Courses Description

Benissa School of Ministry provides the  BA in Theology and the Master in Divinity degrees.  We hope to provide additional degrees in the future.  The following course descriptions are for the Master of Divinity/Bachelor of Theology degree.

Biblical Studies

OT 101 - HISTORY and SURVEY of the OLD TESTAMENT

An introduction to the study of the Old Testament in terms of content, method, and resources.  Attention will be given to the authorship and themes of each book as well as the “long line” of the historical narrative.

OT 120 - HISTORY and SURVEY of the OLD TESTAMENT

A study of the nature and formation of the Old Testament canon with historical survey of the approaches to biblical theology.  Special attention will be given to the progression of redemption in the covenant and the law.

NT 210 - HISTORY and SURVEY to the NEW TESTAMENT

An introduction to the study of the New Testament in terms of content, method, and resources.  The course work will include a study of the historical, critical and literary problems from various books with attention given to the theological patterns of thought in the New Testament.

NT 220 - THEOLOGY of the NEW TESTAMENT

An examination of the theological patterns of thought in the New Testament.  Special emphasis will be given to the theological dogmas in the various writings of the Apostles.

BS 310 - GREEK

Greek grammar and vocabulary with readings from the New Testament.  All students are required to take this course at the beginning of their first year of study.  Selected New Testament books are studied with an emphasis in the practice of hermeneutical and exegetical skills in a systematic fashion.  Work on Greek syntax and a look at the various reference works helpful in the Greek languages are included.

BS 320 - HEBREW

A study of orthography, morphology and syntax with various exercises in translation.  A reading course with special attention given to grammar and syntax Systematic.

BS 410 - HOMILETICS
An introduction to the basic principles of composition, delivery and types of sermons.  Special attention will be paid to the practice of lectionary preaching.

Theology Studies

THS 101 - HERMENEUTICS

A study into the principles of the science of interpretation, its history and its methods.  This course emphasizes the use of the covenantal, historical and grammatical settings for interpretation.

THS 210 -  SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

An examination of the doctrine of God, his nature, existence and attributes, decrees, creation and divine providence.  An examination of the understanding of the role of Scripture in the life of the Church.

THS 220 - SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II
An examination of the doctrine of Man, his origin, sinful nature, redemptive state, and glorification.  This course will also cover the doctrine of Salvation dealing with calling, election, regeneration, justification, sanctification, etc.

THS 230 - SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY III
An examination of the doctrine or the Church, her power, purpose, offices, ministry and Sacraments.

THS 240 - SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY IV
An examination of the doctrine of Last Things.  The course will compare and contrast from an historical and theological vantage point the pre-, a-, and post-millennial positions.

THS 310 - THE 39 ARTICLES OF FAITH
An examination of the doctrine of this historic and Reformed Christian Confession of the Britain Isles.

Philosophy and Apologetics Studies

PAS 101 - BIBLICAL EVANGELISM
A complete course about Biblical Evangelism.

PAS 120 - SECTS
This course offers a biblical, theological and historical consideration of sects and cults and Christian beliefs.

PAS 210 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS
A survey of the major Christian answers to the questions concerning the ideals of the Christian life from Biblical times to the present.  Attention is given to the proper use of Biblical Law and an intensive study into the current problems of society and their historical background.

PAS 220 - PHILOSOPHY
An intensive study to understand the culture in which we live in the 21st Century, Christians need to be familiar with the ideas that have shaped it.

PAS 310 - APOLOGETICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH

This course addresses the attacks that were leveled at the church in its first four hundred years and he explores how Justin Martyr, Augustine and other early church apologists answered the charges of their critics.

PAS 320 - APOLOGETICS & OUTREACH
An analysis of the philosophical, religious and scientific beliefs and ideas that have shaped different cultures and are now reshaping our multicultural and pluralistic society.  Differences in attitudes toward the value and purpose of life, sexual identity and roles, racial and cultural differences, God, good and evil, superstition, etc., are all discussed with the goal of learning how to better communicate the Gospel in our society

Church History Studies

CHS 101 - CHURCH HISTORY
A study of Christianity from the Early Church to the dawn of the Reformation, with source material readings.  This course places an emphasis on the application of church history to life and ministry and helps the student to understand the development of Christian thought and the formulation of doctrine as part of God's overall pattern of history.

CHS 110 - CHURCH HISTORY II
The study of Christianity from the Reformation to the present, with source material readings.  In this course Dr. Calhoun helps the student understand the development of Christian thought and apply church history to contemporary ideas and issues.  The course also includes a brief overview of historic revivals and world missions.

CHS 210 - THE CONVERGENT MOVEMENT

An overview of the Church history analyzing the Convergent Movement.

Christian Ministry Studies

CMS 101 - FREEDOM IN CHRIST
This course is designed for study early in the school year to help students have the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ, understand their identity in Christ, deal with pain and scars of the past and live confidently in the freedom of the Gospel.

CMS 120 - SPIRITUAL WARFARE
An introduction to the basic principles of spiritual warfare in contemporary context.  Special attention will be paid to the practices of the Church.

CMS 130 - DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PROBLEMS
This course offers pastoral counsel concerning common difficulties that we face in this fallen world.  With wisdom and compassion, it helps to explain the character of God as it relates to life’s most difficult problems:  Knowing the Will of God, Understanding Suffering, How to Deal with Guilt, Forgiveness, Anxiety and Anger.

CMS 210 - CANONS LAW
A course in which the student learns about the importance of the Canon law for further development of the congregations and the Church.

CMS 310 - CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
A study in the basic principles or Christian counseling.  Special attention will be given to the biblical nature of personal conflicts in the lives of God’s people.

CMS 410 - CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
This communicates that our worship must be offered in faith, from a contrite heart, with the motivation of honoring our Heavenly Father.  This insightful series reveals the biblical portrait of worship involving our whole heart, soul and mind as well as the important involvement of each of our five senses.  He reminds us of the importance of beauty in worship, as well as the value of liturgy.

Christian Living Studies

CLS 110 - DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
This course studies the apostle Paul’s teaching on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.  He also addresses aspects of Christian growth, such as our assurance of salvation and our confidence in the sovereignty of God.  Also, it provides general guidelines for maintaining Christian integrity in a world filled with temptations.

CLS 210 - DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
This course studies the importance of the Christian community in the Christian life.

CLS 210 - DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN LIFE
This course addresses the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, Bible study, service and stewardship in order to help Christians mature in their faith.  It also examines the element of living by faith, pleasing God and facing important moral decision.