Theology

THE3001 Christian Doctrine I
3 credits. A study of those truths that the Bible, as the divinely inspired source of doctrine, presents concerning the author, the object, and the mediator of salvation.

THE3002 Christian Doctrine II
3 credits. The scriptural truths concerning the blessing the Holy Spirit showers on believers, individually and collectively, in the presentation and appropriation of the gift of salvation.

THE3010 Symbolics
3 credits. A study of the ecumenical creeds and the Smalcald Articles according to content and historical development. Prerequisite(s): THE1001, THE1002, THE2001

THE3011 St. John’s Gospel
3 credits. An introduction to New Testament exegesis, using selected chapters from the Greek text of John’s gospel. Prerequisite(s): GRK2101 or GRK2001

THE3012 Selections from John’s Gospel
2 credits. An introduction to New Testament exegesis, using selected chapters from the Greek text of John’s gospel. For Seminary Certification students. Prerequisite(s): GRK1102

THE3020 World Religions
3 credits. A survey of the major non-Christian religions of the world.

THE3021 Patristic Readings in Context
3 credits. Study of excerpts of various writings from the early Christian era (90 – 500 A.D.). Emphasis on the development of Christian theology and the nurturing of Christian faith in the face of challenges from society, government, and sectarian movements. All readings are modern translations of the original works of early church fathers and others.

THE3101 Introduction to Youth and Family Ministry
3 credits. A study of marriage, the family, and the biblical role of the family in spiritual growth, with an emphasis on youth ministry as a part of an integrated ministry to families. Addresses both developing healthy families and ministering to hurting families.

THE3102 Staff Ministry Early Field Experience III
0.5 credits. A week of observation and participation in congregational ministry.

THE3103 Individual Staff Ministry Field Experiences
0.5 credits. Fifty hours of individual field experiences related to parish ministry, completed prior to internship.

THE3110 Foundations of Evangelism
3 credits. An examination of the biblical concept of evangelism as it relates to the mission of the church, and a presentation of personal and programmatic methods for evangelism.

THE3111 Congregational Assimilation and Retention
3 credits. A study of ways to integrate members into the life of the church through active use of the means of grace, Christian fellowship, and service. Includes examination of factors that can help to prevent inactivity and of methods for reaching out to inactive members.

THE3120 Parish Education
3 credits. An examination of the principles, methods, and materials of religious education in the parish for adults, youth, and children.

THE3130 Caring and Counseling
3 credits. An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of a Christian approach to counseling, based in Law and Gospel, and the formal and informal congregational settings in which they may be applied.

THE3131 Parish Visitation
3 credits. A presentation of visitation as a method of ministry, especially as a way to minister to the needs of the grieving, the sick and shut-in, and the inactive member.

THE3140 Organization and Administration in the Parish
3 credits. A presentation of organizational structure, planning, decision making, supervision, leadership, and human relations as tools in the administration of the church.

THE3142 Developing and Training Leadership
3 credits. Methods and techniques for training lay people. Includes how to identify their gifts and abilities, recruitment, and options for training.

THE4001 Lutheran Confessional Writings
3 credits. The origin, content, and significance of the confessions of the Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord (1580). Prerequisite(s): THE1001 or THE1002 or THE2001 or THE3001 or THE3002 or senior standing or consent of instructor

THE4010 The Book of Acts
3 credits. An exegetical reading of chapters 13-28 on the basis of the Greek text, with an emphasis on the life and work of the Apostle Paul and on the setting of Paul’s epistles. Prerequisite(s): THE3011 or THE3012

THE4011 First Corinthians
3 credits. An exegetical reading of the First Epistle to the Corinthians on the basis of the Greek text, with an emphasis on the doctrinal and practical aspects of Paul’s writing. Prerequisite(s): THE4010

THE4150 One-Semester Staff Ministry Internship
16 credits. A full-time experience of learning and serving in a congregation, carried out under the direction of a pastor and/or a staff minister.