Home > Courses > Subject Descriptions

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Old Testament

New Testament

Language 

Theology & Ethics

Church History

Evangelism & Missions

Pastoral Care & Preaching

Children's & Youth Ministry

Projects

Certificate of Preaching

 

* Subjects are listed by the general subject area


Australian College of Theology subject numbers are two or three letters followed by three or two numbers. They indicate the following:

Letters  Indicate broad subject area
OT   Old Testament
NT New Testament
TH Theology
CH Church History
EM Missions
PC Pastoral Care
LA   Language
SMP/SMM Missions or Pastoral Subject unique to SMBC

Numbers       Indicate level of study
200   Diploma level
300/400 Bachelor level 
500/600     Master of Divinity, 
  Graduate Diploma,
  Master of Arts in Christian Studies level
700       Master of Arts level
01/02/03 etc. Specific subject area

Sydney Missionary and Bible College Certificate in Biblical Studies subject numbers begin with a ‘C’ followed by a number. This number is unique to each subject.


Old Testament

 

Apocalyptic and Post-exilic Prophecy (OT425)
36 hours

Old Testament Apocalyptic (its origin, development and theology) and post-exilic prophecy with special reference to the theology of Daniel. Exegesis of the English text of Daniel. In some years, the option OT435 will be offered for students wishing to translate and exegete the Hebrew text.

 

Exilic Prophecy: English Text (OT423 / OT623); Hebrew Text (OT433 / OT633)
36 hours

A study of the words of the prophets to Israel and the nations amidst the crisis of judgment and exile. Students survey Jeremiah and Ezekiel before giving special attention to Isaiah 40-55. Isaiah 40-55 is studied verse by
verse with detailed consideration of its theology and issues surrounding interpretation. A smaller sample of chapters from Isaiah 40-55 can be studied in Hebrew by suitably qualified students enrolled in OT433/633. 

 

Exilic Prophets and Wisdom Literature (OT207/C505)
24 hours

A study of selected texts from Isaiah, or Ezekiel, or Job, or Ecclesiastes. The purpose of this subject is to develop skills in exegeting Old Testament texts to facilitate the effective use of the Old Testament in Christian ministry

 

Formative Old Testament Traditions
24 hours, Diploma level (OT201/C408)
36 hours, Degree level (OT301/OT501)

This subject aims to ground students in a basic knowledge of the content of the Genesis to 2 Kings in preparation for more detailed textual, exegetical and theological treatment of the Old Testament. The subject also involves some orientation to Old Testament Studies as an academic discipline. Topics covered include creation, the ancestral narratives, the exodus, the conquest and settlement and the emergence of the monarchy and prophecy and the place of the covenants in the faith of Israel.

 

From Israel to Judea
24 hours, Diploma level (OT202/C409)
36 hours, Degree level (OT302/OT502)

This subject aims to ground students in a basic knowledge of the content of the Old Testament Prophets and Writings with a view to preparing them for more detailed textual, exegetical and theological treatment of the Old Testament. The subject also involves some orientation to Old Testament studies as an academic discipline. Topics covered include eighth century prophets, the exile and restoration, exilic prophets, the psalms, wisdom literature, apocalyptic and post-exilic prophets.

 

Genesis and Deuteronomy (OT205/C566)
24 hours

A study of selected texts from Genesis and Deuteronomy. The purpose of this subject is to develop skills in interpreting Old Testament texts to facilitate the effective use of the Old Testament in Christian ministry.

 

Old Testament Exegesis: Isaiah (C466)
12 hours

An exegetical and theological survey of the book of Isaiah with consideration of its application to Christian living and ministry.

 

Old Testament Exegesis: Psalms (C557)
12 hours

The aim of this course is to give students confidence in their use of the Psalms for preaching and pastoring. Whilst some attention will be given to the significance of the Psalter's literary structure, most lectures will attend to the interpretation of individual Psalms. A variety of Psalms representative of the various types found in the Psalter will be studied in class. The use of the Psalms in the New Testament will also be studied.

 

Pentateuch English Text (OT420/OT620); Hebrew Text (OT430/OT630)
36 hours

A detailed study of the theology of the first five books of the Bible, with special attention to the theology of Deuteronomy, exegesis of the English text of Genesis 1-11 and sections of Deuteronomy. Students will also develop awareness of source, form and tradition criticism and their influence in studies of the Pentateuch and begin to prepare exegesis papers. In some years, OT430/OT630 will also be offered to students wishing to translate and exegete the Hebrew text.

 

Wisdom Literature: English text (OT424/OT624); Hebrew text (OT434/OT634)
36 hours

A study of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Wisdom Psalms, with special reference to the theology of Job. Students will also consider the place of wisdom in Old Testament and Biblical theology. Lectures also cover English text exegesis of sections of Job and Ecclesiastes. The option, OT434/OT634, will be offered for suitably qualified students wishing to translate and exegete the Hebrew text.

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New Testament

 

Content & Setting of the Gospel Tradition
24 hours, Diploma level (NT201/C500)
36 hours, Degree level (NT301/NT501)

This foundational subject provides a survey of Jesus' life and ministry, with special reference to the setting of His ministry and accounts of His ministry in the four Gospels. It also focuses on the accounts of His death and resurrection, with an examination of His teaching and miracles, as well as a discussion of who He is shown to be. The Diploma course is taken with fewer lecture hours.

 

Early New Testament Church
24 hours, Diploma level (NT202/C501)
36 hours, Degree level (NT302/NT502)

This foundational subject provides a survey of the beginnings and expansion of the church as reflected in the New Testament documents, especially in the Acts of the Apostles, as well as an examination of at least seven major New Testament letters.

 

Fourth Gospel: English Text (NT424); Greek Text (NT434/NT634)
36 hours (odd years only)

This advanced degree subject provides an opportunity for students to explore John's Gospel deeply, as it offers deep insight into the person and work of Jesus, and all that He means for the world. It also includes a study of the theology of John's Gospel, the critical issues relating to it, as well as exegesis of the English text of John 1-8, 14-16 (NT424) or the Greek text of John 1-3, 5-6, 15-16 (NT434/634).

 

New Testament Exegesis: Hebrews (C185)
12 hours

A detailed analysis of the text and themes of Hebrews.

 

New Testament Exegesis: John (C285)
12 hours

An introduction to the riches of John's Gospel. After an overview of the Gospel, selected chapters are covered in detail, to explore John's distinctive presentation of the person and work of Jesus and its implications for us.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Mark (C57)
12 hours

An exegetical analysis of Mark's Gospel.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Pastoral Epistles (C230)
12 hours

An overview of the themes and content of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, with attention to their historical context. The letters' contributions to our understanding of pastoral leadership, doctrine and ethics are highlighted.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Revelation (C272)
12 hours

An exegetical and thematic overview of the book of Revelation.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Romans (C227)
12 hours

A close study of the issues and themes of Paul's letter to the Romans. Righteousness, justification, the state of humankind and sanctification are dealt with in some depth.

 

Other Epistles: English Text (NT428); Greek Text (NT438/NT638)
36 hours (even years)

This advanced degree subject provides an opportunity for study of the theology of the apostle Paul as reflected in 1 Corinthians, with its major issues in contemporary study, and the theology and major issues of the letter to the Hebrews. It also includes exegesis of the English text of 1 Corinthians 1-4; 12-15 and Hebrews 1-4 (NT428) or the Greek text of 1 Corinthians 12-15 and Hebrews 1-4 (NT438/NT638)

 

Pauline Epistles Survey (NT209/C504)
24 hours

This diploma subject gives students the opportunity to interact exegetically and theologically with three Pauline letters: Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Corinthians 1-4 and 12-15; and to think through their application to Christian living and ministry.

 

Pauline Theology and Romans: English Text (NT425); Greek Text (NT435/NT635)
36 hours (even years)

This advanced degree subject provides an opportunity for the study of the theology of the apostle Paul as reflected in his letters, its integrating ideas and major themes. It also includes the exegesis of the English text of Romans 1-11 (NT425) or Greek text of Romans 1-8 (NT435/NT635).

 

Synoptic Gospels: English Text (NT420); Greek Text (NT430/NT630)
36 hours (even years)

This advanced degree subject provides an opportunity for the study of the Gospel of Luke as one of the Synoptic Gospels. It consists of a study of the theology and critical issues in modern study of Luke, as well as exegesis of the English text of Luke 14-24 (NT420) or the Greek text of Luke 19-24 (NT430/NT630).


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Languages

 

Basics of Biblical Hebrew (C698)
12 hours

The goal of this course is to give those students who do not choose to study the Old Testament some pathways to deepen their engagement with the Old Testament text. The focus of this course will be on the skills needed to access tools used in the study of the Old Testament in Hebrew, rather than on memorisation. Students will be introduced to an outline of Hebrew grammar and will practise using dictionaries, technical commentaries and other reference works. Electronic resources will also be reviewed. This subject is compulsory for M.Div. students who do not choose other Hebrew subjects.

 

Biblical Hebrew (LA003A&B)
72 hours

Students are introduced to and given experience in reading the language in which the Old Testament was written. This prepares students to: read the Hebrew Old Testament for themselves; be equipped for consulting Old Testament commentaries based on the Hebrew text; and read books which discuss or refer to Hebrew words and expressions. Biblical Hebrew is a prerequisite for study of degree Old Testament subjects with Hebrew exegesis in the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity.

 

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (LA001)
36 hours

A brief introduction to the fundamentals of the Hebrew language. Students will begin to develop skills in the use of Hebrew dictionaries and the Hebrew Bible.

 

Introduction to New Testament Greek (LA002)
36 hours

This subject aims to familiarise students with the fundamentals of New Testament Greek, to enable them to use commentaries on the Greek text and to be able to consult lexicons and grammars for exegetical purposes. It also aims to enable students to appreciate the fundamentals of translation of the New Testament text into English.

 

New Testament Greek (LA004A&B)
72 hours

Students are introduced to and given experience in reading the language in which the New Testament was written. This prepares students to read straightforward parts of the Greek New Testament for themselves, be equipped for consulting New Testament commentaries based on the Greek text and reading books which discuss or refer to Greek words and expressions. New Testament Greek is a prerequisite for study of degree New Testament subjects with Greek exegesis in the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity.

 

New Testament Greek 2 (C89)
36 hours

This subject is designed for students of the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity who will be studying the Greek text of the New Testament. It runs concurrently with full time students' first Greek exegesis subject. It focuses both on strengthening and deepening a student's grasp of Greek grammar, and also on assisting the initial study of a Greek text.


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Theology and Ethics

 

Biblical Theology (C201)
12 hours

An introduction to the valid application of the entire Bible to the Christian. The course will survey possibilities with an emphasis on the Christ-centred nature of the biblical revelation. Practical issues in preaching the Old Testament to Christians will be considered.

 

Christian Ethics (C574)
24 hours

This subject consists of three parts:

  • An overview of and evaluation of major ethical theories such as utilitarianism, social contract, deontological, teleological and value ethics.

  • A proposal for a Christian evangelical ethical theory.

  • Ethical assessment of contemporary issues such as sex, marriage, divorce, war, and bioethics.

Church, Sacraments and Ministry (TH404/TH604)
36 hours (plus TH604 Seminar)

This subject studies the people of God (the Church); its nature, authority and mission. The sacraments look at Christian initiation, the Lord's supper, Christian worship and prayer.

 

Doctrine of God and the Person and Work of Christ (TH210/C503)
24 hours

A study of major doctrines of the Christian faith. Topics include: our knowledge of God; general and special revelation; the doctrine of God; the doctrine of the Trinity; the doctrines of creation and fall; the image of God; Christ's deity and true humanity; theories of atonement; resurrection and ascension.

 

Doctrine of God and the Work of Christ (TH402/TH602)
36 hours (plus TH602 Seminar)

The doctrine of God studies the attributes and being of God and the Trinity. The work of Christ looks at His incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and session.

 

Doctrines of Grace and Eschatology (TH403/TH603)
36 hours (plus TH603 Seminar)

This subject covers repentance, faith, justification, election, grace and the Christian hope (eschatology).

 

Holy Spirit, Grace and Hope (TH211/C498)
24 hours

A study of major doctrines of the Christian faith. Topics include: the Holy Spirit; the doctrines of grace; church and ministry; the means of grace; and the Christian hope.

 

Introduction to Christian Ethics (C143)
12 hours

This subject consists of:

  • An introduction to major ethical theories;

  • A proposal for a Christian evangelical ethical theory; and

  • An overview of ethical issues such as sex, marriage, divorce, war, and bioethics.

Introduction to Degree Theology (C193)
24 hours

This course is an overview of a brief evangelical systematic theology. It is intended to provide students with a grasp of the whole of systematic theology before they engage in a more detailed study of the parts in Theology 400 and 600 levels. It stresses the application of theology to our minds, hearts and lives.

 

Knowledge of God (TH401/TH601)
36 hours (plus TH601 Seminar)

This subject covers the concepts of revelation and inspiration; the place and nature of Scripture and the issues raised by reason, authority and experience. In addition, creation, providence, humanity, sin and evil are studied.

 

Biblical Wisdom for 21st Century Issues (C702)
An important subject for Christians who are keen to engage Biblically with the 21st Century world. Especially helpful for Bible study and youth group leaders. Topics include stem cell research, the Sabbath, homosexuality, gambling, abortion, capital punishment, and environmental responsibility.


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Church History

 

The Church to 1550
24 hours, Diploma level (CH201/C502)
36 hours, Degree level (CH301/CH501)

This subject provides an introductory survey of Church History, assisting students in developing a sense of history as it relates to the development of theology, doctrine and the Christian community down through the ages. In that process, students acquire a basic understanding of the Church's development up until the sixteenth century. Key events, personalties and doctrinal formulations throughout the history of the church are studied.
This subject is divided into three sections:
Section A: The Church in Imperial Rome
Section B: The Church as Christendom
Section C: The Continental Churches and Reform

 

The Church from 1550 to Modern Times
24 hours, Diploma level (CH202/C509)
36 hours, Degree level (CH302/CH502)

This subject continues the introductory survey of Church History begun by the subject The Church to 1550. 

This subject is divided into two sections:
Section A: Reform and Revolution
Section B: The Church Universal

The Continental Reformation (CH621)
36 hours

To provide candidates with an understanding of the development of Christian life, thought, ministry and worship in reformation Europe. To assist students to learn from the churches of reformation Europe lessons that can be applied to the understanding of ministry today.

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Evangelism and Missions

 

Church, Gospel and Culture (C542)
24 hours

This is a review of the impact of culture on the gospel ministry of the local church, and an introduction to the biblical and contemporary role of the local church in sharing the gospel with people of other cultures locally and around the world.

 

Church Planting (EM426/EM626/C644)
36 hours

This course aims to give the student a thorough understanding of the biblical teaching on church planting. The student will also learn the basic methodologies for effective evangelism, discipleship, Bible teaching and church leadership training in numerous cultural contexts.

 

Critical Thinking (C697)
12 hours

The aim of this course is to equip students with skills in independent thought, evaluation and analysis. Topics will include basic arguments, rules of logic, fallacies in arguments, philosophical concepts, a history of philosophy and a brief overview of hermeneutics. This course is compulsory for MDiv students and an elective for BTh students.

 

Cross Cultural Communication (EM408 / EM608/C640)
36 hours

Following a review of various theories and models of cross-cultural communication, consideration is given to such factors as worldview, cognitive processes, behavioural patterns and social structures. Contextualisation is also evaluated from both biblical and ministry perspectives.

 

Cross Cultural Field Work
24 hours (EM240) 36 hours (EM440/EM640)

Cross cultural field work is an opportunity for students to experience ministry in a cultural context different to their own, either within Sydney, elsewhere in Australia, or overseas. Preparation and supervision are provided, and the student has to prepare reflection papers and ministry reports on completion of the ministry assignment.

 

Cross Cultural Teaching and Learning (SMM61)
36 hours

The subject looks at some biblical material that informs our concepts of learning and teaching, as well as reviewing the work of some educationalists and practitioners. It includes areas such as cognitive style, traditional learning processes, high/low context and expressive art, all with a view to developing culturally appropriate approaches for the teaching of biblical material in diverse cultures.

 

Cults and Belief Systems (C530)
24 hours

An overview of the origins, beliefs and current status of a number of modern cults. This course also includes an introduction to the major world religious systems and the issues that need to be taken into account in presenting the gospel to their followers.

 

Global Issues in Mission (SMM63/C616)
36 hours

The unit seeks to look at mission in the next decade and specifically at some issues related to globalisation and how they will impact the global spread of the gospel. Being future oriented, it is looking at issues and possible responses, rather than reviewing tested methodologies. It seeks to equip the cross cultural worker to confront the issues in their ministry context and to formulate culturally appropriate responses.

 

Introduction to Evangelism (C106)
12 hours

This is a core subject for Diploma. It introduces different methods of evangelism and provides students an opportunity to develop their evangelistic skills.

 

Living Faiths (EEM421/EM621)
36 hours, Degree level

A study of the historical roots, beliefs, practices, cultural influences and contemporary reforms of Islam and Buddhism, together with an introduction to contemporary points of encounter and challenge between Christianity and these two world religions.

 

Local Church and Global Mission: (SMM42/SMM62)
36 hours

Building on a biblical theology of mission, the course investigates the specific roles of a local church in fulfilling the mandate to make Christ known throughout the world. Time is also spent reviewing the resources available to the local church in fulfilling its role.

 

Mission Perspectives (EM201)
24 hours

A study of the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on mission in the contemporary world, which gives an understanding of the challenges and potentials intended in sharing Christ around the world; plus a review of how a local church can be mobilised and resourced to fulfil its various roles in world mission.

 

Multicultural Ministry (EM418/EM618/C630)
36 hours

A survey of the key theological and cultural issues for churches seeking (1) to effectively respond to the multicultural development of society and (2) to establish a ministry and worship structure that is both biblical and culturally sensitive. Case studies, alternate models and appropriate resources will be considered and evaluated.

 

Principles of Evangelism (EM324)
36 hours

This course examines the theological issues relating to evangelism in order to enable students to reflect upon the relationship of various aspects of Christian mission. Students will also be assisted to develop skills in the practice and evaluation of evangelism.

 

Spiritual Formation for Cross Cultural Ministry (EM417/EM617/C641)
36 hours

This subject is designed to alert students to key issues that a cross-cultural worker will face in serving God, so that he/she will be theoretically prepared for most eventualities. Relationships with God, family, fellow workers and ministry recipients are covered, as well as the stress of living and working in another culture, including those which are hostile to the missionary.

 

Theology of Mission
24 hours (C493/EM207)
36 hours (EM305/EM505)

Through a study of the Old and New Testaments, the subject explores the nature of God as revealed in His desire to be known and worshipped by all nations, and the ways that He seeks to fulfil His purposes through His people. In light of that study, consideration is then given to the contemporary issues in mission, within both the evangelical and the non-evangelical world.

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Pastoral Care and Preaching

 

Expounding Scripture (C138/C264/C491)
12 hours

Each student preaches to a small group of fellow students with faculty oversight. These sessions are designed to give students feedback and facilitate the development of communication skills.

 

Interpersonal Living (IPL) (C69)
24 hours

This subject deals with interpersonal relationships within the body of Christ.

 

Introduction to Preaching (SMP21/C213)
24 hours

An introduction to the basic principles of preaching, aimed at providing the student with skills in the area of the preparation and delivery of sermons. Particular emphasis is placed on the interpretation of the Bible.

 

Pastoral Skills and Methods (PC203/C523)
24 hours

The course aims to develop a student's understanding of the nature of pastoral care and to provide the opportunity to develop skills and methods to help meet a wide range of pastoral situations.

 

Personal Life of those in Ministry (PC210/C548)
24 hours

This subject provides the student with opportunity for reflection on their own Christian lives with a view to preparing for Christian ministry. Students will be encouraged to consider their own devotional life; how to maintain a life of integrity under pressure; developing relationships within the context of ministry; and nurturing family relationships.

 

Preaching for Today's Church (SMP62/C526)
36 hours

Acquaints students with the theory of communication and sound hermeneutical principles to facilitate a well-rounded contemporary preaching ministry. (Also note, according to ACT regulations PC611 Preaching in the Christian Tradition and PC641 Communication Principles cannot be taken for credit if this subject has been completed).

 

Preaching Workshops (C265)
12 hours

Students are divided into small groups of 8 to 10, and receive experience in the actual preparation of sermons under the guidance of a Faculty member.

 

Spiritual Formation for Professional Ministries (PC408/PC608/C686)
36 hours

A subject that examines how to maintain a spiritual life of integrity within the context of Christian ministry. It deals with topics such as vocation, stress, spiritual warfare and relating in a healthy way within both a ministry context as well as within the family.

 

Supervised Experienced Based Learning (PC249A,B,C&D)
A program spread over a period of the two years of a Diploma student's course. The program is split into two components:

  • Interpersonal Living (IPL - C612/C613) which deals with interpersonal relationships within the body of Christ, and

  • Field Work that enables students to participate in and reflect on a variety of ministries negotiated through the College or the local church. This may include experience with youth or university campus groups, Christian education in schools, evangelism and cross-cultural ministry. Under the guidance of a nominated supervisor, this practical experience enables students to identify their own gifts and abilities in ministry and discover possible ministry vocations.

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Children's and Youth Ministry

 

Children's Ministry Skills (DM222/C511)
24 hours

A programme of learning and practical skills related to the planning and conduct of effective children's ministry. Areas of study include: skills and techniques for communicating with children; pastoral care of children and families; children and worship; children's ministry teams; training children for ministry; group management of children and duty of care requirements. This subject includes a practical component requiring observation, supervised reflection and involvement in children's ministry.

 

Christian Education (C276)
24 hours

This subject is designed to train the student to work more effectively with people of all ages by understanding basic characteristics and needs, and specific ways to meet these teaching-learning needs. The student is introduced to the basic principles of education and specific skills related to communicating biblical concepts in specific situations and to specific age groups.

 

Christian Education Among Children (DM202/C510)
24 hours

A study of the learning processes of (pre-adolescent) children, and the provisions made in the churches for their education in faith. Areas of study include: developmental and learning characteristics of children; methods of teaching; biblical and historical perspectives on Christian ministry with children; evangelism, conversion and nurture of children; scrutiny of Christian education curricula.

 

Youth Ministry (C281)
12 hours

This subject studies the characteristics of youth development and youth ministry in the Church. Various approaches to the development of a vital youth ministry are investigated.


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Projects

 

Integrative Project (IN650/IN791)
A project of 5,000 words (IN650) or 8,000 words (IN791) that requires the student to explore two areas, usually one biblical and one ministry related, and to demonstrate the connections that exist between those two areas and the relevance of those connections for Christian life and ministry.

 

Master of Divinity Research Project (**690)
The Research Project allows Master of Divinity students to pursue in depth a topic of interest and provides opportunities to explore aspects related to their major area of ministry preparation. It is worth eight credit points. The project should be attempted no earlier in the course than the last semester of enrolment. It is offered in each field of study but candidates must have completed at least 8 credit points of advanced level subjects in that field. Requiring clear aims and focus, it will normally be 8,000 words in length and must conform to the format specified for Projects in the Master of Arts (Theology / Ministry).

 

Missions Project (EM490)
A project of 6,000 words, which may take the form of academic or field-based research, on a topic decided by the student in consultation with the missions supervisor.


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Certificate in Preaching

 

Preaching Strand

 

The Character of the Preacher (CPP01)
36 hours

Aim: To demonstrate the vital connection between their character as a Christian and their preaching.
Topics covered:
S1: The preacher's call; the preacher and the word of God; the preacher and scholarship; the preacher and holiness; the preacher and prayer; the preacher and pastoral care.
S2: Biographical sketches of the lives of great preachers.

 

Preaching Biblical Genres (CPP02A and B)
Semester 1: 24 hours; Semester 2: 24 hours

Aim: To teach students the principles of interpretation for different biblical genres.
Topics covered:
S1: Hermeneutics; preaching gospels; miracles; parables; Psalms; Pauline epistles; OT Narrative; Genesis; Job; Ecclesiastes.
S2: Preaching Acts; apocalyptic literature; Pentateuch; non-Pauline epistles; minor prophets; major prophets; topical preaching; preaching debatable issues.

 

Theology of Preaching (CPP03)
12 hours

Aim: To provide students an understanding of what preaching is and what is happening when the word of God is preached.
Topics covered: Why preach?; the what and why of expository preaching; is preaching the word of God?; the preaching of the apostles; preaching to the whole person.

 

Worldviews (CPP04)
12 hours

Aim: To provide students the basic tenets of the major worldviews and how to critique them from a Christian worldview.
Topics covered: What is a worldview?; deism; naturalism; nihilism; existentialism; pantheistic monism; new age; postmodernism; Islam.

 

Sermon Composition (CPP05)
24 hours

Aim: To teach students what the constituent parts of a sermon are and how to bring them together into a finished sermon.
Topics covered: Method of preparation - context; interpretation; summary; big idea; application; purpose; persuasion; composing for the ear; designing the sermon; illustrations; introductions and conclusions.

 

Sermon Delivery (CPP06)
24 hours

Aim: To develop a student's skills in delivery and how they say what they say.
Topics covered : Each week the class consists of a one hour lecture then one hour practical exercises in the following areas: understanding the communication process; ingredients in communication; perception; understanding your audience; adapting to your audience; non-verbal communication; using your voice; acquiring a preaching style; reading the Bible aloud.

 

Apologetics (CPP07)
12 hours

Aim: To provide students the principles of apologetics and how to apply them to preaching, especially in evangelism.
Topics covered: Apologetic theory; plausibility structures; apologetic issues (for example: evil and suffering, tolerance - one each week)

 

Evangelistic Preaching (CPP08)
12 hours

Aim: To provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively preach to hearers who are not Christian.
Topics covered: The gospel; the necessity of new birth and preaching for conversion; practical exercises in preparing: evangelistic event sermons; outdoor event sermons; short sermons for radio; sermons for adolescents; sermons for university audiences; children's talks; personal testimonies; wedding and funeral sermons.

 

Contemporary Culture & Points of Contact (CPP09)
12 hours

Aim: To show students how the tenets of the major worldviews evidence themselves in the arts and culture, then teaching how to critique these from a Christian worldview and use them in illustration, application, and in evangelistic preaching.
Topics covered: Engaging hearers with contemporary culture; points of contact (one example each week).

 

Field Work (CPP10A and B)
Semester 1: 24 hours; Semester 2: 24 hours

Aim: To take students into situations where they will meet and speak with very diverse groups and gain experience in communication.
Areas visited: Schools and school chapels; retirement homes; emergency accommodation centres; detention centres; prison ministries.

 

Exegesis Workshop (CPP11A and B)
Semester 1: 12 hours; Semester 2: 12 hours

Aim: To work directly on selected bibical texts to determine the ‘big idea’ and application of those texts for preaching.

 

Sermon Workshop (CPP12A and B)
Semester 1: 12 hours; Semester 2: 12 hours

Aim: To design, write and deliver sermons for specific occasions and audiences.
Topics covered: These classes apply the principles and methods learned in other subjects.

 

Expounding Scripture (CPP13)
12 hours

Aim: To preach effectively and be constructively critiqued by the class and lecturers.
Topics covered: Students preach in class each week.

 

General Bible Strand-Certificate in Preaching

 

Biblical Theology (CPG01)
12 hours

An introduction to the valid application of the entire Bible to the Christian. The subject will survey possibilities with an emphasis on the Christ-centred nature of the biblical revelation. Practical issues in preaching the Old Testament to Christians will be considered.

 

Old Testament Exegesis: Psalms (CPG02)
12 hours

The aim of this subject is to give students confidence in their use of the Psalms for preaching and pastoring. Whilst some attention will be given to the significance of the Psalter's literary structure, most lectures will attend to the interpretation of individual Psalms. A variety of Psalms representative of the various types found in the Psalter will be studied in class. The use of the Psalms in the New Testament will also be studied.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Romans (CPG03)
12 hours

A close study of the issues and themes of Paul's letter to the Romans. Righteousness, justification, the state of humankind and sanctification are dealt with in some depth.

 

New Testament Exegesis: Hebrews (CPG04)
12 hours

A detailed analysis of the text and themes of Hebrews.

 

Theology (CPG05 and 06)
Semester 1: 24 hours; Semester 2: 24 hours

Aim: To study the major doctrines of the Christian faith.
Topics covered:
S1: Doctrine of God and Person and Work of Christ: our knowledge of God; general and special revelation; the doctrine of God; the doctrine of the Trinity; the doctrines of creation and the fall; the image of God; Christ's deity and true humanity; theories of atonement; resurrection and ascension.
S2: The Holy Spirit, Grace and Hope: The Holy Spirit; the doctrines of grace; church and ministry; the means of grace; and the Christian hope.

 

Introduction to New Testament Greek (CPG07)
36 hours

Aim: To familiarise students with the fundamentals of New Testament Greek, to enable them to use commentaries on the Greek text, to be able to consult lexicons and grammars for exegetical purposes and to enable students to appreciate the fundamentals of translation into English.

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