Course descriptions
Biblical Interpretation
BI100 Biblical hermeneutics
BI125 Survey of the old testament
This is an introductory course for Old Testament study. It focuses on a study of the author, date, purpose, and main themes of each book of the Old Testament. Attention is given to the canon and text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the doctrines, historical background, and teachings from a Wesleyan-Pentecostal perspective.
BI150 Survey of the new testament
This course is an introductory course for New Testament study and prepares students for subsequent courses in the New Testament. It seeks to explore the nature and purpose of the New Testament by utilizing a distinctively Wesleyan-Pentecostal approach to its study. An articulation of Latino Wesleyan-Pentecostal strategy for studying the New Testament follows, which has implications for issues of genre and methodology.
BI200 Book study: luke–acts
The books of Luke and Acts are studied according to the following inquiries: authorship, date, circumstances of writing, and composition of the books. Attention is given to the theology of Luke, history and theology of the early church, and relevance for the Pentecostal faith.
BI225 Book study: genesis
The book of Genesis is studied from the perspective of Pentecostal faith and ministry. Attention is given to the literary features and theological themes of Genesis and its composition. Chapter by chapter study is pursued inductively and informed by biblical resources, corporate interaction, and spiritual discernment.
Church history
CH100 History of the christian church
This course is a survey of church history from the New Testament to the modern period. It will familiarize the student with theological developments over the course of history. Emphasis is placed on main figures, events, and developments in the church’s worship, teaching, and lifestyle.
CH125 COGOP History, polity, and doctrine
This course highlights historical events in the Church of God of Prophecy according to a chronological framework and reviews changes made in Church structure, doctrine, and polity. Students will assess the impact of leadership through the lens of the office of the general overseer up to the present time. This course’s conclusion reflects on the impact of ecclesial divisions, the Church’s commitment to “Word and Spirit,” and presents the Church as an organization engaged in Christian life and service, devoted to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Contextual ministries
CM100 Cross-cultural missions and evangelism
This course is an introduction to the field of missiology and seeks to cultivate a global concern and a sense of Pentecostal urgency. It includes an overview of biblical and theological foundations and a summary of historical perspectives which have culminated in the contemporary mission-evangelistic enterprise around the world. It introduces seven key areas of the modern field of missiology: biblical theology of mission, historical development of Christian mission, anthropology, folk religions and animism, church growth, leadership selection and training, and communicating missiological issues. Students will learn to plan a local church missions program.
CM200 Essentials of children’s ministry
This course introduces students to the theological foundations and practice of children’s ministry in the local church. Students will learn how to engage with children on their level and how to collaborate with church leadership to meet the spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental needs of children. Attention will be given to integrating theories of child development with contemporary theology while paying attention to context, culture, and the need for parental engagement.
CM225 Essentials of youth ministry
This course introduces students to the theological foundations and practice of youth ministry in the local church. Students will learn how to engage with adolescents on their level and how to collaborate with church leadership to meet the spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental needs of youth. Attention will be given to integrating theories of adolescent development with contemporary theology while paying attention to context, culture, and the need for parental engagement.
Theological Studies
TS100 Introduction to christian doctrine
This course provides an introduction to the background and development of doctrines of the Christian church. Additionally, the course reviews the essential elements attributed to each doctrine from a Pentecostal perspective. Students will learn the significance of each doctrine for applied theology in this day and age.
TS125 Applied theology in research and writing
In this course, students will learn to write clear, concise, and well-developed expositions in which critical thinking and editing skills are emphasized. There will also be an introduction to library research, the Turabian style, the basic components of a research paper in applied theology, and basic research methods. This course will provide a foundation for students to write research papers for their subsequent coursework.
TS200 Development of pentecostal spirituality
This course serves as an introduction to the early history and theology of the Pentecostal movement (especially the current of the Azusa Street revival). Special attention will be given to the initial cross-pollination that existed between the Pentecostal, Wesleyan, and Holiness movements.
TS250 Wesleyan-pentecostal theology
A study of the beliefs and the theological development of the Wesleyan- Pentecostal stream. The course will first focus upon the contributions of the life and theology of John Wesley. Then, the focus will shift to the unique contributions from the Pentecostal scholarship.
TS300 Christian apologetics
This course focuses on equipping students to develop the means for evaluating conflicting claims to truth by identifying common fallacies and characteristics of reliable thinking, practicing analysis of arguments, and clarifying arguments on both sides of current issues. It also serves as a brief introduction to philosophical ideas. It will introduce the student to a number of topics: the existence of God, skepticism, and free will that have attracted serious attention from great philosophers.
TS325 The church, culture, and social action
This course is a study of the biblical and theological dimensions of Christian ethics. A Pentecostal theological ethic will be applied to various ethical problems in church, society, home, and individuals. Students will be challenged to take action to overcome social injustice and inequality.
Pastoral ministries
PM100 Spiritual and ministerial formation
This course is a study on the spiritual disciplines, spiritual formation, and development in ministry practice. The student will participate in a guided process of sharing testimonies and prayer with other students. Students will learn to build one another up for ministry development and practice mutual accountability for spiritual, moral, family, community, and ministry life.
PM125 Church administration and leadership
This course considers administrative and leadership principles and practices and relates them to local church organizational needs. Church management/leadership is examined within the total context of the practice of ministry and the mission of the Church in the world. Models of organization and leadership are examined and developed from a Pentecostal context. Students will be given the opportunity to develop a church budget which reflects the strategic goals of the local church.
PM200 Discipleship in the local church
This course introduces students to the value of individual and corporate discipleship, mentoring, inductive Bible studies, and church programs. It will give special attention to issues such as urban and rural ministries and racial/ethnic concerns in the congregational setting. Emphasis will be placed on developing students’ abilities to address these issues properly and pastorally.
PM250 Pentecostal worship and ministry
This course emphasizes the distinct nature of Pentecostal liturgy. Students will learn to conduct special services and ceremonies and practice sacramental observances. Furthermore, this course provides assessments and competencies for students regarding the Pentecostal contexts of liturgical, historical, and contemporary practice.
PM300 Pastoral care and counseling
This course examines the practice of pastoral care and counseling. The student will learn the difference between pastoral care and pastoral counseling. The student will develop an understanding of context, guidance, techniques, procedures, and essential information.
PM325 Preaching and teaching ministry
The emphasis of this course is on the preparation for preaching, teaching, and oral presentation of the Gospel of Christ. There is a two-fold thrust of the course: the preparation and delivery of sermons and the preparation and delivery of classroom presentations. Students will develop a sermon and receive feedback from the instructor.
