Core Modules:
PM401: Homiletics: This is both a theoretical and practical course on the science and art of preaching. The theoretical part will cover the principles of communication and the techniques of crafting and delivering Christocentric sermons. In the practical aspect of the course, students will put to practice the homiletical principles in actual preaching situations in and out of the classroom. (2 credits)
PM402: Hermeneutics: A study of the general, grammatical, historical and theological principles for interpreting the Scripture. Students are introduced to the inductive method of Bible study involving the steps of observation, interpretation, application, and correlation. Principles in this method are applied to selected key passages. Other methods of Bible study will also be surveyed. (2 credits)
PM403: Apologetics: Biblical Defence for a Reasonable Faith: This course is designed to be a basic introduction to the biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical foundations of Christian apologetics. It will trace the history and the development of Apologetics. Special attention is given to contemporary apologists as they defend the Christian faith and deal with challenges posed by non-Christian writers. The student will also learn to minister with passion, humility, and Christian integrity while showing respect for others in commending the faith. (2 credits)
PM404: Pastoral Ethics – His Life, His Family and His Ministry: A failure in ethical behaviour has a devastating effect not only on the pastor’s personal life, but also on the local congregation and the Church of Christ at large. That is why Paul reminded Timothy to be exemplary “in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). This course on pastoral ethics will cover several aspects in a pastor’s life – his personal character and family life – and his ministry – handling of resources, maintaining sexual purity, etc. The goal of this course is to help pastors glorify God in their ministry by fulfilling their calling with integrity. (2 credits)
PM406: Introduction to Christian Education: This is an introductory course on the biblical and philosophical foundations of Christian Education. This course will examine precepts and practices from the Old and New Testaments, and apply them in the context of the local church. This course will also look at the historical development of Christian Education in terms of its methodologies. The goal is to help the student plan and develop the various teaching ministries that would best serve the local church. (2 credits)
PM407: The Principles and Methods of Teaching: This course is a study of the spiritual dynamics of effective Bible teaching and the principles of learning and teaching. It also considers methods applicable to teaching the Bible and curriculum within the context of the local church. Emphasis is placed on lesson preparation, classroom management, and age-appropriate methodologies. The student will be given opportunity for in-class practice. (2 credits)
PM408: Theological Research and Writing: This course prepares students to write theses, research papers, book critiques and book reviews for Bible College courses. Apart from the Turabian format, students will also be taught on the proper use and citation of sources (including sources from the Virtual Library/Internet resources), plagiarism, writing styles, and using the latest version of Logos Software. Attention will also be given to the idea of “thinking theologically” with regards to a topic that has been selected for research papers and particularly, theses. (2 credits)
Elective Modules:
PM411: The Theology of Prayer: This course presents a summary of what the Bible teaches about prayer. It also examines the theological and practical aspects of prayer. The objective of the course is to develop a spiritually enriching prayer life in the Christian, his family, and his church. (2 credits)
PM412: Biblical Missions: A study of the history, principles and practice of Christian missions. It is designed to help those who desire to implement a missions programme in their church and those who are preparing for missionary service. The course will include the biblical basis and motives of missions, a survey of world missions from its inception to the present time, and the principles and practice regarding the mission agency, the missionary and types of missions. (2 credits)
PM413: Learning Evangelism from Jesus and the Apostles: This course draws spiritual lessons and principles of effective evangelism by examining Jesus’ encounters and conversations with different people in His public ministry and the example of the apostles in the early Church for our communication of the Gospel to unbelievers in our times. The student will examine the Gospel and epistles, drawing practical lessons for his/her own evangelistic work. The course will also help to enthuse, nurture and equip the student with the necessary tools to reach out to unbelievers. (2 credits)
PM414: Biblical Principles of Reformed Worship: A doctrinal, historical and practical study of the regulative principle of worship (as given in the Westminster Standards) and its implications for Sabbath worship of the church today. This course will examine the worship of the Old and New Testaments, and trace its development, corruption, and renewal from the Medieval Church to the Reformation, the origins and development of hymns, the influence of revivalism and its legacy in contemporary worship trends, and the use of instruments and music in worship. (2 credits)
PM415: Equipping Lay Leaders in the Local ChurchThis course aims to fulfil the necessity of lay leadership in the local church by addressing the biblical preparation, calling, qualifications and the spiritual equipping of lay leaders with the requisite skills, attitudes, knowledge as they serve the LORD in the various church ministries. The student will also learn how to identify, mentor, and train the members of the church for effective service. (2 credits)
PM416: Pastoral Duties: This course is designed for pastors, preachers, and missionaries to help them understand their duties and responsibilities as shepherds of God’s flock. The course will look at the aspects of the ministry, including planning, budgeting, setting goals, and also various pastoral duties, such as conducting weddings and funerals. (2 credits, compulsory for the Master of Divinity programme)
PM417: Fundamentals of Church Music I: An introductory course designed to teach the rudiments of music theory to the student including basics of notation; musical terms and signs; simple time signatures and some major keys and scales. Some parts of church music will be covered in this course to equip the student with some knowledge of hymns and worship. The ultimate goal is to complete the ABRSM music theory grade 1 syllabus. (2 credits)
PM418: Fundamentals of Church Music II: An intermediate course following the introductory course designed to teach the rudiments of music theory to the student at a deeper level. Course study includes basics of notation; musical terms and signs; simple and compound time signatures, some major and minor keys and scales. Some parts of church music will be covered in this course to equip the student with some knowledge of hymns and worship. The ultimate goal is to complete the ABRSM music theory grades 2-3 syllabus. (2 credits)
PM421: The Teaching Ministry of the Church: This course introduces the student to the primary tasks of the teaching ministry in the church. It helps the student develop a cohesive teaching ministry from the pulpit, in the classroom, and in the home. (2 credits)
PM422: The Administration of Christian Education: This is an in-depth study and analysis of trends, styles, and strategies in the administration and organization of Christian Education, in the areas of Sunday School, the home, mission and outreach, and various other areas of the church’s teaching ministry as a whole. Specific factors to be considered are leadership and management styles which includes organizing, delegating and controlling. (2 credits)