Courses | M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Biblical and Pastoral Ministry)
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For more program details, including graduation requirements and learning outcomes, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Curriculum Requirements
| TTBE 517 | Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods |
A study of principles or sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena and the development of an exegetical method. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTBE 519 | Old Testament Survey |
A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTBE 520 | New Testament Survey |
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 591 | Introduction to Field Education |
| Introduction into the practical elements of ministry. Emphasis will be placed on career planning, field experience and preparation for Field Education Internship in the M.Div. and M.A.C.M.L. programs. Notes: Required of M.Div. students and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 592 | Field Education II |
| Weekly involvement in ministry with satisfactory completion of student's self-evaluation form and supervisor's evaluation form. Notes: Required of M.Div. students and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: C. | |
| TTPT 602 | Pastoral Ministry |
| A study of a pastor's call, purpose, and role in ministry. Special attention will be given to providing leadership in worship, music, ordinances, weddings, funerals, and hospital and home visitation. Notes: Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries, Christian Education, Evangelism and Discipleship, Spiritual Formation) students, and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 609 | Expository Preaching |
The process of preparation that results in sermons that are biblically accurate, easy to follow, interesting to listen to and relevant to contemporary needs. Notes: Required of M.Div., M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry and Women's Ministry), and B.A. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 610 | Contemporary Biblical Preaching |
A study of factors leading to preaching effectiveness, including: creative preaching forms, speaker credibility, listener motivation, auditorium size and shape, filing systems and organizing the work week. Notes: Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries; Evangelism and Discipleship) students, and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 691 | Field Education III |
Weekly involvement in ministry with satisfactory completion of student's self-evaluation form and supervisor's evaluation form. Notes: Required of M.Div. (except Pastoral Care and Counseling) and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. M.Div. Pastoral Care and Counseling students take TTPT 693, TTPT 694, and TTPT 695 instead. Grade Mode: C. | |
| TTPT 703 | The Church and Society |
| A study of biblical ethics and the role the local church plays in the community. Special attention will be given to major social problems such as sanctity of life, chemical abuse, domestic violence, social ills, and the political process. Notes: Required of M.A.C.M.L. (Pastoral Care and Counseling, Sports Ministries; Preaching and Pastoral Ministry may take TTPH 602 instead), M.A. Diversified, and M.Div. (except Missions and Intercultural Studies) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 707 | Foundations of Pastoral Care and Counseling |
| Explores ministry to people who request counseling in church and para-church contexts. Starting with relationship building skills, students will discover their limits in help-giving, and learn appropriate referral process. Much of the course focus will then be an exploration of building small communities within a church ministry. Notes: Required of M.Div. (except Spiritual Formation), M.A.C.M.L., and M.A.C.E. students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 730 | Biblical Leadership and Management |
| The biblical basis for organizational management and leadership. Examination of the process of planning, organizing, leading and supporting from a biblical basis and made applicable to Christian service and ministry. Notes: Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries) students and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 741 | Preaching Narrative Literature |
| A great deal of scripture was written in narrative format. This course will equip students to properly interpret the story portions of the Old and New Testament, and assist them in preaching this literature with new confidence and power. Notes: Required of M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 742 | Preaching the Wisdom and Poetic Literature of the Old Testament |
| A genre sensitive approach to interpreting and communicating the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, with the goal of equipping the student to capture the insights and spiritual impact of this literature. Notes: Required of M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 791 | Field Internship |
Integration of all the disciplines of ministry and seminary education. It provides supervised experience in various phases of Christian ministry. One hundred hours of field experience each semester are evaluated in classroom interaction. Notes: Required of M.Div. (except Pastoral Care and Counseling, Spiritual Formation, and Missions and Intercultural Studies) and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry); Missions and Intercultural Studies students see ISCL 791–792; Pastoral Care and Counseling see TTPT 693, 694, and 695. Offered Fall semester only. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 792 | Field Internship |
Integration of all the disciplines of ministry and seminary education. It provides supervised experience in various phases of Christian ministry. One hundred hours of field experience each semester are evaluated in classroom interaction. Notes: Required of M.Div. (except Pastoral Care and Counseling, Spiritual Formation, and Missions and Intercultural Studies) and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry); Missions and Intercultural Studies students see ISCL 791–792; Pastoral Care and Counseling see TTPT 693, 694, and 695. Offered Spring semester only. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation |
| Introductory study of the nature of spiritual theology and formation, which attempts to understand the nature of new life in Christ, the process of formation in the Spirit and the directives for cooperating with His work. Attention is given to the implications of Spiritual Theology for seminary training and classroom experience. Particular attention is given to understanding the implications of life in Christ regarding guilt, shame and legalism as well as the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in transforming the heart in light of the dynamics of original sin, early relational development and the habits of sin developed over time. Attention is also given to developmental spirituality, how the Spirit transforms the heart over time and how this affects ministries of teaching, preaching and discipleship in the church. Notes: Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program. A retreat will be introduced and required. This course will include a cohort group of no more than 15 students who explore the course content as well as the student's own life and growth within community. Required in the students' first semester at Talbot. Only students in the Talbot M.Div. program with a specialization in Messianic Jewish Studies (Feinberg Extension) are eligible to take this course for 2 credits. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation |
A theological and experiential exploration into human relationships and issues related to gender, romance, marriage, family and parenting as they relate to spiritual growth. Course includes an investigation into the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Personal assessments and a one-day retreat are an integral part of this course. Students will experience spiritual community and intercessory prayer as they begin individual spiritual direction with a spiritual director and continue relationships within a cohort group to explore deeply their relational capacity at the heart of how Christ is formed in them, thereby developing deeper levels of trust and vulnerability.Prerequisites: TTSF 501. Notes: Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program. Cohort groups will continue to meet from TTSF 501 and a one-day group spiritual retreat will be required. Only students in the Talbot M.Div. program with a specialization in Messianic Jewish Studies (Feinberg Extension) are eligible to take this course for 2 credits. Grade Mode: A, N. | |
| TTSF 504 | Spiritual Formation, Vocation, and the Disciplines |
| A theological and experiential exploration of the believer's vocation and the various 'callings' in the Bible as it relates to the general call of loving God and neighbor, a training in righteousness and conformity to Christ's image. Explores the panoply of spiritual disciplines sanctioned by the Bible and developed throughout Church history in order to enter deeply into one's calling. This learning takes place in a cohort group and includes various modalities of learning. A retreat component is included with this course. The retreat focuses on various spiritual disciplines and one's relation to the various calls of God in one's life, particularly one's personal call to ministry. Notes: Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program. Grade Mode: C, N. | |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I |
| A personal experience is required in Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at ISF. This course provides students the opportunity to explore their life of prayer and growth with a trained spiritual director from the Institute for Spiritual Formation. Notes: Two semesters of spiritual direction must be completed for the Spiritual Formation Focus requirement (TTSF 506 after completion of TTSF 505). Students are required to meet with an approved spiritual director a minimum of four times per semester. Required of all Talbot students not enrolled in a Spiritual Formation academic program. Grade Mode: C. | |
| TTSF 506 | Talbot Spiritual Direction II |
| A personal experience is required in Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at ISF. This course provides students the opportunity to explore their life of prayer and growth with a trained spiritual director from the Institute for Spiritual Formation. Notes: Two semesters of spiritual direction must be completed for the Spiritual Formation Focus requirement (TTSF 506 after completion of TTSF 505). Students are required to meet with an approved spiritual director a minimum of four times per semester. Required of all Talbot students not enrolled in a Spiritual Formation academic program. Grade Mode: C. | |
| TTTH 521 | Theology I: God, Scripture, Creation |
| An introduction to theology and theological method. Scripture, including inspiration and inerrancy. God, including his attributes and triune nature. God's work of creation, including God's eternal plan, the angels, and providence. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTTH 522 | Theology II: Christ, Humanity, Sin, Salvation |
| Humanity in the image of God, including human nature, the family, and civil government. The fall and the effect of sin upon humanity. The person and work of Christ. The nature and application of salvation, including regeneration, justification, and sanctification. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things |
The person and work of the Holy Spirit. The inception and nature of the church, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances, and mission. The broad kingdom purpose of God, including Christ's second coming, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, judgment, and the eternal state. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A. | |
Additional Requirements
Select one of the following:
| TTPH 602 | Apologetics |
| An examination of the Christian worldview and the various Christian apologetic responses in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy. Notes: Required for M.Div. and M.A. (Theology) students. Elective for M.A. (Philosophy) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTPT 510 | Evangelism and Disciple-Making Strategies |
This course explores biblical principles for evangelism and discipleship in order to determine the most relevant strategies and practices for individuals and churches to evangelize and disciple in their local context. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity (Evangelism and Discipleship) and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Ministry and Leadership); option within Master of Divinity (Spiritual Formation) for two of five course selections; option within Master of Divinity (Pastoral and General Ministry) for two of four course selections; option within Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Biblical and Pastoral Ministry) for one of two course selections. Grade Mode: A. | |
Greek
Students may choose to take either the Greek (TTNT) or Hebrew (TTOT) track.
| TTNT 501 | Beginning Greek I |
| An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translation of portions of the New Testament in the second semester. Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses. Notes: Not for credit in the M.Div. or M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) programs unless the student takes it in place of elective credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTNT 502 | Beginning Greek II |
| An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translation of portions of the New Testament in the second semester. Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses. Notes: Not for credit in the M.Div. or M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) programs unless the student takes it in place of elective credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTNT 503 | Introduction to Exegesis |
A comprehensive survey of morphology and syntax, the building of a Greek vocabulary, an introduction to textual criticism, and the development of an exegetical methodology with reading in selected passages of the Greek New Testament. Designed to emphasize the value of Greek study as a tool for understanding the biblical text. Lecture/Lab Hours: Includes a required one hour non-credit lab. Notes: Required of M.Div., M.A. (Bible Exposition, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology), and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTNT 604 | Exegesis in the Gospels |
Exegetical study of select passages from the Greek text of the gospels. Application of exegetical methodology and discussion of background issues, including historical backgrounds, composition, authorship, and distinctives of each book. Special attention given to assessment of modern critical methods for the interpretation of the biblical text. Notes: Required of all M.A. (New Testament) students. M.Div. and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students may take TTNT 604 or TTNT 605. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTNT 605 | Exegesis in the Epistles |
Exegetical study of select passages from the Greek text of the Epistles in the light of the historical framework of the book of Acts. Application of exegetical methodology and discussion of background issues, including historical backgrounds, composition, authorship, and distinctives of each book. Special attention given to assessment of modern critical methods for the interpretation of the biblical text. Notes: Required of all M.A. (New Testament) students. M.Div. and M.A.C.M.L. (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry) students may take TTNT 604 or TTNT 605. Grade Mode: A. | |
Hebrew
Students may choose to take either the Greek (TTNT) or Hebrew (TTOT) track.
| TTOT 603 | Elements of Hebrew I |
| Basic grammar with translation and written exercises. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. (Old Testament) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTOT 604 | Elements of Hebrew II |
| Additional grammar and syntax with emphasis on reading and translation in selected biblical texts. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. (Old Testament) students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTOT 703 | Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis |
Reading of Hebrew prose texts (intermediate level), including grammatical analysis and introduction to exegetical methods (especially text criticism, translation, syntax and lexical analysis). Grade Mode: A. | |
| TTOT 722 | Hebrew Exegesis |
Reading of Hebrew texts (advanced level) and application of comprehensive exegetical methods to selected texts. Notes: May be taken multiple times with different content. Required for M.A. (Old Testament) students. Two credits minimum required for M.Div. students. Grade Mode: A. | |