Midwest Center for Theological Studies: Owensboro, KY

Course Descriptions

Exegetical Theology

This branch of the theological encyclopedia covers such issues as Biblical Introduction, Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Theology. Students will be introduced to the text of Scripture by surveying its contents, authors, epochs, manuscripts, principles of interpretation, original languages, principles of exegesis, and the integration of its various parts in light of the whole (i.e., Biblical Theology).

Biblical Introduction:

BI 11 Old Testament Introduction I
2 hrs. Covers issues related to the canon and text of the Old Testament. Deals with genre, background, authorship, date, recipients, and contents of Old Testament books. Introduces the student to critical views.

BI 12 Old Testament Introduction II
2 hrs. Continuation of BI 11.

BI 13 New Testament Introduction
3 hrs. Covers issues related to the canon and text of the New Testament. Deals with genre, background, authorship, date, recipients, and contents of New Testament books. Introduces the student to critical views and Synoptic issues.

BI 14 Biblical Hermeneutics
3 hrs. Covers principles of Reformed hermeneutics, history of hermeneutics, sources of hermeneutical principles, canonical structure and hermeneutics, biblical genres and hermeneutics, the Bible’s interpretation of the Bible, biblical theology and hermeneutics, typology, and contemporary issues.

BI 41 History of the English Bible
2 hrs. Traces the history of the English Bible and translational philosophies.

BI 42 Advanced Hermeneutics (Prerequisite BI 14)
2 hrs. Deals with issues such as the Old Testament in the New, typology, and contemporary issues in hermeneutics.

Old Testament:

OT 11 Elementary Hebrew I
3 hrs. Introduces students to the grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasizes acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical features.

OT 12 Elementary Hebrew II (Prerequisite OT 11)
3 hrs. Continuation of OT 11. Selected translation of Hebrew passages.

OT 21 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis (Prerequisites OT 11, 12)
3 hrs. In depth study of Hebrew syntax and exegetical methodology.

OT 22 Old Testament Exegesis (Prerequisites OT 11, 12, 21)
2 hrs. Applies the exegetical methology from OT 21 to selected passages from the Old Testament. The goal is to train the student to be able to prepare sermons based on the syntax of the Hebrew text.

OT 41 Old Testament Elective–Pentateuch (Prerequisite (BI 11, 12, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Pentateuch from the English Bible.

OT 42 Old Testament Elective–Historical Books and Wisdom Literature (BI 11, 12, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Historical Books and Wisdom Literature from the English Bible.

OT 43 Old Testament Elective–Prophets (BI 11, 12, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Prophets from the English Bible.

New Testament:

NT 11 Elementary Greek I
3 hrs. Introduces students to the grammar of biblical Greek. Emphasizes acquisition of vocabulary and the Greek noun system.

NT 12 Elementary Greek II (Prerequisite NT 11)
3 hrs. Continuation of NT 11. Emphasizes vocabulary, Greek verbal system, and translation.

NT 21 Intermediate Greek: Syntax and Exegetical Methodology (Prerequisites NT 11, 12)
3 hrs. Focuses upon Greek syntax, vocabulary, and translation. Introduces the student to the science of exegesis, diagrammatical analysis, and the construction of syntactically based exegetical outlines. The goal is to train the student to be able to prepare sermons based on the syntax of the Greek text.

NT 22 New Testament Exegesis (Prerequisites BI 13, NT 11, 12, 21)
2 hrs. This course applies the exegetical methodology of NT 21 to Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. Includes the use of commentaries on the Greek text and other exegetical tools. The goal is to train the student to be able to do Greek exegesis from the Greek New Testament and the utilization of secondary sources.

NT 31 Life and Theology of Paul
2 hrs. Covers the life, ministry, and theology of the Apostle Paul. Analyzes current state of Pauline studies. Discusses such issues as Paul and the Old Testament, Paul and the Law, Pauline soteriology and eschatology.

NT 41 New Testament Elective–Gospels (Prerequisites BI 13, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Gospels from the English Bible.

NT 42 New Testament Elective–Acts (Prerequisites BI 13, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Book of Acts from the English Bible.

NT 43 New Testament Elective–Epistles (Prerequisites BI 13, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Episltes from the English Bible.

NT 44 New Testament Elective–Revelation (Prerequisites BI 13, 14)
2 hrs. Study of the Book of Revelation from the English Bible.

Biblical Theology:

BT 11 Biblical Theology I
3 hrs. Introduces the student to the discipline of Biblical Theology. Covers a brief history of Biblical Theology and current models. Traces redemptive history from creation through the Old Testament prophets. This course covers the Mosaic, Monarchical, and prophetic epochs of the history of redemption. Focuses in on the progressive, organic unfolding of redemption in light of the entire canon of Scripture with a concentration on the biblical motif of covenant.

BT 12 Biblical Theology II (Prerequisite BT 11)
3 hrs. Continuation of BT 11. Covers the age of fulfillment in the New Testament era. Covers such issues as the function of the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles in light of redemptive history, fulfillment in Christ, continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments, the function of Pentecost in redemptive history, the church as the New Israel of God, New Testament eschatology, and preaching the Old Testament in light of its fulfillment in Christ.

BT 41 Biblical Theology Elective–History and Current State of Biblical Theology (Prerequisites BI 11, 12, 13, 14; BT 11, 12)
2 hrs. Traces the discipline of biblical theology from the Reformation to the present. Focuses on John Owen and Geerhardus Vos, as well as current models of biblical theology in Reformed theology.

BT 42 Biblical Theology Elective–The Decalogue and Sabbath in Redemptive History (Prerequisites BI 11, 12, 13, BT 11, 12)
2 hrs. A biblical theology of the functions of the Decalogue with special emphasis on the Sabbath. Covers biblical material as well as interacts with the history of Reformed and contemporary thought on these subjects.

Historical Theology

This branch of the theological encyclopedia considers Christian doctrine as expressed in the history of Christianity. Historical Theology is considered under three periods (Early Church, Medieval/Reformation Church, and Modern/American Church).

HT 11 Early Church History and Historical Theology
3hrs. Study early church history and how historical theology developed during this period.

HT 12 Medieval/Reformation Church History and Historical Theology (Prerequisite HT 11)
3 hrs. Study medieval/reformation church history and how historical theology developed during this period.

HT 13 Modern and American Church History and Historical Theology (Prerequisites HT 11, 12)
3 hrs. Study modern and American church history and how historical theology developed during this period.

HT 14 Baptist Church History
3 hrs. Covers Baptist history from the seventeenth century to the present.

HT 15 Historical Theology Overview
3 hrs. An overview and interpretation of Christian history of Christianity from its founding to the modern period.

HT 41 Puritans
2 hrs. Survey of the English Puritans in historical and theological context.

HT 42 Richard Sibbes
2 hrs. Study of the Life and Theology of Sibbes.

HT 43 John Owen
2 hrs. Study of the Life and Theology of Owen.

HT 44 Jonathan Edwards
2 hrs. Study of the Life and Theology of Edwards.

Systematic Theology

This branch of the theological encyclopedia considers Christian doctrine in light of exegetical and historical theology, studying the primary doctrines of the Bible in a topical and logical manner and bringing its fruit to bear on the contemporary theological scene.

ST 11 Symbolics I
1 hr. This course begins a survey of the historical background, original sources, doctrinal content, and biblical basis of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.

ST 12 Symbolics II
1 hr. This course continues a survey of the historical background, original sources, doctrinal content, and biblical basis of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.

ST 13 Symbolics III
1 hr. This course completes a survey of the historical background, original sources, doctrinal content, and biblical basis of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.

ST 21 Prolegomena I (Theological Method and Apologetics)
2 hrs. Surveys the issue of theological method, provides an introduction to and defense of systematic theology, and furnishes a historical survey, exegetical approach, and systematic development of Christian apologetics.

ST 22 Prolegomena II (Doctrine of the Word)
2 hrs. Includes discussions of the concept and categories of revelation, the major attributes of Scripture, including a defense of inerrancy, and a systematic treatment of the doctrine of the canon.

ST 23 Doctrine of God
3 hrs. This course focuses on the being, attributes, Trinity, and decree of God.

ST 24 Doctrine of Man/Ethics
3 hrs. This course covers the origin, identity, constitution, and free agency of man; man’s original relationship with God and integrity before God; the creation ordinances; the Fall; actual, original, and imputed sin; the consequences of sin; common grace, and ethics in light of man’s creation.

ST 25 Doctrine of Christ and Salvation
3 hrs. Treats the person (full deity, divine personality, human incarnation, and messianic office) and work of Christ (humiliation and exaltation, representative obedience, and the atonement). Includes a discussion of the concept and content of the ordo salutis and an overview of the application of salvation in calling and regeneration, repentance and faith, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance and preservation, and assurance, and glorification. Special attention is given to recent controversies relating to the doctrine of justification.

ST 26 Doctrine of the Church
3 hrs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the doctrine of the church. It includes discussion of its nature and identity, its origin and institution, its authority and government, its corporate worship, mission, tasks, and ordinances, its relationship to other divine institutions (the family and the state), and its ultimate goal and destiny.

ST 27 Doctrine of Last Things
2 hrs. This treatment of eschatology begins with a survey of eschatological thought in the history of the Church. The major structural considerations for an understanding of redemptive history (including the already/not yet, the kingdom of God, and the millennium), and especially its last phases, are then considered. Finally, special questions are treated, including the gospel age, the imminence of Christ’s second coming, the resurrection, and the eternal state.

ST 41 Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology
2 hrs. Covenant Theology from a Reformed Baptist perspective.

ST 42 Medical Ethics
2 hrs. Deals with current ethical issues related to medical ethics.

ST 43 Polemics
2 hrs. Interacts with current issues such as Islam, Mormonism, the new Atheism, and Roman Catholicism.

ST 44 Eschatology: The Basics
2 hrs. This treatment of eschatology examines the history of eschatological thought in the Church, the major structural considerations for an understanding of redemptive history (including the already/not yet, the kingdom of God, and the millennium), and finally special questions are treated, including the gospel age, the imminence of Christ’s second coming, the resurrection, and the eternal state.

Practical Theology

This branch of the theological encyclopedia takes the fruits of Exegetical, Historical, and Systematic Theology and applies them to the issues of the Christian Ministry.

PT 11 Introduction to Pastoral Theology I
2 hrs. This course focuses on the man whom God calls to the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. The nature of that call and of the qualifications for the office of pastor/elder/bishop are examined. The relationship of pastoral theology to the other theological disciplines with emphasis on the Christological center of pastoral ministry is explored.

PT 12 Introduction to Pastoral Theology II
2 hrs. Focuses upon the work of pastoral ministry, including preaching, teaching, prayer, evangelism, counseling, leadership and administration. The theological foundation for these responsibilities is explored with emphasis on the gospel-centeredness of each.

PT 13 Preaching I
2 hrs. This course is an introduction to biblical preaching. The importance of preaching in pastoral ministry, its biblical basis, and the principles involved in the preparation and delivery of sermons will be investigated.

PT 14 Preaching II
2 hrs. Continuation of PT 13.

PT 15 History of Preaching and Preachers
2 hrs. Survey of the life and ministries of some of the most well-known preachers in the history of the church.

PT 16 Pastoral Counseling
2 hrs. Gospel-centered approach to the vital subject of pastoral counseling.

PT 17 Biblical Spirituality
2 hrs. Study of the personal, spiritual disciplines of the Christian life and their place in the pastor’s life and ministry.

PT 18 Law and Gospel in Pastoral Ministry
2 hrs. All men are either under the covenant of law or the covenant of grace. For this reason, pastoral work must understand the implications of each covenant for all men. The purpose of this course is to explore the law/gospel covenants and dynamics for effective pastoral care, preaching, counseling, etc.

PT 19 History, Theology, and Practice of Evangelism, Church Planting, and Missions
2 hrs. Study of the history, theology, and practice of evangelism, church planting and missions.

PT 20 Table Talk
2 hrs. Table Talk will be held approximately once per month during a residentual student’s entire time at MCTS. Issues to be covered include: developing and maintaining a plurality and parity within the eldership; church prayer; church music; small groups; church business meetings; church finances and legalities; theological/pastoral research and continued education; writing; building a theological library; and Christian education through the church. Students will receive credit for attendance and participation. Each student will be involved in a pastoral mentoring program designed by MCTS to expose its students to the practical, day-to-day aspects of the ministry – crisis counseling, hospital visitation, personal evangelism, etc.

PT 21 Introduction to Evangelism and Missions
3 hrs. A course surveying Christian evangelism and missions.

PT 22 Pastoral Mentoring: First Year
2 hrs. To further equip students for pastoral ministry, he will complete a minimum of 100 hours of pastoral mentoring and practical experience, overseen by one or more of the student’s pastors and reported to the administration of MCTS. This character-molding, hands-on aspect of training is structured around the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and includes a quarterly assessment of the student regarding his progress in godliness and service.