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Academics
Maranatha Baptist Seminary offers convenient learning options for our wide range of degrees. Click to see a full list of degrees we offer.
A theological study of leadership in the Bible, an examination of biblical examples of good leadership, and the application of leadership principles to church and ministry leaders today.
The application of the biblical principles of organizational leadership frequently found in the business world to ministry today, with an examination of non-biblical principles which must be rejected.
An examination of the historic view on the function of a Baptist church with special attention given to the Biblical principles underlying those views. Special attention will be given to current trends in Baptist polity.
A Biblical overview consisting of the pastoral function of the Old and New Testament model of the shepherd and the methods of the New Testament pastor. This class will provide a foundational perspective of the role of the shepherd upon which other New Testament principles can be properly established. This class will also address balancing administration and ministry; the pastor’s preaching; his family; and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well as the role of the shepherd in the discipline of the flock, providing some practical case studies for consideration and discussion.
A tuition-free research and writing course which must be taken before your first module. This is an online pass/fail class and can be done at your convenience. Contact the Seminary Office to enroll in this class.
A tuition-free research and writing course which must be taken before your first module. This is an online pass/fail class and can be done at your convenience. Contact the Seminary Office to enroll in this class.
The student will design and complete a written project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry. This final summative project shall be of sufficient quality that it contributes to the practice of ministry as judged by professional standards and is useful for application in the student's ministry. The project shall demonstrate the candidate’s ability to identify a specific ministry topic, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, and evaluate the results. It should also reflect the candidate’s depth of insight in relation to ministry. Upon completion of the ministry project, there shall be an oral presentation and evaluation. The completed written project, with any supplemental material, shall be accessioned in the Maranatha library.
A study of the great preachers of the past with examples and analysis of their preaching to determine what made them a “great preacher” and what the current preacher can learn from them.
An advanced study of sermon structure and development with an emphasis on adapting sermon structures to the Biblical text, and the development of variety in outlining and delivery methods. This course will explore declarative, narrative, inductive, deductive, and other sermonic structures. The course is designed to allow pastors to add new and fresh outlining and application methods to their preaching repertoire. (4 credit hours)
A study of the Gospels in the New Testament with an emphasis on a dispensational interpretation of the passages and instruction and examples on preaching these passages to a 21st century audience.
A study of the work of the gospel in the New Testament, with instruction and examples of preaching and teaching the gospel, growing local churches, challenging churches to discover where the needs are greatest around them, and planting new churches in areas of greatest need.
A study of the current use of small groups in local churches, how to maintain a common message, and ways in which the teaching in small groups aids in evangelization and sanctification.
An introduction to the role of the pastor in church counseling. The course includes basic instruction in grief counseling, marriage and family counseling, financial counseling, and other areas of counseling common to the pastorate.
This course provides a survey of foundational counseling principles, a study of the doctrine of sanctification, and an overview of the counseling process including a comprehensive methodological model for promoting biblical change in people. The goal of this course is to encourage biblical thinking and procedures in the process of helping people grow into Christlikeness.
The purpose of his course is to provide a doctrinal foundation for biblical counseling that focuses on spiritual change as it relates to the doctrine of sanctification. Emphasis will be placed on progressive sanctification as the best understanding of how believers grow in Christ. Other models of sanctification will also be examined. The course will also demonstrate the need for discipleship as pre-counseling and the importance of biblical counseling as specialized discipleship. Students will be given the opportunity to begin developing experience in discipleship/counseling.
The purpose of this course is to build off of the information and lessons in GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change. This course will provide a procedure for counseling including data gathering, diagnosis and assessment, homework generation, and application of biblical principles to counseling. Special emphasis will be given to four important counseling situations including anger, addiction, abuse, and post-traumatic stress. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or its equivalent.
The purpose of this course is to build off of the information and lessons in GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change. This course will provide a procedure for counseling including data gathering, diagnosis and assessment, homework generation, and application of biblical principles to counseling. Special emphasis will be given to four important counseling situations including anger, addiction, abuse, and post-traumatic stress. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or its equivalent.
Crisis situations such as suicide, sudden death, loss, grief, trauma, divorce, and other transitions of life are not isolated events. It is imperative that the biblical counselor has a proper scriptural construct to handle each counselee. This course will include an in-depth analysis of counseling for these crisis situations. Special attention will be given to the dynamics of a crisis, biblical principles regarding a crisis, and the process for crisis intervention. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
It is essential for a biblical counselor to be well trained in pre-marital and post-marital counseling. This class will address many marriage and family issues from a biblical perspective. Some of the topics that will be handled will be finances, parenting, in-laws, sexual difficulties, conflict and communication. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
Addictions are plaguing many in the Christian community. These addictions are devastating for individuals, their families and circle of influence. This class will survey various chemical and behavioral addictions like alcohol, illicit drugs, eating disorders, and sexual addictions. Different treatment models will be analyzed and evaluated. A special emphasis will be given to a biblical approach for spiritual restoration. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
Addictions are plaguing many in the Christian community. These addictions are devastating for individuals, their families and circle of influence. This class will survey various chemical and behavioral addictions like alcohol, illicit drugs, eating disorders, and sexual addictions. Different treatment models will be analyzed and evaluated. A special emphasis will be given to a biblical approach for spiritual restoration. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
One of the most prevalent counseling issues today in Christian communities is helping people through abuse situations. The Bible gives answers and hope for these very difficult situations. This course will define the terms and explain the types of abuse, symptoms of abuse, a proper theology for recovery, and a biblical strategy for giving hope to the survivor. Special emphasis will be given to providing a proper counseling framework for the counselor. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
An examination of biblical solutions to real issues faced in ministry. The student will research and apply what they have learned so that they can begin to help others. This seminar usually takes place for one week off-campus. The seminary does not charge tuition for this class, but there is a $25 recording fee. Prerequisite: GBC 503 Methods of Biblical Change or equivalent.
The approved practicum is designed for the student to apply their training in biblical counseling. The student will observe counseling and may counsel under the supervision of an experienced veteran in the field. The practicum connects the student’s biblical knowledge with effective practical application.
A research seminar dealing with current theological and social trends, problem areas in theology and personal living, and application of previous study to areas of concern.
This course studies the authorship, date, historical setting, and canonicity of the sixty-six books of the Bible along with a survey of the major modern critical approaches to those issues. Special attention is given to the inerrancy of scripture and to the methodological problems inherent in liberal scholarship's approach to Scripture.
An analysis of the theological issues facing missionaries, together with an analysis of biblical solutions. Special consideration will be given to the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a pluralistic world, the eternal destiny of the heathen, biblical absolutism and cultural.
A survey and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of church planting models and strategies around the world with emphasis on user-friendly multiplication strategies for the national church.
An introduction to the study of language acquisition – how individuals learn a language. It includes topics such as phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
A study of the values, customs, mores and communication styles of cultural groups, with the goal of interpreting the communicative behavior of students and explaining how conversational behavior differs from culture to culture. (3 credit hours)
This course examines a theology of the city and develops an apologetic for urban ministries. It also studies world demographics to help understand the impact of the city on the world’s population. This course is taken while on a four-month internship in an urban ministry.
This course examines the history of the city and extrapolates the future of the city. It also explains how a Christian can evangelize the large city. This course is taken while on a four-month internship in an urban ministry.
This course discusses the approaches to discipling urban citizens. It also examines the networking and support necessary for a successful urban ministry. This course is taken while on a four-month internship in an urban ministry.
This course consists of guided readings in the culture of the specific location of a student’s intercultural internship. Students may choose from a focus in Latin, African, Western European, Eastern European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures.
A seminar course in which the student develops, evaluates, and applies principles of engagement with the ethnography, linguistics, intercultural communication, and ministry development on an international setting.
This capstone internship requires students to participate for a minimum of twelve weeks in an international location for the purpose of developing cultural competence in various settings.
A study of the history of fundamentalism, with special attention given to its reactions to modernism, neo-orthodoxy, and new evangelicalism. The course is designed to give the student a base for examining new movements in the light of scriptural truth.
A study of the history of fundamentalism, with special attention given to its reactions to modernism, neo-orthodoxy, and new evangelicalism. The course is designed to give the student a base for examining new movements in the light of scriptural truth.
A survey of the history of the geographical expansion of Christianity. The course will focus on the last two centuries of Protestant missions, with special attention given to Baptist missionaries and mission agencies.
A survey of New Testament Christianity from the time of the Apostles to the present. This includes the development of New Testament forms of Christianity with a special treatment of the Anabaptist and the modern Baptist movements.
A study of the history of Christendom from the second century to the present. This includes the Roman Catholic movement and its various institutions and Protestantism from the Reformation to the present, including its various manifestations.
A study of the origin, theological development, and historical traditions of the Anabaptists and English and American Baptists as the setting for an outline of the historical basis for the Baptist distinctives and other major contributions to theology, including a survey of major Baptist theologians and traditional theological statements.
Current topics relative to the study of church history and especially Baptist history are examined and investigated. Students are encouraged to select topics of interest to them for inclusion in this course.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
An introductory course in New Testament Greek, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary, with some readings in the Johannine writings in the second semester.
A study of the Greek New Testament emphasizing extensive reading in selected passages throughout the New Testament. The reading and class discussions are designed to review Greek grammar and vocabulary and to introduce Greek syntax of conjunctions, prepositions, infinitives, and participles. Semantic analysis of Greek readings will also be taught using phrase diagramming.
A study of the Greek New Testament emphasizing grammatical analysis of selected passages throughout the New Testament. This will be accomplished through an exegetical approach to the syntax of the article, nouns, and verbs.
A thorough study of the exegetical method used to accurately interpret the text of the Greek New Testament. Emphasis will be placed on producing pedagogical and homiletical outlines that clearly communicate the accurate interpretation of the text.
A study of the history and literature of the time from Malachi to the birth of Christ, with an emphasis on the social and political influences which affected the Roman and Jewish worlds and on other background information necessary for a complete understanding of the New Testament.
A biblical and theological study of the Gospels, emphasizing the themes, structures, and contents of these books, with a special emphasis on one of the Gospels.
An expository and exegetical study of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, with special attention given to the instructions Paul gave for the pastoral ministry.
An expository and exegetical study of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, with special attention given to the solution of the problems within the church and the application of those solutions to the problems within today’s church.
An expository and exegetical study of Galatians, with special attention given to the true gospel, law and grace, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life.
Advanced exegesis of the Greek text of the General Epistles with attention given to mastery of the syntax, vocabulary, interpretive problems, and practical and homiletical value of each book.
Advanced exegesis of the Greek text of Paul’s Epistles with attention given to mastery of the syntax, vocabulary, interpretive problems, and practical and homiletical value of each book.
An exegetical study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, with emphasis on doctrinal themes together with application to Christian living.
New Testament topics of practical and theological significance are examined and investigated. Students are encouraged to select topics of interest to them for inclusion in this course.
An introductory course in Biblical Hebrew, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary and syntax with a focus on readings in the Old Testament during the second semester.
An introductory course in Biblical Hebrew, including the study of word forms, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary and syntax with a focus on readings in the Old Testament during the second semester.
A study of the progressive development of special revelation in the Old Testament period with an emphasis on its contribution to the central message of the Bible, its main theological subthemes, and its major continuities and discontinuities with New Testament theology.
A study of the history and literature of the time from Moses to Malachi, with an emphasis on the social and political influences which affected the Jewish and Mid-East worlds and on other background information necessary for a complete understanding of the Old Testament.
Maranatha sponsors a tour of the Holy Land to acquaint the student with the actual geography of Israel. Advanced reading and post-trip writing add to the onsite lectures and the experience of being in Israel.
A survey of the content of the Pentateuch with an emphasis on the historical/cultural setting and its interpretational problems. The course will also introduce the student to the narrative genre and its interpretive requirements.
A study of the structure and content of the Major Prophets: of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, with special attention given to the Messianic and prophetic sections.
A study of the structure and content of the Minor Prophets, with an emphasis on the prophetic themes of each book. The course will also introduce the student to the prophetic genre and its interpretive requirements.
A study of the theology, structure, content, and key issues of interpretation of Joshua–Esther in light of the biblical historical background, connection to the Pentateuch, and progressive revelation of the Old Testament with an emphasis toward preaching and application.
A study of the structure and contents of the book of Job with an emphasis on the issues of revelation and faith in the patriarchal period and the theological crisis caused by traumatic life events coupled with poor counsel.
A study of the structure of the various types of Hebrew poetry, the contents of representative poetic sections of the Old Testament, and the impact of Hebrew poetry in the life of the believer today, with an emphasis on the book of Psalms.
A study of Old Testament wisdom literature with a focus on the book of Proverbs by studying the book’s cultural, historical, and literary settings, examining its structure and purpose, and relating its prominent theme of wisdom to the whole of life.
A study of the theology, structure, content, and key issues of interpretation of Job–Song of Solomon with attention given to poetic structure, purpose, role in the life of a believer, and preaching and application.
A study of the use of Hebrew for exegesis, including the study of syntax, structure analysis, textual criticism, words studies, and practical and homiletical uses. Students will also do selected translations.
Advanced exegesis of the Hebrew text with attention given to mastery of the syntax, vocabulary, interpretive problems, and practical and homiletical uses.
An exegetical and biographical study of the books of Samuel, emphasizing the positive and the negative values of the characters involved. This course also includes instruction in the interpretation and preaching of Bible biography.
A study of exegetical methods for Psalms giving special emphasis to poetic structure and content of the various types of Psalms, and their role in the life of the believer today.
An examination of the Messianic prophecies in light of the chronology of God’s progressive revelation. This course includes the exegesis of key Old Testament passages and the examination of the New Testament fulfillment of these prophecies.
Old Testament topics of practical and theological significance are examined and investigated. Students are encouraged to select topics of interest to them for inclusion in this course.
An examination of the history of Old Testament criticism with special attention given to authenticity and inerrancy of the Biblical texts, the methodological and factual errors in critical scholarship, and the interaction of evangelicalism with liberal scholarship. This course is designed for the student planning to pursue doctoral education.
A careful consideration of management styles and theories with special application to pastoral administration of the people, programs and policies of the local church. Church calendar management, church litigation issues, and matters of pastoral delegation will be analyzed and discussed.
An introductory study of the preaching, including a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of expository, topical, and textual preaching. This course includes instruction on the process for the preacher to move from the text to the sermon. Students who have had an adequate undergraduate homiletics class may not take this course.
A practical study of the relationship between hermeneutics and homiletics and the various ways to preach from the Old Testament, with a focus on expository preaching.
A practical study of the relationship between hermeneutics and homiletics and the various ways to preach from the New Testament, with a focus on expository preaching.
A practicum course based on the introductory study of preaching. This course includes continued instruction in homiletical sermon preparation with specific application of that process in several practice preaching assignments. Sermons will be critiqued by students and professors as part of the class requirements. Prerequisites: GPA 521 or equivalent. (2 hours credit)
An introduction to the ministry of church planting with an emphasis on equipping students with the principles and strategies needed for starting and developing Gospel-centered churches and the development of a biblical vision for a new ministry.
An examination of the process of disciple making in the local church ministry. Special focus will be given to the development of a philosophy of discipleship involving both pastor and people. Both the process and the product of disciple making will be considered from a biblical and practical perspective. Innovative ideas for discipleship ministries from early childhood to late adulthood will be considered.
The ministry and the minister considered as a profession. Special emphasis will be given to pastoral conduct related to the pastor’s personal life, moral choices, associations, and practices as they apply to colleagues, community and congregation.
A study of the function of a Baptist church from a Biblical and historical perspective, with special attention given to current trends in Baptist polity.
An introduction to developing a church missions policy with attention given to the contemporary issues of missions, the funding of missions, and the church’s involvement with the missionaries it supports and their mission boards. The ethical issues concerning the dismissal of a missionary will be examined.
The purpose of this course is to examine a subsection of ethics that focuses on issues involving medical care and biotechnology from a biblical absolutist perspective (normative ethics). Areas of discussion include reproduction and birth, death, genetics, healthcare, and the role of the physician. The ethical issues that accompany these areas are significant and require careful examination. As a result terms such as person, life and death, fairness, consciousness, and dignity will be discussed from both contemporary and biblical perspectives (metaethics).
An examination of the biblical teaching concerning leadership, with an application of that theology to the local church, the mission field and other areas of spiritual leadership.
A survey of the complex legal and organizational issues confronting churches in modern America. Students will develop an understanding of the role and relationship of the church in American law and a practical understanding of risk management, financial administration, and employment law that attend the pastor’s role as CEO of the local church organization.
A survey of the complex legal and organizational issues confronting pastors and other church leaders in modern America. Students will develop an understanding of the role and relationship of the pastor in American law and a practical understanding of risk management, financial administration, and employment law that attend the pastor’s role as CEO of the local church organization.
A survey of the complex legal and organizational issues confronting pastors and other church leaders in modern America. Students will develop an understanding of the role and relationship of the pastor in American law and a practical understanding of risk management, financial administration, and employment law that attend the pastor's role as CEO of the local church organization.
A study of the dispensations and covenants, the relationship between law and grace, and dispensationalism as a hermeneutical method. The course includes a study of the history, theory, and practical use of grammatical-historical interpretation.
A study of the dispensations and covenants, the relationship between law and grace, and dispensationalism as a hermeneutical method. The course includes a study of the history, theory, and practical use of grammatical-historical interpretation.
A study of the dispensations and covenants, the relationship between law and grace, and dispensationalism as a hermeneutical method. The course includes a study of the history, theory, and practical use of grammatical-historical interpretation.
A study of the defense and validity of the Christian theistic world view, including its biblical base, and an evaluation of and appropriate responses to major arguments set forth by opponents to Christianity.
An analysis of the various theological systems in America, beginning with early Puritanism and continuing to the current era, with a special emphasis on current theological trends.
A study of the elements of effective thinking designed to enable students to accurately evaluate the soundness of written and spoken theological assertions (both their own and others’), including a discussion of the logical fallacies than render an argument invalid.
A study of holiness in the Old and New Testaments. This course will examine the biblical words for holiness and their meanings. It will seek to develop a thorough theology of God’s holiness and the application of His holiness to the lives and service of believers and to the ministry of New Testament churches.
A biblical theology of the kingdom, with special emphasis on the role which kingdom theology plays in Progressive Dispensationalism and in more traditional dispensational thought.
A study of the origin, theological development, and historical traditions of the Anabaptists and English and American Baptists as the setting for an outline of the historical basis for the Baptist distinctives and other major contributions to theology, including a survey of major Baptist theologians and traditional theological statements.