Master of Divinity

Overview

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is designed for women and men preparing for roles as pastors, missionaries, chaplains, or some other form of Christian service. The MDiv curriculum is designed to enable students to prepare for ordination, licensing, or recording.*

The MDiv curriculum is developed around biblical, theological, and historical foundations courses, leadership and pastoral studies courses, and spiritual formation courses as well as some elective credit courses.  The entire curriculum pathway is designed to prepare you to lead and serve like Christ, the Way. 

*While the seminary provides training, it is denominations-not the seminary-that oversee the process of ordination, licensure, or recording.

Program Competencies

The MDiv Program will equip and form students to think with clarity like Christ, live with integrity in Christ, and serve with the heart of God for Christ. 

To think with clarity like Christ students will

  • Analyze ancient sources and contextualize meaning  
  • Examine Information value  
  • Engage interdisciplinary research 
  • Practice intentional thinking  
  • Explore creative arts as a thinking process  

To live with integrity in Christ students will

  • Embrace identity & belonging in Christ
  • Deepen self awareness for Christ 
  • Engage the sacramental life with Christ
  • Embody listening and discernment with the Holy Spirit 
  • Cultivate hospitable community for God’s world  

To serve with the Heart of God for Christ  students will

  • Steward one’s calling 
  • Form communities of shalom and grace 
  • Create healthy systems and environments 
  • Communicate the wisdom and mission of God
  • Lead as a servant influencer to a sustainable future 

Degree Outcomes

Students will:

  • Interact with Christian Scripture, history, and theology; interpret understandings critically and express them faithfully
  • Cultivate tools and habits to pursue an ever-deepening sense of the reality of Jesus Christ through spiritual formation
  • Experience themselves and relate to others as created in God's image and called into community
  • Support the just transformation of societies through personal and social holiness motivated by love
  • Lead the church under the lordship of Jesus Christ in its mission and ministries
  • Preach, teach, exercise pastoral care, equip, and lead in local churches and Christian communities

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the MDiv program must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

  • Submit Portland Seminary application and application fee
  • Submit one official transcript from each college/university attended
  • Resumé
  • Personal mission statement and statement of faith
  • Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials)
  • An interview       

Applicants who do not hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university may apply to the seminary and will be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for admission.

 

Transfer Credit

Transfer of up to 36 hours of credit is allowed toward the MDiv program from ATS-accredited graduate schools. Students must have earned a grade of B or better for a course to be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the registrar's office for information on eligibility of transfer credit.

Residence Requirements

Residence, as described in this section of the catalog, does not refer to the time a student spends on campus. It refers to the portion of a degree program that students are required to earn with Portland Seminary, as compared to transfer credits and credit applied as advanced standing. With regard to the MDiv program, students are required to complete half of the degree (36 semester hours) directly with Portland Seminary. A leave of absence is valid for up to one year, after which the student must reapply to the program. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Course Requirements

The MDiv program is generally three to four years in length, with 72 semester hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation. Of those hours, 18 are in biblical studies courses, 12 in Christian history and theology, 6 in spiritual formation, 12 in pastoral studies, and 12 in leadership with 9 hours for electives. Elective hours may be used towards preparing for chaplaincy, spiritual direction, or strengthening competence in any of the seminary disciplines. 

Chaplaincy

Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) brings seminary students into supervised ministry with people in crisis. The heart of CPE is ministry with people and learning from that ministry through reflection, discussion, and evaluation with other students and a certified CPE supervisor. CPE training centers are usually located in hospitals and medical centers. Portland Seminary is a member of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. Any seminary student in the MDiv degree program may choose to do his or her internship in a CPE setting; students in the chaplaincy specialization are required to complete a CPE internship. Students pay regular seminary tuition for seminary credits awarded for CPE units. However, because students also pay tuition to their CPE site, Portland Seminary students may be eligible to be reimbursed for that hospital tuition. Reimbursement is limited to 75 percent of the seminary tuition paid for the credits awarded for CPE experience. Students can apply for reimbursement by submitting receipts upon successful completion of the CPE program. Students who feel called to hospital chaplaincy would take the following recommended path at Portland Seminary and beyond:

Hospital Chaplaincy Path

Students pursuing hospital chaplaincy are advised to fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Acceptance into the MDiv degree program with chaplaincy specialization (while some hospitals accept people with seminary MA degrees as chaplains, the MDiv offers more long-term options [and a minimum of 72 semester hours is required for board certification]).
  2. Completion of a unit of CPE training at an approved training site. The chaplaincy specialization includes CPE training (worth 6 credit hours at the seminary). CPE internships are typically offered in two formats: 
    • Summer 11-week intensive (full-time) = 1 unit of CPE (100 hours of structured group supervision and training and 300 hours of clinical practice—stipend offered by some hospitals)
    • Extended unit (part-time) = 1 unit of CPE spread over 5 months (100 hours of structured group supervision and training and some clinical practice—no stipend)
  1. Ordination or a certificate of ministry from the person's denomination. “Endorsement by a judicatory” is required for board certification.
  2. One year of post-MDiv residency. After completion of the MDiv, the student must apply for a year of residency at an approved CPE training hospital. These are full-time paid positions for which the individual completes an additional three to four units of CPE. The seminary CPE director keeps a file of residency positions available; these are posted on the bulletin board opposite the seminary office. An application should be made one year before the desired placement.
  3. Board certification. After fulfilling the requirements of the Association of Professional Chaplains, the graduate would apply for board certification. Students are encouraged to become student members of APC.

MDiv Curriculum for Hospital Chaplaincy Students

  1. All the normal curriculum requirements for the MDiv degree, following the chaplaincy specialization.
  2. Internship requirement would be PSTD 563 CPE one unit (6 hours, two of which are registered under PSTD 563, continued practicum). The student would not take PSTD 568/9/570 Ministerial Apprenticeship.
  3. A student coming to the seminary with previous CPE units may register up to a maximum of 8 credit hours of PSTD 563/4/5.

Registering for PSTD 563-565 Clinical Pastoral Education

Students should apply for acceptance into an approved CPE center one year ahead of their desired internship date. In Oregon, there are several centers: Legacy Health System, Oregon State Hospital, Providence/Portland Medical Center, Good Samaritan in Corvallis, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The ACPE directory with information concerning the centers, the contact persons, and application processes is available online at http://www.acpe.edu/. The student will contact the CPE coordinator at the preferred site, fill out an application, and pay the application fee. Once the student is accepted, he or she will register for PSTD 562. One unit of CPE is equal to 6 semester credits (two of which will be registered under PSTD 563, continued practicum). CPE courses are graded Pass/No Pass. Upon completion of the training, the student will submit the final supervision report to the seminary faculty director in order to record the course grade.

Military Chaplaincy Path

Those who feel called to military chaplaincy should contact the branch of service in which they desire to serve. The chaplain recruiter for the area will acquaint the student with the scholarships, requirements, and steps toward accomplishing this objective. Those who attend Military Chaplaincy School will receive 8 hours in lieu of the chaplaincy specialization.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate with the MDiv degree, students must:

  • Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 72 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Achieve no grade lower than a C- in all courses. If a grade lower than a C- is received, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook).
  • Successfully complete each milestone
  • Be admitted to candidacy for the degree
  • Be recommended by the seminary faculty for graduation from Portland Seminary of George Fox University

Other Degree Requirements

Each masters student will undergo an initial personality assessment with a mental health professional upon matriculation to identify areas for fit and growth in relation to ministry and vocational discernment. This initial review process serves as a way to assess the student's fit for the profession; emotional, psychological, and intellectual ability; as well as maturity level for functioning safely as a ministry leadership professional. The seminary faculty will review this assessment for newly matriculated students each fall semester and take it into consideration alongside conversations regarding the student performance during the semester. At times, the faculty may recommend, or require counseling in order to better identify areas of personal growth in order to maximize one's ministry potential and capitalize on discovered strengths through one’s seminary career. For more specific information, please refer to the student handbook.

Curriculum Plan

Complete the following:
Introduces students to the literature of the Old Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and theological contexts with particular interest in spiritual formation and Christian practice. Students will explore the contents of the Old Testament, the history of ancient Israel, historical geography, and interpretive approaches that explore the literary features of the Old Testament and its historical and cultural contexts.
Introduces students to the literature of the New Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and theological contexts with particular interest in spiritual formation and Christian practice. This course will discuss the history that leads up to the New Testament; the voices in early Christianities represented in the Gospels, Pauline, and other letters, and the churches and/or persons who first received them; as well as the voices of those who read them today. Besides introducing the general information on each book, this course will also highlight different themes in the books of the New Testament.
Building on the foundation of BIST 501 through hermeneutics, the study of ancient and modern methods of biblical interpretation, this course introduces a variety of analytical and critical approaches, from the development of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics in early Jewish and Christian tradition to modern-day readings of the Old Testament. Topics include: textual witnesses, reception history, issues of translation, historical-criticism, reader-response criticism, canonical analysis; postcolonial, feminist, womanist, intersectional, and minority readings. Prerequisite: BIST 501.
Building on the skills and knowledge of BIST 502, this course engages students with the nature of interpretation (hermeneutics) as well as methods and tools that support interpretation (exegesis). Special emphasis will be placed on key moral and theological concerns today and how a variety of viewpoints, methods, and approaches help the reader of the Bible move from ancient text to modern life. Topics include: historical criticism, reception history, literary criticism, rhetorical criticism; postcolonial, feminist, womanist, intersectional, and minority readings. Prerequisite: BIST 502.
Choose one of the following:
Students may take either the Hebrew Language Courses (BIST 511 and BIST 512) or the Greek Language Courses (BIST 521 and BIST 522).
Hebrew Language Courses
This course is the first of a two-course sequence in Biblical Hebrew language. Introduces Hebrew grammar and syntax and includes reading and analysis of selected Old Testament texts, and introduction to digital and print resources, such as grammars, lexicons and biblical language software.
This course is the second of a two-course sequence in Biblical Hebrew language. Students continue to develop mastery of Biblical Hebrew morphology and syntax, primarily through reading selected Old Testament texts. Advanced exegetical methods are introduced. Prerequisite: BIST 511.
OR
Greek Language Courses
This course is the first of a two-course sequence in Koine Greek language. Introduces Greek grammar and syntax and includes reading and analysis of selected New Testament and Septuagint texts, and introduction to digital and print resources, such as grammars, lexicons and biblical language software.
This course is the second of a two-course sequence in Koine Greek language. Students continue to develop mastery of Greek morphology and syntax, primarily through reading selected New Testament and Septuagint texts. Advanced exegetical methods are introduced. Prerequisite: BIST 521.
Choose from the following:
Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the end of the apostolic period to the 16th century. Examines the expansion of the Church, the unfolding of Christian institutions and practice, the conflicts that confronted the Church from within and without, and the development of central theological doctrines.
Covers the development of Christianity and Christian theology from the Reformation to the present outside North America. Examines the Reformation and its effects on the Continent and in England, important growth and changes in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism since the Reformation, key doctrinal developments, and implications from the global spread of Christianity.
Discusses the historical development and contemporary global expressions of core Christian beliefs and their relation to Christian practices. The course enables a well-informed, life-long creative engagement with theology, whether through studying, teaching, preaching, writing, or counseling.
Examines how Christianity developed in North America from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Special attention will be paid to the role of evangelicalism in American churches, the creative ways that Americans contextualize Christianity, and the contributions that American religious innovators make to global theological conversations.
Complete the following:
Studies biblical, historical, and cultural approaches to leadership. The qualities and skills of the leader are discussed with particular emphasis on the transformational and adaptive leadership models, the leader’s creative and entrepreneurial development, and the stewardship of a leader’s gifts and responsibilities.
Explores the questions: What are spiritual formation, healing and discipleship as pursuits of Christian believers? What is the spiritual leader's role in leading these pursuits? and How do formation, discipleship, and healing happen in current cultural contexts and in the church? The scriptural, theological, developmental, pedagogical, and biological nature of formation, discipleship, and healing are considered.
Designed to assist leaders and their communities in understanding and engaging in faithful transformation of the cultures, systems, and structures of their context. The course follows a practical theological approach, engaging in description, theological evaluation, and transformational practice while drawing insights from various disciplines to help discern effective and faithful change in a cultural system.
Builds the capacity of women and men to effectively develop cultural intelligence and leadership skills for an increasingly globalized and diverse world. This course will explore methods for curating sacred spaces in diverse contexts, responding to justice concerns both personally and communally, and understanding how to engage and manage conflict.
Complete the following:
Examines the purposes of worship and its biblical, theological, and historical roots. It also focuses on evaluating current trends in worship, understanding the connection of worship to evangelism, learning how to plan and lead worship, and exploring the role of music and the arts in worship.
Introduces students to the theology of preaching and to the principles of sermon construction and delivery. The purpose of preaching as an essential element in the ministry of the church will be considered, as well as the various sermon types and communication techniques used to convey the timeless message of Scripture within a contemporary setting.
Analyzes the theological, biblical, and historical basis of various models of pastoral ministry to guide students in reflecting upon their values and philosophy of pastoral ministry. Students will reflect on the meaning of call and ordination and work on developing professional competencies with presiding over the sacraments, performing funerals and weddings, and providing educational and prophetic leadership to the local community.
Introduces the pastoral counseling role of the minister or spiritual director. The purpose of the course is to acquaint the student with a basic counseling method in relation to the typical situations encountered in ministry. Special attention will be given to healthy differentiation and ministerial ethics. One of the principal objectives will be to help the student recognize when and how to refer persons to qualified mental health professionals.
Complete the following:
Provides an opportunity for students to identify their deep longings and giftings as they discern their vocational way of being in the world for the sake of others. This discernment is rooted in a growing knowledge of the biblical and theological roots of identity and belonging. Students will be invited to integrate their way of being in the world with the God who calls them.
Provides an invitation for students to embrace the calling to belong within a faith community as an essential of Christian spirituality. Locating their past and present sources of belonging, students will integrate those experiences in order to grow in their understanding of self in relation to community. Students will support this awareness by reflecting on the cultural forces and narratives that shape both individuals and communities.
Provides an invitation for students to engage in prayer and other spiritual practices for greater awareness of self, others and God. As students practice they will be introduced to the gift of a contemplative life and will begin to experience a groundedness in Christ’s presence. This groundedness helps them embrace themselves, God, and others. As students learn to experience this space, they will be able to invite others into a more contemplative life.
Introduces students to the concept of three-way listening: listening to another, listening to themselves, and listening to the Spirit with hospitality to all. Quaker, Wesleyan, and Ignatian spiritualities help shape this understanding of listening and discernment. Part of this journey is to begin to notice the barriers that arise in listening this way. Growth will occur as students learn how to sift through their interior and exterior experiences to determine their origin and the movement of the Spirit in themselves, their community, and the world.
Introduces students to the rhythms of ritual, mystery, and beauty as pathways for Christian formation. Moving from the specific to the general, students will cultivate the ability to experience the sacred in the ordinary through tangible practices. These practices will be guided by theological reflection on the implications of the Incarnation, thus allowing students to both explore and notice God’s recreative presence in the arts, creation, and all of life.
Leaning deeper in reflection on areas of disintegration and integration, students will be invited to practice self-acceptance, generosity of spirit, boundaries, and to recognize invitations of growth. Analyzing the theology of spiritual leadership and reviewing elements which invite leaders to sustain a leadership role with integrity and health, students will reflect and create a rhythm of life that will serve as a fluid document to sustain them as they live out their vocational call within the communities they serve.

Students must complete 3 credits in one of the internship options listed below. An internship is either Apprenticeship, Teaching Apprenticeship, Mentoring, Spiritual Direction Training, or Clinical Pastoral Education. All students complete an internship.

Choose one of the following:

Apprenticeship

Students completing an apprenticeship will complete the following courses.  Students can complete either one 3-credit course, three 1-credit courses, or any variation.

A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.
A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.
A unique practicum experience in which students do a supervised internship in order to gain expertise in the tasks of ministry. Note: PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken in any order. PSTD 568/569/570 can be taken together as a 3 credit course in one semester.

Teaching Apprenticeship

Students will take the following teaching courses in sequence but may start the sequence in Fall, Spring, or Summer term.

This course combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: BIST 501 and BIST 503 or BIST 502 and BIST 504, dependent on emphasis.

This course is the second part of a three-course sequence. It combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting. Prerequisite: BIST/CHTH 568.

Mentoring

Students completing mentoring will take the following mentoring courses in sequence but may start the sequence in Fall, Spring, or Summer term.
A coaching experience in order to explore one’s calling, enhance one’s awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. The course is yearlong and is taken sequentially beginning with 526.
A coaching experience in order to explore one’s calling, enhance one’s awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. Prerequisite: MLDR 526
A coaching experience in order to explore one’s calling, enhance one’s awareness of his or her leadership skills, or receive guidance on current leadership challenges. The student will meet one on one with a certified coach. Prerequisite: 527

Clinical Pastoral Education Apprenticeship

A student can register for Clinical Pastoral Education in a variety of ways depending on the CPE program into which a student is admitted. If the program is year-long, the student can register for PSTD 563, 564, and 565 (3 total credits) beginning either Fall, Spring, or Summer term. If a student does a full unit of CPE in one term, the student would register for all 3 credits and may also use an additional 3 credits from their elective pool for a total of 6 credits in the term.  
Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.
Chaplain internship at an approved CPE center. Upon completion of one CPE unit, the student sends a copy of the final supervisor's report to the CPE director in order to receive 1 credit for PSTD 564. See Hospital Chaplaincy section of the MDiv program description for more information. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565). Pass/No Pass.
Exploration of theories and practices for chaplaincy ministry related to issues of grief and loss. (Note: it is required that students take PSTD 563, 564, and PSTD 565).

Spiritual Direction Training

Students completing Spiritual Direction Training will take the following Spiritual Direction Training course.

This course focuses on hosting spiritual conversations for soul companions. Generous listening is a core practice for intentionally guiding persons in their spiritual growth and at the center of training for spiritual directors. This course explores the historical, theological, biblical, and psychological premises for soul companionship and introduces students to core practices. Students will reflect on meaning and definitions of hosting spiritual conversations in light of their own experience and the course teachings and personal discernment regarding vocational spiritual direction. Note: it is required that students take SFAD 571 & SFAD 572.

Concentration (9 hours)

Students will select one of the following concentration areas.
Choose from the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Biblical Studies would complete 9 credits from the listed Biblical Studies Concentration courses.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 503, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated Old Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or permission of instructor.
This course explores the ancient Near Eastern context for the Old Testament through study of extra-biblical texts and Levantine archaeology. Special attention will be given to Levantine inscriptions and elements from the material record that contribute to an informed understanding of the world of the Old Testament.
This course reviews both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of the New Testament. Students will engage primary texts through translation with particular emphasis on the contribution of these texts to an informed understanding of the New Testament.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 504, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated New Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 504 or permission of instructor.
This course will examine a special topic in the Old Testament or/and the New Testament. Building on the hermeneutical skills developed in either BIST 503 or 504, students will engage with important voices in scholarship related to the topic. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or 504, or permission of instructor.
Choose from the following:

Students wanting to do a concentration in Christian History and Theology Studies would complete 9 credits from the listed Christian History and Theology Concentration courses.

 

An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
The course discusses a variety of interpretations, responses, and practices related to suffering and healing in Christian traditions. It draws upon scriptural, theological, and scientific perspectives, with the goal of addressing current concerns and promoting human flourishing.
Examines a particular issue or topic in Christian history and theology, including practical application for the Church today.
Examines the praxis of a particular denominational tradition.
Examines the history and polity of a particular denominational tradition.
Complete the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Spiritual Formation would take these courses and would take SFAD 571 to fulfill the Internship requirement, and then follow up with SFAD 572.
Invites students to experience and explore images of God and understandings of spirituality through Scripture and the writings of the mystical traditions of the Church. Studying the spiritual writings of others through history opens one to consider their own image of God and concept of spirituality. This recognition, often shaped from childhood and life experience, offers an invitation to an expanding understanding of God. Mystics invite us to move beyond knowledge about God into an experiential relationship with God that impacts everyday life.
Invites students to explore God’s transformative action and desire for restorative justice and Shalom through the writings of the biblical prophets, Christian mystics, and activists. Students will broaden their awareness of unjust systems while considering their personal participation in oppressive structures. Reflective practices and discussion will invite students to actively join with God and create practices for response and reconciliation that extend God’s hospitality and restores the humanity of all.
This course focuses on hosting spiritual conversations for soul companions. Generous listening is a core practice for intentionally guiding persons in their spiritual growth and at the center of training for spiritual directors. This course explores the historical, theological, biblical, and psychological premises for soul companionship and introduces students to core practices. Students will reflect on meaning and definitions of hosting spiritual conversations in light of their own experience and the course teachings and personal discernment regarding vocational spiritual direction. Note: it is required that students take SFAD 571 & SFAD 572.
This course continues the students’ training in the discipline of spiritual direction. It addresses professional issues related to being a spiritual director and gives students practical experience in being spiritual directors, under the guidance of certified supervisors. (Note: it is required that students take both SFAD 571 & SFAD 572. Additional fees: The cost of personal spiritual direction is covered by the student.)
Explores topics of spiritual formation that support the deep work of transformation of students, communities, or cultures.
Complete the following:
Students wanting to do a concentration in Chaplaincy would complete 9 credits from the listed Chaplaincy Studies Concentration courses.
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.

Any 3-credit elective course or three 1-hour formation courses.

Interdisciplinary Concentration students must complete 9 credits of electives. Students can choose any combination of courses from the subject areas listed below.  

Choose from the following:
Biblical Studies Courses
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 503, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated Old Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or permission of instructor.
This course explores the ancient Near Eastern context for the Old Testament through study of extra-biblical texts and Levantine archaeology. Special attention will be given to Levantine inscriptions and elements from the material record that contribute to an informed understanding of the world of the Old Testament.
This course reviews both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of the New Testament. Students will engage primary texts through translation with particular emphasis on the contribution of these texts to an informed understanding of the New Testament.
This course will apply the interpretive skills developed in BIST 504, with special attention on the exegetical issues of the designated New Testament book. Prerequisite: BIST 504 or permission of instructor.
This course will examine a special topic in the Old Testament or/and the New Testament. Building on the hermeneutical skills developed in either BIST 503 or 504, students will engage with important voices in scholarship related to the topic. Prerequisite: BIST 503 or 504, or permission of instructor.
Christian History and Theology Courses
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
The course discusses a variety of interpretations, responses, and practices related to suffering and healing in Christian traditions. It draws upon scriptural, theological, and scientific perspectives, with the goal of addressing current concerns and promoting human flourishing.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.
Examines a particular issue or topic in Christian history and theology, including practical application for the Church today.
Denominational Studies Courses (Quaker, Wesleyan, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, etc.)
Examines the history and polity of a particular denominational tradition.
Examines the praxis of a particular denominational tradition.
Praxis Courses
Studies the principles and practices of administration for ministry organizations including finances, buildings, staff and personnel relations, legal and safety concerns, information and communication systems, tactical management of daily operations, mixed team development (gender and ethnic diversity), and elder/board relations.
Equips students to be competent in media and communication skills understanding theories and praxis. Students will get hands-on practice in diverse platforms, social media content development, and a range of communication modalities, as well as an assessment of the intended audience of the media/communication effort. Students will learn how to lead through media content with an emphasis on God’s mission and building spiritual community.
Explores the development of particular leadership and/or management skills needed for effective outcomes in an organization.
Spiritual Formation Courses
Invites students to experience and explore images of God and understandings of spirituality through Scripture and the writings of the mystical traditions of the Church. Studying the spiritual writings of others through history opens one to consider their own image of God and concept of spirituality. This recognition, often shaped from childhood and life experience, offers an invitation to an expanding understanding of God. Mystics invite us to move beyond knowledge about God into an experiential relationship with God that impacts everyday life.
Invites students to explore God’s transformative action and desire for restorative justice and Shalom through the writings of the biblical prophets, Christian mystics, and activists. Students will broaden their awareness of unjust systems while considering their personal participation in oppressive structures. Reflective practices and discussion will invite students to actively join with God and create practices for response and reconciliation that extend God’s hospitality and restores the humanity of all.
This course continues the students’ training in the discipline of spiritual direction. It addresses professional issues related to being a spiritual director and gives students practical experience in being spiritual directors, under the guidance of certified supervisors. (Note: it is required that students take both SFAD 571 & SFAD 572. Additional fees: The cost of personal spiritual direction is covered by the student.)
Explores topics of spiritual formation that support the deep work of transformation of students, communities, or cultures.
Chaplaincy Studies Courses
An introduction to the origins, histories, myths, and basic tenets of other religious traditions in the world and how Christians might engage them in meaningful interaction. Involving a research project and on site visits, a concerted effort will be made to show the common humanity of the people who follow other religions. Co-learners will guard against viewing people from other religions as the "excluded other” by understanding commonalities and celebrating differences.
An exploration of the guiding assumptions and frameworks undergirding various ethical positions and their claims, especially in relationship to Christian theology. The course also analyzes the relationship between context and ethics, specifically as it pertains to the church and its role in the formation of Christian ethics. Implications for the practice of ethics in personal, social, economic, and political problems of our contemporary world will be examined and evaluated.

Any 3-credit elective course or three 1-hour formation courses.