Course Descriptions: Practical Theology and Ministry Division
PRTH 129 Personal Evangelism
3 Credit Hours
A course designed to enhance the student’s basic understanding of evangelism and methods of evangelism from a Biblical, theological and historical perspective. Special attention is given to such concepts as conversion, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, grace and mission. The student is encouraged to become bolder in witnessing and to make personal evangelism a regular part of his/her life.
PRTH 245 Marriage and Family
3 Credit Hours
A study of the history, purpose, benefits, challenges, and contemporary views of marriage and family life. Emphasizes the development of: a biblical perspective on marriage and family; a personal philosophy of the pastor's priorities in relationship to his/her own marriage and family; and an understanding of the church's role in developing and enhancing Christian family life. Includes discussion on subjects such as courtship, preparation for marriage, sexuality in marriage, divorce, child rearing and discipline, and the impact of aging on marriages.
PRTH 251 Youth Ministry
3 Credit Hours
This course prepares the student for ministries in the local church with junior high, senior high, and college level youth. It aims at the development of a program suited to the needs of young people in the areas of worship, Biblical education, fellowship and evangelism. Considered also are practical matters such as working in camps, planning retreats, relating to parents, and guiding youth in ethical problems particular to their age.
PRTH 252 Introduction to Preaching
3 Credit Hours
An introduction to the various aspects and methods of effectively communicating the Gospel to the listener. Included are sermon design and delivery style, using hermeneutics and homiletics to establish framing methods.
PRTH 253 Sermon Preparation
3 Credit Hours
An introduction to the practical techniques of sermon preparation. The techniques are applied by directed experiences to sermon preparation. Attention is given to sermon types and to the content, logical structure and principles for organizing a sermon. Includes discussion of the step-by-step process of constructing sermons and building a preaching program based on the exposition of biblical passages.
PRTH 271 Principles of Leadership
3 Credit Hours
A study leading to the development of a biblical theology of leadership and an understanding of the pastor's administrative responsibilities. Consideration is given to identifying leadership traits and developing leadership skills such as: clarifying and advocating corporate vision; operationalizing that vision through a mission statement and organizational structure; planning and managing change in an organization; managing conflict; and motivating people. Includes discussion of staff relations, boards and committees, office administration, time management, accounting, budgeting, financial recording keeping, tax responsibility, and insurance.
PRTH 301 Ethics
3 Credit Hours
An examination, in light of the teachings of Scripture, of the moral principles governing human conduct. Special attention is given to the minister's code of ethics in relating to his family, fellow ministers, congregation, community, and denomination, and contemporary personal, economic, and social moral problems.
PRTH 335 Church and Law
3 Credit Hours
A study of the laws affecting clergy and churches in such matters as incorporation procedures, contracts, deeds, bonds, insurance, legal liabilities, negligence, taxation, estate planning, and criminal law as it relates to clergy malpractice and pastoral counseling. Examines the relationship between church and state.
PRTH 341 Leadership in Christian Education
3 Credit Hours
A study leading to the development of a theology of Christian education and an understanding of its central role in accomplishing the mission of the church. Planning, programming, budgeting, staffing, and evaluating are considered in relation to the organization and administration of Christian education in the local church.
PRTH 346 Cross-Cultural Communication
3 Credit Hours
The principles, processes, and problems of communicating from one culture to another. Special attention will be given to the development of attitudes and methods that will enable effective communication of the Gospel to people in other cultures.
PRTH 348 World Religions and Cults
3 Credit Hours
A comparative examination of the tenets of the major religions of the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Islam, animism, and Confucianism. Includes a study of modern cults their characteristics, doctrines, and differences from Christian orthodoxy. Attention is given to equipping the student with the knowledge necessary to approach intelligently and witness effectively to those adhering to non-Christian religions.
PRTH 381 Biblical Counseling
3 Credit Hours
A study of the basic concepts and techniques of counseling, including the effective use of Scripture in counseling. Attention is given to special areas of counseling: young people, the emotionally and mentally ill, and those with marriage problems.
PRTH 382 Pastoral Theology
3 Credit Hours
A practical overview of the pastor's qualifications and calling, the church's invitation and termination, the pastor's personal life, the nurture and care of the church, and spiritual and administrative duties (including communion, water baptisms, weddings, funerals, infant dedication, hospital visitation, business meetings, building programs, missions conventions, etc.).