The following course descriptions represent both required courses and examples of elective courses, which may vary from what is listed here. Students should refer to the curriculum section to determine which courses are required and which are elective for his program. Due to present limitations in teachers and facilitators, we generally cannot offer different Electives simultaneously. Students should consult with the Dean of Students or their assigned academic advisor to determine which electives would be most appropriate.
This department of the curriculum is designed to equip the student with the necessary tools for a lifetime of ‘rightly handling the Word of Truth’ (2 Tim 2:15). Language courses are offered, as are courses designed to help the student understand the work of interpreting the scriptures and making relevant applications to Ukrainians living in the 21st century. The student will also work through the major sections of Scripture to understand the major themes and contents found throughout God’s Word. This department has 4 sub-categories: LT – Language Training; BI – Biblical Interpretation; OT – Old Testament; NT – New Testament.
LT 110 Hebrew I 3 credits
This course provides an elementary introduction to Hebrew grammar (orthography, morphology and syntax). Major attention will be given to the verbal system, vocabulary, and learning to read the Hebrew text.
This Course should enable the student to work with Old Testament Commentaries and Lexicons and equip the student with basic tools to exegete portions of the Old Testament.
LT 111 Hebrew II 3 credits
This is an elective course, that is taught as a continuation of the Introduction to Hebrew course. More attention is paid to syntax, grammar and exegesis. Translation and analysis of selected texts are required. Elements of textual criticism are introduced. In this way the future leader will be better equipped to understand and explain the Word of God to the congregation in a country where the study of the Old Testament is sometimes neglected.
LT 112 Greek I 3 credits
Since Ukrainian religious life is strongly influenced by the Greek New Testament and the Greek Fathers, the student should have an elementary knowledge of the Greek of the New Testament. In this elementary course, which is prescribed for students without knowledge of Greek, students will study beginning elements of morphology including the verbal system, vocabulary, and grammar. In order to further the ability of the student to preach the Gospel, the student will learn to read and translate select passages of the New Testament.
LT 113 Greek II 3 credits
This course is a continuation of Greek I with an emphasis on vocabulary, syntax, grammar, translation, reading, and the rudiments of exegesis. Continued instruction in the Greek verbal system is included. Elements of textual criticism are introduced.
BI 210 Biblical Interpretation 3 credits
This course provides a thorough investigation of the principles and procedures used in the past and in the present in interpreting Old and New Testament.Introduction and training is particularly provided in reformed exegesis and hermeneutics. The course teaches the student which steps must be taken to achieve good exegesis and exposition. Training in biblical interpretation will also give attention to catechesis and homiletics. Attention is also given to developing consistency is one’s approach to the study of God’s Word.
BI 211 Biblical Theology of the Covenant 3 credits
The Revelation of God and His plan to dwell with mankind cannot be understood without a thorough knowledge of the covenant of the Lord with its blessing and its curses, its promises and commandments. This course gives introduction to the Presbyterian /Reformed understanding of God’s covenant, its several types, its history and its importance for mission. This course presents an approach to studying the Word of God against the backdrop of alternative modern views. The course will discuss the relationship between various portions of the Word, the centrality of the Gospel, and the significance of the covenant for the modern Christian. Issues of canonicity will also be discussed.
OT 310 Pentateuch 3 credits
The Pentateuch as Revelation of the Triune God is the foundation on which the further revelation of the Lord is based. This course is a survey of the Pentateuch with special attention given to: relationship to ancient Near Eastern literature and history, the history of redemption and the literary structure of the Pentateuch, major themes, and types. The student will also be able to explain the reformed response to Pentateuch-critics. In order to preach the Gospel according the full will and revelation of God, students will learn to preach and teach taking into consideration the history, institutions, ceremonies and traditions of the Pentateuch.
OT 311 Joshua-Esther 3 credits
This course examines the history of Israel as God’s people from their establishment in Israel to their exile and return. Emphasis will be given to the ongoing Self-revelation of the God of the Covenant and Israel’s covenantal relationship with the Lord. Students will study the introductory issues related to each of the books in this section. Emphasis will also be given on the Messianic Revelation within the Old Testament. The relation of history with prophecy will also be explored.
OT 312 Poetry and Wisdom 3 credits
In this course the Hebrew poetic and wisdom books are analysed to determine their meaning and significance. Students will study the introductory issues related to each of the books in this section. This course will explore the different categories of Psalms, the relation of the Wisdom literature with the cultures that surrounded Israel, existential questions and answers in Job and Ecclesiastes, and the Messianic aspects of Wisdom literature. Because of our Ukrainian context, emphasis will be given to exploring the strong emotional themes in Ukrainian religious experience and how these emotions relate to what is presented in the Psalms and other literature, as well as how these emotions are placed under the sovereignty of and before the throne of the God of the Covenant.
OT 313 Prophets 3 credits
The major and Minor Prophets are the focus of this course. The prophets are examined in order to understand their, message, theology and the role in the history of Israel. Special emphasis will be given to a comparison of how the prophets criticized society, wealth, social sins and the relationship of these problems and process to modern day Ukraine. Introductory issues related to the books of this section will be explored. Particular emphasis will be given to the nature of prophecy and its implications, as well as the prophetic depiction of the Messiah. The relationship between prophecy and history/future will also be discussed, especially as it relates to apocalyptic literature.
NT 410 Gospels 3 credits
This course introduces the New Testament in general and specifically, the four Gospels. Lectures will be concentrated on the words and deeds of the Lord Jesus in their redemptive-historical setting and in relation to the OT. Special attention will be given to the manner in which Jesus Christ communicated with people. Critical matters concerning the synoptic question, authorship, methodology, composition and interpretation are also discussed. Lectures also concentrate on the main items of the religious, social and economic context of Jesus’ lifetime and the first century AD. This course considers geographical matters.
NT 411 Acts and Pauline Epistles 3 credits
This course is intended to deepen the student’s understanding about the way in which the Lord fulfils His promise to bring the Gospel to the World and how He preserves His church. Questions of introduction will be considered for each book. Basic themes of Revelation in Acts and the letters of Paul will be discussed in general but with special attention to the following items: 1) witness in NT; 2) theology of miracle and miraculous gifts; 3) the way in which the Apostles communicated the Gospel. The Jewish and pagan religious institutions and the contacts and confrontation with Judaism, Hellenism, Roman society, mystery religions, and Gnosticism are also studied.
NT 412 General Epistles and Revelation 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to each of the general epistles and the book of Revelation. The class will also explore the relation of these epistles to the rest of Scripture. The course will address a variety of themes and messages in these letters including how the apostles defended and proclaimed the gospel against the challenges of current heresies and life-styles and the critical questions and hermeneutics related to the book of Revelation
This department of the curriculum is designed to help the student grow in his understanding of and appreciation for church history. The student will study both Eastern and Western church history and grow in his ability to analyze and apply the lessons of church history to contemporary issues faced by the church in Ukraine and around the world.
CH 510 Early Church till 1100 3 credits
In this course, an introduction will be given to the growth and development of the Eastern and Western church to the time of the Great Schism. Special attention will be given to the prominent church fathers, the creeds, councils, and controversies of the early church.
Particular attention will be given to the history and spread of the Byzantine church and its theological development, including the iconoclastic controversy, the meaning of salvation, the role of tradition in the church. Differences between the Byzantine and Western church will be considered.
CH511 1100-1700 Eastern and Western Church 3 credits
In this course the history of the Eastern and Western Church after the Great Schism will be examined.
In respect to the Eastern Church attention will be paid to the ecclesiastical developments in Ukraine and Russia, including the progress of Orthodoxy, confrontation with Islam, schismatic movements, attempts at reunification, the rise of Moscow, the relation of the church to the state, and the early presence of Protestantism.
In respect to the Western Church attention will be paid to the Middle Ages, Humanism and Scholasticism. There will be a concentration on the rise and spread of the Reformation, the theology of the Reformers, consolidation and diversity of Protestantism in several countries. The Counter Reformation and the Anabaptist movements will also be considered.
CH 512 1700-Present Eastern and Western Church 3 credits
This course traces the growth and development of the Eastern and Western church from 1700 to the present. Key themes in the East will be studied such as the influence of Peter the Great, the church under the time of the Czars, the church under communism and in confrontation with atheism, and the growth of Baptist churches and other evangelical movements. Key themes in the West will include the role of the Enlightenment, Pietism, mission movements, ecumenical movements, Pentecostal and charismatic movements; attention will be paid also to developments in modern theology.
This department of the curriculum is designed to explore major themes of the Scriptures. As the student pursues this course of study, he grows in his ability to understand, appreciate, and communicate a biblical world and life view in contrast with the systems of the world. All courses will also compare the Reformed and Orthodox views of the Biblical themes.
ST 610 Revelation and Reformed Doctrine 3 credits
This course introduces the student to the study of systematic theology. Discussions include the nature of God’s Self?Revelation and man’s ability or inability to know God through natural and special revelation. The central place of Scripture, its nature and inspiration are considered, as well as the special relation between the Holy Spirit and the Word. This course will also introduce students to the major themes, creeds and approaches taken by Reformed theology.
ST 611 God, Man, and Sin 3 credits
This course examines the existence, attributes, and decrees of God; the origin, nature and original state of man in covenantal relationship with God; and the fall of man and the doctrine of sin. This course will especially consider these themes as they are in conflict with the militant atheism and humanism that have characterized Eastern and Western Europe. This course will also consider the difference between the Reformed and Orthodox views of these themes.
ST 612 Christ and Salvation 3 credits
This course will consider the person and work of Christ, as it has been historically understood by the major ecumenical councils and in Reformed theology. Conflicting views of the nature of the incarnation will be considered, as will the implications of the incarnation in Eastern and Western theology.This course will also compare the unique Person and work of Christ with the important place that is so often given to Mary in Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
ST 613 Holy Spirit, Church, and Eschatology 3 credits
This course investigates the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The plan of salvation, ordo salutis, as the application of the work of Christ to the believer through the work of the Holy Spirit is studied in this course.
This course will also consider the church with special attention given to the nature, structure, and sacraments of the church. The theme of last things will also be considered with emphasis on the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the doctrines of heaven and hell.
ST 614 Ethics: Introduction and Cases 3 credits
This course investigates the Biblical teaching concerning the practice of ethics against the backdrop of modern views. Students will be taught how to use the Bible in dealing with ethical questions both in rural and urban communities. Consideration will be given to the place of the Ten Commandments, love, conscience, adiaphora, and casuistry in Christian ethics. Case studies will focus on issues which students are likely to confront such as sexuality, alcoholism, drugs, suicide and finances.
ST 620 Contemporary Ethics and the Ten Commandments 2 credits
This course will devote special attention to modern day ethical applications of the Ten Commandments. The course will examine the application of the commandments in case law with a view to then applying those commandments to contemporary situations, philosophies, and moral convictions in Ukraine.
ST 621 Contemporary Theology and the Cults 2 credits
This course will focus attention on contemporary distortions of theology and the cults. Main thoughts of major groups will be considered plus attempting to outline a biblical response to contemporary heresies. Legalism and the faith healing movement will be special topics of consideration.
ST 622 Sanctification and Sonship 2 credits
This course focuses on the calling of the Christian to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Particular attention is paid to the doctrines of justification, adoption, and sanctification noting their connections and distinctions. This course examines root sins in peoples lives and presents the necessity of viewing grace applied by the Holy Spirit through the conquering work of Christ as the only means for effecting true repentance and growth. Perfectionism and antinomianism are also discussed.
This department of the curriculum is designed to assist the student in integrating knowledge with practice in the local church, community and world. Courses are structured to address the major areas of life associated with the pastoral ministry.
PT 710 Church, Ministry, and Christian Education 3 credits
This is a theological and historical overview of the nature and purpose of the church and the practice of ministry in the local church. The topics include development of a ministry philosophy, church education, the role and office of spiritual leadership, Reformed ecclesiology, and principles for church administration. The course will also be constructed so that particular issues related to Presbyterianism will be addressed for students with that ecclesiastical affiliation and issues specific to Reformed churches will be dealt with for students of this affiliation. This course will also consider the relation between the church and the kingdom of God and the understanding of this relation as held in Orthodoxy
PT 711 Communication and Leadership 2 credits
This course examines the principles of effective communication and leadership. Various issues will be addressed including relational dynamics, leadership styles, confrontation, building unity, providing comfort, assertiveness, gentleness, servant leadership, and plurality in leadership. Communication and leadership will be addressed on the personal and public level.
PT 712 Evangelism and Apologetics 3 credits
This course is designed to prepare the student both apologetically and evangelistically to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to defend the Gospel against the challenges of contemporary unbelief . Special emphases: lifestyle of evangelism, mobilizing the church for evangelism, survey of schools of apologetics and methods of personal and mass evangelism, survey of secular thought & philosophy, communist and post-communist philosophy, theory of communication, and the distinctives of Reformed evangelism. The student will understand the theory and be able to utilize and teach evangelistic and apologetic approaches in practical situations in the Ukrainian society from a Reformed perspective.
PT 713 Homiletics 3 credits
This course investigates the principles and practice of preaching. Special attention will be given to the development of expositional preaching skills.Students will consider various sermonic forms and structures as well as the development of movement, focus and purpose in a sermon. The grace dynamics of Christian preaching will also be discussed. Further discussion will include spiritual, physical, and stylistic aspects of preaching.
PT 714 Worship and Music 3 credits
This course studies the content and architecture of public worship. Topics include: theology of Reformed worship, Reformed preaching in worship, the Orthodox tradition of worship, the regulative principle, the sacraments, planning and leading public worship, musical theory and practice, and the doxological nature of the church. Additionally, this course will provide practical training in music and leading worship.
PT 715 Faith Culture and Society 2 credits
This course leads the students through a consideration of the social and cultural calling of the church. Among the leading topics are: survey of secular thought, communist and post-communist thought, Reformed worldview, the practice of salt & light, Christ and culture, relationship of church & state, institutions, Biblical principles of social order, relationships, and furthering God’s Kingdom through social and cultural endeavor.
PT 716 Mission, Church Planting and Church Growth 3 credits
This course focuses on the expansion and growth of the church of Jesus Christ. The role of the church in general and particularly the role of the local church in world missions will be considered. In Ukraine, the need for church-planting is acute; thus, special attention will be given to the procedure for planting a church from the initial vision to a fully organized church. Attention will also be given to the place and role of the local church in numerical and spiritual development.
PT 717 Counseling and Pastoral Care 3 credits
The Ukrainian pastor will confront numerous counseling situations in his ministry. He will see abuse, alcoholism, abandoned children, poverty, broken families, drug users, and depressed and hopeless people. While it is impossible to address each of these topics individually, this course will introduce the principles, theories, and methods used in the various settings of pastoral counseling. This course will discuss the question of how can people change and grow as Christians and what pastors and other leaders do to facilitate that growth.
PT 720 History of Missions 2 credits
This course will examine the nature of the missionary expansion of the church throughout history. Discussion will include the relationship of missions to political and social history. Special attention will be given to the role of missions in the growth of the church in Ukraine and Russia. Students will be required to analyze the missions strategies used in the past and suggest directions and strategies for present day missions.
PT 721 Discipleship and Mentoring 2 credits
In this course, students examine the nature of discipleship and the disciple-making process from a biblical perspective. Special attention is given to the area of personal Christian growth, the meaning of belonging to and having responsibility in the community of the church, and the implications of this to the whole of life and the proclamation of the Kingdom. Special emphasis will be given to mentoring skills, structures and tools for discipleship, and training leaders who will be able to train others.
PT 722 Small Group Ministry in the Church 2 credits
This course introduces the student to the dynamics and principles of small group ministry in the church. Students will consider the various structural and thematic organizations for small groups, the usefulness of small groups for discipleship and evangelism, and the leadership and development of a small group ministry. Principles for leading small groups will also be discussed.
PT 723 Advanced Homiletics 2 credits
This course is a further analysis of the work of expository preaching focusing on the further development and delivery of expository sermons. Examples of sermons will be studied and students will have the opportunity to have their own sermons evaluated.
PT 724 Spiritual Growth: Theology And Practice 2 credits
True spiritual growth requires rigorous thinking and focused pursuit. In this course, we will learn that ongoing spiritual renewal, both individually and corporately, takes place in the context of solid biblical exegesis and careful theological reflection. Students will become familiar with the idea of spiritual theology and examine the conditions necessary to maintain spiritual vitality in the church and in the individual believer. Additionally, we will look at the Psalms as a means of deepening the spiritual life.
CE 101 Christian Pedagogy and Didactics 3 credits
This Course will offer Biblical perspectives on Christian Pedagogics and education. Attention will be paid to psychological and spiritual elements of child development, discussion of different styles of education and upbringing. The basic principles of didactics will be discussed, aspects of instruction in the faith, growth in the faith as well as practical instruction on teaching, the composition of a lesson, its contents, structure and presentation. Practical assignments with an experienced teacher as a supervisor will be required.