A historical and theoretical consideration of interpretative methodology as illustrated by and applied to selected texts from various portions of the biblical materials. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

An exploration of the biblical truths of Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Christian life, the church, and the life to come. Students will examine each major doctrine and understand its place in the biblical story. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

The Pastor as Worship Leader is a study of the role of the pastor as it applies to the facilitation of worship in the local church. Emphasis will be given to the theology, history, purpose, function, and application of worship, various musical/ministry styles of corporate worship, practical worship ministry and leadership structures, and an empathetic examination of the worship artist/musician/leader. (3 units; Spring)

This course examines key biblical passages related to the church, overviews major historical positions of the church, and assesses related models of pastoral leadership, ministry, and preaching. The emphasis of the course is to help students develop a biblical and practical theology of the church. (3 units; Fall)

Pastoral Leadership is an intensive study of the leadership role of the pastor in relation to the nature of the church, leadership models, leadership challenges, and practical leadership strategies. (3 units; Spring & OPS)

Demographic and congregational studies suggest that only a fraction of the deaf population has been effectively evangelized in their own primary language. Students will learn practical methods of communicating the gospel to the deaf population using a cultural-linguistic model for deaf ministry. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This class focuses on foundational issues related to adolescents with application to the local church. Student involvement in youth ministry is expected. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

This course will explore perennial social ethics issues as they relate to Christian faith and life. Topics include key social problems, the Church’s historical responses to those issues, and the biblical teachings with regard to core Christian doctrines (e.g., creation, fall, redemption, image of God, neighbor love). Standard models of Christian engagement in society with respect to the individual believer, the local church, and the global Christian Church will also be considered. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies or ICS 105 or 305. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

A study of the basic principles for preparing and delivering biblical sermons, with an emphasis on the writing, delivery, and analysis of expository sermons. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring & OPS)

A course of supervised in-service training in a local church. Active participation in Christian ministry is expected (minimum 9 hours weekly) under supervision of a Field Supervisor. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior status and consent of Dean of School of Christian Ministries. Pass/Fail. (3 units; Fall/Spring/Summer)

Allowing Christian Studies credit for participation in International Service Projects, an extended missions experience designed to acquaint students with the implementation of mission principles in an international context. May be repeated once with a different missions context (no more than 3 units may apply to general education). Prerequisite: Permission of the Dean of School of Christian Ministries. Pass/Fail. (3 units; Spring/Summer)

A general survey of the redemptive activity of God in the world -- past, present, and future. Topics include the biblical basis of God's global activity, historical perspectives, mission strategies, and cultural implications, as well as contemporary missiological issues. (3 units; Spring)

This course will examine current political, social, economic and human events in select areas of the world. Students will explore the global impact of these events and will address ways in which the Church can provide positive change. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course focuses on theories and practical strategies for local and global development. Students will examine a theology of community, institutions such as the "marketplace", and the biblical and historical role of the church in community development. Prerequisites: 3 units of Biblical Studies or ICS 105 or 305. (3 units; Spring)

This course will address principles and processes of communication from one culture to another. Attention will be given to different perceptions, ways of thinking, values, verbal and non-verbal expression, and sub-groups within a given culture. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies or Intercultural Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring)

This course examines the biblical principles of evangelism and church planting. Students will learn to combine the biblical content of the gospel with appropriate skills for sharing the gospel, with the aim of training disciples for the local church. Attention will also be given to strategies of church planting for local and global contexts. Student involvement in evangelistic ministry is expected. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall)

This course will examine the emergence of apologetics within the life of the church, highlight various approaches, arguments, and central figures, and the role of apologetics in development of a Christian worldview. Prerequisite: PHI 213 or WLD 181. (3 units; Fall)

An exploration of the application of various metaethical theories to ethical questions and issues that arise in various arenas of life. The study involves both the examination of methods as well as cases. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course introduces students to the specific branch of philosophy known as philosophy of religion. This occurs through an examination of the major issues within the discipline such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the nature of religious language. (3 units; Spring)

This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The historical development and key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

An analysis of the various methods used, the logic employed, the philosophical assumptions utilized, and the potential effectiveness of the major approaches to the apologetic task currently debated by contemporary apologists. Prerequisite: PHI 213. (3 units; Spring, even years)