Graduate Modules

Old Testament: Creation and Worship

This module provides a foundational introduction to both the Old Testament and the whole bible. Students are introduced to the disciplines of biblical studies, whilst also offering a vision of the theological heart of God’s revelation to Israel that has abiding significance for those of us living in the wake of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. As will become clear in the subsequent New Testament modules, much of what is covered in this initial module helps resolve critical puzzles in the understanding of Jesus and his earliest followers.

New Testament: Mark's Gospel

This module introduces students to the critical study of the New Testament and particularly of Jesus and the gospels through a close engagement with Mark’s gospel within its historical setting. Students will be introduced to Mark’s key literary and theological features and the interpretive questions they raise. Particular attention is paid to recent discussions of Mark’s narrative art, to questions surrounding the identity of Jesus (Christology), signs and wonders, and the Markan theology of the cross. Throughout the course, attention is paid to questions of method and the relationship between critical engagement with the text and the nature of Christian life, leadership and service.

Acts & Early Christian Origins

The Acts of the Apostles is studied as an historical account of the earliest Christian mission, of church growth, ongoing struggles for the definition of the Christian faith within its wider Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Particular attention is directed to chapters 1-9: the nature of the Pentecostal experience and its interpretation by the earliest followers of Jesus; the character of discipleship and holiness in the earliest community of believers within the context of contemporary Jewish eschatological expectations; the role of signs and wonders and a life lived in conformity to Christ (Acts 6-7). A Pauline Epistle, for example Colossians, is examined as witness to the distinctive contribution to New Testament theology from Paul and the Christian mission outside of Palestine. After a consideration of the letter form, some central questions of Pauline theology (Christology, relationship of Christian faith to Torah, eschatology and ethics) are considered. Attention is given to the contributions Paul’s letters might make to a contemporary understanding of Christian life, leadership and mission.

Missiology

This module introduces some of the core concepts and debates within mission studies. Particular attention is paid to the biblical foundations for a theology and practice of mission, the history of mission within the Christian tradition, the understanding of mission in the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, the contribution of liberation and incarnational approaches and the nature of mission in a postmodern and pluralistic context.

Christian Doctrine

This module provides an introduction to a selection of the central subjects of Christian doctrine: the doctrine of God, Trinitarian theology, Christology, theological anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology and pneumatology. There is also a treatment of key issues within theological method: the place of the Bible, tradition, present experience, wisdom and cultural context. The teaching combines the core doctrinal subjects with a closer focus on specific figures and movements. Students are introduced to classic primary texts and recent debates in modern systematic theology.

Spirituality in the Christian Tradition

In this module, Church History is approached with a focus on spirituality and an appreciation for the ways in which God has continued to work in the church and in the world down through the ages. We read some classics in the history of Christian spirituality, discovering ways in which they help us face the challenges of life today: life in the Spirit, life in community, pastoral care, leadership and growth into Christ's character.

Leadership and Ministry

Spread across two years of study, the Leadership and Ministry course provides practical training and equipping for an effective Christian life and ministry. Team leadership, conflict management, communication skills, ministry in the power of the Spirit and strategy development are among the topics addressed. The course also contains a comprehensive personal formation component which will help you to understand your giftings - both in the church and the life-place - and guide you in your personal, professional and ministry development.