sponsor before registration and completes it over the course of a semester. Progress meetings are held regularly and the student must submit a formal final approved thesis. Upon completion, the student can demonstrate mastery in the content of the thesis orally and in writing.

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THL 399 Undergraduate Open Seminar (1-3 0 0 1-3)

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This is a special course for reading and conference or for experimentation, or a seminar on topics not treated by regularly scheduled classes. Upon completion, the student is able to demonstrate mastery of the content of the readings or topics of the seminar. A maximum of three hours of credit may be earned toward the bachelor’s degree in Undergraduate Open Seminar in theology.

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THL 412 Epistles of Paul I (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: THL 136 or consent of instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This course, the first of two, focuses on the Apostle Paul’s life and writings including the background, message, purposes and theme of each of his epistles. Emphasis is upon the first four epistles addressed to specific churches (Romans, I & II Corinthians, and Galatians). Upon completion, students should be able to use analysis tools to read, understand, and explain these biblical writings.

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THL 413 Epistles of Paul II (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: THL 136 or consent of instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This course, the second of two, focuses on the Apostle Paul’s life and writings from his first Roman imprisonment to his death including the Captivity Epistles, Hebrews and the Pastoral Epistles. Upon completion, students should be able to use analysis tools to read, understand, and explain these biblical writings.

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THL 416 General Epistles (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course introduces the historical setting, purpose, and central theme of the letters of James, Peter, John, and Jude. Emphasis is on the use of critical, historical, archeological, and cultural analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to use analysis tools to read, understand, explain, and expound these biblical writings.

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THL 419 Daniel and Revelation (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: THL 250 or consent of instructor.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the background, themes, and teachings of the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. It includes consideration of Old Testament and New Testament prophecies that blend into the book of Revelation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of biblical prophecy and eschatological events.

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THL 421 History of Christianity I (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the history of Christianity from the first century to the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. Focus is on the growth and development of Christianity during the early centuries in the Mediterranean World as well as its expansion into Europe and the East. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of major events, movements, and theological trends.

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THL 422 History of Christianity II (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: THL 421.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the history of Christianity from the time of the Reformation to the present. Its focuses is on the Protestant Reformation, Roman Catholic reform, Protestant liberalism and fundamentalism, the ecumenical movement, Christianity in developing countries, and the Christian decline of the industrialized West. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the modern history of Christianity as a global religion and to show the diversity of its beliefs and practices.

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THL 426 The Pastor as Counselor (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course focuses on the philosophy and techniques of pastoral counseling including interpersonal, premarital, marital, family and crisis intervention counseling. Emphasis is on theories, methods and problems of counseling and interviewing and the attitudes and objectives of the counselor and counselee. Upon completion, students should be able to understand various theories of pastoral counseling and demonstrate counseling techniques.

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THL 427 Working with Christian Youth (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with developing, organizing, and coordinating church youth programs. Emphasis is on the development of Christian values in youth and adolescents. Upon completion, students should be able organize and coordinate a youth program in a local congregation.

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THL 428 Working with Elderly in the Church (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with identifying the needs both physical and spiritual, of the elderly. Emphasis is on learning and applying necessary care skills to meet these needs and developing an awareness of available community resources. Upon completion, students should be sensitive to and proactive in dealing with the challenges and needs of an aging population, e.g., spiritual/religious, social, biological, physiological, and psychological.

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THL 440ab Homiletics (1-1|2-2|0-0|2-2)
Prerequisites: THL 265 or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: None.
This course is an introduction to preaching. Emphasis is on preparation and delivery of sermonettes, the purpose and presentation of the song service, and place of sermonettes within the church service. Upon completion, students should be able to deliver sermonettes and lead the song service in a local congregation.

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THL 445ab Advanced Homiletics (1-1|2-2|0-0|2-2)
Prerequisites: THL 440ab.
Corequisites: None.
This course prepares the student for the tasks and responsibilities of preaching including the application of the principles of hermeneutics. Emphasis is on sermon preparation and practice in preaching. Upon completion, students should be able to deliver sermons and plan a speaking schedule for a local congregation.

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THL 448 Song Leading and Church Music (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: Consent of department chair.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the techniques of directing songs in congregational singing, choir rehearsal and performance. Practice includes conducting beat patterns, cues and learning elementary rehearsal techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to show knowledge of the fundamentals of directing songs, to gather information necessary for performing song leading and some choir directing duties, and to demonstrate a knowledge appropriate for congregational song leading.

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THL 450 Introduction to Biblical Theology (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: THL 250 or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: None.
This course deals with the principal doctrines of the Christianity as seen through various theological systems and interpretations. Topics include the nature of God; biblical and theological development of concepts regarding the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the creation and the purpose for mankind; and covenants, salvation, grace, law, faith and the Church. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate fundamental doctrinal understanding. This is the capstone course for the Bachelor of Theology degree program.

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THL 456 Philosophy of Religion (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the quest for truth about some of the profound questions of life, such as the relationship of good and evil, the nature of reality, and how we know and experience God. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a grasp of the theoretical tools involved in the study of the philosophy of religion.

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THL 460 Contemporary World Religions (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam; and consideration of neo-pagan and cultic phenomena in the contemporary world. Emphasis is on the historical development, key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the similarities and differences between the world’s religions and how they differ from Christianity.

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THL 467 Historical Geography of the Bible Lands (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the historical geography of the Bible Lands as represented in ancient texts (the Bible as well as Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Canaanite sources). Emphasis is on the interrelationship of history and geography during the Bronze and Iron Ages, including settlement, economic, military, and communication factors in ancient Israel. Upon completion a student should be able to correlate relevant archaeological, historical and biblical material with important sites, roads, and features in each region.

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THL 473 Archaeology and the Old Testament (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the archaeology of the Bible Lands from the fourth millennium BCE through the Intertestamental Period. Topics addressed include patriarchal Palestine, Joseph and Moses in Egypt, the reigns of David and Solomon, the divided kingdom, the exile, and the intertestamental period. Upon completion, students should be able to explain how understanding of the social, political and religious background of the biblical world aids illumination of the Hebrew Scriptures.

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THL 474 Archaeology and the New Testament (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the archaeology of Syro-Palestine from Herodian times through the Second Jewish Revolt (C.E. 132-135). Emphasis is on orientation to the geography and archaeology of the biblical world and the application of archaeology in biblical research. Upon completion, students should be able to explain how understanding of the social, political and religious background of the biblical world aids illumination of the New Testament text.

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THL 475 Ancient Egypt and the Biblical World (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with ancient Egyptian archaeology, history and culture from the Pre-dynastic Period through the Late Period. Emphasis is upon on the interconnection of Egypt with the land of Canaan, the Exodus, the Conquest, and the Settlement. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in ancient Egypt.

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THL 476 Archaeology of Jerusalem (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course deals with the development of Jerusalem from prehistoric through the Byzantine Period in light of archaeological discoveries and extant historical details. Emphasis upon key stages of the city’s past as Canaanite Jebus, City of David and Zion, Nehemiah’s Jerusalem, Herodian Jerusalem, Roman Colonia Aelia Capitolina, and Byzantine Jerusalem. Special emphasis placed on the Temple Mount, Cenacle, and Golgotha. Upon completion, students should be able to identify features and key structures.

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THL 478 Lands of the Bible (0-9/18-0-3/6)

Prerequisites: None.

Corequisites: None.

This course is a study tour which combines travel with lectures and readings on the archaeology, culture and geography of the Bible Lands to provide students with a rich, on-site learning experience. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and demonstrate knowledge of important aspects of the archaeology, culture and geography of the Bible Lands. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours [not graded; CR (credit) or NC (no credit) will appear on transcript].

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THL 479 Fieldwork in Biblical Archaeology (0-9/18-0-3/6)
Prerequisites: THL 473, 474 or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: THL 478 or already completed..
This course consists of supervised excavation at an archaeological site in the Levant. Experience is in all facets of archaeological work including excavating, sifting, surveying, washing and reading pottery, and the process of computerized finds registration. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the major elements of the archaeological methods and analysis used on the site. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours [not graded; CR (credit) or NC (no credit) will appear on transcript].

THL 490abc Practicum in Professional Ministry (0-6/12/18-0-2/4/6)
Prerequisites: Consent of department chair.
Corequisites: None.
This practicum consists of supervised fieldwork in ministry. Emphasis is on developing and exercising the competencies and skills necessary for professional ministry and for intensive reflection on the experience. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the planning, organization, and execution of ministry responsibilities.

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THL 499abc Independent Study (1-1-1|0-0-0|0-0-0|1-1-1)
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.
Corequisites: None.
In this course a student selects a project in consultation with a faculty sponsor before registration and completes it over the course of a semester. Progress meetings are held regularly and the student must submit a formal final report. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate mastery in the content of the project orally and in writing.

[ Course Prospectus ]

THL 514 Pastors, Health and Wellness (3-0-0-3)
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Advanced Certificate in Ministry Program or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: None.

This course is designed to examine and apply biblical and contemporary principles for leading a healthy life and ministry. Emphasis is upon assisting church leaders in identifying areas of strength and weakness in their lives and ministerial practice including personal and family life, role and conflict, emotional health, and spiritual renewal. Upon completion the student can demonstrate acquaintance with the expectations and stresses of ministry and articulate the importance of having a healthy pastoral ministry.

[ Course Prospectus ]

THL 516 Pastors, Church and the Law (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Advanced Certificate in Ministry Program or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: None.

This course introduces the principal laws and regulations affecting the pastor and the church, their relationship with the state and dealing with congregants facing legal challenges. Topics include law and the pastor; pastor-church relationship; authority, rights and privileges; liabilities, limitations and restrictions; legal liability; and the first amendment. Upon completion, a student should be able to apply ethical issues, laws and regulations covered to selected decision-making situations.

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THL 520 History of the Church (3-0-0-3)

Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Advanced Certificate in Ministry Program or consent of instructor.
Corequisites: None.

This course traces the history of the Church of God from apostolic times to the present day. Topics include the development of the Church through each of its seven distinct eras and its relationship with other Christians not in its fellowship. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant developments in the history of the Church.

[ Course Prospectus ] [ Sample Lesson ]