Certificate in Theology Program: Course Descriptions
001 – Introduction to New Testament
Dr. David Rensberger, Lecturer
This course provides a beginning introduction to the New Testament. After touching on the historical situation in which Christianity arose, it examines the gospels and the tradition about Jesus, the major letters of Paul, and the book of Revelations. We will ask about the authors and intended readers of the New Testament writings, and about their structures, and aims. In this way, the student may gain a basic understanding of what the New Testament is and what messages its writers were trying to communicate.
002 – Introduction to Pastoral Care
Dr. Edward P. Wimberly, Lecturer
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the ministry of care within local congregations. The basic assumption of the course is that the ministry of care in the local church is the work of the entire congregation including the pastor as well as the members of the church.
003 – Introduction to Church Administration
Dr. John F. Green, Lecturer
The purpose of this course is to teach church leaders how to plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of administrative roles and responsibilities, as well as, train and motivate others to support church programs and ministries to ensure progress.
004 – Introduction to African-American Church History
Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, Jr., Lecturer
This course focuses on a critical analysis of the origin, growth, accommodation and modification of the history of the Black Religious Experience through the emergence of the institutional life of the Black Church.
005 – Introduction to Philosophy and Theology
Dr. Edward L. Smith, Lecturer
This course is designed to introduce students to the nature and content of Philosophy of Religion and Theology. In doing so, this course will pivot around the Doctrines of God and Revelation as we study Christian theology and the major doctrines of the Church.
006 – Introduction to Christian Education
Dr. Karen Griffin, Lecturer
This course offers an examination of the origin, extent, influences, potential, and direction of Christian religious education in the Church. The students will explore contemporary challenges that call for Christian educational responses and will develop appropriate models for congregational learning.
007 – Introduction to Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Dr. Temba L. J. Mafico, Lecturer
This Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament survey course is intended to : 1) Center the Bible in the Christian faith by critically examining how the Bible that was written by human beings could be regarded as the infallible word of God. 2) Enable students to appreciate the process by which the canon of the Bible emerged. 3) Show how, in spite of its infallibility, the Bible is the inspired word of God. 4) Introduce methods of studying the Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament with special reference to the historical-critical method.
008 – Introduction to Preaching and Missiology
Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy, Lecturer (Preaching)
Dr. Marsha Snulligan Haney, Lecturer (Missiology)
The Preaching component is designed to bring together the theoretical and practical aspects of sermon development. Students explore a theological understanding of preaching and a psychological/ sociological analysis of the formal elements of sermon development, construction, and delivery. Students write and deliver sermons in a clinical experience. Evaluation and discussion occur in peer situations to aid students’ effectiveness in using the sermon as a liberating force in contemporary times.
The Missiology component explores the theological and anthropological basis for understanding Christian mission in today’s complex and diverse world. While we begin with an introduction to the academic discipline entitled Missiology, we are introduced to biblical, theological and ecclesiological sources that help shape authentic and relevant responses and approaches toward three major missional themes challenging the contemporary church: ecumenism, evangelism, and inter-religious/interfaith dialogue.