Program Courses

• General Courses

  • Developing Academic Thinking

    This course introduces the students to the foundations and methodology of scientific research in Christian theology. It enables students to develop analytical thinking skills with an emphasis on theological literature. This course is also the formal prerequisite to writing an academic thesis. This course covers: the foundations of scientific research in theology, the definition and use of primary and secondary sources, comprehension of literary texts, inductive and deductive methods, JETS Research Methods Manual, philological and syntactic issues, exercises undertaken by students, and paradigms for scientific research.

  • Introduction to the English Language

    This course aims at teaching the English language as a second language for beginners. It aims at building the bases for English, in order for students to be able to catch up with English Comprehension 1 and 2. It introduces students to simplified English literature, the use of simple present tense and simple past tense, in addition to writing basic lexical and functional words. Moreover, it will expose students to listening, speaking and practicing simple conversation that enables them to communicate in the future through the medium of English.

  • Writing and Composition (Arabic)

    This course is designed to help students become more proficient in communicating in written Arabic, with emphasis placed on creativity in expression, good writing techniques, and proper use of vocabulary and grammar.

  • Writing Research Papers Using the Computer

    This course guides students in composing all parts of small and large research papers according to the scientific and international style of Turabian. The course also trains students to use the computer for all their writing, especially using all the tools provided for Microsoft Word. This course is designed to guide students into effective strategies for theological research, including the use of library, internet, and available computer databases (including ATLA).

• Bible Books Courses

  • Basic Exposition of Galatians

    This is an exposition of the letter to the Galatians, with an examination of the issues of authorship, date, purpose, and interpretative issues. Attention is also given to historical problems involved and an emphasis on the theology of grace.

  • Basic Exposition of Johanine Epistles

    This course presents a study of the first, second, and third epistles of John, with their application to the assurance of salvation and the life of sanctification.

  • Basic Exposition of Proverbs

    This course aims to learn the book of Proverbs which presents the practical kind of wisdom needed by believers today in a world and time full of evil, corruption and remoteness away from the word of God. Therefore, the Church is standing today, as a torchbearer of truth and wisdom, with the responsibility of spreading God’s wisdom to every human being, so there is discernible difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom. Therefore Proverbs stands out from among the books of wisdom literature in the Bible, as the need becomes urgent for teaching it, and living it out in our world. Therefore, this course has been designed to help students access the depths of the Book of Proverbs, understand the principles of interpretation of proverbs, and how they can apply it in the classroom, their homes, and their churches.

  • Basic Exposition of Selected Psalms

    This course aims to review the types of psalms in general and the structure of the book of Psalms as a whole. At the same time, some of the Psalms will be chosen and studied in greater depth based on the general and specific principles of interpretation that will be taught in the classroom. Moreover, special attention will be given to Hebrew poetry, metaphors, biblical theology and worship in the times of the Old Testament.

  • Bible Study Methods

    This is an introduction to inductive Bible study involving the steps of observation, interpretation, and application. Students will apply the principles studied to selected Bible passages in order to gain personal experience and skill in Bible study. 

  • Old Testament Survey

    This course presents a survey of the first half of the Old Testament (Genesis through Esther). This material is presented in its historical and cultural context in order for students to better understand its message and the place each book had in God’s progressive revelation. Students are also guided into understanding how to apply the principles found in the text to our lives today.

  • Studies in the Life of Christ

    This course presents a study of the four Gospels, with a focus on conducting a chronological survey of the life of Jesus Christ. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the historical, cultural, and literary message of the Gospels, their trustworthiness, and issues of concern to the contemporary church.

• Old Testament Language and Background Courses

  • OT Hebrew Grammar I

    This course offers a study of the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar with a focus on reading the Hebrew text, on understanding basic nominal structures, and on introducing the Hebrew verbal system.

  • OT Hebrew Grammar II

    This course is a continuation of OT 201/OT 501, focusing on reading the Hebrew text, on completing study of the Hebrew verbal system. Thus, the course provides comprehensive knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar which allows the student to begin exegesis of Old Testament texts in the following year of Hebrew study (OT 601 and OT602).

• New Testament Language and Background Courses

  • NT Greek Grammar I

    This course is a study of the basic principles of Biblical Greek, including reading, vocabulary, conjugations, declensions, and grammatical constructions. Attention will be given to translating sentences from the course textbook.

  • NT Greek Grammar II

    This course is a continuation of the prerequisite course NT 201/NT 501, as well as a completion of the study of basic grammar and vocabulary necessary for accurately translating the Greek New Testament.

• Theological Studies Courses

  • Ethics

    This course is an introduction to moral theology, with an emphasis on building a commitment to using a Biblical and theological foundation to guide one’s beliefs and choices in contemporary life, rather than relative cultural values. Several major ethical issues of international and contextual relevance are studied from a Biblical point of view.

• Historical Studies Courses

  • Survey of Church History I

    This is a study of the development of Christian thought, theology, and practice from the early church to the Reformation. Special attention is given to pivotal figures and eras of this period of church history.

  • Survey of Church History II

    This is a study of the development of Christian thought, theology, and practice from the Reformation to modern time. Special attention is given to pivotal figures and eras of this period of church history.

• Spiritual Life Courses

  • Biblical Counseling

    Biblical counseling is an important part of the pastoral ministry. In fact, the minister tends to spend a large amount of his time counseling his flock. It is necessary to identify the important aspects of pastoral counseling in order to facilitate the minister in the counseling area of his ministry. In this course, the student will learn the definition of psychological counseling and its purpose. The course will also cover basic skills in the counseling process and help the student improve the quality of his/her skills, in order to become more effective in understanding the needs of others. A specific part of this course is dedicated to helping the student understand himself/herself and how to care for his/her own soul before helping others. This course covers two important aspects of the pastoral ministry: a) help hurt people to overcome the losses in their life, and b) how to build healthy and intimate family and marriage relationships, which is integral to the overall ministry of the church.

  • Character in Leadership & the Family

    This is a study designed to help current and future leaders understand the pivotal role of character in a person’s life. Through team teaching and biographical narratives, students are challenged to pursue development of particular Christ-like character qualities that are required for effective leadership. The second half of the course focuses on materials and methods for teaching character to children-tomorrow’s leaders in the church and home.

  • Christian Marriage

    This course is designed to present the Biblical view of marriage, as well as show its importance as a basic unit for society and the church. Attention is given to the fact that it is a sacred covenant of God. Differences between men and women are explored, along with the responsibilities of both the husband and the wife in marriage and in Christian parenting. Topics such as abuse, divorce, and remarriage are also explored.

  • Personal Discovery and Calling

    This is a study focused on helping students understand and articulate their talents, gifts, and God’s call on their lives. The students will also begin to write their personal statement of faith and goals for their life and personal ministry. This course is required for all students in their first year of study so that they will better know what courses and practical Christian ministries can prepare them for fulfilling God’s will for their lives.

  • Struggle in Spiritual Growth

    This course is a study of the basic principles of the spiritual life, and of the practices that help in the individual to spiritually mature. The focus is on unity with Christ and how this unity leads and empowers God’s people to grow spiritually. This course also deals with the necessary practices needed to develop spiritual habits in the face of our ongoing conflict with the world, flesh and the Devil and how we can experience spiritual victory over these three enemies.

• Courses in Teaching Skills

  • Creative Bible Teaching

    This course develops the students’ Bible study and teaching skills following the hook, book, look, took method of organizing a lesson plan to teach from. Students demonstrate proficiency in all the principles taught by developing a lesson plan that they will teach to the class which will then be evaluated by themselves, their classmates, and the professor.

  • Ministry to Youth and Children

    This course is an introduction on how to plan, prepare, and conduct ministry to youth and children that focuses on life-change. Students are exposed to different models, strategies, curriculum materials, and the theology necessary for effective youth ministry.

  • Philosophy of Christian Education

    This class is an introduction to Christian Education in the context of the total ministry of the local church. Theological foundations and educational principles and practices will be studied and applied throughout the course. Learning theories and processes will be studied in relation to Biblical foundations and age characteristics.

  • The Teaching-Learning Process

    This is an in-depth study of the foundational principles at work in the teaching-learning process, along with the responsibilities that the Bible teacher has to cause learning to take place. Many common misunderstandings of teaching are exposed and replaced with Biblical models to enable greater effectiveness.

• Pastoral Ministry Courses

  • Expository Preaching

    This course presents advanced training in preaching based on exegesis of certain biblical texts from the Old and New Testaments. This course stresses the structure of the text from the original languages, the flow of thought, the exegetical outline, the homiletical outline, the main idea along with communication skills. This course also stresses the method of putting Christ at the center of every sermon based on what He did for the salvation of mankind and sanctification of His people. The professor and the students evaluate the sermons presented by each student.

  • Introduction to Worship and Music

    This course helps church leaders understand the centrality of worship in the life of a person and of the church from a study of Biblical principles of personal and affective public worship. There are no prerequisite courses, and music proficiency is not necessary.

  • Relationships and Conflict Management

    This course stresses the priority of relationships with God, family, church, and society. It is designed to integrate the spiritual, emotional, and physical self in a healthy way so that ministry will flourish and not be hindered. Students will also learn to identify God-given intimate relationship needs and learn appropriate ways of meeting those needs.

  • Successful Leadership

    This course is designed to develop powerful and effective leadership abilities within the aspiring servant-leader as well identify good character and personality traits necessary for Godly leadership. This course draws on the ’21 Laws of Leadership’ developed by John Maxwell as a basis for analyzing Biblical personalities and their effectiveness as leaders.

  • The Pastoral Ministry

    This course is designed to acquaint the student with the practical pastoral duties and relational issues. Attention is also given to ordination, beginning a new ministry, working with church elders or committees, family relationships, visitation, and the conducting of weddings, finances, and worship services.

• Missions and Evangelism Courses

  • Answering the Atheist and the Skeptic

    This course provides students with intellectual and practical tools on the basics of dealing with some of the prevailing ideas and beliefs in the Arab world that challenge the biblical faith. This includes responding to the most important arguments of atheists against belief in God and responding to the most important principles of skeptics of the Christian faith. The aim is to give the student confidence and steadfastness in the truth of the Christian faith as an entry point for sharing the Gospel message.

  • History of Global Outreach

    This course introduces the major movements, individuals, and issues in the history of the global expansion of the Christian movement from 1800 A.D. to the present. It also provides an overview of the theology of missions. It examines the statistics, problems and challenges in our region.