Courses

Current homiletical literature is read and discussed in order to introduce the students to fresh, innovative approaches to preaching. Emphasis is placed on the following forms: story, confession, inductive, dramatic monologue, dialogue, images and pictures, and moves and structures. The writings and sermons of preachers are critically examined in terms of theory, practice, style, hermeneutics, and content.

Spiritual leadership is a necessity, and ministers must learn how spiritual leadership is necessary to motivate, strengthen, and revitalize the church. The student will review the leadership principles and Christian principles which should provide the student with the necessary tools and principles to be an effective spiritual leader.

This course provides advanced information and strategies for developing vibrant, productive servants in God’s ministry. This course addresses the urgent contemporary questions: What is the nature of the gospel? What is the nature of the Christian community? What is the mission of the Church in a holistic, integrative sense? What is the essence of contemporary society and how does it impact the Church and its mission?

The purpose of the course is to examine ways in which Bible-based doctrinal preaching can be used in today’s church. The following areas are explored: the minister as church theologian and the preparation of sermons on biblical and doctrinal themes that are grounded in Scripture. Various approaches to biblical doctrinal preaching are considered.

This course highlights the essentials of the gospel message of Christ. Students examine Christ’s death and resurrection and his provision for salvation. A review is given of the message that the minister needs to provide to a lost generation. The salvation promise will be emphasized.

The special aspects of worship are considered such as: prayer, singing, preaching, baptism, etc. Sermon planning and possibilities are explored and ample consideration is given to worship being in spirit and truth.

Biblical and theological bases of the church are explored in their implications for church administration. Attention is given to crucial areas of church administration such as planning, church member relations, and healing of congregational conflicts. Seminar presentations, response papers, and major projects are required. Page 500

An introduction to and study of each of the minor prophets, with emphasis on their historical background and chronological order. Attention is given to the rise of the writing prophets, the nature of their mission and the character of their message, including principles of interpreting prophesy.

The language of instruction is Hebrew. Students who can both read and write in Hebrew are eligible to enroll in 300-level HEBRW courses. Readings and assignments include selections from Israeli newspapers and journals; listening to Israeli radio and television; browsing the Hebrew web. Students will learn the language of Hebrew journalism, as well as the politics of Israeli media, and will work on writing, and recording or videotaping an op-ed for online publication

This course emphasizes economic social and intellectual developments in the Arab Middle East and North Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some attention will be paid to Iran in the period after World War II. (MULT) (WI).