Course Descriptions

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.