Course Details for Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Distance Learning campus
Semester 2, 2022
107.515 Hebrew 2
This course is a continuation of 106.515 Hebrew 1 and develops students in preparation for translation and exegesis of biblical Hebrew. Note for 2024: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Henderson Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.
109.515 Greek 2
This course is a continuation of 108.515, a study of the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis. Note for 2024: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evening on Mondays and Thursdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.
115.515 Reading the Bible
This course aims to introduce the broad shape of the biblical story and show how the Christian gospel is integral to biblical theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of the Bible to make sense of the relationships between the Bible, theology, and all of life.
120.515 Reading the Old Testament
This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of Old Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.
126.615/715 Wisdom
This course explores the distinctive features of Old Testament wisdom and her texts, her key concerns, and her place in the life of faith, work and learning, ultimately to find that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10).
152.615/715 Epistles 2
This course explores the life setting, text, and theological perspectives of selected New Testament epistles from either Philippians, the Thessalonian letters, James, or 1 Peter. After exploring the background to the epistle, the letter will be thoroughly exegeted, key themes will be identified and explored, and the message of the letter will be applied to contemporary life and ministry.
201.515 Engaging Theology
Aim: To explore systematic theology and teach learners to think theologically. It examines God’s self-revelation, how that revelation can be understood, and why it is foundational for Christian faith. To then explore the arrangement of this revelation into a set of core beliefs and their application to everyday living.
203.615/715 The Trinity
This course examines the existence and nature of the triune God; biblical overview of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit; God in creation and providence; the problem of evil; humans made in the image of God; the nature and origins of sin; dialogue with some contemporary and scientific reflections on creation and humanity; angels and powers and principalities.
219.615/715 Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence
This course explores how we can genuinely know and authentically live out the truth contained within the Biblical narrative. Recognising that all truth is indwelled truth leads to a posture of “proper confidence” in the gospel. This “proper confidence” is contrasted with alternative constructions of truth and meaning common in contemporary New Zealand society and beyond. The course provides and encourages the development of new examples and practical outworking’s of an indwelled gospel truth which is directly applicable to the student’s everyday experience.
351.715 Research Topic 1: Christian Thought and History
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: Bible, Theology, or History. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
352.715 Research Topic 2: Practical Theology
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, practical theology, or missiology. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
401.515 Formation
This course aims to help learners reflect on personal and communal spiritual formation, through engagement with Scripture, theological understandings and a variety of Christian spiritual traditions. This reflection will include (1) evaluation of key aspects of their own formation, (2) evaluation of their experiences of personal and communal strategies intended to facilitate spiritual growth, and (3) the development of spiritual practices which will strengthen their contribution to enhancing human wellbeing within their own social and cultural contexts.
475.530 Leadership Internship II
This course aims to apply a range of key Christian leadership skills to develop and lead a team. The intern will plan and execute an assigned ministry project which will contribute to the goals of a church, mission, or community ministry.
478.615 Practicum I
This course aims to build ministry awareness, leadership resilience, and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
505.515 Christian Leadership & Mission
This course aims to explore and evaluate a range of mission, church, and community-based programmes and applies faith-based principles in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Learners will reflect on how personal and communal expressions of faith can enhance the wellbeing of others in a range of social and cultural contexts.
542.615/715 Youth Ministry Leadership
This course explores the topic of leadership in youth ministry with an emphasis upon developing sustainable leadership practices. Topics covered in the course include: biblical and theological reflection on leadership; personal and communal practices to support effective and sustainable leadership; risk management; management and teamwork; and nurturing new leaders.
575.615/715 Pastoral Leadership
This course explores the integration of biblical, theological and management perspectives for church ministry. Students will critically evaluate a range of approaches and work toward a personal philosophy of church leadership and management.
607.615/715 Christianity and Other Religions
This course is an introduction to the Christian study of World Religions, theology of religions and issues relating to pluralism, community relationships, dialogue and evangelism. An introduction to primal religions, Islam, Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as alternative or neo-pagan spiritualities in Western contexts. The course balances sympathetic appreciation, understanding and sensitivity with positive evangelistic commitment.
653.715 Tikanga Rangahau
Working closely with the course co-ordinator this course offers the opportunity for in depth individual research on a particular aspect of Māori theology studied in the indigenous courses. The aim is to identify and become familiar with resources on the chosen topic, to strengthen knowledge base, and to comment and critique on findings.
907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawenata
People of all cultures draw their own self-knowledge from their engagement with other people and the world. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context this means an honouring of the covenantal spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and an awareness of its relational intent. This course introduces Tikanga Maori on the basis of understanding people in their contexts, and combines theological, theoretical and historical reflection with the development of practices drawn from an integration of these. The course includes regular oral activities aimed at developing fluency in the use of te reo and tikanga in a range of settings. The culmination of this oral learning is participation in the Noho Marae, where an overnight stay on a marae provides an integrated opportunity to engage with Maori culture beyond the classroom.
This timetable is correct at the time of publication; however the College reserves the right to cancel courses, or alter lecture times should circumstances arise. Up to date information is available at any time by contacting the College.