Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Open Track

Online

• The open track allows students to form a unique collection of courses to prepare for ministry roles, choosing up to 14 credits of course work apart from any specialization or concentration. Electives are chosen with faculty mentor guidance based on student goals, prior experiences, talents, and God-given gifts.

• The In-Ministry Track allows students to complete this program through a combination of online courses (60 credits) and 8 weeklong visits to campus (30 credits)

• Spiritual formation 6

  • SFS 501 Learning to Love God and Others 2 The theological and practical dynamics of evangelical spirituality will be examined to provide a solid foundation for rich fellowship with the Triune God and for living out of the Great Commandment. The nature of spiritual maturity will be examined (including a biblically-balanced model of priorities) and practical experiences for nurturing that maturity will be provided. 2 credits.
  • SFS 502 Practicing Prayer and Other Key Disciplines 2 Growing more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions can be nurtured through the spiritual disciplines taught by Scripture and practiced by believers throughout the ages. You will learn, from an evangelical perspective, the contribution each activity can make to your spiritual growth and how to enhance your actual practice of these holy habits. Extended attention will be given to developing a biblical understanding and practice of prayer. 2 credits.
  • SFS 504 Growing into Ethical Maturity 2 The ability to discern right from wrongand to act appropriately in light of that assessmentis essential if church leaders are to maintain and model ethical integrity. Your moral sensitivity will be enhanced as you become acquainted with some of the fundamental issues involved in developing a biblically-informed personal, professional and social ethic. 2 credits.

• Biblical studies 16

  • DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture 4 In this course you will study the foundational principles and interpretive procedures of the grammatico-historical method of biblical interpretation. You will also apply these principles and procedures in actual Bible study, using the English Bible. Required during the first year of M.A. or M.Div. studies. 4 credits.
  • BLS 501 Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4 This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God's kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. We will conclude with a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
  • BLS 502 Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels 4 In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. After examining the prophecies concerning the Messiah, you will see how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our focus in the Gospels will be on Matthew and John. You will study Jesus' teachings, miracles, and parables with consideration given to present day application. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
  • BLS 503 Interpreting Acts to Revelation 4 Our focus in the early part of the course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul's life, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul's great teachings on salvation, justification, and sanctification. Our attention will then turn to the subject of eschatology as we examine the General Epistles and Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.

• Biblical language studies 12

  • • NTS 501 Functional Foundations of Greek 3 For students who choose not to develop the skill to read and translate the New Testament in Greek, Western Seminary offers the functional language track. It is designed to give students the practical ability to access the original Greek through the Bible Works computer program and other contemporary reference tools in a hands on approach to learning. In the first semester students will develop an understanding of the structure of the Greek language and the essentials of Greek grammar and syntax along with a foundational Greek vocabulary. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • NTS 502 Functional Application of Greek 3 In this second semester of the functional Greek track students will develop their understanding of Greek syntax and learn the key steps of the exegetical process. They will use their skills to study the New Testament with access to the original language. By the end of the sequence, students will be able to use original language commentaries with discernment and do many steps of the exegetical process as they prepare sermons and lessons in ministry. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    or
    • NTS 508 Introducing the Foundation of Greek Exegesis 3 Recognizing the importance of using the original language for the interpretation of the New Testament, you will acquire a thorough foundation in biblical Greek. You will learn the essentials of grammar and an adequate vocabulary by doing exercises, by reading 1 John, and by the use of appropriate language and computer tools. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • NTS 509 Greek Reading and Syntax: Building on the Base for Exegesis 3 Building upon the foundation of grammar and vocabulary, you will read substantial portions of theologically significant passages in all genres of the literature of the New Testament in order to build vocabulary and discover the value of the Greek New Testament for theological thinking and Christian living. To these passages you will apply the essentials of Greek syntax with a view to gaining an ability to think syntactically when reading the text and for solving significant doctrinal issues practical to spiritual life and ministry. Prerequisite: NTS 508. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
  • • OTS 501 Functional Foundations of Hebrew 3 For students who choose not to develop the skill to read and translate the Old Testament in Hebrew, Western Seminary offers the functional language track. It is designed to give students the practical ability to access the original Hebrew through the Bible Works computer program and other contemporary reference tools in a hands on approach to learning. In the first semester students will develop an understanding of the structure of the Hebrew language and the essentials of Hebrew grammar and syntax along with a foundational Hebrew vocabulary through a guided reading of the book of Ruth. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • OTS 502 Functional Application of Hebrew 3 In this second semester of the functional Hebrew track students will develop their understanding of Hebrew syntax and learn the key steps of the exegetical process. They will use their skills to study the Old Testament with access to the original language. By the end of the sequence, students will be able to use original language commentaries with discernment and do many steps of the exegetical process as they prepare sermons and lessons in ministry. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    or
    • OTS 508 Introducing the Foundation for Hebrew Exegesis 3 In this class, you will acquire a good foundation of Biblical Hebrew. You will learn the basic grammar up to the strong verb. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of basic Hebrew Syntax. You will further sharpen your Hebrew skills by doing exercises, by reading the book of Ruth, by memorizing some basic vocabulary, and by the use of appropriate Hebrew language tools. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.
    • OTS 509 Hebrew Reading and Syntax: Building on the Base for Exegesis 3 A short systematic review and presentation of the grammar and syntax will be given, and then, building on the foundation of grammar and vocabulary, the grammar of the weak verb is covered. This knowledge will be further strengthened by reading the book of Jonah, and other various selected passages, with special attention to different points of syntax. An in-depth instruction is given in the use of various computer tools, which will help us in our quest for the meaning of the text. 3 credits plus 1 hour lab.

• Theological studies 16

  • THS 501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 4 You will begin to cultivate your ability to think theologically by exploring how theology is done in various approaches in order to develop a practical theological method. Then you will probe God's progressive revelation focusing on the nature and authority of Scripture before pondering God's triune nature and work culminating in the incarnation of the Son. Your passion for carrying out God's mission in His world will expand as you begin to understand how the Father's revelation has impacted the world He created. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
  • THS 502 Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 4 Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God and its depravity as sinful beings, the reality and impact of spiritual beings as backdrop for the atoning work of the Son and its application in the aspects of our salvation. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
  • THS 503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 2 You will culminate the process of learning to think theologically by exploring the Spirit's life-giving work. Then you will investigate the church as God's covenant community and instrument of His present working, ending with the consummation of His kingdom program in end time events. Throughout the course the Spirit will transform us as we see our part in His grand work. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • THS 508 Integrating Ministry and Theology 2 Building on the exegetical, theological and ministry foundations laid in the seminary curriculum, students will build an integrative approach to such issues as women in ministry, divorce, bio-ethics, and church discipline. Students will also work toward this integration by finalizing and defending their personal doctrinal statements. Prerequisites: THS 501, 502, 503 or permission of instructor. 2 credits.
  • • CHS 505 Wisdom from Church History 4 In this course we will learn from the history of the Church from Pentecost to the present. We will focus on (1) the Church's people who, as saints and sinners, have been the flesh and blood of its history; (2) the Church's doctrine which has developed throughout its history; (3) the Church's writings which have exerted a tremendous impact on its history; and (4) the Church's movements which have composed the ebb and flow, the progress and regress, of its history. We will also consider what the past can contribute to the present, seeking to learn lessons from the history of the Church for our own lives, ministries, doctrines, and churches. 4 credits.
    or
    • CHS 506 Insight and Inspiration from Church History 2 In this course we will learn from the history of the Church from Pentecost to the present. We will focus on: (1) the Church's people who, as saints and sinners, have been the flesh and blood of its history; (2) the Church's doctrine which has developed throughout its history; (3) the Church's writings which have exerted a tremendous impact on its history; and (4) the Church's movements which have composed the ebb and flow, the progress and regress, of its history. We will also consider what the past can contribute to the present, seeking to learn lessons from the history of the Church for our own lives, ministries, doctrines, and churches. 2 credits.
    • CHS 5xx Church history elective 2

• Ministerial studies 20

  • DIS 501 Communicating Christ in Culture 2 Ministry is communication. The content must be known and experienced so the proclamation will have substance and credibility. After learning what we are to communicate, we must learn how to communicate. The course imparts fundamental concepts that will equip the student to communicate across personal and cultural barriers. 2 credits.
  • DMS 501 Thinking Theologically about Ministry Leadership 2 Ministry is built upon sound biblical, theological and cultural foundations. Each generation of the Church must understand and build on these foundations, as well as discover relevant contemporary innovations and applications. This course intends to help you integrate an understanding of the Word and the world with the development of a personal philosophy of ministry. 2 credits.
  • DMS 502 Introducing Theology and the Practice of Worship 2 The biblical concept of worship and the appropriate utilization of music in its public forms. Identifies the conditions, qualities, and ingredients that most enhance the integrity and meaningfulness of public worship. 2 credits.
  • DMS 506 Developing Godly Leadership for the 21st Century 2 A core leadership course designed for those who intend to be future leaders of the church. This course will move from definitions to the core values of a leader; how to take ministry through a vision process, engage in strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation, build great teams, work through conflict and change, delegate tasks, and effectively mentor the next generation of leaders. Models from the corporate, political, and military worlds will be compared and contrasted with the biblical definitions and illustrations of leadership. 2 credits.
  • EMS 505 Growing Disciples Intentionally 2 Christ commands His children to love God, love people and make disciples (Matt 22:37-40, 28:16- 20). This course will examine the role of the local church and para-church organizations in facilitating, guiding, and nurturing the spiritual growth of believers from infancy through the end of life. The teaching/learning process will be evaluated primarily in terms of intentional growth outcomes in the lives of Christians at all levels of spiritual maturity. 2 credits.
  • PTS 503 Practicing Evangelism and Apologetics 2 Strategies and programs for biblically based evangelism are explored in this course. You will develop your own skills in personal evangelism, as well as how to do evangelistic outreach through the local church. You will develop an ability to address questions about the truthfulness or believability of Christianity that often arise in evangelistic moments through a biblically based and personally relevant apologetic strategy. 2 credits.
  • PTS 504 Maximizing the Church's Redemptive Influence 2 This course gives attention to the essential nature and vocation of the Church as God's called people. Students are challenged to rethink the mission of the Church, moving beyond traditional assumptions, and relating the mission to a modern/post-modern context. Focus will be given to countering pluralism and the new paganism, determining a biblical strategy for accomplishing the mission, developing a social conscience, putting together a global approach to ministry, and creating the structures for achieving redemptive influence. 2 credits.
  • PTS 507 Providing Pastoral Counseling 2 The core pastoral counseling course is designed to introduce ministers to the basic counseling skills needed in pastoral ministry. Course topics include paradigms of pastoral counseling, problems most commonly encountered, understanding your own natural style, when to help and when to refer, and developing a network of trusted referral resources. Basic helping skills will be cultivated through a variety of experiences (role play, video, live practice). 2 credits.
  • PTS 508 Developing Strong Families 2 The divine design for marriage and family roles and responsibilities is explored in order that the Christian leader may reflect and model godliness in these important relationships. Attention is given to improving both one's own faithfulness and equipping one to provide counsel and spiritual nurture in such areas as pre-marital and marital counseling and parenting. 2 credits.
  • PTS 510 Preparing and Preaching Expository Sermons 2 In this course you will learn how to organize and develop life-changing sermons based upon and bounded by careful biblical interpretation. You will also learn how to communicate the relevance of the biblical message to your contemporary audience, and to deliver that message in a natural and effective manner. Prerequisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.

• Mentored Ministry 6

  • MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Your Ministry Potential 2 This personal assessment course uses a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain greater insight into how your gifting, personality, passion, and background might best be matched with potential ministry opportunities. Substantial attention will also be given on how to gain maximum profit from formal and informal ministry training. An additional materials fee will be charged. This course should be taken during your first term of studies. 2 credits.
  • MFM 501-4 Mentored Field Ministry 1+1+1+1 This course is designed to help students gain greater confidence and competence in the actual practice of those ministry skills that will be needed in the student's anticipated ministry role. Mentoring is provided through both individual meetings with an experienced practitioner and peer ministry reflection groups. Current involvement in field ministry is a prerequisite for enrollment. Students should plan on taking one unit of this course over four different terms to enable sufficient breadth of ministry experience and personal mentoring. Prerequisite: MFM 500. 1 credit for each of four semesters.

• Specialization 14

Total Credits 90