Master of Arts
Chaplaincy

CM510 Chaplaincy Ministry: 3 Credits

The course will assist participants in defining the ministry of a chaplain in a variety of contexts. This will be accomplished by exploring and evaluating various chaplaincy options as full- or part-time ministry vocations. Primary emphasis will be given to institutional chaplaincies (hospital, hospice, prison, etc.)

CM520 Theology and Community: 3 Credits

This course introduces the student to Bible texts and relevant literature that will provide the foundation for theology as praxis. Focus will be on the importance of understanding theology as a construct and how that shapes our understanding of and engagement with diverse communities.

CM530 Pastoral Counseling: 3 Credits

Introduction to Counseling This course provides an introduction to pastoral counseling. It familiarizes students with the major theoretical approaches to pastoral counseling with specific reference to chaplains.

CM620 Grief and Trauma Care: 3 Credits

This class provides preparation for pastoral care and counseling to those who are in life crises,
stressors, trauma, family issues or other needs that may require pastoral counsel. The students will develop a scriptural, and theological foundation in order to provide care and counseling within a variety of settings. The student will learn how to provide pastoral care and gain the basic skills required to provide godly council.

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 570 Systematic Theology: 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.

CS 510 An Introduction to Mission and Culture: 3 Credits

Although introductory, this course is designed to engage the student in becoming familiar with the growing genre of material available in contemporary mission studies. Identifying the components of culture, the course provides the student with the tools to identify cultural forms and norms without imposing a Christianized worldview on lifestyles and practices that are different to their own. The transformational impact of the Gospel in the lives of individuals and communities is examined in the light of a biblically based theology that takes the missional call of the Church seriously.

CS610 Research Methods 2 – Thesis Proposal: 3 Credits

A post-graduate degree should be characterized by heightened competencies in areas such as reflective thought, critical analysis and familiarity with relevant literature. Employing appropriate research methodologies Trinity post-graduate degrees comprise a significant research track that enables the student to explore ministry specific fields of study. The objective is to reinforce lifelong learning, the humility of a scholar and applied learning relevant to the student’s own context. This allows some degree of specialization whilst accommodating academic rigor and the positive involvement of a well-qualified supervisor. Additionally, this part of the program is designed to equip those students who wish to pursue further studies. This course is a self-study module which is completed concurrently with TH690a, Thesis. Students register for this course when registering for TH690a.

CS620 The Biblical Theology of Justice: 3 Credits

Combining biblical studies and theology, this course identifies the overarching biblical narrative of God’s love for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the foreigner. Based on the Talmudic concept of Jubilee this course will trace the messianic story of the Bible culminating in the coming of Christ to bring the message of the Kingdom of God. Having established a theological rationale, this course will then explore contemporary models of expressing God’s Kingdom through acts of service, the establishment of ministries of mercy and the responsibility of the contemporary church to be a voice for the oppressed and an advocate for the poor.

LD 510 Contextualized Leadership: 3 Credits

Astute leaders must be able to identify and engage the context in which they live. Investigating transitions in leadership styles over the past seven decades and then applying them to a rapidly changing cultural context are valuable tools for contemporary leaders. Considering leadership through the lens of the biblical text will give the student an understanding of biblically led communities. This course will provide the analytical skills required to take organizations or ministries to a preferred future. Managing transition and conflict are key components within this course thus preparing the student with practical skills for leading in complicated and often multi-generational contexts.

LD610 Global Scholar Seminar: 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 world view that responds in a Christ- honoring way to the complex issues of religious, ideological, and cultural diversity that now define the context of 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.

PT510 Introduction to Graduate Studies: 3 Credits

This is a bridging course specifically for students who may find the step into graduate studies more of a leap than a step. This is especially true of those who last undertook formal studies a while back. In addition to life, work and family responsibilities, a graduate program can present some challenges. This course will serve as a tool to sharpen one’s entry skills for the exciting journey into the MA program.

PT510 Research Methods: 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, adequate 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.

PT610 Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership: 3 Credits

In an increasingly complex environment, leaders need ethical and theological awareness in order to sustain moral and principle-centered organizations. This course seeks to familiarize the students with ethical concepts thus facilitating theological reflection and practical action in the light of the Church’s moral mission in society.

TH690a and TH690b Thesis: 9 Credits

The capstone of the M.A. (Chaplaincy) is a research-based project enabling the student to undertake a serious piece of academic writing in an area specific to his/her interest. A thesis must be approximately 15,000 words, excluding footnotes.