COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BIB531. Elementary Greek I. 3 hours. F.

This course includes a study of forms, vocabulary, elementary syntax and it also includes reading/translation of some of the less difficult books of the New Testament.

BIB532. Elementary Greek II. 3 hours. SP.

A continuation of BIB 531. Prerequisite: BIB 531 Elementary Greek I.

BIB533A. Greek Readings/John. 3 hours. F.

Readings in selected books of the New Testament (A=John; B=Paul). Different New Testament books will be rotated each semester so that the student may take the course a second time as an elective. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar and development of facility of reading. Prerequisite: BIB 531 and 532 Elementary Greek I and II.

BIB533B. Greek Readings/Paul. 3 hours. F.

Readings in selected books of the New Testament (A=John; B=Paul). Different New Testament books will be rotated each semester so that the student may take the course a second time as an elective. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar and development of facility of reading. Prerequisite: BIB 531 and 532 Elementary Greek I and II.

BIB534. Greek Exegesis. 3 hours. SP.

Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the New Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of New Testament exegesis. Prerequisites: BIB 531 Elementary Greek I, BIB 532 Elementary Greek II, and BIB 533 Greek Readings.

BIB541. Elementary Hebrew I. 3 hours. F.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew. Focuses on basic vocabulary, elementary grammar, and rudimentary translation. Same as BIB 263.

BIB542. Elementary Hebrew II. 3 hours. SP.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew. Focuses on basic vocabulary, elementary grammar, and rudimentary translation. After completing this course, students should be prepared to read the narrative portions of the Hebrew Bible. Same as BIB 264.

BIB543. Hebrew Readings. 3 hours.

A study in the translation and exegesis of select narrative and poetic passages from the Hebrew Bible. Special attention is given to advanced Hebrew syntax and its application to Old Testament interpretation. Prerequisites: BIB 541 and 542 Elementary Hebrew I and II.

BIB544. Hebrew Exegesis. 3 hours.

Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the Old Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of Old Testament exegesis. Prerequisites: BIB 541 and 542 Elementary Hebrew I and II, and BIB 543 Hebrew Readings.

BIB700. Methodology Doctoral Research & Writing. (W) 3 hours. F.

A required orientation to the D.Min. program, this course introduces students to the scholarship of ministry. Structured readings and writing assignments guide the student through the qualitative and quantitative research methods that will be utilized throughout the program of study. This course includes a significant writing component. The student must take this course in the first semester of enrollment.

BIB705. Spiritual Formation for Ministry. 3 hours. F.

An orientation to the principles and practices of religious spiritual formation. Insights are drawn from biblical, historical, psychological, and religious traditions of practicing the spiritual disciplines, and of living a balanced and healthy spiritual life.

BIB710. Theological Foundations of Ministry. 3 hours. SP.

An introduction to ministry as service to God. Biblical and historical principles of ministry are discussed to aid students in shaping their personal philosphy of ministry, leading to a more effective practice of the discipline.

BIB715. Intercultural Engagement. 3 hours. SP.

An examination of anthropological, biblical, and sociological methods to minister effectively in a world of increasing ethnic, racial, religious, and social diversity. Focus will fall on how the church can navigate cultural change while maintaining the transcendent authority of scripture.

BIB720. Ministerial Ethics. 3 hours. F.

An investigation of the ethical problems associated with the practice of ministry. Situational dilemmas will guide student exploration of appropriate behaviors, "border lines" for conduct, and virtuous practices to keep the minister's conduct beyond reproach.

BIB725. Contextual Homiletics. 3 hours. F.

An examination of best practices for communication in diverse public speaking contexts. Emphasis will fall on how the speaker can most effectively "contextualize" the message to the greatest persuasive effect.

BIB730. Multigenerational Ministry. 3 hours. SP.

An investigation of the integrated ministry model. Emphasis will fall on small group responsibilities within the church to train successive generations, as well as methods to "de-silo' congregations in an effort to develop collaboration of diverse populations for the unity of the body.

BIB735. Leadership Development. 3 hours. SP.

An examination of the principles and practices of preparing spiritual leaders. Focus will fall on the church's pattern of leadership and how congregations can implement best practices to train future leaders.

BIB740. Theories and Practices of Church Growth. 3 hours. F.

A biblical, cultural, and sociological investigation on teh church's work "outside the walls." Theories, principles, and best practices of benevolence, evangelism, and community engagement are discussed to help students make their churches a model of healthy, sustainable growth.

BIB745. The Church and Social Justice. 3 hours. SP.

An investigation of the church's responsibility to heal inequity by the power of the gospel. Biblical, cultural, and sociological considerations are discussed to introduce, assess, and develop biblically-grounded and God-honoring principles to help the church change the world by changing people.

BIB790A. Dissertation Seminar I. 3 hours. F.

First semester of mentored research and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Included is an introduction, a comprehensive literature review, and a discussion of research methodology. Prior to the course, an accepted research prospectus must be submitted to the director of the Graduate School of Theology and approved by a dissertation approval group. This group will assign a mentor for the dissertation.

BIB790B. Dissertation Seminar II. 3 hours. SP.

Second semester of mentored research and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Included is a presentation and synthesis of research materials, a record of results and findings from the study, and an analysis of the data for the purpose of application in a congregational setting. Defense of the dissertation includes a successful oral presentation to an audience of FHU faculty, administrators, and student colleagues.

BIB526. Introduction to Homiletics. 3 hours. SP.

The preparation and presentation of topical, textual, and expository sermons in the context of local preaching. Training will include preparation for weddings, funerals, and speaking for special occasions.

BIB529. Expository Preaching. 3 hours. SP.

Study is made of the expository method; emphasis is placed on preaching from the Bible text; opportunity is given for practice, evaluation, and correction. Same as BIB 435.

BIB530. Inductive Preaching. 3 hours. F.

A study of the structure and flow of inductive preaching. Attention will be given to developing and presenting lessons which lead audiences to discovery, including narrative, and other plot-oriented structures.

BIB547. Missions and Church Growth. 3 hours. F.

The Biblical basis of missions, its practice in history, in Catholicism, in Protestantism, and in churches of Christ. The practical principles which need to be mastered to be effective in missions, and anthropological/cultural aspects of mission work.

BIB550. Missionary Anthropology. 3 hours.

An examination of basic anthropological insights with application to the missionary enterprise. Culture change and cross-cultural adaptation will be addressed, as well as world view, urbanization, modernization, and westernization of less developed cultures.

BIB515. The Synoptic Gospels. 3 hours. SP.

A systematic study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In addition to exploring the purpose, life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus; attention will be given to source theories and authorship, issues related to similarities and discrepancies between the accounts, the unique purpose of each account, and application to the story of Jesus to the 21st century world and church. (Text course.)

BIB516. Seminar in Gospel of John. 3 hours. F.

The major introductory questions to the Gospel of John will be discussed. The seminar will focus on an in-depth study of key passages. Applications for the 21st century minister will be emphasized. (Text course.)

BIB517. I-II Thessalonians and Philippians. 3 hours. SP.

Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the second coming of Christ. (Text course.)

BIB518. I-II Peter and Jude. 3 hours. F.

Emphasis will be placed on the authorship and the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with attention to the "false teachers" and other such problems mentioned in the epistles. (Text course.)

BIB519. The Corinthian Correspondence. 3 hours. F.

Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the Lord's Supper, the woman's veil, the resurrection, etc. (Text course.)

BIB520. Life of Paul. 3 hours. SU.

The course will examine the life, thought, work and influence of Paul of Tarsus through a study of primary literature (his own letters) and secondary literature (letters about him; i.e., Acts of the Apostles). It will especially be concerned with placing Paul, the communities he addressed, and the literature by or related to him within their religious social-historical contexts in the Greco-Roman world. (Text course.)

BIB521. Romans. 3 hours. SP.

Introductory matters, including questions of chronology, destination, audience, and occasion will be treated. The student will be led through an exegesis of selected passages, consideration of difficult texts, and attention to the teaching of the Gospel, salvation, and man's responsibility to God as presented in this epistle. (Text course.)

BIB522. Seminar in Acts. 3 hours. SU.

An exegetical seminar in Acts of the Apostles. Students will be introduced to the major historical, literary, and theological issues related to the contemporary study of Acts. Students will research, write, and discuss exegetical projects applying contemporary scholarship in the interpretation of the text. (Text course.)

BIB523. Hebrews. 3 hours.

A verse-by-verse exegesis of the letter to the Hebrews. Attention is given to the superiority of Christ, the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, and the need to serve God faithfully. (Text Course)

BIB524. Revelation. 3 hours. F.

A thorough study of the closing book of the New Testament. Special attention is given to the first-century background, to modern interpretive approaches, and to a careful reading of the book’s text. (Text course.)

BIB527. New Testament Theology. 3 hours. SP.

The origin, background, authorship, theology, and design of New Testament books with some special attention to Biblical criticism.

BIB528. New Testament World. 3 hours. F.

Politics, society, culture, philosophies, and religions of the Greco-Roman world of the time of Christ. Attention is given to backgrounds of early Christianity, history, and archeology from the 2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D.

BIB509. Prophets I: PreExilic. 3 hours. F.

A study of selections from the writings of the pre-exilic prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Jonah, and Nahum. Major prophetic themes are emphasized along with the study of the nature and work of the prophets. (Text course.)

BIB510. Prophets II: Post-Exilic. 3 hours. SP.

Studies in the text of the exilic and post-exilic prophets: Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The cultural and theological impact of the exile is emphasized, along with the historical and theological backgrounds of the prophets. (Text course.)

BIB511. Seminar in Genesis. 3 hours. SP.

A preliminary to the Law of Moses, Genesis introduces the entire redemptive covenant message of Scripture. This Old Testament course probes the text and theology of this crucial book as foundational for understanding the life and thought of the ancient Hebrews. (Text course.)

BIB512. Old Testament Wisdom Literature. 3 hours. F.

An overview of the themes and theology of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon followed by exegesis of select passages from each book. Special attention is given to the poetic nature of this literature, as well as to its relationship to cognate literature from the ancient Near East. (Text course.)

BIB514. Seminar in Job. 3 hours. SP.

This Old Testament text study probes the historical significance and the practical relevance of the book of Job. Special emphasis is given to the sovereignty of God and to the problem of suffering. (Text course.)

BIB537. Old Testament Theology. 3 hours. F.

The origin, background, authorship, theology, and design of Old Testament books with special attention to problems of Biblical criticism.

BIB573. Critical Thinking. 3 hours. SP.

To enable ministerial students to think critically. The focus is on equipping students with the logical tools to help them to identify and evaluate evidence that leads to conclusions that are proposed as being true, to use these same tools to identify logical fallacies, to aid them in communicating their beliefs clearly and accurately through critical thinking, and to aid in decision making that will glorify God and promote his kingdom.

BIB525. Communication in Ministry. 3 hours. F.

An examination of communication as it is employed in ministry. Attention will be given to interpersonal and group dynamics, written correspondence and publications, use of media, and use of technology in church settings.

BIB535. Family Ministry. 3 hours. F.

The development of family enrichment programs with a view to ministering to the needs of each family. It will also teach the student how to get each family involved in the life and activity of the congregation.

BIB545. Spiritual Leadership. 3 hours. SU.

Leadership principles from the business world and from Scripture applied to the church, qualifications of effective spiritual leaders and methods of developing them, and consideration of the urgency of developing leaders.

BIB546. Education Program of the Church. 3 hours. SP.

Attention to the principles used to develop and strengthen the education program of the church. Goals, organization, curriculum, facilities, and teachers are major units of study that are included.

BIB548. Contextualization. 3 hours. SP.

An examination of the critical issues involved in presenting and applying the Gospel in other cultural contexts. Particular emphasis will be given to balancing faithfulness to the Biblical text with meaningfulness within culture.

BIB551. Religious Diversity in America. 3 hours. SP.

A survey of the history and beliefs of the major world religions, with a special emphasis on their practice in an increasingly diverse American landscape. Special attention will also be given to missiological principles for more effective Christian evangelism.

BIB555. Contemporary Ethics. 3 hours. F.

A study of contemporary theories in philosophical ethics with an emphasis on Biblical applications to current problems in values.

BIB565A. Internship. 3 hours.

This course requires extensive time spent in practical "hands-on" work in a supervised program of some local church. The student may choose any internship for which the corresponding classroom course has already been completed. The particular church, program, and supervisor must be approved by the course instructor and the Director of the Graduate School of Theology. Approximately 40 hours of preparation, work, and evaluation, exclusive of travel, will be required for each hour of credit. Check with director for availability.

BIB575. Suffering and the Human Condition. 3 hours. F.

Human suffering is one of the most difficult experiences to understand and endure. Those in counseling and ministry are frequently faced with the psychological and physical problems of human suffering. This course explores how we deal with concerns in our own lives and the lives of others. It combines both theory and practice in an examination of the various elements of suffering. This course is an attempt to find value in suffering from a Christian perspective and help formulate a "theology of suffering" from Scripture that will result in successful interventions of the sufferer.

BIB500. Introduction to Graduate Studies. 3 hours. F. SP.

The student is introduced to graduate level education with "hands-on" experience in the use of library resources and tools needed for effective research and writing including proper documentation of research projects. The student must take this course in the first or second regular semester of his enrollment.

BIB507. Dead Sea Scrolls. 3 hours. F.

A study of the Dead Sea Scrolls in their historical, literary, and cultural context. Special attention will be given to Jewish sectarianism, biblical text, canon, and interpretation, and early Christian backgrounds.

BIB508. Intertestamental Period. 3 hours. F.

This course seeks to present an introduction to the religious, social, economic, and political situation of the Biblical world during the period 400 BC-100 BC.

BIB576. Advanced Apologetics. 3 hours. SP.

Advanced apologetics: the study of evidences which prove the Christian faith is from God. Attention is given to systems of thought which oppose the Christian world view, and possible responses are considered. Classical and contemporary arguments for the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and the deity of Christ are considered in detail.

BIB577. Biblical Text Canon and Inspiration. 3 hours. SP.

A study of the nature and origin of the Biblical text (including a brief consideration of textual criticism), the definition and extent of the canon, and the definition and nature of inspiration.

BIB585. Thesis. 3 hours. F. SP. SU.

The thesis for the M.A. (New Testament)/Master of Divinity is written under the guidance of a faculty mentor and allows the student to do deeper research on a topic in his/her area of interest.

BIB590. Early Church Fathers. 3 hours. F.

A study of Christian theology from the period of the Apostolic Fathers (ca.100 E.E.) to the Council of Chalcedon (451 C.E.). The course will focus upon teh theological development of four primary Christian themes: ecclesiology, Christology and the Trinity, orthodoxy/heresy, and Tradition and Scripture. Attention also will be given to the intersection of these developments with social, political, and geographical elements.

BIB591. History of Reformation Movement. 3 hours. SP.

The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Reformation Movement from its beginning to 1800. Particular attention is given to separation from Catholicism, the development of various denominations, and the rise of the restoration plea.

BIB592. History of Restoration Movement. 3 hours.

The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Restoration Movement from its beginning until the present. Focus is made on the origins, geographical spread of the movement, and various departures.

BIB593. History of the English Bible. 3 hours.

A study of the history of the Bible's development with emphasis on its translation into the English language. Modern English translations will be surveyed and evaluated within the context of their stated goals and methodologies.

BIB594. Systematic Theology I. 3 hours. F.

An introduction to systematic theology, including its necessity, method, and nature. The nature of God, revelation, and humanity are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundation of each.

BIB595. Systematic Theology II. 3 hours. F.

The nature of Christ, the church, salvation, and last things are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundations of each.

BIB596. Hermeneutics. 3 hours. SU.

This course studies the general principles requisite for proper Biblical interpretation. It also examines special principles necessary for properly interpreting different types of literary genre. Attention is given to examples of legitimate interpretation and opportunity is given for application of principles by students.

BIB598. Independent Study. 3 hours. F. SP. SU.

The graduate student undertakes a research project of a practical nature under the direct supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. The number of hours credit will be determined by the length of the study and the extent of the student's involvement in the study.