Bachelor of Theology BTh

SECOND YEAR – SEMESTER 1 (LEVEL 6)

Homiletics 2

This course is designed to equip students to construct and deliver sermons. While a basic knowledge of hermeneutics and homiletics theory is assumed, students will be given opportunities to work from Bible text to sermon delivery. Accordingly, the emphasis in this course will be on the implementation of this theory. Attention will be given to communicating biblical truth in our contemporary African context. An important aspect of the course will be for each student to prepare and deliver sermons to the class, which will be evaluated both by the lecturer and the students. Emphasis is placed on an expository model of preaching and the importance of having a Christ-centred focus in all biblical communication.

New Testament Studies 2: General Epistles and Acts

This course surveys the epistles Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude. It also includes an introduction and overview of the Book of Acts, considering such questions as the historicity of the book, whether the experiences of the early church are relevant for the church today, and the book’s relationship to the Pauline Epistles. The aim of the course is to give the student an accurate understanding of the primary message of each of these NT books in the framework of their historical, cultural, and religious context, with a view to applying the truths of these writings in our modern context.

Introduction to Biblical Greek A

This course introduces the Greek alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar in a systematic way using relevant examples from the New Testament. The goal of this course is for the student to learn Greek grammar, including the basic Greek noun and verb paradigms. This course introduces the skills for reading and translating the Greek New Testament and provides the basis for developing exegetical competence.

Old Testament Studies 2: Historical Books

This course builds upon the books that were studied in the Pentateuch. The specific canonics of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1/2 Samuel, 1/2 Kings, 1/2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are examined with a view to understanding the primary theological issues and trajectories they describe within redemptive history. Additionally, the student will become familiar with a methodological approach for properly exegeting Old Testament narrative.

Theology 2: Trinity 1

This course explores the topic of theology proper (the study of God), covering the Trinity, the attributes of God, rational proofs for his existence, his will, providence and creation, election, and related topics. Angels, demons, and Satan will also be covered in this course, as well as an introduction to the deity of Christ. As with all doctrine courses, these topics are explored along biblical, historical, and systematic lines.

SECOND YEAR – SEMESTER TWO (LEVEL 6)

Reformation and Modern Church History

This course is an introductory survey of the history of the Church from the beginning of the Protestant Reformation (AD 1517) to the present. Considerable time will be spent on the Protestant Reformation and the main movements within Christianity in the last three centuries.

World Religions

This course introduces students to the history, beliefs, and practices of various world religions and Christian cults. General characteristics of cults will be discussed and how they deviate from historic Christian doctrines.

Church and Social Transformation

This course is designed to teach the student to understand the world and the church’s holistic mission in social transformation. Through readings, lectures, research, and fieldwork, this course will challenge students to research contemporary issues in missions to society and understand the application of faith to societal problems. The course will discuss imbalance, endemic poverty, corruption, good governance, African culture and worldview, disease, conflict resolution and reconciliation and the historical trajectories which have led to these concerns. Focus will be on African and South African contexts in particular. Students will also research varied approaches which the church has taken to engage those issues.

Biblical Counselling

This course is designed to equip, disciple, and encourage the student toward personal change that leads to helping others change as well. The theological – philosophical underpinnings of biblical counselling will be presented, followed by a brief introduction to biblical counselling methods. Particular application for counselling within the context of the local church will be offered and encouraged.

Old Testament Studies 3: Wisdom Books

This course introduces the student to the Psalms and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) and how they serve to shape the people of God. The student will be introduced to the particular canonics of each book along with the primary distinctives that mark Hebrew poetry and wisdom writing, also gaining experience in exegeting these literary types.

Theology 3: Trinity 2

This course is a continuation of the study of the Trinity, specifically dealing with the doctrine of Christ (Christology) and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology). The work of Christ, theories on the atonement, his resurrection and ascension, and the offices of Christ will be studied. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit will be covered in detail, including such topics as personhood, deity, gifts, and work of sanctification. As with all doctrine courses, these topics are explored along biblical, historical, and systematic lines.

THIRD YEAR – SEMESTER 1 (LEVEL 7)

Philosophy of Ministry 1

This course will help students to articulate their individual approach to ministry and style of service by instilling biblical foundations of ministry; and presenting different philosophies of ministry that will inform and challenge their thinking about ministry.

New Testament Studies 3: John’s Writings and Revelation

This course is an introduction to the Johannine Writings of the New Testament (The Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation) and their message in the historical, cultural and religious context of the first century. The aim of the course is to give the student an accurate understanding of the primary purpose and message of each of these books in the framework of their contemporary history with a view to communicating the truth of these writings in our modern context.

Old Testament Studies 4: Prophetic Books

This course introduces the student to the writings of the Old Testament Prophets. The course covers all of the writing prophets from Isaiah to Malachi. The specific canonics of each book are discussed along with the primary theological and social issues that prompted their writing. Each book is placed in its historical context within the history of Israel and their New Testament trajectories are traced.

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew A

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to read and accurately translate elementary passages of Hebrew Scripture. It will also lay the groundwork for further study and understanding of the Old Testament. This course will focus on writing, pronouncing, and reading Hebrew consonants, vowels, and words. Special attention will be paid to nouns, pronouns, adjectives, prepositions, and particles. Additionally, the primary Qal verb forms will be introduced.

Theology 4: Man, Sin and Salvation

This course covers the systematic areas of doctrine of humanity (Anthropology), doctrine of sin (Hamartiology), and doctrine of salvation (Soteriology). The origin and constitution of human beings, the consequences of the Fall, the effect of sin on humans and their relationships, personal salvation, the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation, election, justification, security, and the blessings of salvation are studied in detail. As with all doctrine courses, these topics are explored along biblical, historical, and systematic lines.

THIRD YEAR – SEMESTER 2 (LEVEL 7)

Philosophy of Ministry 2

This course will help students to articulate their individual approach to ministry and style of service by instilling biblical foundations of ministry; and presenting different philosophies of ministry that will inform and challenge their thinking about ministry.

Pastoral Ministries

This course will investigate corporate worship in the context of the local church. It will consider competing models of worship, how worship has been conducted throughout the history of Christendom, and related matters.

Students will also participate in one of the following options:

The Women in Ministry option will explore the theological and practical aspects of women’s ministries in the home, church, and community such as gender equality and male headship, the feminist agenda, biblical foundations for women’s ministries in the church, how to lead a Bible study, and marriage and singleness, especially in the African context.

The Pastoral Ministry option covers the practical issues related to Christian ministry, and especially to the Pastorate. The subjects that are covered include the pastor’s call and qualifications, character, spiritual life and devotional habits, leadership, peace-making, and the various ministerial duties.

New Testament Studies 4: Pauline Epistles and Romans

This course is an introduction to the letters in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul and their message in the historical, cultural, and religious context of the first century. The aim of the course is to give the student an accurate understanding of the primary message of each of these epistles, with special focus on the book of Romans, in the framework of their original setting, with a view to preaching or teaching their truths in our modern context.

Theological Ethics 2

This course builds on Theological Ethics 1 and continues to investigate various ethical options and principles involved in making Christian ethical decisions, with an emphasis on how to effectively argue for those principles in a secular society.

Ecclesiology and Eschatology

This course covers the Systematic areas of doctrine of the church (Ecclesiology) and doctrine of last things or end times (Eschatology). Important ecclesiastical matters such as church government, the sacraments, the relationship between the Church and Israel, metaphors for the Church, offices and marks of the Church, and other matters will be explored. How these matters relate to the expected return of Christ, and the various schools of thought on the last things, will also be examined. As with all doctrine courses, these topics are explored along biblical, historical, and systematic lines.