Syllabus for Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) - Bible Training
The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) program is a two-year course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, theology, and practical ministry. The program is structured to cover the core areas of biblical studies, Christian theology, church history, and practical ministry skills.
Program Structure:
The program is divided into four semesters over two years, with each semester containing 16 weeks of instruction. The following syllabus outlines the detailed week-by-week topics for each semester.
Year 1 : Semester 1
Week 1-2: Introduction to Old Testament
- The basics of the Bible
- Overview of the Old Testament: structure, authorship, and historical context
- Introduction to major themes: creation, fall, covenant, and redemption
- Understanding Jewish Life, Culture, and Rituals
Week 3-4: Pentateuch
- Genesis: creation narratives, patriarchal history
- Exodus: Moses, the Exodus, and the giving of the Law
- Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: laws, rituals, and the journey to the Promised Land
Week 5-6: Historical Books
- Joshua: conquest of Canaan
- Judges: cycles of sin, judgment, and deliverance
- Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel: establishment of monarchy, reigns of Saul and David
- 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles: history of Israel and Judah, from Solomon to exile
- Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: return from exile and rebuilding
Week 7-8: Wisdom Literature
- Job: suffering and divine justice
- Psalms: poetry and worship in Israel
- Proverbs: wisdom for living
- Ecclesiastes: reflections on life’s meaning
- Song of Solomon: love and marriage
Week 9-10: Prophets I
Week 11-12: Introduction to New Testament
- Overview of the New Testament: structure, authorship, and historical context
- Introduction to major themes: incarnation, salvation, kingdom of God
Week 13-14: Gospels and Acts
- Matthew: Jesus as Messiah
- Mark: Jesus as the Suffering Servant
- Luke: Jesus as Savior of all people
- John: Jesus as the divine Son of God
- Acts: birth and expansion of the early church
Week 15-16: Pauline Epistles I
- Romans: justification by faith
- 1 & 2 Corinthians: church issues and pastoral care
- Galatians: freedom in Christ
Semester 2
Week 1-2: Minor Prophets
- Hosea to Malachi: historical context and prophetic messages
- Themes of covenant faithfulness and social justice
Week 3-4: Early Church History
- Apostolic Age to Constantine: key figures and movements
- Development of early Christian doctrine and practice
Week 5-6: Christian Theology I
- Introduction to Christian doctrine
- The nature of God: Trinity, attributes of God
- Christology: the person and work of Christ
- Pneumatology: the Holy Spirit and His work
Week 7-8: Pastoral Care and Counseling I
- Principles of pastoral care: listening, empathy, confidentiality
- Basic counseling techniques: crisis intervention, grief counseling
Week 9-10: Homiletics I
- Principles of preaching: structure, delivery, and content
- Sermon preparation: exegesis, application, and illustration
- Practical exercises in sermon delivery
Week 11-12: Spiritual Formation
- Personal spiritual development: disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and meditation
- Practices of worship and spiritual renewal
Week 13-14: Church History II
- From Constantine to the Reformation: key figures, events, and movements
- Development of medieval theology and church practices
Week 15-16: Ethics in Christian Perspective
- Christian ethical principles: love, justice, mercy
- Decision-making in ethical dilemmas
- Contemporary moral issues: bioethics, social justice, sexuality
Year 2 : Semester 3
Week 1-2: Pauline Epistles II
- Ephesians: unity in Christ
- Philippians: joy in Christ
- Colossians: supremacy of Christ
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians: eschatology and encouragement
- Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus): church leadership and sound doctrine
Week 3-4: General Epistles and Revelation
- Hebrews: Christ as High Priest
- James: faith and works
- 1 & 2 Peter: suffering and hope
- 1, 2, & 3 John: love and truth
- Jude: contending for the faith
- Revelation: apocalyptic visions and ultimate victory
Week 5-6: Systematic Theology I
- Overview of systematic theology: methodology and key doctrines
- Doctrine of Revelation: Scripture and inspiration
- Doctrine of God: existence and attributes
Week 7-8: Christian Education
- Principles and methods of Christian education
- Curriculum development and teaching strategies
- Role of the church in education
Week 9-10: Advanced Biblical Exegesis
- Advanced techniques in biblical exegesis
- Hermeneutics: principles of interpretation
- Exegetical study of selected biblical passages
Week 11-12: Systematic Theology II
- Doctrine of Man: creation, fall, and image of God
- Doctrine of Salvation: election, atonement, justification, sanctification
- Doctrine of the Church: nature, marks, and mission of the church
Week 13-14: Christian Apologetics
- Defense of the Christian faith
- Historical and philosophical arguments for Christianity
- Addressing contemporary challenges to Christianity
Week 15-16: Pastoral Care and Counseling II
- Advanced pastoral care techniques
- Specialized counseling areas: marriage, family, addiction, trauma
Semester 4
Week 1-2: Missiology
- Theology and practice of Christian missions
- Biblical basis for missions
- Cross-cultural ministry and evangelism
Week 3-4: Leadership in Ministry
- Principles of Christian leadership
- Practical skills for leading a church or ministry
- Developing a vision and mission
Week 5-6: Worship and Liturgy
- Study of Christian worship practices
- Biblical and historical foundations of worship
- Design and leading of worship services
Week 7-8: Homiletics II
- Advanced preaching techniques
- Development of preaching style and voice
- Preaching in different contexts
Week 9-10: Contemporary Theology
- Study of modern theological movements and thinkers
- Impact on contemporary Christian thought
- Engaging with current theological debates
Week 11-12: Biblical Theology
- Integration of biblical themes and theology
- Canonical approach to the Bible
- Theological reflection on key biblical themes
Week 13-14: Christian Ministry Practicum
- Supervised practical ministry experience
- Integration of academic learning with practical ministry
- Reflection and evaluation of ministry practice
Week 15-16: Ethics in the Christian Life
- Christian Ethical Principles: Love, Justice, Mercy
- Decision Making in Ethical Dilemmas
- Contemporary Ethical Issues: Bioethics, Social Justice, Sexuality