Our systematic theology modules help the student to gain a comprehensive view of God's eternal truth as it is revealed in the whole Bible. Students also learn how to draw together the teaching from various parts of Scripture in order to form a unified understanding of different doctrines and issues. The church history modules help the student to gain an understanding of how God has been establishing the church through its 2000 year history.

Introduction to and Overview of Systematic Theology (ST 1)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Explain what Systematic Theology is, why it is necessary, what its methods are, and how it relates to exegetical, biblical, historical and practical theology.

• Briefly state and explain all the key Christian doctrines. Substantiate these doctrines from Scripture.

• Use Systematic Theology effectively in practical ministry.

Doctrines of God, Revelation, Man and Salvation (ST 2)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Explain, discuss and defend the doctrine of God.

• Explain, discuss and defend the doctrines of revelation and Scripture.

• Explain, discuss and defend the doctrine of man.

• Explain, discuss and defend the doctrines of effectual calling, conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification and perseverance.

• Apply these doctrines in the Christian life and ministry.

Doctrines of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the Last Things (ST 3)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Explain and defend a biblical view of the Person and work of Christ. Show how the church came to understand these doctrines historically. Identify and refute false views of these doctrines.

• Explain and defend a biblical view of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Identify and refute false views of these doctrines.

• Explain, defend and apply a biblical view of the doctrine of the church.

• Demonstrate familiarity with various views of the “last things” (i.e. eschatology). Discuss the implications of the various views and defend one’s own view from Scripture.

• Apply these doctrines in the Christian life and ministry.

Apologetics, Polemics, Trends and Approaches (ST 4)

(25 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Discuss current trends and approaches in Systematic Theology. Evaluate and use these methods critically.

• Write a research paper on one particular doctrine. This research paper must show familiarity with the secondary literature, an ability to synthesize relevant biblical material, meaningful interaction with current trends and issues, and effective application of the doctrine.

• Discuss different possible approaches to apologetics. Defend one’s own approach from Scripture.

• Engage opponents of the Christian faith and apply the principles of apologetics to situations in one’s own society.

• Discuss and apply a biblical approach to polemics (defending important aspects of biblical truth within the Christian community).

Principles and Overview of Church History (CH 1)

(10 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Explain the basic concepts underlying the discipline of church history. Discuss and apply the basic methods of the discipline.

• Discuss the overall progress of church history from the New Testament church to the present day.

• Give a brief account of key events, movements, doctrines and people in the history of the church.

• Discuss the relationship of one’s own theological and church tradition to the church through history.

• Explain how and why an understanding of church history is important for ministry in the present day. Show how an understanding of church history can help the church to avoid many errors.

The Early Church, Reformation, Puritans, Baptists (CH 2)

(15 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Use secondary sources and some primary sources to develop an account of the church’s history.

• Discuss the development of the church from its beginnings as a Jewish sect until it became a largely Gentile, worldwide movement.

• Discuss the role and contribution of key leaders in the early church, including the Apostolic Fathers, Tertullian, Clement and Origen of Alexandria, Cyprian, Athanasius and Augustine.

• Give an account of the church’s formulation of the doctrines of the Person of Christ during the fourth and fifth centuries.

• Give an account of the Reformation: its precursors, key leaders, doctrines, impact on church and society.

• Discuss the Anabaptists, the Puritan movement, and the origin of churches known as Baptist.

African Church History; Confessions of Faith (CH 3)

(15 points)

This module will equip the student with the following skills:

• Use secondary sources and primary sources to develop an account of the church’s history.

• Discuss the origin and development of Christianity in Africa during the first six centuries, including the impact of Islam on the African church.

• Discuss the nature and effects of Christian mission work in Africa from the 17th century onward. (Students will have the opportunity to focus on the development of the church in their own country or region.)

• Describe and evaluate theological developments in African churches during the modern period. (Students will have the opportunity to focus on the development of the church in their own country or region.)

• Give an overview of the confessions produced during the church’s 2000 year history. Discuss some of the more important confessions in greater detail.

• Demonstrate a biblical understanding of how to use confessions of faith in the Christian life and ministry.