Course Descriptions

Explore your three-year academic journey through a sequential curriculum designed to build biblical wisdom and ministry endurance.

Master of Arts in Bible & Theology

This initial course in the series begins by laying the groundwork for Bible study methods. The substantive focus then moves to the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. The Pentateuch provides the relief for understanding the attributes of God and his grace shown in a multitude of ways, but especially in providing redemption. The books of history unfold God’s gracious interactions with his people, especially specific prophets and kings. The class then concludes with another genre, as the practicality of Wisdom books and Psalms is observed.

This course builds on BL501 by demonstrating God’s redemptive work and kingdom plan through the Prophets and Gospels. Here, we see how Jesus the fulfills Messianic promises and serves as the climax of revelation. Students will carefully examine Jesus’ teachings, miracles, parables, death and resurrection, gaining insight into how Jesus understands and follows the Father’s plan for Him.

This course examines the unfolding of God’s plan through the church in the Apostolic Period. The Book of Acts, Paul’s Epistles, the General Epistles and Revelation are closely studied in order to see how God’s kingdom plans continue. The course culminates with view toward an eschatological fulfillment of all promises God has made.

This course begins by examining in detail the way in which a theological system is constructed and the plausibility of embarking on such a project. It then moves to deal with the issues of revelation, inspiration, canonicity, translations, and textual criticism. Finally, the nature of the Godhead and the distinctive doctrines of the Father are studied. Overarching theological themes displayed throughout Scripture will be examined, with a goal to understanding God’s purposes and plan.

This course studies the creation, original state, and fall of humanity within the entirety of God’s work in creating. We will also examine our depravity and the effects of sin upon humanity, as well as God’s victorious plan through the cross. In this final section, we will focus on both the person and work of Jesus Christ. Included in this, by way of contrast, studies of heretical views of Christ from the past and the present will also be examined.

Our theological studies will culminate in the Spirit’s work through salvation and the community of the church. Within this section, the purpose and work of the Holy Spirit is examined, as is the origin, nature, work, and destiny of both holy and fallen angels. The study of the church brings into focus God’s purpose for today, and the spiritual battle that rages as Satan opposes that purpose. Our study will finally be rounded out with an overview of God’s plan for the eschaton.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of biblical, theological, and contemporary perspectives on Christian leadership. Particular emphasis is placed on the personal life, spiritual formation, philosophy, and calling of the leader. Students will develop biblical convictions regarding mission, vision, and ministry commitments in order to gain clarity around their unique leadership identity, vocational calling, and God-given vision for ministry

This course provides an in-depth analysis of a Christian perspective on execution in leadership, utilizing contemporary theory and practices regarding how ideas move toward action. Particular emphasis will be given to biblical texts and theological principles that regard the implementation and execution of ministry. The course will provide an in-depth analysis of a Christian perspective on multiplication in leadership, while also utilizing contemporary theory and practices regarding team building.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Christian leadership in the context of missional movements and church planting. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a biblical and theological framework for innovation, cultural engagement, and missional leadership. Students will examine contemporary models of church planting, contextualization, and entrepreneurial ministry while grounding missiological innovation in Scripture and ecclesiology. The course equips leaders to design, launch, and sustain new ministry initiatives such as church plants that are theologically faithful, culturally informed, and missionally effective.

Master of Arts in Biblical Leadership

This initial course in the series begins by laying the groundwork for Bible study methods. The substantive focus then moves to the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. The Pentateuch provides the relief for understanding the attributes of God and his grace shown in a multitude of ways, but especially in providing redemption. The books of history unfold God’s gracious interactions with his people, especially specific prophets and kings. The class then concludes with another genre, as the practicality of Wisdom books and Psalms is observed.

This course builds on BL591 by demonstrating God’s redemptive work and kingdom plan through the Prophets and Gospels. Here, we see how Jesus the fulfills Messianic promises and serves as the climax of revelation. Students will carefully examine Jesus’ teachings, miracles, parables, death and resurrection, gaining insight into how Jesus understands and follows the Father’s plan for Him.

This course examines the unfolding of God’s plan through the church in the Apostolic Period. The Book of Acts, Paul’s Epistles, the General Epistles and Revelation are closely studied in order to see how God’s kingdom plans continue. The course culminates with view toward an eschatological fulfillment of all promises God has made.

This course begins by examining in detail the way in which a theological system is constructed and the plausibility of embarking on such a project. It then moves to deal with the issues of revelation, inspiration, canonicity, translations, and textual criticism. Finally, the nature of the Godhead and the distinctive doctrines of the Father are studied. Overarching theological themes displayed throughout Scripture will be examined, with a goal to understanding God’s purposes and plan.

This course studies the creation, original state, and fall of humanity within the entirety of God’s work in creating. We will also examine our depravity and the effects of sin upon humanity, as well as God’s victorious plan through the cross. In this final section, we will focus on both the person and work of Jesus Christ. Included in this, by way of contrast, studies of heretical views of Christ from the past and the present will also be examined.

Our theological studies will culminate in the Spirit’s work through salvation and the community of the church. Within this section, the purpose and work of the Holy Spirit is examined, as is the origin, nature, work, and destiny of both holy and fallen angels. The study of the church brings into focus God’s purpose for today, and the spiritual battle that rages as Satan opposes that purpose. Our study will finally be rounded out with an overview of God’s plan for the eschaton.

This advanced course for experienced ministry leaders will equip them to identify and deal with the sources of shame, guilt and other harmful factors in their lives through a biblically informed manner, resulting in a process of Christ-centered mending of the soul with the support of classmates through honest discussion and shared spiritual disciplines. Students will consider their own areas for growth in character and how to identify and encourage others in their character development. Students will demonstrate their ability to use the skills developed in the class in local church teaching and ministry.

This course for experienced ministry leaders will equip them to become more effective at approaching leadership from a foundation of pastoral theology as well as practicing leadership with wisdom and skill. Among the critical topics: guiding ministry leaders to be missional, visionary, strategic, and tactical, exploring how to build high-functioning teams, recruiting and developing good team members, addressing unhealthy team interactions. The aim is to create a healthy corporate culture in church leadership based on sound pastoral theology.

This course builds upon the philosophy of team leadership in ML592 and will equip experienced ministry leaders to become more effective leaders and pastors who can coach leaders to create vision/direction, hone processes and procedures, and work through organizational development as well as carry out the essential pastoral practices of soul care in individuals and groups. Emphasis will also be given to thinking theologically about the role of a shepherd, as well as the essential practices necessary for loving the body of Christ.