Master of Arts
Bible and Theology

PT 510 Research Methods 1: Perspectives and Resources 3 credits

Foundational to post-graduate level study is the need to understand and become familiar with research methodology. This course is intentionally designed to prepare the student for careful, investigative research resulting in appropriate writing styles, accurate referencing, and critical analysis. Analyzing, evaluating, building and presenting arguments are central to the course. Developing a familiarity with different research methodologies, data analysis and the preparation of literature reviews prepare the student to maximize the whole course, but in particular, to be prepared for the research track which comprises their own unique project.

LD  610 Leadership Development: 3 credits

Each year a leading global scholar will be invited to teach Leadership in a Global Context from the unique perspective of his or her area of expertise. The title of the course will be determined by the content of the syllabus. Building on the factual realities of globalization, this course is designed to develop competencies in developing a biblical worldview that responds in a Christ-honoring way to the complex issues of religious, ideological, and cultural diversity that now define the context of the twenty first century church. Understanding contemporary phenomena such as mass migration, pluralism, gender issues, and ethnic diversity are foundational to effectively leading churches and ministries that are clearly counter-cultural communities of faith. The intentional inclusiveness of Christ-following people and demonstrating an understanding in leading redemptive communities forms the theological foundation of this course.

BT 510 Biblical and Theological Hermeneutics: 3 credits 

This course seeks to equip students with the theoretical frameworks and practical tools necessary for accurate and meaningful exegesis and theological analysis. Students will study historical and contemporary hermeneutical approaches, theological and exegetical methods, and theological interpretations of Scripture. The course emphasizes the importance of context, tradition, and the interpreter’s role in the process of understanding and applying sacred texts. It aims to deepen students’ appreciation for the complexity and richness of biblical and theological interpretation, fostering skills that will be essential for ministry, academic research, and personal study.

BT 520 Old Testament Foundations: 3 credits 

This course introduces students to the scholarly field of biblical studies on the Old Testament from a Pentecostal perspective with special attention given to the literature, theology, contexts, canonical development, and interpretive methods. The course will engage Pentecostal interpretations of Old Testament texts and concepts with a focus on practical application to ministry contexts. 

BT 530 New Testament Foundations: 3 credits 

This course introduces students to the scholarly field of biblical studies on the New Testament from a Pentecostal perspective with special attention given to the literature, theology, contexts, canonical development, and interpretive methods. The course will engage Pentecostal interpretations of New Testament texts and concepts with a focus on practical application to ministry contexts.

BT 540 Historical Theology: 3 credits 

This course examines the development of Christian practice and thought from the post-apostolic church to the modern era. Special attention will be given to key figures, significant events, and pivotal theological debates as a means to explore how sociocultural, linguistic, and historical contexts influenced the formulation and development of core theological doctrines and practices within Christianity. The course aims to develop a deeper understanding of the historical continuity and divergence within Christian thought and practice to equip students with the analytical tools to engage critically with theological texts and concepts.

BT 570 Theology and Culture: 3 credits 

This course introduces students to the coherent and interconnected nature of the foundational belief structures of the Christian faith by examining their biblical foundations, historical development, and theological significance. Key topics such as the nature of God, Christology, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and eschatology will be explored in conversation with the Pentecostal theological tradition. The course aims to foster critical thinking, theological reflection, and the ability to communicate theological insights effectively.

BT 610 Thesis Proposal: 3 credits

Working with their supervisor, Master of Arts Bible and Theology students prepare a research proposal as an integral component of their final capstone project.

BT 620 Luke-Acts: 3 credits 

This course engages a close reading of the narratives of Luke as he presents the story of Jesus and the story of the Early Church to Theophilus. Special attention will be given to the literary structure and features, contexts, and theological themes of Luke-Acts. Pentecostal interpretations and theologies that have developed from Luke’s writings will be examined.

BT 630 Pentateuch: 3 credits 

This course examines the literature, history, and theology of the first five books of the Bible from the perspective of Pentecostal faith and ministry. Focused attention is given to the literary and narrative features, structure, and theological themes of the Pentateuch. Key matters related to authorship, historical, social, and literary contexts, canonical importance etc., are also addressed.

BT 640 Biblical Theology: Devil, Disease, and Deliverance: 3 credits 

This course explores the concepts of illness and healing, and demonization and deliverance as found in the witness of Scripture. Key Old and New Testament texts are identified and examined in their socio-historical and literary contexts to develop a biblical theology of healing and deliverance. A constructive Christus Victor model of atonement is conducive to the Pentecostal view of Jesus as the Deliverer from sin, sickness and Satan. Because healing and deliverance are foundational elements of Pentecostal soteriology and eschatology, the biblical findings are put into constructive dialogue with historic and current Pentecostal thought and practices. 

BT 650 Readings in Contextual Theology: 3 credits 

This seminar style course provides students with the opportunity to engage in and present theological analysis and reflection on theologians, topics, or contextualized theologies according to their individual research interests.  

 BT 690 A and B Thesis Part 1 and 2: 6 credits

The capstone of the MA Bible and Theology is a research-based project (thesis) enabling the student to undertake a serious piece of academic writing in an area specific to his/her interest. Working with their supervisor, and actively participating in the required seminars, Master of Arts Bible and Theology students research, write and present a 15, 000 word thesis. To facilitate the credit load per semester, the thesis is registered in two sections BT 690A is three credits registered in one semester and BT 690B is 3 credits registered in the following semester.

BT 660 Global Pentecostalism: 3 credits 

The course is an overview of the history, theology and globalization of Pentecostalism. It investigates how Pentecostals’ experience of the Holy Spirit has led to a re-imagining and re-visioning of various aspects of Christian theology, bringing fresh perspectives and fruitful ways of engaging with biblical and contemporary issues. Current constructive proposals emerging from pneumatologically-conscious Pentecostal theologians are explored. Students in the course will be challenged to undertake original research projects on the persons, issues, and agencies that contributed to these movements worldwide. 

BT 610: Thesis Proposal 3 credits

TH 690 Thesis 6 credits

The capstone of the MABT is a project based on the findings of the contextual studies component of the course. The student will produce a cohesive folio with consistent referencing and combined bibliography. A critical assessment of the material and its application to the student’s context will constitute the introduction and conclusion to a project of approximately 15,000 words, excluding footnotes.