A survey of the Bible designed to introduce the student to the Old and New Testaments, their main themes, and backgrounds.
A course that explores the foundations and practices of a good life and happiness. The course engages ancient visions of human flourishing addressed by biblical and philosophical sources and integrates this with modern conceptions of flourishing by means of contemporary psychology. Going beyond the study of ideas, participants will engage practices that are the basis of a good and happy life.
A course designed to introduce the student to Christian beliefs on the Old Testament and the New Testament. Beliefs of scholars who have had a significant impact on Christian thought will also be considered. This course is a required course in the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum.
Students will be exposed to contemporary movements in theological research from faculty and other scholars by participation in the School of Christian Thought Theology Seminar. They will learn the process of charitable and critical analysis.
A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on traditional spiritual disciplines such as solitude, silence, spiritual reading, contemplative prayer, etc. The course may be taken multiple times for credit.
A course designed to engage students in introductory students in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine. The intent of this course is to allow the student to understand the basic story of Scripture and foundational Christian beliefs.
A course designed to investigate the theology of the Old Testament and to survey selected secondary literature on Old Testament themes.
A course designed to investigate the theology of the New Testament and to survey selected secondary literature on New Testament themes.
A study of the perspectives and practices by which Christians become formed in the image of Christ through participation in faith communities. The course will review historic approaches to spiritual formation and encourage personal and congregational disciplines that strengthen faithful living.
A course designed to introduce students to the basic issues, methods, and history of Biblical interpretation. The course will also explore the application of hermeneutical principles to a selected contemporary topic.
A course designed to introduce Christianity in its historical development.
This course includes a study of the occupational field of church vocations with emphasis upon the church vocation worker’s personal and ministerial identity, ministerial ethics, Baptist denominational history and polity, and the development of basic skills common to ministry. It incorporates the use of professional ministers from a variety of specialization areas who serve as resource personnel and role models for the aspiring church vocation student.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the Pentateuch.
An intensive study of the life and teachings of Jesus.
A study of the apostle Paul and his contribution to the progress of early Christianity based upon the book of Acts and the epistles attributed to Paul.
A study of the non-Pauline letters of the New Testament (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude), examining their rhetorical style, contextual meaning, and contribution to Christian theology.
This course is designed to study the book of Psalms. The study will address the origin, content, setting, literary forms, overall structure and theology of the book. Attention may also be given to the important role the book has played in Christian history, liturgy, and spirituality.
A basic course to introduce the student to the principles of preaching and other ministerial speaking. Attention is given to various types of sermons and their preparation and delivery.
A field-based course in which the Christian vocations student functions in a ministry role under the supervision of both an experienced hospital professional and a university professor. Permission of instructor is required.
Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
Directed studies in selected areas of the student’s special interests, including opportunities for independent research.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the book of Genesis.
A course designed to study the historical, biblical, and systematic approaches to Christian theology.
A study of the prophetic movement in Israel and the writings of the canonical prophets.
A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of the Gospel of John.
This course provides a comprehensive study of Christian ethics including biblical and theological foundations, historical developments, and contemporary issues of moral concern. The central role of faith communities in moral development and the importance of church engagement with culture will be emphasized.
A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of the letter to the Hebrews.
A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of Amos and Hosea, with a focus on the message to the original hearers and the message to modern readers.
A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of Isaiah, with a focus on the message to the original hearers and the message to modern readers.
A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of Luke’s two volume work: the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
This course is designed to introduce students to the New Testament texts of 1 & 2 Corinthians and to guide them towards an appreciative understanding of the material and cultural context of ancient Roman Corinth; the patterns of social life and conflict among early Christians in Corinth; the ethical, social, and theological ideals of Paul; and the place of the Corinthian correspondence in the ongoing life and literature of early Christianity.
This course is designed to introduce students to the corpus of early Christian texts commonly called the Apostolic Fathers; to guide them towards an appreciative understanding of the material, cultural, social, and theological context of the Roman world within which these texts were written; and to situate the Apostolic Fathers in the wider life and literature of early Christianity.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the prophetic writings of Jeremiah.
An introduction to the thought and practices of the great religions of the world. Attention is given to the origin, development, and major teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. (Offered also as PHIL 4353.)
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the book of Exodus.
This course addresses the importance of the Trinity for Christian theology. Aspects explored will be the revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the development of this doctrine; and the relevance and influence this theology has on the life and worship of the church.
This course explores the theological, historical, and social impact of the Protestant Reformation in the life of the Church. A particular focus will be the writings and influence of key figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.
The principal question addressed in this course is “How did the New Testament writers understand Jesus’ ‘person’ and ‘work’?” To answer this question, the course will consider such matters as Old Testament messianic ideas, the historical context of the New Testament (Greco-Roman and Jewish) and the New Testament texts.
A critical examination of the nature and validity of religious experience and the place of religion in human life. Consideration is given to religious problems such as the existence and nature of God, the source of religious knowledge, the nature of man, the origin and nature of evil. (Offered also as PHIL 4363.)
This capstone course will draw together the central ideas related to the theological and psychological disciplines in order to help students integrate the fields. Students will engage approaches to human flourishing, brokenness, and restoration that address biblical, theological, and psychological anthropology in a coherent manner.
This course studies the development of Christological beliefs at different stages in church history. Students will study key texts that shaped the church’s understanding of Jesus.
This course focuses on the development of Christianity from the end of the apostolic era through the early patristic era. It explores the parting of the ways between Jews and Christians; the social, political, and religious situation of post-apostolic Christianity; and the development of church institutional structures, orthodox theology, and a canon of scripture.
A study of Baptist history and polity with particular emphasis given to Baptist origins, developments, distinctive theological positions, leaders, and current trends. Special attention will be given to Baptist life in America and particularly the Southern Baptist Convention.
A course designed to explore topics of current interest. May also be used for individual study, in which a minimum of 40 clock hours of directed study is required for each semester hour of credit. This course may be repeated for credit.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes in the book of Romans.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes in the book of Revelation.
An internship in pastoral ministry with field experience in a church. HCU faculty will provide oversight and mentorship. The course may be taken multiple times for credit.
A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on traditional spiritual disciplines such as solitude, silence, spiritual reading, contemplative prayer, etc. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.
A course designed to engage students in introductory studies in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine.
A practical course to develop effective research and writing skills for graduate-level academic work. The course will cover topics such as developing an effective writing and revising process; using primary and secondary source materials; writing abstracts, book reviews, conference presentations, and research papers; and clarity and precision of language.
A class to prepare students for theological reading and writing at the graduate level The class will focus on Biblical exegesis.
Major issues of Old Testament background and interpretation. The area of study is the Pentateuch. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
A course designed to introduce a student to the basic issues, methods, and history of biblical interpretation.
The focus of this course of study is on New Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the Gospels and Acts. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course of study is designed to introduce the student to the biblical, theological, historical and practical basis for Christian missions. Special attention will be given to current practices and contemporary issues related to global missions.
Christians understand the Bible to offer the frame of reference (creation, fall, redemption, and consummation) for pursuing human wholeness and restoration. This course will engage the crucial structure of the Biblical narrative, important hermeneutical / interpretive perspective concerning our encounter with the Scriptures, and reading strategies found helpful in the care and formation of persons, such as lectio divina, Ignatian spirituality, healing prayer, and biblical counseling.
Basic Christian teachings regarding the nature of God, human beings, and salvation will be discussed within the context of psychological science and clinical practice.
In this course, the student will study the history of Christianity in the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Although the primary focus will be on the development of Western (Latin) Christianity, some consideration will be given to Byzantine (Eastern) Christendom as well as the spread of Christianity throughout the third world. In addition to the basic content of the history of Christianity, attention will be given to the application of a critical historiography in the interpretation of events and movements.
The course will focus on twelve areas of doctrinal study. The student will be assigned doctrines to examine from a biblical perspective and from a comparative study of various theologies on the doctrines assigned.
The study concentrates on the theological message of the New Testament as communicated by the various New Testament witnesses.
The study concentrates on the theological message of the Old Testament as communicated by the various Old Testament documents and literature in the discipline of Old Testament studies.
This course focuses on the history of Judaism from roughly 300 B.C. through 200 A.D., including discussion of changes in the political scene and the development of theological themes in Jewish literature of this period.
A basic course to introduce the student to principles of preaching and other ministerial speaking. Attention is given to various types of sermons and their preparation and delivery.
The study will introduce students to the general topic of the relationship of theology and philosophy as well as major philosophical inquiries in the area of religion. In particular, students will pursue concentrated investigation among major issues in the field of philosophy of religion such as the nature and existence of God, the nature of religious experience, the nature and understanding of religious language, the source of religious knowledge, the nature of evil, the relationship between Christianity and other reflective disciplines, and Christianity’s response to philosophical challenge and discourse.
Students will study church ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual formation in this course. Church ministry will include areas such as evangelism, church growth, and administration. Pastoral care will include practical aspects of the pastoral role in caring for people. Spiritual formation will relate the spiritual life to the tasks of ministry. Students also will conduct interviews with local and state church and denominational leaders for practical aspects of ministry, available resources, and programming helps.
This course examines the integration of the life of prayer and the caring tasks of ministry. Classic writings in the area of pastoral care will be used with particular reference to the functions of ministry and the role of the devotional life in the performance of various ministerial duties. The course may also focus on the relationship between the cura animarum of classic pastoral care and the therapeutic approaches of contemporary pastoral counseling.
This course of study will include the history of missions and the history of great awakenings. Also included would be studies in the church growth movement. Practical applications of evangelistic missions or church growth activities will be part of the requirements for this course.
This course continues the study of Old Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the major and minor prophets. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course continues the study of New Testament background and interpretation. The area of study is Paul’s letters. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course continues the study of Old Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the historical books of the Old Testament. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course continues the study of New Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the general letters in the New Testament and Revelation. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
Involves selected primary and secondary readings within specific areas as designated by the professor and according to the student’s educational needs in their fields of study. Limited to one enrollment.
The subject of this course is the historical development of Christian theology and ethics from the second century to the present. Directed study will focus on the theological and moral ideas in the writings of significant figures of ancient, medieval, and modern Christianity. The student will be required to study each writer as a person of his or her own age by means of a critical analysis of the influences, context, and content of his or her own writings. Additionally, consideration will be given to the matter of how the theology and ethics of the Christian past offer insight into contemporary issues and problems.
Students will study primary and secondary readings in Old Testament literature with specific areas as designated by the professor and student needs.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the book of Proverbs.
Students will study primary and secondary readings in New Testament literature within specific areas as designated by the professor and student needs.
A study of the historical setting, literary and rhetorical features, and theological themes of the books of Colossians and Philemon.
This course studies the development of the doctrine of the church from the New Testament to the contemporary period. Students will explore the different understandings of the church and the practices of the church.
The thesis component is in lieu of the last six hours in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) program. The thesis proposed by the student must be selected under the guidance and approval of the department, and the rendering of the thesis must be in a minimum of 75 pages.
This course focuses on drawing together the expertise derived from specific theological disciplines (biblical studies, theological studies, and practical theology) to help participants integrate that knowledge into a coherent model for applied theology. The course will explore best practices for integrating different sources of theological knowledge (as with Quadrilateral) and test those practices through analysis of case studies.
In this course students will read select texts chosen to ensure basic knowledge for the DMin program at Houston Christian University. The course is limited to students who have been admitted to the DMin program. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is designed for students in the Doctor of Ministry program who have not completed their dissertation after finishing their course work. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course consists of two primary elements. Students will participate a research symposium in which research presentations will be delivered by faculty, advanced students, and invited guests. The course will also focus on the skills and methods of doctoral level research, including preparation of the student’s individual project. This course may be repeated for credit.
Students will produce a project which demonstrates applied consideration of theology and ministry. Students may choose 1) to prepare a traditional DMin research dissertation, or 2) a substantial project based on discussion with and pre-approval by the department and the supervisor. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course explores the biblical and theological foundation undergirding the holistic mission and ministry of the church as part of God’s Kingdom purposes for the world. In particular, the course will focus on the climactic story that unites the Christian Scriptures.
This course explores the nature of Christian leaders’ roles in the Kingdom and the characteristics of a ministry that accords with Kingdom purposes.
This course focuses on analysis of the cultural forces impacting the church today (disenchantment, pluralism, anxiety, etc.) and explores theological resources to address these forces for ministry within a setting shaped by them.
This course will address contemporary issues regarding organizational leadership. The center of the course will revolve around case study analysis, and topics would include things like transformational leadership, leadership development, conflict management, andragogy, and spiritual formation.
Students will learn about the history and culture of the places and people in the history of Christianity. The specific locations and topics will vary. The course may be repeated.
Students will study church ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual formation in this course. It will include practical ministry such as leadership, church growth, and administration, as well as strategies in caring for a congregation and its members.
This course examines theories and models of leadership. Environmental factors, organizational objectives, ministry culture, and individual and group ethical standards will be examined and students will develop a theory of “Christian” leadership.
An introduction to the thought and practices of the great religions of the world. Attention is given to the origin, development, and central teachings of major world religions. Particular emphasis will be on the way in which one can engage participants in non-Christian religions and communicate Christian thought in various cultures.
Missional leadership topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour of credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course on New Testament background and interpretation focuses on the topic of the Gospels and Acts. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course is an intensive study of the life and teachings of Jesus; primarily giving attention to Jesus’ homiletical and pedagogical style. As a model for humanity, Jesus will also serve as a model for preaching and teaching.
This course on New Testament background and interpretation focuses on the topic of Paul’s letters. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.
This course examines the relationship between the teachings of the New Testament as they relate to pastoral ministry and their modern-day practice, especially in the context of the local Church. The course primarily looks at pastoral theology and praxis as it developed in the earliest stages of the Christian community.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history and life of ancient and modern Israel through a trip to the Holy Land. This course will introduce students to the study of archeological, the complex history of the land, and the contemporary political challenges of Israel and the surrounding countries.
New Testament topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour of credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is an exploration of ideas and cultural developments from the 16th Century to the present, focusing especially on the relationship between reason and faith, the cultural consequences of modernity, and the theological challenges and opportunities of the present day. Students will read philosophical, cultural, and literary texts by a range of authors.
This course is an exploration of the use of literature and art in theology and pastoral ministry, focusing on the theory and practice of imagination as a mode of knowing and communicating truth. Theoretical perspectives will include those of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Other materials will include a range of classic and contemporary texts that explore theological themes in both fictional and non-fictional modes.
This course is an examination of texts from the history of theology and philosophy, focusing on the questions of beauty, appropriateness, and value of both art and nature. Particular attention will be given to the role that belief in God has in the creative process and the meaning and motivation for artistic creation.
Faith and culture topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour of credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
