Carolina Evangelical Divinity
School courses earn three (3) semester hours of credit unless
otherwise noted in ( ) adjacent to course title.
Biblical Studies
Backgrounds
BG 501 Biblical World
A survey of the geographical, historical, political, spiritual,
and social worlds of the Bible. This course stresses the importance
of understanding those worlds for accurate interpretation of
scripture.
BG 510 Drama of Redemption
A study of God's redemptive plan as it unfolds historically and
dramatically through the scriptures.
BG 610 Between the Testaments
A study of the history and development of Judaism during the
Intertestamental Period. This course includes an introduction
to the literature of the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Dead
Sea Scrolls.
BG 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a topic or issue in biblical backgrounds
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Interpretation
BI 505 Methods of Interpretation
An introduction to the complexities of discovering the biblical
writer's original intent. This course teaches the principles
and methods of interpretation and appropriate application of
biblical truth.
BI 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a topic or issue in biblical interpretation
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Languages
BL 510 Greek I: Elementary
An introduction to the fundamentals of New Testament Greek grammar,
including alphabet, vocabulary building, and syntax.
BL 520 Greek II: Intermediate
A continuation of the fundamentals of New Testament Greek grammar,
syntax, and vocabulary building. This course includes readings
from the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: BL 510.
BL 530 Greek III: Exegesis
An extensive reading and translation of Greek from a Gospel (section
A), Acts (section B), an Epistle (section C), or Revelation (section
D) with emphasis on exegesis, grammar, and syntax as well as
addressing critical and theological issues. This course may be
repeated for credit as long as the passage for translation is
not repeated. Prerequisite: BL 520.
BL 610 Hebrew I: Elementary
An introduction to the fundamentals of biblical Hebrew grammar
and syntax. This course emphasizes conjugation of the strong
verb and vocabulary building.
BL 620 Hebrew II: Intermediate
A focus on Hebrew vocabulary, the weak verb, morphology, and
an introduction to exegetical methodology. This course includes
selected readings from the Hebrew Bible in narrative, legal,
prophetic, poetic, and wisdom literature. Prerequisite: BL
610.
BL 630 Hebrew III: Exegesis
Reading, translation, and exegesis of a prose (section A), legal
(Section B), poetic (section C), or wisdom (section D) passage
with emphasis on advanced grammar, syntax, morphology, and exegetical
skills. This course may be repeated for credit as long as
the passage for translation is not repeated. Prerequisite: BL
620.
New Testament
NT 501 New Testament I
An introduction to the Greco-Roman world of the first century,
formation of the New Testament canon, literary genres, methods
of interpretation, theological themes, and development of early
Christianity.
NT 502 New Testament II
A survey of the content of each of the twenty-seven books comprising
the New Testament.
NT 610 Life and Teachings
of Jesus
A study of the teachings of Jesus set within the major events
of his life. This course evaluates scholarly quests for the historical
Jesus and analyzes the unique contributions each Gospel writer
makes to an understanding of Jesus.
NT 615 Life and Writings
of Luke
A study of the writings of Luke set within the major events of
his life. This course addresses questions concerning authorship,
date, and purpose; interprets Luke's writings within their first
century contexts and applies them appropriately to life and ministry
today; and discusses the distinctive contributions of Luke to
New Testament theology.
NT 620 Life and Writings
of John
A study of selected writings of John set within the major events
of his life. This course addresses questions concerning authorship,
date, and purpose; interprets John's writings within their first
century contexts and applies them appropriately to life and ministry
today; and discusses the distinctive contributions of John to
New Testament theology.
NT 630 Life and Epistles
of Paul
A study of selected epistles of Paul set within the major events
of his life. This course addresses questions concerning authorship,
date, and purpose; interprets Paul's epistles within their first
century contexts and applies them appropriately to life and ministry
today; and discusses the distinctive contributions of Paul to
New Testament theology.
NT 650 New Testament Book
Study
An intensive study of a New Testament book and significant subjects
relevant for understanding it. This course focuses on exegetical
methods, historical and literary contexts, and proper interpretation
and application of the truths of the book. This course may
be repeated for credit as long as the biblical book is not repeated.
NT 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a topic or issue in New Testament studies
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Old Testament
OT 501 Old Testament I
A survey of the Old Testament from Genesis through Chronicles
which includes an examination of background issues, history,
content, major themes, and theological and critical issues relative
to the selected books.
OT 502 Old Testament II
A survey of the Old Testament from Ezra through Malachi which
includes an examination of background issues, history, content,
major themes, and theological and critical issues relative to
the selected books. Prerequisite: OT 501.
OT 610 Pentateuch
A study of the Old Testament Torah which includes an examination
of its history, contents, theological themes, textual and critical
issues, as well as current discussion in Pentateuch studies.
OT 620 History of Israel
A study of the history of Israel from the conquest of Canaan
through the return from exile. This course also examines the
development of characters and themes as well as theological,
textual, and critical issues.
OT 630 Wisdom Literature of Israel A study of Hebrew wisdom
literature found in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and
Ecclesiastes along with comparisons to wisdom literature in surrounding
cultures.
OT 640 Prophets of Israel
A study of selected writing prophets of Israel and Judah noting
historical and political settings, theological implications,
literary styles, and themes. This course may be repeated for
credit as long as the selected prophets are not repeated.
OT 650 Old Testament Book
Study
An intensive study of an Old Testament book and significant subjects
relevant for understanding it. The course focuses on exegetical
methods, historical and literary contexts, proper interpretation
and application of the truths of the book. This course may
be repeated for credit as long as the biblical book is not repeated.
OT 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Old Testament
Studies under the supervision of a selected faculty member with
expertise in that area. This course is available only to advanced
students in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to
work independently. On Request.
Theological Studies
TH 501 Christian Theology
I
An overview of major figures and developments in the history
of theology, the relationship of philosophy to theology, and
the primary sources for theology.
TH 502 Christian Theology
II
A systematic study of the major doctrines of Christianity designed
to acquaint the student with the basics of the faith and establish
a solid foundation for future theological studies.
Prerequisite: TH 502.
TH 510 Person and Work of
Christ
A study of the person and work of Jesus Christ as revealed in
scripture and discussed in the writings of representative theologians
from the first century to the twenty-first century.
TH 520 Person and Work of
the Spirit
A study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit as revealed
in scripture and discussed in the writings of representative
theologians from the first century to the twenty-first century.
TH 615 Theologians of the
Church
A study of theologians through the centuries who have affected
the development of the church's theology. This course will periodically
focus on the life and work of a single theologian, such as Augustine,
Luther, Calvin, Wesley, or Barth. This course may be repeated
for credit as long as the theologian is not repeated.
TH 730 Apologetics
An examination of Christian responsibility to give a rational
account of the faith that both answers the objections of unbelievers
and bolsters the intellectual confidence of believers in the
integrity of their faith.
TH 740 Christian Ethics
A study of biblical principles that guide and inform Christian
action and decision-making. This course includes a survey of
scripture, major philosophical and theological perspectives that
have influenced Christian thinking about ethics, and contemporary
ethical questions such as abortion, euthanasia, reproductive
technology, and warfare.
TH 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in theology under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Historical Studies
CH 502 The Church through
the Centuries I
A survey of the expansion of Christianity from its origin in
the days of the apostles through the English Reformation.
CH 503 The Church through
the Centuries II
A survey of the expansion of Christianity from its planting in
the American colonies to its emergence as the fastest growing
religion in the world at the beginning of the third millennium.
CH 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in church history
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that particular area. This course is available only to advanced
students in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to
work independently. On Request.
Ministerial
Studies
Christian Education
CE 520 Christian Education
Administration
A plan for investing Christian Education programs with intentionality.
This course develops strategies for mission statements, recruitment
and development of personnel, the latest in teacher training
programs, selection of materials, and a model for effectiveness
assessment.
CE 610 Family Ministry
A study of the family from its origins in the Old Testament to
the various forms of expression found in contemporary culture.
This course will propose ways the church can strengthen its families
and those of the surrounding community through practical and
creative ministries that span generational as well as structural
differences.
CE 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Christian Education
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Counseling
CO 501 Pastoral Counseling
An introduction to the basic skills necessary for the pastor
to be effective in his role as counselor.
CO 610 Marriage and Family
Counseling
A study of principles and methods for dealing with specific marriage
and family problems. This course will consider preventive and
pre-marital strategies for counseling. Prerequisite: CO 501.
CO 620 Crisis Counseling
A study of counseling methods appropriate for helping persons
overcome traumas such as child and domestic abuse, divorce, job
loss, death, mental illness, and drug addiction. Prerequisite:
CO 501.
CO 630 Life Transitions
Counseling
A study of counseling methods appropriate for helping persons
move beyond the physical, psychological, and spiritual problems
associated with the adolescent, mid-life, and retirement stages
of life. Prerequisite: CO 501.
CO 760 Clinical Pastoral
Education (6 hrs.)
A minimum of 400 hours of training in pastoral care at a hospital
accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
Prerequisite: CO 501. Satisfies the Ministry Experience requirements
in the M.Div. program.
CO 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Pastoral Counseling
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Evangelism
EV 515 Marketplace Ministry
A course teaching students to seize opportunities in the marketplace
to achieve the Lord's commission. This course will develop a
theology of vocation, equip Christians to integrate their faith
and work, and provide interaction with Christian professionals
active in the marketplace
EV 525 Strategies for Reaching
the Local Community
A study of the ways a local congregation can minister creatively
and effectively in its surrounding community. This course will
examine the different types of communities (urban, suburban,
and rural) and the unique opportunities each offers for outreach.
EV 535 Impacting Youth Culture
A study of contemporary youth culture in North America. Attention
will be given to the development of strategies for penetrating
the world of the high school and college student with the gospel,
producing commitment to Christ and his kingdom.
EV 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in evangelism under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Field Education
ME 750 Ministry Experience
I
An opportunity for supervised field work. This course emphasizes
the planning, organization, and execution of ministry responsibilities
and includes meetings between the student and supervisor for
reflection and evaluation. On Request.
ME 751 Ministry Experience
II
Prerequisite: ME 750. On Request.
Missiology
MI 520 Creating a Global
Vision in the Local Church
A course designed to help the local church see beyond its own
community and develop a global perspective of God's activity.
This course covers culturally sensitive strategies for members
to become involved with believers from other parts of the world
through tactical support and enrichment projects as well as short-term
mission trips.
MI 535 Religions of the
World
A study of the major world religions and the cultures associated
with them. This course investigates Judaism, Islam, Hinduism,
and Buddhism and may include visits to local worship centers.
The student will develop a Christian response to the claims of
each religion as part of the course.
MI 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in missiology under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Pastoral Ministry
PM 515 Personal Preparation
for Ministry
A course that prepares the student for a lifetime of ministry.
Attention will be given to the minister's relationship to God,
self-understanding, family responsibilities, and appropriate
ways to deal with pastoral roles within the congregation as well
as the realistic and/or unrealistic expectations of parishioners.
PM 520 Pastoral Leadership
in the Twenty-first Century
A study of some of the challenges awaiting those who pastor at
the beginning of the third millennium. This course will discuss
topics such as the four generations currently in the church and
mobilizing the priesthood of believers.
PM 525 Church Administration
An examination of administrative principles and practices appropriate
to the local church. This course will emphasize strategic planning,
execution, and evaluation in the areas of faith develop-ment,
finances, and facilities. Attention will also be given to day-to-day
office management.
PM 530 Leadership Development
in the Local Church
A course designed to help pastors develop servant leadership
within their congregations. This course explores the stages of
development, the needs at the various stages, and biblical examples
and training that coordinate with the developmental process.
PM 610 Small Groups
A course which focuses on the formation of small groups in a
church, the skills necessary to lead small groups and keep them
vibrant, and the multiplication of small groups. This class will
be constructed as a small group using small group principles.
PM 620 Strategies for Small
Churches
A course that explores the dynamics of small churches. This class
will propose strategies for revitalizing the ministry of a small
church.
PM 630 Growing Healthy Churches
An study of eight specific elements that produce healthy spiritual
and numerical growth in the local congregation.
PM 655 Coping with Stress
in Ministry
An examination of the causes of stress and burnout in ministry.
Significant attention will be given to personal skills which
lessen the negative impact of stress on the minister and his
family.
PM 715 Managing Ministry
Relocation
An investigation into the dynamics of changing ministry positions.
Course content includes the psychological effects of transition,
recommendations for productive closure, the search for a new
ministry position, and an intentional plan for a successful launch
in the new place of ministry.
PM 720 Women in Ministry
A survey of the contributions women have made to the growth and
ministry of the church through the centuries. This course will
examine relevant biblical passages, biographies of women in ministry,
and the resistance encountered by women as they respond to God's
call on their lives.
PM 730 Hospital Ministry
An introduction to the spiritual and pastoral care to patients
and families in hospital and healthcare settings. Topics covered
will include family system dynamics, spiritual assessment and
interventions, ministry in times of crisis and loss, and working
with medical staff as part of the healthcare team.
PM 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in pastoral ministry
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Preaching
PR 510 Expository Preaching
I
An introduction to the principles of biblical interpretation
where students learn how to organize and prepare sermons based
on careful exegesis of a passage. This course includes preaching
opportunities to be evaluated by the student's peers and professor(s).
PR 520 Expository Preaching
II
A discussion of the methodologies used when preaching through
a book of the Bible. This course emphases background materials,
book content and theology, study tools, and possible approaches
to the selected book. Prerequisite: PR 510.
PR 610 Biographical Preaching
A course designed to encourage the student to preach on biblical
characters and to equip him/her with the necessary tools. This
course can be taken more than once for credit as long as the
characters selected are not the same.
PR 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in preaching under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Worship
WO 515 Theology and Practice
of Worship
An examination of the biblical, theological, and historical roots
of worship. This course also evaluates current trends.
WO 615 Pastor as Worship
Leader
A study of pastor's role as he/she leads his/her congregation
weekly into the presence of God. Attention will be given to the
pastor's personal preparation for worship, coordination with
others who will be instrumental in the congregation's approach
to God, and the specific responsibilities of the pastor within
the context of worship.
WO 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in worship under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Formational Studies
SF 501 Life in the Spirit
An introduction to the means used by the Holy Spirit to create
the image of Christ in the believer. This course will include
discussion of five views concerning sanctification and practical
guidance for holy living.
SF 520 Spiritual Disciplines
An experiential course that introduces the student to the spiritual
disciplines practiced by Christians through the centuries. This
course will provide guidance as the student practices each of
the disciplines and reflects on personal transformation.
SF 610 Devotional Classics
A study the spiritual classics often overlooked in contemporary
Christianity. Selections will come from various periods of church
history as well as the whole spectrum of Christian tradition.
SF 620 Theology and Practice
of Prayer
An examination of the biblical, theological, and historical roots
of prayer. This course is designed to encourage the student to
develop intimacy with God through personal and community prayer
practices.
SF 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Spiritual Formation
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request
Quaker Studies
QS 510 Historical Survey
of the Friends Church
A survey of the Friends Church from its origins in the 17th century
to the present. Special attention will be given to the historical
context out of which the movement arose and its rapid spread
throughout Great Britain and the colonies, the key personalities
contributing to its mission and message, theological controversies,
changes to the movement over its three hundred fifty year history,
and the distinctive contributions of the Friends Church to Christianity.
QS 520 The Friends Family
Tree
A course that investigates the various branches of Quakerism
. Students will examine the three major theological positions
found within the Friends Church and the four denominations that
grew out of them.
QS 530 The Life and Work
of Selected Friends
A study of the life and work of various individuals who have
impacted the development of the Friends Church. This course will
focus on Friends such as George Fox, Robert Barclay, William
Penn, John Woolman, and Elton Trueblood. May be repeated for
credit as long as the selected Friend is not repeated.
QS 540 Faith and Practice
of Friends
A study of the beliefs and polity of the Friends Church. This
course is designed to partially fulfill the requirements for
ministers seeking recording by North Carolina Yearly Meeting
of Friends.
QS 610 Quaker Spiritual
Classics
A study of those devotional writings that have had profound influence
on the spirituality of the Friends Church since its origin in
1652. This course will also examine the Quaker contribution to
other streams of Christian spirituality.
QS 620 Pastoral Leadership
in the Friends Meeting
This course addresses the distinctives of the local Friends congregation
and the impact those distinctives have on role of the pastor
and the leadership he/she provides to the congregation. Traditional
approaches will be examined as well as creative models faithful
to the faith and practice of Friends.
QS 630 Challenges Facing
Friends in the 21st Century
An examination of the internal issues (dwindling membership,
theological controversies, and spiritual vitality) and the external
issues (cultural relevance, geo-political concerns, and social
debates) facing Friends. Proposals for how the Religious Society
of Friends can speak to its own condition and well as to the
global community will be developed through thoughtful analysis,
in-depth research, and creative discussion.
QS 770 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Quakerism under
the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise in
that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Research
RS 505 Introduction to Theological
Education
A seminar that enhances the student's study and research skills.
This course will also prepare the student to write graduate level
papers.
RS 610 Thesis
A course that culminates in the production of a seventy-five
(75) page thesis. This course is required of students preparing
for doctoral work in an academic field.
RS 625 Senior Seminar
An assessment of the readiness of the student to graduate. This
seminar will evaluate knowledge acquisition and integration as
well as skills development.
Doctoral Studies
DM 1010 Biblical Principles
That Shape Ministry
An in-depth look at those principles found in scripture which
provide the foundation for a theology of ministry. As the orientation
course for the DMin program, students will also receive instruction
in the writing of doctoral papers as well as the Professional
Doctoral Project.
DM 1020 The Art of Transforming
Text into Sermon
An investigation of the process through which a text moves from
the pages of Scripture into the lives of God's people. Students
will sharpen their skills in the science of biblical interpretation
and strengthen their ability to develop sermons built upon sound
exegetical observations which also interest and challenge the
hearers.
DM 1030 Disciplines That
Revitalize the Pastor
An experiential course that immerses the student in the spiritual
disciplines practiced by Christians through the centuries. This
course will provide guidance as the student practices each of
the disciplines, reflects on personal transformation, and invites
members of the congregation to experience their own renovation
of the heart.
DM 1040 The Pastor as Worship
Leader
An examination of the pastor's unique role as he/she leads the
congregation into the presence of God. Students will develop
a theology of worship, study historical models, identify the
contribution of the sermon to worship, and enhance their skills
as worship leaders.
DM 1050 Professional Doctoral
Project
A summative project which allows the student three options from
which to choose: 1) the development of program to eliminate a
personal weakness in pastoral leadership, 2) the teaching of
a leadership course in a structured setting, or 3) the production
of a publishable quality book. The Professional Doctoral Project
will require approximately two hundred fifty (250) clock hours
to complete, resulting in a report of one hundred twenty-five
(125) pages.
DM 1115 Pastoral Leadership
in the Culturally Engaged Church
A study of cultural trends encountered by the church in the twenty-first
century, appropriate strategies for turning the trends into opportunities
for expanding the kingdom of God, and the pastor's role in the
implementation of the strategies in his/her local church.
DM 1125 Equipping Servant
Leadership
A course designed to help pastors develop leadership within their
congregations. This course explores the stages of development,
the needs at the various stages, and biblical examples and training
that coordinate with the developmental process.
DM 1135 The Pastor as Spiritual Director
An exploration of the use of spiritual direction as a means of
counseling individuals within the congregation. Students will
learn practical skills for helping people apply biblical and
spiritual insight to the problems which disrupt their lives.
DM 1145 Creating a Global
Vision in the Local Church
A module designed to help the local church see beyond its own
community and develop a global perspective of God's activity.
This course covers culturally sensitive strategies for members
to become involved with believers from other parts of the world
through tactical support and enrichment projects as well as short-term
mission trips.
DM 1155 Strategies for Long-term
Ministry Effectiveness
A course that examines the issues which cause a pastor to lose
his/her cutting edge and strategies for maintaining effectiveness
over a lifetime of ministry. Students will develop and implement
a personal plan for continued growth in ministry.
DM 1165 Preaching through
a Book of the Bible
An exploration of the value of expository preaching which introduces
the congregation to the spiritual riches of an entire book of
the Bible. In addition to methods for grasping the message of
the book as a whole, students will learn to unpack its smaller
sections in light of the book's purposes. Strategies for maintaining
long-term congregational interest will also be developed.
DM 1175 Crafting Illustrations
and Applications
An investigation into the transforming power of illustration
and application. This course will provide strategies and resources
for a lifetime of preaching that connects with audiences in ways
that can be used by the Holy Spirit to change lives.
DM 1185 Selected Topics
in Pastoral Leadership
The selection and exploration of a topic having contemporary
relevance to the practice of ministry. This module will be taught
by noted pastoral leaders.
DM 1195 Faculty Directed
Research
Student research on a specific topic or issue in Pastoral Leadership
under the supervision of a selected faculty member with expertise
in that area. This course is available only to advanced students
in good standing who have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
On Request.
Master of Arts Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry
Academic Policies Course Descriptions