Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
(48 units)
Graduate students in this program will benefit from a professional degree designed to prepare men and women for service in local church or para-church organizations. The M.T.S. program provides training for participants to reflect theologically on the role of the church in contemporary society and to develop skills necessary for effective ministry within local churches, mission agencies or para-church ministries. The courses in this program are designed to produce theological and research competencies in three major areas of study: Biblical Studies, Theology and Ethics, and Leadership Studies.
The Biblical Studies objectives of the M.T.S. degree program focus on development of competency in the interpretation of Scripture. Each student will learn to:
- gain exegetical skills in understanding the content of Scripture through its form, context, structure and vocabulary;
- identify the basic issues involved in exposition of Scripture including the cultural and historical background of the texts; and,
- apply skills to use Scripture in a variety of life and church circumstances: polity, apologetics, homiletics, Christian ethics, doctrine and mission.
The Theology and Ethics objectives are to investigate the relationship between theological and ethical reflection. Each student will learn to:
- examine the development of Christian life and thought in their historical contexts;
- compare and evaluate prominent theological systems and movements in the twentieth century; and
- cultivate skills involved in analyzing moral issues facing the church.
The Leadership Studies objectives are to develop skills of ministry needed to facilitate the church’s life as a fellowship of believers, as a worshipping community, as a prophetic witness and as an agent of redemption. Each student will be encouraged to:
- cultivate the dimensions of spirituality by exploring the disciplines of the spiritual life, the process of faith formation and the nature of ever-deepening moral life;
- develop the leadership roles of the minister (clergy and lay leader) as preacher, educator, caregiver and administrator in the life of the local church or para-church ministry; and
- examine the larger cultural and social environment in which the church carries out its global mission.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S)
PREREQUISITES: Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey (may submit portfolio for faculty approval)
MTS CORE COURSES - 33 Units
CLSG 741 Biblical Exegesis and Expository Preaching (3 units) - Biblical Exegesis and Expository Preaching—A study of the movement from the sound exegesis of the biblical text to the effective exposition of the text in sermonic form.
OTG 508 Old Testament Exegesis (3 units) - This course is designed to acquaint the student with some of the methodological, cultural, literary and theological issues that facilitate and condition the study of the Old Testament and that will lay a foundation for further work in that field. The final project will be an exegesis of a passage of Old Testament scripture.
NTG 508 Foundations for New Testament Exegesis (3 units) - This course surveys the basic issues in the interpretation of the New Testament and the academic disciplines that have been developed to address them. As such, it constitutes a basic introduction to exegetical method. The final project will be an exegesis of a passage of New Testament Scripture.
OTG 572 Old Testament Theology (3 units) - An exploration of the meaning of, and limits for, biblical theology, together with the works of certain prominent scholars in the area; and of selected motifs found in the Old Testament.
NTG 552 New Testament Theology (3 units) - A study of the history and methods of biblical theology and examination of the major themes of the principal New Testament writers in the light of their historical backgrounds.
THOG 508 Foundations for Theological Studies (3 units) - This course is designed mainly to expose the student to the nature and task of theology, especially to the issue of theological method. Included in theological method will be how biblical themes are interpreted in light of tradition and social/cultural contexts. Also included will be an awareness of the major fields of theological study.
CLSG 720 Theology and Theory of Leadership (3 units) - An examination of selected theological issues regarding leadership and an overview of leadership theory since its inception as a discipline and a focus in research. Particular emphasis is placed on the student’s research skills to explore and articulate theological, theoretical and contemporary findings in the field.
THOG 555 Historical Theology (3 units) - An investigation of the system of doctrine of the Christian faith with attention to the lives of the framers of early Christian doctrine; exploration of the development of Christian theology and doctrine throughout the reformation period and the twentieth century. The development of theological themes during this modern period will be discussed against the background of major events in church history and will be evaluated in terms of its relevance for the current situation of the churches.
THOG 640 Systematic Theology (3 units) - This course will introduce the student to the major loci of systematic theology, including such major topics as God, Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Each topic will be explored with the biblical witness, historical developments, and current issues in mind. The goal is to provide a broad basis for advanced graduate-level work in systematic theology.
THOG 6XX Theology and Ministry in a Post-Modern Context - The cultural-linguistic turn, otherwise known as postmodernism, changes everything. This course aims to enable students do recognize the effect of postmodernity on the twin tasks of doing theology and engaging in ministry. The goal will be to explore what it means to effectively contextualize the timeless message of God’s Word without accommodating it to the prevailing zeitgeist. Toward this end, students will evaluate various evangelical responses to postmodernism, explore what it means to do ministry in a missional rather than institutional manner, and examine the various ways in which evangelical churches have endeavored to reinvent themselves so as to minister effectively (make disciples, image the kingdom of God) in a postmodern, post-Christian context.
CLSG 715 The Church and Contemporary Moral Issues (3 units) - This course seeks to develop a constructive Christian ethic as a basis from which to understand and evaluate the moral problems confronting the contemporary church. The theological character of the church’s ethical reflection on moral issues is emphasized.
MTS ELECTIVE COURSES (12 Units) - Biblical Studies, Theology, or Leadership Studies Elective Course (3 units each). Electives may be taken simultaneously with the core courses, or before or after the core course rotation, at the student’s preference.
EXIT PROJECT (3 Units) - Integrated Seminar (3 units)