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Course Descriptions
Practical Theology
PT400 Graduate Theological Writing (1)
This course enables students to develop the abilities to write graduate level theological research papers and essays and includes such skills as the development of ideas, organization, structure, and flow of thought; interpretation and correct use of source materials (including quotation, paraphrase, citation, and bibliographic form); paragraph, sentence style, syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and other abilities essential to clear and persuasive written communication in theological studies. The course is a prerequisite or co-requisite of ST501 The Christian Mind, PT525 Vocation & Church, NT 501 New Testament Interpretation, unless the student shows sufficient writing background to warrant a waiver of PT400. See page 76 for details. The course meets one hour per week. Credit/no credit grading is employed. Fall semester. Staff.
PT410 Practicum: Oral Communication (1)
A preparatory course in public speaking in the context of Christians’ ministries of instruction and encouragement to one another and their witness to the world. This course is required of all Master of Divinity students unless they obtain a waiver by presenting a 3-5 minute speech of acceptable quality. See page 77 for more details. Open to students in all master’s programs, this course fulfills the speech course prerequisite for PT504, PT603, PT604, PT704, PT708. Credit/no credit grading is employed. Fall semester. Mr. Julius Kim.
PT500 Ministry of the Word in Worship (3)
Biblical theology of pastoral ministry as the ministry of the Word of God, with a focus on preaching in the context of the church’s public worship. Theology of worship and leadership in worship. Christ-centered preaching that relates texts to their context in the history of redemption. The preacher’s growth in grace and gifts for ministry (including introduction of the M.Div. field education program). The contribution of the pastor’s understanding of his hearers to his preaching effectiveness and the theology of worship. Fall semester. Messrs. Johnson and H. Jones.
PT502 Theological Bibliography (1)
An introduction to tools for use in biblical and theological study including encyclopedias, monographs, periodicals and bibliographical texts. Taught in conjunction with ST501 Christian Mind, with which PT502 must be taken concurrently. Course is taught in multimedia format orienting students to bibliographical and research tools. Credit/no credit grading is employed. Fall semester. Ms.
Park.
PT504 Practicum: Sermon Preparation and Delivery (1)
Instruction and practice in the method of sermon preparation (including prayer, biblical exegesis, structure and outlining, illustration, application) and delivery. Prereq, PT410, PT500. Co-requisites, NT403 and NT501. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Spring semester. Mr. Julius Kim.
PT505 Counseling Orientation (2)
An introduction to the theory and methodology of biblical counseling. Winter term. Mr. Poirier.
PT511 Ministry of Witness in the World (4)
An introduction to the theology and practice of the communication of the Gospel to unconverted persons, both within our own cultural contexts and among diverse people groups— racial, linguistic, economic, etc.—throughout the world. The first two weeks will focus on general evangelism while the last two weeks will be devoted to the study of cross-cultural ministry. Winter term. Mr. Julius Kim and Staff.
PT512 Understanding Paganism for Christian Renewal
This course identifies much of contemporary spirituality as a sign
of the rise of neo-paganism, which it examines, both in the light of ancient paganism, as well as in its contemporary expressions—spirituality, sexuality, cosmology and eschatology, this in order to speak the Gospel from a fresh understanding of the goodness of the Gospel's good news, specifically from the knowledge of Scripture’s profound antithetical critique of paganism, whether ancient or modern. Winter term. Mr. Peter Jones.
PT514 The Making of a "Christian" Cult (1)
A study of selected North American cult religions that reflect identifiable Christian origins while deviating significantly from the historic Christian Faith. The intention of the course is to identify common characteristics in the development of cults so that the student will be alert to recognize contemporary cultic tendencies. Mr. Bergsma.
PT515 Witness to the College & University Campus (1)
The theology and strategies of church-based disciplining ministry—both evangelism and edification—to undergraduate and graduate students. Biblical and theological foundations of campus ministry. Characteristics of young adults. Meta-thinking, worldview, and the challenges and opportunities to deepen and express Christian faith in the context of higher education. Enfolding young adults into the local congregation. Mr. Mays.
PT516 Ministry in the Korean-American Context (1)
The purpose of this course is to understand the context of the
Korean immigrants in North America and its historical process and
formation of Christianity (with emphasis on the Presbyterians) in
Korea and the resulting features distinct to the Korean Christianity
(and the Korean Presbyterianism in particular). This course will
also explore various models of ministry for the Korean-Americans
presented in the last few decades marked by large migration of
Koreans into North America, and to evaluate them in the light of the
Reformed ecclesiology and the concern for contextualization. Mr. S.
Park
PT525 Vocation & Church (2)
The ministry of “general office” believers in the church; biblical and theological exploration of calling; clarification of God’s kingdom in family and society. Taught in conjunction with PT 502 Theological Bibliography, which must be taken concurrently. Fall semester. Mr. Johnson.
PT526 Christ Centered Preaching (1)
A review of the preaching tradition in the Reformed community of faith with special emphasis on its contribution to biblical preaching as historical redemptive proclamation. A review and evaluation of alternative approaches to the preaching task will also be included. Mr. Bergsma.
PT527 Church and Society (1)
A social and historical study examining the role of the church in its relationship to its societal setting. Major figures in the sociology of religion will be introduced and analyzed including: Durkheim, Troeltsch, Max Weber, and H. Richard Niebuhr. Biblical principles for church-society relations will be clarified. Mr. Bergsma.
PT540 Great Preaching and Preachers: A History of Homiletics (2)
A general survey of the history of preaching and preachers in the Christian church from apostolic times to the present. Along with sermonic and biographical analysis, special attention will be given to the Old Testament background and Gospel foundation for the preaching task.Cross-listed as CH653. Mr. Julius Kim.
PT545 Christian Prayer (2)
Attention will be given to what the Bible says about prayer. Then we will consider prayer in relation to the church and the individual Christian. Historical angles and doctrinal questions will also be considered. Mr. H. Jones.
PT600 Ministry of Discipleship in the Church (2)
Biblical theology of the spiritual nurture of God’s covenant people, leading to their growing maturity in faith and life. Principles and practice of Christian education from children through adults, including the training of ordained leaders (elders, deacons) and other members for diverse ministries in the Body of Christ. Fall semester. Mr. Johnson.
PT603 Practicum: Preaching Narrative Texts (1)
Narratives constitute a large portion of the Scriptures, but many students and pastors find them to be among the most difficult to preach. This practicum provides lectures, readings, and experience in the construction and delivery of historical-redemptive sermons based on biblical narratives. Prereq., OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, and PT410. Co-requisite, OT 403. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Fall semester. Mr. Julius Kim.
PT604 Practicum: Preaching Doctrinal/Ethical Texts (1)
Instruction and practice in preaching biblical texts that contain doctrinal discourse, ethical instruction, and wisdom material. Attention to illustration, to law/gospel issues and the centrality of grace, and to concreteness and vividness in illustration. Prereq., OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, and PT410. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Spring semester. Mr. H. Jones.
PT626 Missions to Mexicans on the Move (1)
Presenting the living Savior to our neighbors to the south. Topics covered will include a history of Tijuana, cultural and religious distinctives of the border city in particular, Mexico in general, and strategies for effective evangelism. Mr. Crum.
PT636 Witness in Asian & Asian-American Contexts (1)
The communication of the gospel of Christ and the growth of the church in context of the cultures of Asia, especially China; and among the Asian background people groups residing in North America. Mr. Ling.
PT637 Witness to the Jewish People (1)
Sharing the Messiah with the Jewish people. Topics covered will include the history of Jewish missions, Jewish cultural and religious sensibilities, strategies for gospel outreach to Jewish people, and apologetic and theological issues involved in this field. Mr. Klett.
PT638 From Eden to the New Jerusalem: Tracing Covenant History (2)
The Bible is a record of God’s gracious initiative calling a people into Covenant fellowship with Himself. This course will trace the movement in Scripture of Covenant history, highlighting the fulfillment of all its promises in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Bergsma.
PT640 The Pastor as Peacemaker (1)
This course will present a theology of conflict and its biblical resolution in the context of pastoral ministry. Confession, forgiveness, conflict counseling, negotiation, mediation, and church discipline will be covered with the goal to equip pastors to lay a foundation of biblical peace making principles in their local churches. Mr. Poirier.
PT642 Witness to Muslims (1)
A foundational course with an overview of the Islamic faith and life, comparing Islam with historic biblical and Reformed Christianity. Different methodologies of communicating the Gospel of Christ to Muslims locally, nationally, and globally will be investigated carefully. Presuppositional approach will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to visit local mosques to interact with Muslims. Mr. Zaka.
PT643 Women in Family, Church, and Society (2)
This course will address hermeneutical, theological, and ministry related issues pertaining to the identity and roles of women. Lectures and readings will lay a foundation for seminar discussion of such topics as (a) the exegesis and contemporary application of key biblical texts, (b) evaluation of the modern feminist movement’s influence on Western culture and theological studies, (c) ministries of and to women in the context of biblical church order.
Fall semester. Mr. Johnson.
PT702 Pastoral Ministry Seminar (3)
This course provides an introduction to the pastoral epistles, the pastor’s heart and life, pastoral care and leadership. The first part of the course covers the exegesis and theology of the pastoral epistles. The second part covers the character and disciplines of the pastor’s life. The third part covers specific aspects of pastoral ministry per se. Prereq., OT403, NT403. Fall semester. Mr. H. Jones.
PT704 Practicum: Preaching Style & Audience Analysis (1)
Instruction in the analysis of cultural trends and its use in preaching, and analysis of congregational needs in sermon planning, communication, and application. Practice in preaching various genres of biblical literature. Prereq., OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, PT410. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Fall semester. Mr. H. Jones.
PT707 Senior Seminar (2)
This interdisciplinary “capstone” course enables graduating seniors to integrate information and skills acquired across the theological disciplines to address theological and ministerial issues in a seminar setting. Required of M.Div., M.A. (B.S.) and M.A.(T.S.) students in their last Spring semester before graduating. Spring semester. Messrs. Johnson and Estelle.
PT708 Practicum: Preaching and Congregational Life (1)
Instruction in the role of preaching in the maturation and mobilization of a congregation, including: planning sermon series to address congregational needs and opportunities; evangelistic preaching; preaching in times of crisis; interaction between preaching and pastoral care; seasonal and occasional preaching; planning other elements of worship to support the ministry of the Word. Practice in preparing orders of worship and in preparing and delivering sermons that address situations that arise in the typical congregation. Prereq., OT403, OT501, NT403, NT501, PT500, PT410. This homiletics practicum meets two hours weekly. Spring semester. Mr. Bergsma.
PT709 Vocation and Theology (2)
In this concluding seminar students apply insights gained through
the MACS program to issues entailed in living their callings from
God in church, home, business/employment, and society at large. Each
develops a significant project that integrates research and
reflection (and possibly implementation) for presentation and
discussion in the seminar. Spring semester 2008. Mr. Julius Kim.
PT959 Preaching Christ from the Book of Ezekiel (1)
An examination of the Book of Ezekiel, with a view to preaching or
teaching Bible studies from these passages faithfully and
effectively. Winter 2008. Mr. Duguid.
PT961 Preaching Christ from the Book of Esther (1)
This course examines how to preach Christ from the narrative texts of the Old Testament, focusing on the Book of Esther. Mr. Duguid.
PT965 Leading in Worship (1)
An examination of the theology and practice of leading God’s people in worship, through a discussion of biblical foundations and historical models of Reformed worship. Mr. Duguid.
PT967 Pastoral Ministry in the Puritan Tradition (1)
An examination of the Puritan approach to piety, preaching, pastoring and church life and how it relates to the pastoral ministry today. Mr. Ryken.
PT970 Preaching Christ from the Old Testament Apocalyptic Texts (1)
An examination of the genre of apocalyptic literature in the Old Testament, with a view to preaching or teaching Bible studies from these passages faithfully and effectively. Mr. Duguid.
PT971 Pastoral Ministry in Light of the Upper Room Discourse (1)
This course will concentrate attention on Christ’s ministry to his disciples in the Upper Room in relationship to its setting in the history of redemption, to the new covenant era, and to its relevance to the church in the third millennium. Mr. H. Jones.
PT972 Preaching Christ from the Pastoral Narratives (1)
An approach to preaching Christ from Old Testament narratives, focussing in on the distinctive challenges and opportunities that are presented by Genesis 12-50. Mr. Duguid.
PT974 Addressing the New Paganism (1)
This course will examine the contemporary form of paganism, the so-called New Cosmology, in terms of its present cultural reality, its coherent power and its immediate future. The course will develop a Christian response with a view both to evangelism and to the strengthening of orthodoxy for the critical days ahead. Mr. P. Jones.
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