The problem of how the Christian message can effectively be implemented is faced by leaders, teachers, pastors, evangelists and counselors in all phases of their distinctive ministries. The purpose of Practical Theology is to help students solve that problem. In this process, the cutting edge of biblical faith is sharpened. Our courses are guided by three principles: Christian outreach and nurture is established through the Scripture-based church; the prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit is strengthened through study and command of technique; and disciple-making is the goal of evangelism, mission, and edification.
PT 501 – Survey of Ministry (3 hours)
A comprehensive survey of the ministry of the local church.
PT 502 – Creative Bible Teaching (3 hours)
An introduction to basic theory and skill related to communicating biblical truth effectively. Enables the student to discover the main idea of a text, develop an outline and effectively teach the lesson. Includes opportunities for the student to speak and receive feedback.
PT 503 – Theology of Biblical Disciple Making (2 hours)
A study of the principles of disciple making and their application to life and ministry in the contemporary church. Analyzes key texts regarding the disciple making model of Jesus. Discusses the implementation of Jesus' model by the early church. Evaluates the use of small group ministries and disciple making in a postmodern culture. Discusses strategies for implementing this biblical methodology.
PT 504 – An Integrated Theology of Worship (2 hours)
A study of worship in the last two millennia, focusing on the elements of worship from a biblical perspective – the Word, music, prayer, service, symbols and celebrations. The student develops a biblical approach to worship, incorporating both Old and New Testament examples and principles of private and corporate worship.
PT 505 – Leading the Church in Worship (2 hours)
The student develops skills required to prepare and lead a church in pursuit of God through corporate worship experiences. Through an examination of trends in worship over the last two millennia, the course will develop the foundations of church worship ministry, including recruiting, training and managing the worship team.
PT 580 – Master of Arts Thesis I (2 hours)
The first half of the preparation and writing of an M.A. thesis in practical theology.
PT 581 - Mentored Practicum (2 hours)
The mentored practicum class is designed to be an entry into ministry and discipleship. As such, each entering student is encouraged to take the course during his or her first year at Shepherds. The class centers around teaching designed to introduce the student to various ministries of the church and discipleship labs that provide opportunities for small groups discipleship with Seminary faculty. By the end of the course, the student will have formulated a philosophy of ministry and set specific ministry goals that will guide one through the internship and (for M.Div. students) the apprenticeship. This class is a prerequisite to beginning the internship.
PT 601 – Expository Preaching in the 21st Century (3 hours)
An in-depth study in the development of expository outlines and messages that emanate from a historical, theological, contextual and grammatical approach to interpreting the biblical text. Enables the student to preach with greater confidence in a variety of settings. Allows evaluation by both the student's professor and peers. Prerequisites: PT 501, NT 552
PT 602 – Pastoral Theology (2 hours)
An overview of the pastoral ministry. Prepares the student for the tasks of pastor, leader, visionary and administrator. Discusses and practices pastoral responsibilities such as officiating the ordinances of communion and baptism. Emphasizes the challenges, joys and responsibilities of ministering as a servant leader to the church.
PT 603 – Family Ministries in the Church (2 hours)
A study of the biblical and theological context for ministry to the family in the local church. Examines the value of understanding and ministering to the family as a system rather than in isolation. Provides principles for the design of a program of ministry within the local church that ministers effectively to the family.
PT 604 – Personal Spiritual Development (2 hours)
An examination of the process by which God transforms the inner being of a human being to be like the inner life of Jesus. We will discover how this transformation expresses itself in the outer life of the believer.
PT 680 – Master of Arts Thesis II (2 hours)
The second half of the preparation and writing of an M.A. thesis in practical theology.
PT 690 – Independent Directed Study I (2 hours)
A course of study developed between student and professor. The purpose, goals, scope and requirements are described in a syllabus created for the course.
PT 691 – Independent Directed Study II (3 hours)
A course of study developed between student and professor. The purpose, goals, scope and requirements are described in a syllabus created for the course.
PT 701 – Advanced Expository Preaching (3 hours)
An extension of the PT 601 in the development of expository outlines and preaching with confidence. Prerequisite: PT 601
PT 702 – Philosophy of Ministry (2 hours)
A study of what is necessary for a comprehensive and biblically-oriented philosophy of Christian ministry. During the course of the semester, the student will develop a philosophy of ministry and be able to articulate it clearly.
PT 703 – Church Planting in the 21st Century (2 hours)
An examination of the biblical philosophy of planting churches in a postmodern culture. Evaluates current models in light of the Scriptures. Provides key principles for planting biblically-based churches that impact their community.
PT 704 – Church Administration (2 hours)
A practical study of running the administrative side of the church.
PT 780 – Master of Divinity Thesis (2 hours)
The preparation and writing of an M.Div. thesis in practical theology.