Course Details for Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Distance Learning campus
Semester 2, 2025
Orientation: 14 - 18 July
Semester begins: 14 July
Theology Intensives week: 11 - 15 August
Mid semester break: 22 September - 3 October
Theology Intensives week: 13 - 17 October
Semester ends: 14 November
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 2025: 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.
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 2025: 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.
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.
123.615/715 Prophets
This course examines the nature of Old Testament prophecy, the language of prophecy, and the eighth century prophets with special reference to the book of Amos. Either a) exegesis of selections of the English text of Amos, or b) translation and exegesis of selections of the Hebrew text of Amos.
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.
205.615/715 Church: Theology and Practice
This course introduces students to ecclesiology: biblical and historical perspectives. Attention will be given to the development of the church’s self-understanding as the people of God and to a range of approaches to ministry and sacraments.
308.515 Christian History: Our Story
This course offers a survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the early church through to the 21st century with attention to the life and thought of key individuals.
310.615/715 Te Harinui: The History of Christianity in Aotearoa
This course explores the story of Christianity in Aotearoa, with particular attention to the spread of the Gospel among Māori and interactions between Christianity and New Zealand identity and institutions, and the contextualization of that story in Christian leadership in Aotearoa.
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.
474.530 Leadership Internship I
This course aims to evaluate Christian leadership models within the context of church, mission, and community ministries. Interns will build, lead, and contribute to teams in a way which reflects their sense of call and personal strengths, and through the application of leadership practices that enhance the goals of their chosen ministry. Note:There is an additional course cost of about $150 to pay for CliftonStrengths online assessment and coaching.
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.
479.715 Practicum II
This course aims to build ministry critical 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.
540.615/715 Making Disciples that Last
This course explores the key relational aspects of effective youth ministry with an emphasis on developing young people personally and spiritually. Students will gain a deeper understanding of relationships between aspects of youth culture and the discipleship of young people. Topics covered in the course include biblical and theological understandings of discipleship, cultural and personal identity formation, family dynamics, adolescent human development, and appropriate communications and mentoring strategies.
561.615/715 Introduction to Preaching
This course helps prepare students to preach biblical sermons that witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Preaching is an event where we participate with the triune God in faithfully proclaiming the Gospel so that people may faithfully respond.
582.615/715 Evangelism 1
This course explores the biblical and theological foundation for evangelism. It provides an introduction to the concepts, motivations, process, and issues of evangelism in the contemporary world.
590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice
This course explores biblical, theological, and practical studies by means of a process of spiritual formation. Students will reflect on their key learnings and faith journey over their course of study and articulate a personal ethos for their vocation in the mission of God through interaction with peers and faculty members. Entry into this course for non-BTh students is by application to BTh programme lead.
612.615/715 Majority World Theology
This course offers an introductory look at ‘local’ theologies. It considers how cultures bring differences of emphasis and insight into their reading of Scripture and ways in which evaluation is still required and possible as the Gospel is related to the worldviews of particular contexts.
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.
Distance students may attend classes in person or on zoom. See the Theology timetable for details
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.