Birmingham
Theological Seminary
Department of Practical Theology
PT5523 MINISTRY OF THE WORD I
A foundational course designed to acquaint the students with the theology
of preaching, the selection and analysis of a text, sermon development,
material elaboration, sermon introductions and conclusions. The course
will include lectures by various ministers on their methods of sermon
development. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. (Ordination
Track) - Two Credit Hours | This course, in accordance with the
historical theological position held by the mainstream of evangelical
churches,
is limited to male students preparing for ordination. (Refer to “The
Role of Women in the Church a Rationale for the BTS Position)
PT5524 MINISTRY OF THE WORD II
A continuation of the basic principles presented in 5523 along with
additional material on sermon variations and pulpit speech including
the development of style and eloquence through practice preaching.
PREREQUISITE: PT5523; REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. (Ordination
Track) - Two Credit Hours | This course, in accordance with the
historical theological position held by the mainstream of evangelical
churches,
is limited to male students preparing for ordination. (Refer to “The
Role of Women in the Church a Rationale for the BTS Position)
PT5527 COMMUNICATION I
The basic principles of effective communication for the church and
the Christian worker’s overall task will be considered with
special emphasis on written communication skills. The students will
be involved in several writing projects during the course of the
semester. A brief overview of oral communication within the congregation
and the broader community will be covered as well. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. ,
M.A.A., M.A.B.C., M.A.B.S., M.A.M., C.A., C.B.C., C.MIN. - Two Credit
Hours
PT5530 COMMUNICATION II
A continuation of Communication I. This course will focus on basic
principles of effective oral communication with emphasis on voice quality,
articulation, pronunciation, body language, and public speaking. The
student will be asked to do various oral presentations in class. REQUIRED
FOR M.DIV. (Non-Ordination Track), Two Credit Hours
PT5531 THE CHRISTIAN WORKER’S PERSONAL LIFE
A course development of the church worker’s own personal walk
with God. Special attention is given to prayer life, devotional habits,
call to work, relationship to spouse and children, and ability to relate
to and minister to people. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.B.C., M.A.B.S.,
M.A.M., C.M.PL., M.A.MIS.,
C.MIS. - Two Credit Hours
PT5542 HISTORICAL & PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS
OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
The beginning of Christian education and its development through the
period covered by the Bible and subsequently, with particular emphasis
on those outstanding in this field of endeavor. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5602 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
A study of biblical applications to challenges in administration, teaching,
procedures, and curriculum in Christian Education. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV.,
M.A.B.S., M.A.M., C.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5621 CHURCH CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
This course examines the theological and psychological implications of conflict
management principles, which can be applied in the local church context, enabling
the pastor to adopt a positive attitude toward specific crisis situations.
- Two Credit Hours
PT5627 CHRISTIAN FAMILY NURTURE
A study of the biblical design of the Christian family, the meaning
of a Christian marriage, child training and discipline, and church-home
relationships. Methods of achieving Biblical goals in each area will
be considered. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5629 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
An introduction and overview of children’s ministry. Attention
is given to the needs and challenges of this generation and developing
a biblical and practical foundation out of which to minister to children. – REQUIRED
FOR M.A.M.CE., M.A.M.UM. - Two Credit Hours
PT5631 THEOLOGY & PRACTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
A study of the administrative aspects of church operations including
personnel management, budgeting stewardship and accounting, maintenance,
building programs, and the functions of the session and diaconate
as well as the functions of the minister in these areas. This course
will focus on the proper procedures for church management. Attention
will be given to selected historical ecumenical administrative style,
management and organization. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. and
M.A.M.PL. - Two Credit Hours
PT5636 BUILDING A CARING COMMUNITY
This course is designed to equip persons with the necessary leadership
to create an effective caring community. Techniques in personal shepherding,
nurture, feeding, and encouragement will be applied specifically to
the African-American family context. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.UM. - Two Credit
Hours
PT5637 PERSONAL EVANGELISM
Training in personal evangelism using the Evangelism Explosion course
material under special supervision. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.B.C.,
M.A.B.S., M.A.A., M.A.M., M.A.MIS.,
C.MIS., C.M.PL. - Two Credit Hours
PT5641 CURRICULUM REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to equip the student with skills necessary
to review, develop and implement a curriculum and structure for a
comprehensive lay training program that includes the Sunday School,
training ministries, and weekly Bible studies. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.CE.,
C.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5645 DEVELOPING AN URBAN MINISTRY PHILOSOPHY
This course is designed to help students formulate a biblical, personal,
and contextual philosophy of the Christian ministry as it relates
to the urban community. The student will study current models of
urban ministries with the goal of understanding how those ministries
develop their philosophy of urban ministry. The students will analyze
contemporary approaches to social/political activism, community development,
racial reconciliation, and much more. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.UM. - Two
Credit Hours
PT5667 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF EVANGELISM
The development of a philosophy of ministry in evangelism through the
examination of Biblical principles and practical methods. Several evangelistic
methods will be explored. - Two Credit Hours
PT5673 MINISTRY OF TEACHING
A study of the nature of teaching as it relates to the pastoral ministry.
The role of the teacher and learner will be discussed. Consideration
will be given to various teaching methods and to communication tools
and skills. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.M.CE.,
M.A.MIS., C.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5710 DISCIPLESHIP
How to disciple men and women, building into their lives basic Christian
disciplines and equipping them to disciple others. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV.,
M.A.M.BC., M.A.MIS., C.MIS.
- Two Credit Hours.
PT5712 PEDAGOGY IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
This is a practical course designed to teach the student in the use
of a wide range of teaching/learning methods and approaches. Special
attention is given to appropriate methodology for age groups, and
to a choice of methods to implement learning goals and objectives.
The course will include a laboratory/practice approach. Students
will elect a project in the area of their interests (children, youth
or adults). REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.CE., C.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5713 BIBLICAL ORIGINS OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT & DISCIPLINE
Studies in the history, principles, structures, and procedures of church
government and biblical church discipline., peacemaking and church
conflict management. Emphasis will be given to Presbyterian polity,
with field trips to observe church government procedures in action.
REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. - Two Credit Hours
PT5715 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This course is an in-depth, Christ-centered study exploring multiple
strategies that motivate and empower ministers to do effective outreach
in the urban and inner-city context. Topics include: Developing a
Vision for Compassion; A Heart for the City; Juvenile Ministry; and
much more. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.UM - Two Credit Hours
PT5722 EXPOSITORY PREACHING
This course introduces a methodology of organizing and developing the
elements of a sermon. Preaching style, philosophy and textual exposition,
oral, written, verbal and nonverbal communication will be addressed
within the African American context. REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.PL., C.M.PL. -
Two Credit Hours | This course, in accordance with the historical
theological position held by the mainstream of evangelical churches,
is limited to male students preparing for ordination. (Refer to “The
Role of Women in the Church a Rationale for the BTS Position)
PT5723 ADVANCED EXPOSITORY PREACHING
A continuation of course PT5722. The student will develop and preach full-length
sermons with application, persuasion, inspiration and conviction as central
goals emphasizing the redemptive aspect in preaching. PREREQUISITE: PT5722.
- Two Credit Hours | This course, in accordance with the historical theological
position held by the mainstream of evangelical churches, is limited to male
students preparing for ordination. (Refer to “The Role of Women in the
Church a Rationale for the BTS Position)
PT5725 MINISTRY TO YOUTH
A study of the principles, methods, and materials especially appropriate
for the Christian education of youth. Also the role of the youth
worker as pastor to the youth, recreational leadership and camp administration.
REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.M.PL.,
M.A.M.CE., M.A.M.UM., C.M.CE. - Two Credit Hours
PT5733 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Consists of intentional team building or individual nurture with the
goal of unleashing that team or individual for effective ministry.
REQUIRED FOR M.A.M.PL., C.M.PL. - Two Credit Hours
PT5739 PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GROWTH
A study of the various aspects of a body of believers which promote
growth, especially through outreach and assimilation. Negative growth
characteristics will also be examined to help avoid such trends.
This course is designed to provide the church with a Christ-centered
approach to outreach and assimilation. Special emphasis will be given
to developing outreach programs both inside and outside the church
and to providing practical methods to assimilate newcomers into the
life of the church. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.M.PL. - Two Credit Hours
PT5741 URBAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
This course addresses an alternative approach to educating this nation’s
young people. The need is for schools that will teach hearts and minds.
The focus will be on an evangelistic and holistic approach to education.
Some practical approaches and models will be explored. REQUIRED FOR
M.A.M.UM. - Two Credit Hours
PT5750 PUBLIC WORSHIP & MUSIC
Various aspects of worship including the structuring of the worship
service, the function and use of music in worship, the sacraments,
weddings, funerals and related matters. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV. - Two
Credit Hours
PT5756 SPIRITUAL CONFLICT
This course is designed to address the chief obstacles to the Church’s
missionary mandate in society. The course will give special attention
to spiritual forces of darkness which are arrayed against the saints
of God to hinder them from living for God and from carrying out God’s
purpose on earth. The student will be exposed to an understanding of
those forces and their various manifestations in the world. REQUIRED
M.A.M.UM., M.A.MIS., C.MIS. - Two Credit Hours
PT7802 CLNICAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
The purpose of this course is to enable students to engage and learn
the process of academic, bibliographic research methods, and to determine
the validity and reliability of various sources of information in preparation
for the final clinical project. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.A., M.A.M.,
M.A.MIS. – Two Credit Hours
PT7803 CLINICAL WRITING PROJECT
The purpose of this course is to enable and assist students in the
development of the research project design, utilizing the tools from
research development. Students will refine the skills of scholarly
writing as applied to a subject of special interest appropriate to
their respective clinical projects. REQUIRED FOR M.DIV., M.A.A.,
M.A.M., M.A.MIS. – Two Credit Hours
PT7804 CLINICAL FINAL PROJECT
This course is the final writing of a professional project in a prescribed
format, reflecting the student’s academic training, practical
experiences, and demonstrated ability in his/her area of concentration.
The design, development, and implementation of the project will be
under the supervision of a member of the Academic Council. REQUIRED
FOR M.DIV., M.A.A., M.A.M.,
M.A.MIS. – Two Credit Hours
Electives
PT5510 PASTORAL COUNSELING
This course will focus on essential biblical principles of counseling
in the local church with emphasis on the ability to relate to others.
Special focus is given to a theoretical and practical approach to
crisis situations in individual, family and the community at large
- Two Credit
Hours
PT5525 THE LIFE & MINISTRY OF PAUL
Consideration of his training, attitudes and impact on the church preceding
his conversion. Exploration of his conversion, integration into the
church, desert training and career as an apostle. - Two Credit Hours
PT5528 MINISTRY IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A study of the principles, methods, materials and techniques that have
worked in area junior high and high schools. - Two Credit Hours
PT5603 THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS
Directed study under the supervision of an individual approved by the
Seminary. - Two Credit Hours
PT5620 INTRODUCTION TO INSTITUTIONAL PASTORAL CARE
A study designed biblically to equip pastors and Christian workers
with the necessary skills to develop effective institutional care
and fellowship. Focus will be given to hospital rehabilitation centers,
nursing homes and other institutions. - Two Credit Hours
PT5624 PARENTAL DISCIPLINE OF THE PRESCHOOL CHILD
For parents and teachers who work with small children. Addresses two
basic questions: What does the Bible teach about parental discipline?
How can one best apply biblical parental discipline during the three
stages of life which occur between birth and age 6? - Two Credit
Hours
PT5625 A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF GENDER (FOR MEN)
The purpose of this course is to ground the student in the basics of
biblical masculinity. This study will provide a framework within
which a man can rightly understand himself and other men as the masculine
creatures God created them to be. - Two Credit Hours
PT5626 CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRY
An introduction and overview of youth and children’s ministry.
Attention is given to the needs and challenges of this generation and
developing a biblical and practical foundation out of which to minister
to children and youth. – Two Credit Hours
PT5638 SMALL GROUP EVANGELISM
Techniques of leading informal evangelistic discussions and how to
answer questions of non-Christians. - Two Credit Hours
PT5644 MINISTRY TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILY
Addresses the history of the African-American family beginning with
slavery and the other historical factors that have contributed to
the formation of the modern African-American family. Attention will
also be given to principles and methods of ministering to today’s
African-American family including the new role of the local church,
the new demands of leadership development and alternative models
for addressing their plight. - Two Credit Hours
PT5724 CAMPUS MINISTRY
A study of the principles, methods and materials especially appropriate
for working with college students. Involves practical experience
on campus doing evangelism, discipleship, etc. - Two Credit Hours
PT5726 MINISTRY TO SINGLES
A study of the principles, methods, and materials especially appropriate
to working with adult singles. Includes practical experience in planning
programs, ministering to needs, counseling, etc. - Two Credit Hours
PT5732 LIFE AND WORK OF THE PASTOR
This course addresses the spiritual formation of the pastor. The focus
will be two-fold. It will give special attention to the pastor’s
devotional life, i.e. his personal walk with the Lord, the care and
nurture of his family life, and the pastoral ministry in the local
church and community at large.. - Two Credit Hours
PT5738 ADVANCED PERSONAL EVANGELISM
The student will be training others in evangelism, running a team,
doing various forms of neighborhood evangelism strategies and studying
principles of church growth. - Three Credit Hours
PT5740 THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
A study of the organization and administration of the Christian day
school. Attention is given to the implementation of a Christian philosophy
of education. The Christian school as an institution in the community
is considered as well. - Two Credit Hours
PT5800 CHURCH REVITALIZATION
Thorough exploration of the biblical principles and strategies for
the renewal of stagnant and dying churches. Covers ten key initiatives
for turning the church back to health with a special emphasis on the
personal and spiritual development of the revitalizing pastor/teacher.
Whenever possible guest ruling and teaching elders of churches involved
in such renewal efforts will join the class for input and discussion.
Two Credit Hours
PT5901-05 PREACHING RESEARCH – DIRECTED STUDY
Preaching Research is intended to give the student an opportunity to
pursue a subject of interest under the oversight of a faculty mentor.
The student must submit a proposal for the study to the President or
Vice President of Academic Affairs. The President or the Vice President
of Academic Affairs will approve the proposal and determine the appropriate
faculty member to be assigned as the mentor. One-Five Credit
Hours
The following courses are clinicals to be completed by Master of
Divinity Degree Program students. MDIV students are required to complete
4 hours
of clinicals.
PT7801 TEACHING
This clinical consists of three quarters of successful experience teaching
a Sunday School class, home Bible study or another teaching arena.
Students will develop lesson plans for each session demonstrating
effective use of good teaching methods. These lesson plans will be
submitted at the end of the third quarter along with a written evaluation
by the church supervisor. A syllabus will be provided at registration
providing details for the performance of this clinical. – Two
Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Old Testament I, II, III; New Testament I, II; Systematic
I, II; Bible Interpretation, History and Philosophy of Christian Education
PT7805 EVANGELISM
This requires participation in the personal and mass evangelism program
of a local church for at least two semesters. It should include training
and evaluation of effectiveness. – Two Credit Hours
PT7810 YOUTH WORK
A variety of settings can be utilized to fulfill this clinical including
church youth group, summer camp, or Bible conferences. A syllabus
will be provided at registration providing details for the performance
of this clinical. – Two Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Old Testament I, II, III; New Testament I, II; Systematic
Theology I, II; Bible Interpretation, History and Philosophy of Christian
Education, Ministry to Youth
PT7815 PREACHING
In addition to 5523-24, each student will preach three times and the
sermons will be recorded and evaluated. – Two Credit Hours | This
course, in accordance with the historical theological position held by
the mainstream of evangelical churches, is limited to male students preparing
for ordination. (Refer to “The Role of Women in the Church a Rationale
for the BTS Position)
PT7820 ADMINISTRATION
Budgeting, building, stewardship, janitor service, maintenance, and
other functions of the elders and deacons will be included. Attendance
at regular meetings of session and diaconate will be arranged. – Two
Credit Hours
PT7825 COUNSELING
Briarwood Counseling Ministries will provide the setting for most students
to complete this clinical. However, other agencies may be utilized.
A syllabus will be provided at registration providing details for
the performance of this clinical. The student should be advised that
the Briarwood Counseling Ministries will require attendance at a
regular round table discussion in addition to the counseling hours.
Clinical will require 50 hours of counseling activity including observation
as a team member and lead counselor. – Two Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Old Testament I, II, III; New Testament I, II; Systematic
Theology I, II; Bible Interpretation; Introduction to Biblical Counseling,
Marriage and Family Counseling and Advanced Counseling.
PT7830 CHURCH PLANTING
This clinical will include 100 hours of participation in a church planting
outreach. The activity must include at least 25 hours of participation
in the planning process. Details will be negotiated with each student. – Two
Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Old Testament I, II, III; New Testament I, II; Systematic
Theology I, II; Bible Interpretation; Principles of Church Growth.
PT7835 EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES
Opportunity for the student to gain administrative and supervisory
experience in Christian Education programs. This clinical consists
of two semesters serving as the assistant to the individual responsible
for operating the education program (church or other ministry). This
clinical is best performed in the student’s home church. Details
will be negotiated with individual students. – Two Credit Hours
Prequisites: Old Testament I, II, III; New Testament I, II; Systematic
Theology I, II; Bible Interpretation; History and Philosophy of Christian
Education.
PT7840 WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Weddings, funerals, the sacraments, alternate forms of worship, music
and special services are included. Participation and observation
will be arranged as appropriate. – Two Credit Hours
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