North Park Theological Seminary

BIBL 5108
Beginning New Testament Greek (summer intensive)
A survey of the essentials of biblical Greek. The focus is on basic grammar, vocabulary, and the development of reading skills. Six hours.

BIBL 5109-5110
Beginning New Testament Greek I and II
A survey of the essentials of biblical Greek. The focus is on basic grammar, vocabulary, and the development of reading skills. Three hours each.

BIBL 5111
Introduction to New Testament Greek Exegesis
Attention will be given to the procedures and tools used in the exegetical process, textual criticism, translation, New Testament Greek syntax, theological implications, and application to ministry. Experience will be gained through the exegesis of a New Testament book. Prerequisites: BIBL 5108 or 5109 and 5110. Three hours.

BIBL 5125
The Book of Exodus
An exegetical survey of the Bible's first book with special reference to its canonical shape and major theological themes (e.g., creation, human rebellion, divine judgment, election, promise, and covenant). Consideration also is given to its important ancient Near Eastern parallels, role in the biblical canon, and contribution to biblical theology. Three hours.

BIBL 5127
The Book of Deuteronomy
An inductive study of the book of Deuteronomy in the context of the ancient Near East and the Pentateuch. It explores its literary nature as the speeches of Moses, theories concerning its composition history and genre, and its relationship to an important Israelite theological movement. Primary attention falls on in depth treatment of selected passages, their major themes, the book's influence on later biblical books including the New Testament, and its implications for contemporary church life. Three hours.

BIBL 5128
The Book of Joshua
An inductive study of Joshua that focuses on its literary forms, cultural background, and theological perspective. This course pays particular attention to the book's practical implications, especially the nature of God and the problems of war and cultural conquest. Three hours.

BIBL 5135
The Book of Psalms
An inductive study of the literary form, cultural background, and theological perspective of selected psalms. The course suggests how psalms might be used in public and private worship. Three hours.

BIBL 5137
Wisdom Literature
Israelite wisdom teaching exhibits continuity and discontinuity with the oracles of the priests and prophets. This character, as well as its influence on later Jewish and Christian thought, marks it as an important area of study. Three hours

BIBL 5141
The Book of Isaiah
This course involves reading the book of Isaiah and its various interpretations. It seeks to provide knowledge of the over-arching content (events, characters, themes) and original cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to literary genres, critical issues, and inter-biblical interpretations as they aid the interpretation of Isaiah’s text. The goal is to prepare students to appreciate, interpret, and teach from Isaiah in ministries of the church. Three hours.

BIBL 5142
The Book of Jeremiah
This course surveys the book of Jeremiah, the legacy of the prophet who interpreted the momentous events of Judah's last three decades and laid the theological foundations for its future. Discussion considers the book's historical background, composition, literary nature, and message. The course focuses primarily on inductive study of sample passages and their implications for Christian living and ministry today. Three hours.

BIBL 5143
Ezekiel: A Prophetic Theology of Ministry
An exposition of the book of Ezekiel, interpreted in the context of the ancient Near Eastern environment from which it derives. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of the prophet's ministry and the theology of his prophecies as a response to the crisis of faith precipitated by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the population of Judah to Babylon. Special attention will be placed on developing a biblical theology of ministry for today. Three hours.

BIBL 5145
The Book of Amos
A study of the challenging message of the prophet Amos against the background of eighth century Israel and Judah. Inductive study probes its contents—its composition, various literary forms, and theological perspective. Special attention falls on its indictment of the social injustices of Amos' day and its implications for Christians today. Three hours.

BIBL 5150
Interpreting the New Testament I
In this introductory treatment of the Gospels, attention is given to hermeneutics, critical approaches to the Gospels, historical background, the characteristics and message of each of the Gospels, and Jesus' life and teaching, especially his proclamation of the kingdom. Three hours.

BIBL 5151
Interpreting the New Testament II
This course is a survey of Acts through Revelation with special emphasis on the interpretive issues, historical context, distinctive content, theological peculiarities, and contemporary relevance of Acts and the New Testament letters. Three hours.

BIBL 5153
The Gospel of Mark
In this course the student will examine the life and teaching of Jesus as distinctively presented by the Gospel writer. The book will be studied from the standpoint of literature, history, theology, and its relevance to the life of the church. Three hours.

BIBL 5157
The Gospel of John
This course is an examination of John’s distinctive presentation of the life and teaching of Jesus. The focus will be on Jesus’ interaction with individuals and groups of diverse religious, economic, social, political, and educational backgrounds. The course will explore theological and practical implications for the church today. Three hours.

BIBL 5158
Acts
This course is an examination of how the early Church went about fulfilling its evangelistic mandate. Analysis will include the relationship of Christianity to Judaism, the nature of the gospel message, missionary strategy, the life of the early church, internal tensions and their resolution, and whether Acts provides a model for the church today. Three hours.

BIBL 5159
Romans
The focus of this course is on the purpose, argument, and theology of this important letter. Crucial matters in Christian theology are treated, especially the understanding of salvation, the meaning of "faith", the understanding of sin, the role of the law, and the place of Israel. Three hours.

BIBL 5159
First Corinthians
This course explores the kinds of problems that a typical first century church faced in relating Christianity to the society in which they lived. Attention will be given to principles and guidelines for tackling similar issues for the church today. Three hours.

BIBL 5162
Second Corinthians
This course is an exegetical study that will focus on Paul’s handling of internal and external challenges to his pastoral authority. Analysis will include the nature of pastoral ministry, church discipline, the nature of the gospel, the Christian perspective on death and resurrection, the principles and practice of stewardship, and the task of dealing with opposition inside and outside the church. Three hours.

BIBL 5166
Ephesians and Colossians
The analysis of these two closely related letters focuses on their teaching about Christology, salvation, life in Christ, and the church. Three hours.

BIBL 5171
First and Second Timothy & Titus
This course is a study of ministry in a first century, local church setting as reflected in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The focus will be on analyzing the types of problems faced by those in pastoral ministry (e.g., worship order and roles, qualifications of lay leadership, false teaching, finances, the church in society, and congregational diversity); the purpose is to develop a theology of leadership and models for ministry in the local church today. Three hours.

BIBL 5172
Hebrews
This course is an exegetical study of Hebrews with a focus on its structure, argument, theology, and its place within the historical, social, and theological contexts of the early church. Three hours.

BIBL 5174
The Petrine Letters
This course treats the letters of 1 and 2 Peter, paying primary attention to 1 Peter, its character as a letter, its use of the Old Testament and traditional material, and its relevance for the life of the church. Three hours.

BIBL 5178
Revelation
This course is an exegetical study of the New Testament Apocalypse of John. Attention is given to issues of genre, socio-historical setting, purpose, cultural-religious contexts, and the variety of interpretations of Revelation in the church. Three hours.

BIBL 55144
The Minor Prophets
An inductive study of selected books from the canonical Twelve Prophets. The course explores their historical background, literary genres, and main themes. The course pays special attention to how their messages addressed their own historical settings as well as their implications for Christian living today. Consideration is also given to the significance of their canonical order and possible inter-textual links between them. Three hours.

BIBL 6100
Beginning Hebrew I
This course is survey of the essentials of biblical Hebrew including basic grammar concepts and the strong verb. A special emphasis is placed on building vocabulary. Three hours.

BIBL 6101
Beginning Hebrew II
This course continues to introduce the student to grammar and vocabulary through the translation of the OT from Hebrew. It seeks to provide a beginning knowledge of the exegetical task and the tools to achieve it. Special emphasis is given to understanding Hebrew syntax, literary techniques for interpretation, and use of exegetical resources. The goal is to prepare students to do exegesis as part of the teaching and preaching ministries of a local pastor. Prerequisite: BIBL 6100. Three hours.

BIBL 6102-6103
Hebrew Readings
In this course, students translate and discuss selected texts from the Hebrew Bible in order to enhance their facility with the Hebrew language. Prerequisites: BIBL 6100 and BIBL 6101. Pass/Fail. Three hours.

BIBL 6105
Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis
An introduction to the tasks and tools for proper exegesis of the Old Testament in Hebrew. Primary attention falls on intensive exegesis of selected Hebrew texts as the vehicle for enhancing the student's interpretive skills. The course introduces the analysis of Hebrew syntax and literary style, the application of modern exegetical methods, and the use of computer software for exegesis. It also underscores the connection between interpretation and theology through theological reflection that arises from rigorous exegesis. Prerequisites: BIBL 6100 and BIBL 6101. Three hours.

BIBL 6120
Interpreting Old Testament I
This course surveys the story of the People of God in the first twelve books of the Old Testament known as the Torah and the Former Prophets. It seeks to provide a beginning knowledge of the over-arching narrative content (events, characters, themes). Attention will be given to historical and cultural background, critical problems and literary genres as they aid interpretation of specific texts. The goal is to prepare students to appreciate, interpret and teach from these books in ministries of the Church. Three hours

BIBL 6121
Interpreting Old Testament II
This course surveys five wisdom and seventeen prophetical books of the Old Testament. It seeks to provide knowledge of the over-arching content (events, characters, themes) and original cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to literary genres, critical issues, and inter-biblical interpretations as they aid interpretation of texts. The goal is to prepare students to appreciate, interpret, and teach from these books in ministries of the Church. Three hours.

BIBL 6220
Biblical Preaching
The student will practice moving from biblical text to sermon with a focus on a selected book of the Bible. Issues related to preaching from biblical genres (ancestral narrative, wisdom poetry, prophecy) will be discussed as students prepare and deliver sermons. Topics include: the story of Joseph and his family, Proverbs, Jeremiah. Three hours

BIBL 6225
Apocalyptic Literature
Biblical and extra-biblical apocalyptic eschatology is studied in this seminar with the life of the church and contemporary interpretations of prophecy always in view. Three hours.

BIBL 6245
Women of the Old Testament
This course explores the Old Testament's portrait of selected women from ancient Israel. It features in depth discussion of the biblical text, important recent interpreters, and selected ancient Near Eastern female portraits. Consideration is also given to the metaphorical portrait of God as female. Its goal is to lead the student to formulate an understanding of the nature of woman and her roles in light of biblical theology. Three hours.

BIBL 6247
Old Testament Theology
A survey of the methods, leading scholars, and major topics of Old Testament theology. It gives particular stress to theological reflection on Old Testament texts and the distillation of their theology. It introduces students both to the basic theological content of the Old Testament and to the life-long task of doing theology. Three hours.

BIBL 6248
The Best Stories Ever: Old Testament Narratives
An examination of selected Old Testament narratives that considers their literary art, ideology, themes, theology, and purpose. An introduction to recent literary theories and interpretive approaches sets the scene for in depth discussion of the biblical texts. The goal is to teach the student to move from literary analysis to the discovery of the theology that emerges from the literature. Three hours.

BIBL 6251
The Ministry and Teachings of Jesus
This course will examine the dominant themes and perspectives of Jesus' ministry and teachings, including the fatherhood of God, Jesus' self-consciousness, the kingdom of God, miracles, parables, the Law, the church, the ethics of the kingdom, marriage and divorce, and the return of Christ. Special attention will be given to the relevance of Jesus' ministry and teaching for the church today. Three hours.

BIBL 6254
The Parables of Jesus
Attention to hermeneutical issues and to both ancient and modern literary discussions of parables provides the framework for understanding the parables of Jesus. Most of the course focuses on analysis of individual parables and their proclamation in the church. Three hours.

BIBL 6260
New Testament Theology
This course gives attention to methodological issues in New Testament theology and to major modern New Testament theologians. The course attempts to clarify both the distinctive theologies within the New Testament and also the deep congruence and unity among the New Testament documents without sacrificing either. Three hours.

BIBL 6261
Paul and His Theology
This course examines the dominant themes and perspectives of Paul's teachings regarding the human being, the Mosaic Law, the person and work of Christ, new life in Christ, the church, and the demands of the Christian life. Special attention will be given to sin, salvation, the nature of Christian freedom, law in the life of the believer, the church as the body of Christ, marriage and divorce, and the Pauline pattern of social ethics. Three hours.

BIBL 6262
Symposium Topics Course
This course is held in conjunction with the annual North Park Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture and deals with the topic of the symposium for that year. Students are required to attend all sessions of the symposium as well as scheduled class sessions. Three hours.

BIBL 6263
Biblical Perspectives on Health and Healing
This interdisciplinary course will examine the dominant themes and perspectives on health and healing found in the Bible. An understanding of health, healing, and disease within the cultural, historical, and linguistic context of Scripture will be studied, as well as biblical perspectives on individual and community dimensions of health. Our contemporary understandings and practice of health and healing will be examined in light of these biblical perspectives. Three hours.

BIBL 6264
Biblical Eschatology
An analysis of the eschatology of both testaments and a treatment of the crucial texts and theological themes. The course offers instruction on such themes as judgment and salvation, heaven and hell, and realized and future eschatology. Attention is also given to the development of eschatology in the Bible and to various modern attempts to explain eschatology. Three hours.

BIBL 6271
The Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament
An analysis of the principles and methods by which the Old Testament is used in the New Testament, including the insights from the use of the Old Testament in Judaism. Both specific texts and specific New Testament writers receive attention. Three hours.

BIBL 6280
Women, the Bible and the Church
This course seeks to develop a biblical and theological understanding of the divinely intended relationship of male and female, gender and ministry, headship and submission, leadership and theology, and God and gender. It pays particular attention to major interpretive issues and their relevance for leadership and ministry roles today. Three hours.

BIBL 7190
Special Topics in Biblical Studies
This open category allows periodic focus on various special topics in biblical studies. One to three hours.

BIBL 7191
Young Life Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by Young Life and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three hours.

BIBL 7192
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three hours.

BIBL 7201
Bible, Race, and Gender
This is an interdisciplinary course that seeks to develop a biblical, theological, historical, and pastoral perspective on justice, race, and gender. Issues of systemic evil (both institutional and individual), patterns of dominance and sub-dominance, the dynamics of power and its abuses, the psychology of transference will be treated from a theological and cultural perspective. Key biblical passages related to themes of repentance, forgiveness, submission, justice, reconciliation, empowerment, and mutuality will be explored with an eye to application to issues of race and gender. Three hours

BIBL 7390
Directed Study in Bible
One to three hours

CEDF 5111
Teaching and Learning for Christian Formation
The theoretical foundations and practical applications of the teaching-learning process will be explored, informed by findings from psychology, pedagogy, and theology. A comprehensive model of Christian education and formation will be developed, paying particular attention to major learning theories, the processes and stages of human development, curriculum and lesson development, and effective methods of teaching. Three hours.

CEDF 5113
History and Theology of Christian Formation
Christian formation and education as presented in the Scriptures and developed throughout the history of the church will be surveyed, including the impact of various theologies and world views. The contemporary state of Christian formation and trends and issues for the future will be discussed. Three hours.

CEDF 6025
Models of Christian Formation
Current basic approaches by which Christians are formed through the agency of the church, including small group ministry, discipleship, praxis education, spiritual formation, didactic instruction, intensive community, local church services and programs will be outlined and explored. Three hours.

CEDF 6210
Ministry with Children
A framework for ministry to and with children will be developed by examining biblical foundations, current needs, and effective models of ministry. Child development and the spiritual formation of children will be explored. Sound curriculum and effective teaching techniques for children will be addressed. Three hours

CEDF 6218
Teaching Confirmation
Theological and pedagogical issues in teaching confirmation will be discussed. There will be an orientation to the confirmation materials and support literature used in the Evangelical Covenant Church. One hour.

CEDF 6228
Management Issues in Youth Ministry
One of the constant challenges for those in youth work is the management of the ministry and of one's self. This practical course will address such issues as managing finances, managing risk, building a team ministry, and organizing time, office, events, and meetings. Three hours

CEDF 6231
Ministry with Families
An approach to family ministry and ministry with children and youth in the church will be developed, including becoming familiar with specific programs and other resources that build and strengthen healthy families. This will be done with the backdrop of a survey of the structures, challenges, and dynamics of families including family systems, family development, families in various cultures, traits of healthy family life, and biblical portrayals of the family. Three hours

CEDF 6232
Ministry with Adults
Drawing on biblical and theological foundations, current needs, research in andragogy, and effective models of ministry, a framework for ministry to and with adults will be developed. Certain groups will receive special attention, including opportunities and challenges for single adults (including divorced and widowed), older adults, and men and women. Three hours

CEDF 6273
Camping and Retreat Ministry
Camping and retreat ministry have proven to be very effective means of Christian formation. A rationale for camping ministry, retreats, and weekend-intensive ministry for youth, adults, and local churches will be developed along with how to plan, implement, and evaluate camping and retreat programs and resources. Three hours

CEDF 6300
Introduction to Youth Ministry
A framework for ministry to and with youth will be developed by examining biblical foundations, current needs, and effective models of ministry. Adolescent development and the spiritual formation of young people will be explored. Designing programs, service-education, retreats, leadership development and support systems for youth as well as surveying current resources for youth ministry will be included. This course should precede other courses in ministry with youth and is not normally taken if introductory courses to youth ministry have previously been taken in North America. Three hours

CEDF 6303
Youth Issues and Assessment
The culture and challenges of today's adolescents and the specific issues and problems encountered by many will be explored. Problems such as body image, eating disorders, depression, school violence, drugs and alcohol will be reviewed. Approaches and tools for assessment and intervention, including working with families, churches, and communities, will be developed. Three hours

CEDF 6310
Special Topics in Youth Ministry
Various current and practical topics in youth ministry will highlighted, usually featuring a guest presenter. This course can be taken more than once. One to three hours.

CEDF 7190
Special Topics in Christian Formation
This course can be take more than once. One to three hours.

CEDF 7200
Christian Education and Formation in the Church
Perspectives, principles, methods, and programs of Christian education and formation in the local church will be developed with attention to teaching skills, learning processes, human stages of development, and the role of the pastor. This is a survey course including material from many of the other Christian formation courses; it should not be taken if one or more foundational courses or specialized ministry courses are taken. Three hours

CEDF 7390
Directed Study in Christian Education and Formation
A directed study of a topic from a foundational or specialized area of Christian formation and ministry which goes beyond the curriculum of courses offered. Professor's permission. One to three hours.

HSTY 5134
Theology of St. Augustine
Through primary and secondary readings, this seminar explores Augustine's significant influence on the development of western theology. It is concerned with Augustine the pastor as welll as with his thought and the context of his polemical writings. Three hours

HSTY 5135
Theology of Luther
This seminar examines through reading, research, and discussion the selected treatises of Luther with particular reference to major doctrinal themes of the Reformation set in their historical context. Three hours.

HSTY 5136
Theology of Reformers
This seminar provides opportunity to explore more fully the major areas of Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Radical, and English renewal in the 16th centry. Three hours.

HSTY 5137
Theology of Kierkegarrd
This seminar is a study of selected writing of this significant 19th century Danish philosopher/theologian in their historical contexts. Three hours.

HSTY 5140
Pietism: Studies in Personal and Church Renewal
Pietism concerned itself with the rebirth of persons and the renewal of congregations. The contributions of Arndt, Spener, Francke, Bengel, Zinzendorf, and Rosenius to that end are studied. Three hours.

HSTY 5200
Christian Heritage I: The Early and Medieval Church
This course provides a basic introduction to the history of the Christian church from apostolic times through the Middle Ages, with emphasis on the expansion of the church, persons, institutional growth, and theological development. Three hours.

HSTY 5201
Christian Heritage II: The Reformatin and modern Church
The basic introduction to the history of the Christian church is continued in this study fro the Reformation to the present. Special attention will focus on the institutional and theological diversity of the modern world church in its cultural settings. Three hours.

HSTY 6210
Christian Tradition and mission
This introductory course surveys the history of Christian life and thought from the early church to the present. Focusing on persons, events, and developing traditions, the course also examines the missional life of the Christian church. For M.A.C.F. and M.A.C.M. students only. Three hours.

HSTY 6221
History of Christian Spirituality
This course surveys the lived experience of Christian belief particularly in those human actions in which the relation to God is immediate and explicit. The Christian Traditions, East and West, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant will be examined with focus on the major types of spirituality and their exemplars. Three hours.

HSTY 6224
Early Christian Thought and Life
This seminar includes readings and research on the development of Christian doctrine in the Eastern and Western fathers during the first six centuries of the church. Three hours.

HSTY 6254
Pentecostal and Charismatic History and Theology
An historical and theological approach to the emergence of the Pentecostal and charismatic traditions in the American experience. Special attention will be given to the varieties of interpretation of the movement and to contemporary controversies within it. Three hours.

HSTY 6255
African-American Religious Experiences in America
Examines the history of religious life of African-Americans, their relation to Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, and the development of independent denominations, sects, and cults. Three hours.

HSTY 6256
The Bible in American Life
This seminar examines the function, use, and status of the Bible in American culture. While some attention is pa9id to academic study of the Bible, the primary focus is the way the Bible has been used in various movements by particular groups and important individuals in the Christian community. Three hours.

HSTY 6257
The American Religious Experience

HSTY 7190
Special Topics in Christian History
This course will focus on various special topics in Christian history. One to three hours.

HSTY 7191
Young Life Staff Training Courses
These courses afe offered by Young Life and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to Three hours.

HSTY 7192
Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by Inter varsity Christian Fellowship and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three hours.

HSTY 7300
History and Theology of the Covenant Church
The course is designed to help the student understand and interpret the evangelical and pietistic tradition within which the Evangelical Covenant Church stands. Attention is given to the Reformation and to expressions of pietism and its historic and theological development in Sweden and North America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Three hours Prerequisite: HSTY 5200 & HSTY 5201 OR HSTY 6210, and THEO 6300 OR THEO 5330.

HSTY 7310
Wilderness and Faith
This offsite, experiential course, based on substantial reading and reflection, explores the theme of wilderness in relation to the Bible, Christian history, and spirituality, as well as the American context of stewardship and a land ethic. Set in the Arrowhead Country of northeastern Minnesota, this May course includes a wilderness experience in the boundary waters, Canoe Area Wilderness. This course has limited enrollment and students must have the instructors' permission to register. Three hours.

HSTY 7390
Directed Study in History
One to three hours.

MNST 5108
Introduction to Ministry

MNST 5111
Communications Skills
This course examines theories of communication as tools for improving skills in interpersonal and group settings. The course will include study and practice of the skills necessary for communicating the Christian faith in a variety of public settings. Exercises in telling stories, reading scripture, and leading worship will develop awareness of speaking environments, non-verbal language, and voice production.Dimensions of culture and gender are explored with special focus on listening skills. Three hours.

MNST 5122
Family Counseling
Lectures, readings, discussion and guest presentations will be used to analyze and explore the therapeutic approach of family systems theory in counseling. Three hours

MNST 5123
Pastoral Care with Families and Individuals in Chronic Crisis
This course will explore the appropriate pastoral care response for effective ministry with families where crises such as domestic violence, child neglect, chemical dependency, unplanned pregnancy, infidelity, divorce, illness as the primary focus. Three hours.

MNST 5130
Engaging Congregations in Ministries of Health
This course will provide the student with a theoretical framework, practical skills and resources to engage a congregation in developing or expanding ministries of health. Utilizing the framework that health is an individual and a community experience, the historic, biblical, and theological roots of health ministry will be explored as well as the dynamics of congregational culture and community development as it applies to facilitating health ministries. Students will apply course concepts through working with a congregation in their own community to develop or expand health ministries. Three hours

MNST 5132
Spiritual Issues in Chronic Illness and Disability
This interdisciplinary course explores the spiritual issues faced by the individual, family, congregation and community living with chronic illness and disability. Throughout the course we will proceed with a lens toward a hospitality of embodiment taking care to address spiritual issues for the “disabled” of body and the “disabled” of acceptance. The social and personal construction of meaning within the experience of chronic illness and disability, as well as cultural dynamics and ethical issues will provide an overarching course framework. Three hours

MNST 5132
Reflections on Health Ministry Practice
This interdisciplinary course will explore spiritual and practice issues in health ministries by drawing on students' experiences in health ministries such as parish nursing, faith-based health care, or collaborative faith and health community programs. Key practice incidents and personal reflection on one's spiritual journey as it impacts health ministry experiences will be explored through theological reflection. One hour

MNST 5135
Faith and Health Synthesis
This capstone course for the Certificate in Faith and Health allows students to develop a project of their own design that integrates faith and health within their sphere of practice in ministry and/or healthcare. One hour

MNST 5137
Faith, Health and Community Development
There is much that churches can do to improve the health of their communities when they work in partnership with other organizations. This course will explore trends, models and concepts in the contemporary faith and health movement through lecture, discussion, case studies and site visits. Students will have the opportunity to apply course concepts in their own community. One to three hours

MNST 5150
Introduction to Missions
Biblical and theological foundations of the mission of the church. History and overview of the expansion of Christianity worldwide. Missions policy, call, qualifications, and missionary life issues are discussed. Three hours.

MNST 5151
Cultural Dimensions in Missions
Insights from the social sciences are applied to the missionary task of the church. Advocacy and contextualization of the gospel in various cultural settings. Culture shock, language learning, missionary-national relations are discussed. Three hours.

MNST 5152
Mission Strategy and Methodology
Strategies, methods of evangelism, socio-economic development, theological education and discipleship are discussed. Case studies in contemporary missions. Three hours.

MNST 5156
Missions in Latin America
Latin American culture and context for the church. History of Protestant missions in Latin America. The course includes a 10-day socio-economic development project in Ecuador with a variety of Latin American guest lecturers. Three hours.

MNST 5163
Evangelism and Early Christian Growth
This course is a study of evangelism and drawing people to faith in Jesus Christ in the complex environment of moderns, post-moderns and those in between. The concomitant ministry of mentoring, nurturing and discipling for the growth of the new Christian will also be studied. Three hours

MNST 5171
Rural Church and Culture
This course is designed to provide students with an overview and understanding of the unique dynamics ad potential of the Rural Church in the United States and Canada. Course components include experiential learning and highlight current online resources. Three hours

MNST 5172
Understanding the Congregation
Using sociological and anthropological perspectives, this course seeks to analyze and understand the dynamics of congregational life. A real congregation will be used as a learning laboratory. Three hours.

MNST 5212
Introduction to Preaching
The student will learn basic skills in oral communication and fundamentals of expository sermon preparation, and develop sensitivity to the liturgical, social, and cultural contexts in which preaching takes place. Three hours

MNST 6122
Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling
Case method, role play, demonstrations, readings, and lecture impart strategies and skills to equip the pastor for working with the congregation and to provide an effective ministry to personal and family needs. The course also includes a comparative analysis of various approaches to pastoral counseling and methods of making effective referrals. Three hours.

MNST 6218
Images of the Preacher in Contemporary Culture
A study of cultural and theological assumptions about the nature and work of the Christian preacher, with implications for the students' emerging theology, preaching and ministry. Three hours

MNST 6221
Grief, Death, and Dying
Lectures, readings, and case method including guest presentations provide an analysis of various kinds of losses. Implications of terminal illness, grief, death and dying will be examined from a pastoral perspective. Three hours.

MNST 6222
Human Sexuality and the Church
Lecture, readings, discussion, case method, and films relate the theological, biblical, and psychological aspects of sexuality with an emphasis on pastoral counseling and applications. Three hours.

MNST 6224
Pastoral Care and Community Justice
This course will focus on the Church's part in responding to societal injustices that plague individuals, families and communities. Ethical and scriptural underpinnings of a pastoral care of community justice will be examined. Economic, education, racial/ethnic, legal and gender injustices will be studied in the context of the question from the prophet Micah, “What does Yahweh require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”. Three hours.

MNST 6227
Counseling Adolescents
Is an adolescent a "small adult" or an overgrown kid? How are adolescents and young adults today different from other times in history? What characteristics do young people look for in their parents and leaders? How does one develop a significant ministry with adolescents? Three hours.

MNST 6228
Introduction to Practical Theology
The course introduces students to disciplined reflection on the church's life and ministry in the contexts of congregation and broader community. Practical theology is understood to be integral to the vocation of the pastoral staff and the congregation. Such disciplined reflection is informed by an appreciation for critical engagement of theological and “secular" disciplines-thus, as a field of study and a foundation for praxis, it is interdisciplinary and strives to bring faith in action into dialogue with the concerns of society and church. The format for class will be seminar, and students will have the opportunity reflect on and engage the contemporary concerns of the Church. Prerequisite, MNST 6122. Three hours.

MNST 6245
Ministry with the Aging
Readings, lecture, case method, films and guest presentation explore the meaning and process of aging in our culture as a basis for the development of pastoral and congregational ministry to the needs of aging people. Formation, pastoral, health and justice dimensions will be discussed. Three hours.

MNST 6246
Experiences of the Body and Pastoral Ministry
This course address the issues related to integrating an embodied perspective in pastoral ministry. Specifically concerns addressed are how 1) bodily experiences such as illness, eating disorders, abuse, race, and gender affect individuals' sense of self: body image, self-esteem, gender, race/ethnicity; 2) cultural views of “body” influence our responses to those we engage in pastoral ministry; and 3) to provide pastoral care that addresses the individual, family and cultural issues related to embodied experiences. Three hours.

MNST 6247
Preaching Today: Theology and Methods
A study of contemporary preaching in the English-speaking world, ranging from leading academicians and denominational leaders to electronic church preachers; parachurch to liberation preachers. Students will develop criteria for assessing theology and method, and reflect on implications for their own preaching. Three hours

MNST 6262
Evangelism through Renewal and Revitalization
The role of evangelism in the task of leading a static or dying church into renewal and growth is studied. The roles of the Holy Spirit and prayer for renewal and evangelism are considered as well as the theology and function of small groups, cells, and body life as seen in the Scriptures and history. The student is encouraged to seek personal renewal as an integral part of the larger need within the church today.

MNST 6264
Communicating the Faith to the Church and the World

MNST 6267
American Cultures and Evangelism
Communication theory combined with an understanding of American's cultures and subcultures will help the student develop culturally sensitive outreach and church growth strategies. Three hours.

MNST 6272
Conflict Management
This course examines both personal and group conflicts, attempting to identify origins, develop skills and explore options for resolution. Three hours.

MNST 6274
Care of Creation
In this course students will explore the implications of a faithful living in what God has given us, understood biblically as it relates to areas of stewardship, health and justice in ministry. Taking seriously the view that whatever exists belongs to God and that our role in it is as stewards and caretakers. Students will probe how such a view will relate to matters of health, not just of individuals, but communities and institutions. Three hours

MNST 6301
Religion, Spirituality, and Health
The influence of religious participation and spirituality on health has been a topic of medical research, a motivation for churches to develop health ministries and widely discussed in popular literature. This interdisciplinary class will explore the research and issues it presents as well as practical implications for health care and ministry. Three hours

MNST 6302
Connecting Faith and Health in the Congregation
This interdisciplinary class will explore faith based health education as a venue for connecting faith and health in the church. The dynamics of providing health education in the church will be considered, resources critiqued, and practical application made. One hour

MNST 7190
Special Topics in Faith and Health
This course will focus on various special topics in faith and health. One to three hour

MNST 7190
Special Topics in Ministry
This course will focus on various special topics in Ministry. One to three hours.

MNST 7191
Young Life Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by Young Life and given gradate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three credits.

MNST 7306
Evangelism and Discipleship
This course seeks to prepare the student in both the theoretical and practical dimensions of evangelism and discipleship. The biblical bases of evangelism and the biblical pattern of discipleship will be the foundations of the course. Three hours

MNST 7316
Advanced Preaching and Worship
Students will consider the challenges of preaching and planning worship in a postmodern, multicultural settings, and learn to develop liturgies and prepare sermons using a variety of methods that will enhance their effectiveness in the local church. Prerequisites: MNST 5211. Three hours

MNST 7361
Leadership and Empowering Laity for Church Growth
This course is an examination of the nature and issues of leadership in the church. Such elements as leadership style, team development, change management, spiritual gifts, and working with volunteers will be considered as they relate to clergy and laity leading for church growth. Three hours.

MNST 7390
Directed Study in Ministry
One to three hours

MSNT 7362
Leadership of the cultural contexts in the US and Sweden
An exploration of the cultural contexts of leadership in the United States and Sweden using Willow Creek Community Church as a case study. The course is offered in conjunction with the Stockholm School of Theology and includes attending a Willow Creek Conference during the fall semester and a 5-day study trip to Sweden during the spring semester. Three hours.

SPFM 5201
Spiritual Journey
These courses serve two purposes: introduction and integration. The student will be introduced to the foundational motifs, terms, and practices of Christian spiritual formation. These and subsequent courses will provide the occasion for deepening and expanding some of these foundational components by reflective interaction with class material and group process. These courses will seek to integrate the individual and communal elements of spiritual formation, the personal and public character of the Christian life, and classical and contemporary formative practices. It is recommended that these foundational courses be taken before other required and elective spiritual formation courses. One hour each.

SPFM 5202
Spiritual Practices
These courses serve two purposes: introduction and integration. The student will be introduced to the foundational motifs, terms, and practices of Christian spiritual formation. These and subsequent courses will provide the occasion for deepening and expanding some of these foundational components by reflective interaction with class material and group process. These courses will seek to integrate the individual and communal elements of spiritual formation, the personal and public character of the Christian life, and classical and contemporary formative practices. It is recommended that these foundational courses be taken before other required and elective spiritual formation courses. One hour each.

SPFM 6207
Ignatian Spirituality
An exploration of fundamental issues and understanding of Ignatian Spirituality will be offered through assigned readings, biblical reflections and prayer practice. A retreat of at least three days with daily direction will be part of the practice component of this course. Topics will include, but not be limited to, the role of conversion, interior and exterior movements, election and choice, and Ignatian prayer practices. Finally, this course will trace the influence of Ignation practice on contemporary understandings of spiritual formation and direction. Prerequisite SPFM 5201 and SPFM 5202 or permission of instructor. Three hours.

SPFM 6208
Celtic Spirituality

SPFM 6209
African and African-American Spirituality
This Spiritual Formation class will engage African American Spirituality and Religion as the means by which we seek to experience transformation that comes through deep study and immersion of the diverse spiritual practices of African Americans. Spiritual Practice in and out side the classroom is required as are site visits to various religious and cultural institutions of black American here in Chicago. Three hours.

SPFM 6210
Spiritual Autobiography
This course is designed to read and reflect on a variety of spiritual autobiographies I the Christian tradition so that one is better able to reflect on ones own life and to develop the tools to write ones own spiritual autobiography. Three hours.

SPFM 6211
The Practice of Spiritual Direction
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore their gifts in the practice of spiritual direction. This course will include content areas in contemplative listening, discernment of interior movements of God, the role of compassion, the use of other disciplines such as counseling, discipleship, mentoring in direction, the place of spiritual formation in spiritual direction and historical models from the pietist tradition and the larger Christian tradition. There will also be shared spiritual direction practice and observation during the class both in groups and triads. Students will be required to be in personal spiritual direction and will direct at least one person during the semester and receiving both personal and group supervision. SPFM 5201 and SPFM 5202. Three hours.

SPFM 6214
Writers in Spirituality
This course focuses on the personages of spiritual writers and their products as well as the effects of their contributions on the church and spiritual life in general. A combination of writers will be discussed. The goal of the course is the development of the students' own spiritual discipline(s) and writing about the same. Three hours.

SPFM 6215
Prayer and life in the Spirit
This course, taught ecumenically in scope (five Northside schools) and intensively in retreat setting, is designed to provide students and professors with an opportunity to explore the roots and development of various Christian spiritual traditions through study and applied experience. Three hours.

SPFM 6303
Embodiment
This course will seek to develop self-awareness as to how persons inhabit their longings. The focus of this study will be discernment as to how the body might experience and express longings for personal health, relational intimacy, sexual integrity, and vocational satisfaction, in ways that embody the expression, “The body is for the Lord and the Lord is for the body.” (cf. I Corinthians 6:13) Prerequisite: SPFM 5201 and SPFM 5202. One hour.

SPFM 6304
Direction and Solitude
Students will be introduced to solitude as a spiritual practice and the discipline of spiritual direction as a personal spiritual practice. Through a required solitude retreat, an orientation to solitude and silence and a review of the group silent retreat, students will be experiencing and reflecting on their own experience. An understanding of spiritual direction will be available through readings, course lectures and four required sessions of personal direction with a designated director. Lecture topics include, but are not limited to, the history of spiritual direction, the similarities and differences between related disciplines, the use of the Bible in direction, the role of discernment in direction, the practice of group spiritual direction and spiritual direction within a ministerial vocation. Prerequisite: SPFM 5201 and APFM 5202 or permission of the instructor. One hour.

SPFM 7190
Special Topics in Spiritual Formation
This course will focus on various special topics in spiritual formation. One to three hours.

SPFM 7205
From Hostility to Hospitality
The focus of this course is on the dynamic of the movement from hostility to hospitality. Hostility is the abusive violation of the otherness of persons while hospitality is the practice of personal charity and public justice. How conflict, anger, and hurt can be transcended without being denied and how power can be used redemptively is the direction this course will take. Prerequisite SPFM 5201 and SPFM 5202 or permission of the instructor. One hour.

SPFM 7206
Christian Spirituality and Health
The purpose of this spiritual formation course is to explore the interrelationships between spirituality and health from a personal faith perspective. The multiple dimensions of Christian well being will be considered focusing on the individual with consideration given to spirituality and the health of families, congregations and communities. One hour.

SPFM 7390
Directed Study in Spiritual Formation
One to three hours.

THEO 5102
Research Methods

THEO 5171
Theology of Caring and Health
This course will demonstrate that caring and health are terms equally applicable to the disciplines of healthcare and theology. Students will develop a practical theological understanding of the human story, worldviews, the meaning of personhood, the environment, health, suffering, spirituality, caring, and the church's role in healthcare. Three hours.

THEO 5174
Studies in Bonhoeffer
An intensive study/reflection on three key texts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship, Life Together, and Letters and Papers from Prison. Newly translated updated versions of the texts will be used, as available. Three hours.

THEO 5175
Ethics of Caring and Health
This course brings into discernment the ethical questions and issues involved in caring. Caregiver roles of lay, family, and professional persons as well as institutions will be discussed. Among the topics to be considered are influence and power, care of neonates, care of the terminally ill, healthcare delivery systems, research and experimentation and other issues. In addition, students will learn to apply an interdisciplinary Christian ethical-decision model. Three hours.

THEO 5220
Planning for the Arts in Worship
This course offers foundational information in planning for the arts in worship, as well as opportunities to plan and participate in the use of the arts for seminary chapel. One hour.

THEO 5330
Survey of Christian Doctrine
This course will survey the major doctrines of the Christian faith. It is intended to equip students to know how doctrines use scripture, tradition, and cultural forms in their construction and expression. For M.A.C.F. and M.A.C.M. students only. Three hours.

THEO 6203
Philosophy of Religion
Thinking about the central affirmation of Christian faith as expressed in its claims about the nature and existence of God, providence, miracles, and life beyond death. General discussion of the relation of Christian to non-Christian religions. Three hours.

THEO 6225
Themes in Contemporary Theology
Several crucial current theological perspectives, e.g., evangelical, African-American, feminist and third world, are examples for study. Several intersecting themes, as well as variations, are identified in this course. Three hours.

THEO 6279
The Church and Its Mission
This course will explore the views of seven major Christian communions on the nature of the church and its mission in the world. Faculty members from various seminaries representing each of these communions will lecture on the course topic, and student teams will make field trips to congregations. The course meets on selected evenings and Saturdays of fall term at various locations. Three hours.

THEO 6330
Christian Theology
An introduction to the doctrines, methods and tasks of Christian theology, seeking active appropriation of Christian faith in the context of the church and in engagement with the world. Three hours.

THEO 6331
Theology of Stanly Hauerwas
A survey of the theology and ethics of Stanley Hauerwas through a sustained engagement with his writing. The course explores the development of Hauerwas' position, its characteristic emphases, and common criticisms of it. Three hours.

THEO 6332
Thought of Wendell Berry
An exploration of Berry's wisdom through representative reading in his fiction, poetry and essays. The course engages key Berrian themes and explores the compatibility and contribution of Berry's vision to contemporary Christian life and thought. Three hours.

THEO 6333
Theology and Film
An exploration of Berry's wisdom through representative reading in his fiction, poetry and essays. The course engages key Berrian themes and explores the compatibility and contribution of Berry's vision to contemporary Christian life and thought. Three hours. This course explores theological dimensions of popular movies. Besides reading, lecture, and research, the class screens and discusses several movies. Students will become conversant in film analysis, develop skills in cultural analysis and criticism, and deepen their understanding of Christian theology. Three hours

THEO 6334
Theological and Ethical Foundations of Justice: Why Justice Ministry?
This course explores the theological and ethical foundations of justice ministries. Careful study of the Bible probes the grounds of the claim that “justice is central to biblical religion.” Such study seeks to distinguish the definition of justice that is rendered by the biblical tradition from the classical Greek notion and examines Jesus as a prophet of Justice. Three hours.

THEO 6335
Mobilizing for Justice: Methods and Practice of Justice
This course explores a variety of approaches and methodologies to Justice Ministry. The relationship of ethics to community building and transformation is discussed. Practical ministry skills and how teaching on justice ministry can be part of the liturgical work of the church and the role of preaching in that formation is emphasized. Three hours.

THEO 6340
Music & the Arts for the 21st Century Church
This course provides a background on each of the worship arts: music, drama, dance, architecture, visual arts and environment. Criteria for theological, liturgical and aesthetic assessment is discussed, as well as the relationship between pastors, worship leaders and worship arts coordinators. Three hours.

THEO 7190
Special Topics in Theology
This course will focus on various special topics in theology. One to three hours.

THEO 7191
Young Life Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by Young Life and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three hours.

THEO 7192
Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship Staff Training Courses
These courses are offered by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and given graduate credit through North Park Theological Seminary. One to three hours.

THEO 7203
Foundations of Christian Worship
This course introduces the students to the interdisciplinary field known as liturgical studies. The course will explore the history of Christian worship, liturgical theology, the place of ritual in the life of faith, as well as the application of a praxis-theory-praxis model to the worship concerns of pastoral ministry. Three hours.

THEO 7204
Life Cycle Rituals
Rites of passage within a religious tradition define the core values, meanings, and purposes of life within that given tradition. For the Christian churches life-cycle rituals present the paschal mystery (the dying and rising of Christ) as the central defining moment in human existence at transitional points in life. The desired result is a deepening of individual faith and a strengthening of the communal bonds within the church. Using Erik Erikson's life cycle theory as a starting point, this class will examine the history and theology of the pastoral rites of baptism, dedication, confirmation, marriage, healing, reconciliation, and death from a pastoral perspective. This class will also explore the possibility of creating new rites form moments of life currently not addressed. The goal of this class will be to consider how rituals might be adapted and created to address the changing needs of our churches. Three hours.

THEO 7220
Christian Ethics
An introduction to the methods and topics of moral reflection and action in their biblical, historical and theological context. The course focuses on new life in Christ as embodied in the church for the world. Three hours. Prerequisites: THEO 6330 OR THEO 5330.

THEO 7350
Doctrinal Topic
An in depth study of a selected doctrine or theological theme in its historical and systematic context. This course may be repeated with different doctrines. Three hours. Prerequisite THEO 6330 OR THEO 5330

THEO 7390
Directed Study in Theology
One to three hours.