Master of Arts: Religion
Biblical Studies
Theological Studies
Preaching
Millard Reed School of Religion
McClurkan Building
615-248-1378 or Fax 615-248-7417
The Graduate Program in Religion at Trevecca Nazarene University seeks to provide women and men the opportunity to pursue graduate work in theology, Bible, and preaching for service to the world through the church.
The Graduate Program in Religion offers the master of arts degree. The graduate of this program should be able to:
Graduate study presupposes a broad background of knowledge and preparation at the undergraduate level for the desired graduate program. It is recognized that graduate studies differ both quantitatively and qualitatively from undergraduate studies.
All graduate work should exhibit no less than three of these characteristics. Superior graduate work should exhibit all of these characteristics:
It is expected that graduate work be substantially more advanced than undergraduate work in at least the following ways:
Generally, only students with a strong undergraduate record should pursue graduate study.
When applying for admission, each applicant must submit:
Admission decisions are based on the total picture prescribed by the applicants. No one item will necessarily lead to a denial of admission.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution evidenced by an official transcript. The undergraduate degree should include at least 18 semester hours in religious studies. Any student who does not meet this requirement may be granted admission with "academic restriction" to the program by the graduate religion faculty if all other criteria have been met. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required for regular admission. If an applicant does not have the required GPA, the applicant may petition the director of the Graduate Religion Program to consider alternative evidence of scholastic ability, including graduate work from other schools or acceptable test scores. According to the recommendations of the graduate religion faculty, an applicant may be admitted with restrictions, or denied admission. Applicants admitted with academic restriction may be granted regular admission upon completion of his or her file and 9 semester hours with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
All applicants are required to complete the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The MAT is offered on Trevecca's campus at regular intervals. Scores will be accepted from tests taken within the previous five years. All International Students are required to take the TOEFL. Any student for whom English is a second language may also be required to take the TOEFL before regular admission. (International students, see the Admissions section of this Catalog for TOEFL requirements.)
Purpose
The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is required for admission to the Graduate Religion Programs.
Call for Registration Information
Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37210
615-248-1346
Test Dates and Times
Monday through Friday by appointment
Test Fee
$65.00
Registration Procedure
Mail or bring the following information to the Center for Leadership Calling and Service:
Note: Institution will receive scores in approximately 3 weeks. For any further questions please call Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service, TNU at 615-248-1346. The Psychological Corporation may be contacted at 1-800-622-3231 for the nearest testing site.
Two recommendations must be provided by each applicant. These should be from former teachers, with one being from a teacher in the field of religious studies, if possible. Forms will be provided to the applicant.
All credentials must be accepted by the director of the Graduate Religion Program. A review of the application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant data will be conducted. Final approval for admission or denial is determined by the Graduate Advisory Committee, and applicants will be notified in writing at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. Students may not take courses beyond the first semester until all admission requirements have been met.
Students will be classified in the following ways:
1. Regular Admission
Admission file is complete and acceptable with no restrictions.
2. Admission with Academic Restriction
Prospective students who do not meet all requirements for Regular Admission may be granted Admission with Academic Restriction. The Admission with Academic Restriction status may become Regular Admission when the applicant completes nine (9) semester hours in the M.A. graduate program at Trevecca Nazarene University with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Failure to meet all requirements for regular admission during the first nine (9) consecutive semester hours may result in disenrollment. Appeals may be made to the Graduate Religion Advisory Committee.
3. Candidacy Status
Students who have earned 24 hours of credit with a 3.0 GPA or better will be considered as candidates for the M.A. degree.
4. Graduate Transfer Students
An applicant who has earned graduate credit from another regionally accredited institution may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours into the student's approved degree program. Transfer credits must carry a grade of B or higher in order to apply directly to the M.A. in religion program at Trevecca.
5. Dual Admission
Undergraduate students may begin their graduate work if they are within twelve hours of receiving their B.A. and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in religion. Students in this category will be admitted with "academic restriction."
6. Academic Probation
Any graduate student in religion will be placed on academic probation when his or her cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. The student will be informed in writing of the probation by the director and given no more than two semesters to raise the cumulative GPA to at least a 3.0. If the student does not raise the GPA within two semesters, he or she will be dismissed from the program.
Each student admitted to the program may select a member of the graduate faculty in religion for academic advising. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her course of study.
The M.A. program at Trevecca Nazarene University is designed to provide advanced study and training for those who wish to pursue such programs beyond the baccalaureate degree. Its goal is to provide the depth of training, the specialized skills, and the sense of creative independence that will allow students both to practice and to contribute to their profession and to develop competence in methods of study appropriate to their areas of interest.
Two types of instruction are available in the M.A. program.
First, the primary course structure for the M.A. program is offered in the form of a concentrated seminar consisting of three days per session with at least two sessions required per semester. These sessions will be preceded and followed by extensive preparation and research on the part of the students in order to maximize the time with the instructor. This special course structure is provided to allow ministers as well as others who are actively engaged in their professions to be involved in the program without seriously interfering with their normal responsibilities.
Second, certain courses in the undergraduate curriculum are designated as available to graduate students. A clear distinction will be made between undergraduate and graduate work in these classes, and provision will be made for personal guidance to the graduate student who will normally be involved in a research project related to the subject area of the class, one which will go significantly beyond the normal undergraduate requirements. No more than 9 hours may be taken from the undergraduate curriculum to apply towards the M.A. degree.
Typical Master of Arts Seminar Schedule
Monday |
2:00– 5:00 Class Session I |
Tuesday |
8:00– 12:00 Class Session I |
|
1:00– 5:00 Class Session I |
Wednesday |
8:00– 11:00 Class Session I |
|
2:00– 5:00 Class Session II |
Thursday |
8:00– 12:00 Class Session II |
|
1:00– 5:00 Class Session II |
Friday |
8:00– 11:00 Class Session II |
Graduate Religion Program Grading System
Points Per Credit Hour
A+ |
4.0 |
A |
4.0 |
A - |
3.7 |
B+ |
3.3 |
B |
3.0 |
B- |
2.7 |
C+ |
2.3 |
C |
2.0 |
C- |
1.7 |
D+ |
1.3 |
D- |
0.7 |
F |
0.0 |
I |
Incomplete (see Incomplete Policy) |
W |
Withdrawn granted to students who officially withdraw from a class during the first five weeks or by approval of the director of the Graduate Program in Religion. |
Three areas of study are available for students to choose from for their major.
Six (6) semester hours is considered a full load per term with a recommended maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
In order for a student to remain in good standing he/she must accumulate at least six hours toward a degree each year. A student must apply for a leave of absence for any semester in which they are not registered. Failure to notify the director of the Graduate Religion Program may result in dismissal from the program.
Regular class attendance is an important obligation, and each student is responsible for all work conducted in class meetings. Graduate faculty members should state clearly on each course syllabus the attendance policy that will govern the class. Faculty are required to accept the decision of the graduate religion faculty on all attendance policy appeals.
To receive the master of arts degree in religion, a student must earn thirty-six semester hours of credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a four-point scale in total work attempted while he or she is registered in the program, including any work transferred into the program. No more than three (3) grades below a B will be counted towards the degree (but will be counted towards the GPA). No grade below C- will count toward the degree.
The requirements for completing the M.A. in Religion are:
Major: |
Hours |
Either Biblical Studies, |
|
Theological Studies, or Preaching |
18* |
Electives: |
18 |
Total |
36 |
*Preaching majors must take 6 hours in theology and 6 hours in Bible.
Every degree candidate must complete all requirements within a seven-year period. Any student who exceeds the seven year period will be subject to dismissal from the program or additional course work to be determined by the director of the program. Any exceptions must be approved by the director of Graduate Religion Program and the student's committee.
While most students will typically meet all requirements by successfully completing 12 courses, it is possible for students to opt for the thesis or research project in their major field study for 6 hours of credit. Students having successfully completed 30 toward their degree may request Thesis or the Research Project Option for completion of the final 6 hours of their major.
This request must be submitted in writing to the director of the Graduate Religion Program, outlining the proposed topic or area of study and including a tentative plan of completion of all work for the degree. A brief interview will be scheduled with the student to discuss the request, and upon approval of the request, the student must submit a detailed thesis prospectus or research project prospectus to the Graduate Religion Advisory Committee. Upon approval of the prospectus by the committee, a primary and secondary faculty reader will be appointed as the thesis/research project committee for the student, and the student will be permitted to register for the course REL 5500 Thesis Research.
The student will be required to register for REL 5501 Thesis Research in the following semester, and it is assumed that the thesis/research project will be completed at the end of that semester. In the event that the thesis/research project has not been completed, the student will be required to register for REL 5503 Research Extension and pay an extension fee of $200. A maximum of 2 semesters of REL 5503 can be taken. Failure to satisfactorily complete the thesis/research project within the 24 months following the initial registration for REL 5500 Thesis Research will result in termination of the option.
Each student must successfully pass a Comprehensive Examination in order to receive the M.A. with a major in Religion. A student must have a GPA of 3.0 before being approved to take the Comprehensive Exam. The examination is intended to demonstrate the student's understanding of his/her major, the issues and resources available in the major, and the ability to connect the resources of the students major to the life of the Church. The examination should also demonstrate that the student is capable of framing an appropriate Christian response to a contemporary issue. The examination must be completed in either the fall or spring semester. The earliest that the examination can be taken is in the student's last semester of coursework, but it can be taken after all coursework is complete.
The Comprehensive Examination is composed of three parts: a) a substantive essay that reflects on the student's major with particular interest given to the historic and contemporary issues, b) two integrative questions proposed by the student and augmented by the director connected to coursework in the major, and c) a synthetic essay drawing on the resources of the Christian faith and especially the student's program of study which responds to a contemporary problem confronting the Christian/Church.
The Comprehensive Examination will have the form of four essays. The student may use classroom notes, primary sources, and secondary sources. Proper notation is required. The examination should reflect theological understanding, clear thinking and argumentation, awareness of current resources, and the ability to write.
When a student is ready to take the Comprehensive Examination, an "Intent to Take Comprehensive Examination" form should be requested from the director of the Graduate Religion Program. This form must be turned into the director the semester before the student intends to take the examination. The entire examination must be turned into the director by the published date in the graduate religion catalog.
The Comprehensive Examination will be evaluated by no less than three members of the graduate religion faculty. Each part of the examination and the entire examination will be given one of the following levels of distinction: Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail. If the examination is failed, the student will be given one chance to correct the problem. If the problem is not corrected to the satisfaction of the director, the student will be dismissed from the program. The decision of the graduate faculty may be appealed in writing to the dean of the Millard Reed School of Religion.
The timeline for the Comprehensive Examination is as follows:
When all coursework is complete with at least a 3.0 GPA and the Comprehensive Examination is judged to be either a Pass with Distinction or Pass, the student will be recommended for the Master of Arts with a major in Religion by the director.
For those students who choose to write a thesis/research project in lieu of 2 courses within their major field. Both sections must be taken at regular tuition charges.
Must be taken by students who have registered for REL 5500-5501 and have not completed their thesis/research project within one year. A $200 extension fee will be charged for the course, and a student may only resister for REL 5503 twice.
A course designed to facilitate a topic, theme, or issue that requires an interdisciplinary scope.
A study of the first book in the Bible, with particular emphasis on major sections, themes, or theological issues.
A study of the "second law," with major consideration of the biblical and theological theme of law in the Old Testament.
A study of the varieties of form, function, genre, and settings in life of the Psalms, with intensive study of representative examples.
A study of the golden age of prophecy including the works of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and the early Isaiah.
A historical and theological study of the first five books of the Old Testament.
A historical, literary, and theological study of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah as presented in Joshua, Judges, I and 2 Samuel, and I and 2 Kings.
A study of the phenomenon of prophecy in the Old Testament. Specific attention will be given to historical and exegetical analysis of those prophets preaching prior to and during the exile.
A historical, literary, and theological survey of the post-exilic period through the study of the post-exilic prophets, the Megilloth, and the chronicler's history. Selected apocryphal materials of the era will also be examined.
A study of the devotional literature compiled in the Psalms and those books in the third division of the Hebrew canon commonly called wisdom literature
A study of the literary genre known as apocalyptic that flourished in the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. and A.D., including the canonical books of Daniel and Revelation.
A historical, literary, and theological survey of portions of the Hebrew canon commonly called the wisdom literature, with a particular focus on the development of a wisdom theology in a post-prophetic era.
Further study of Hebrew language with emphasis on translation from the original text.
Emphasis on translation of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible, stressing grammatical and textual matters.
Primary emphasis on rapid reading the language; may be taken in conjunction with another Hebrew Bible course.
A particular study in a selected portion of the Hebrew Bible under the direction of a qualified professor.
A historical and methodological examination of the discipline of Old Testament Theology, with a survey of the various theological genres within the Old Testament and the major theological themes developed therein.
A biblical-theological study of the major theological themes that tie together the works of the Deuteronomist.
A study of the theological impact of the devastating reality of exile with in the life and faith of Israel in the 6th century.
A study of the major theological themes and motifs that are characteristic of Old Testament wisdom literature.
A study of the historical, methodological, and conceptual development of the discipline of New Testament Theology, with particular focus on the unique contributions of major New Testament authors to the holistic theology developed in the early Christian Church and implications of such study for the contemporary Church.
A study of the major theological themes and issues dealt with in Paul's epistles, with a focus on Paul's influence on the theology of the early Christian Church as a whole.
A study of the major theological issues found in Luke-Acts, with particular emphasis on their relationship to Pauline theology and the theology of the Synoptic Gospels.
More detailed study of the grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek accompanied by sight translation of selected readings in the Gospels and epistles.
A study of the dominant theological emphasis of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Apocalypse in relation to the rest of the New Testament.
A Biblical and theological investigation of the key New Testament texts that deal with resurrection, with special emphasis on the Pauline Epistles and the Gospels, as well as attention to significant secondary literature on resurrection.
A study in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke with special emphasis upon the Synoptic problem, the issue of the priority of Mark, and the essential structure of all three Gospels.
A study of the life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew, with special attention to their literary relationship and the uniqueness of each.
A study of the Lukan as a literary unit embracing the life and ministry of Jesus and the development of the early Christian Church around the confession of the resurrected Messiah, with attention also given to the relationship of Luke-Acts to the other Gospels.
An investigation of the characteristics, purposes, and central themes of the gospel and Epistles of John, with attention also given to their relationship with the Synoptic Gospels.
A study the major themes and motifs of Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, and Jude.
A specialized study in the Greek text of selected portions of the New Testament designed to facilitate a more rapid and thorough ability to read the Greek text.
A specialized study of selected portions of the Greek text that provides the opportunity to translate with enhanced grammatical and syntactical facility, providing greater understanding of the text.
A study of the life, teaching, and theology of the Apostle Paul based on a thorough analysis of the Pauline Epistles and consideration of pertinent secondary sources including Luke-Acts.
A study of the major literary and theological themes explicated in Paul's epistle to the church at Rome.
A thorough study of the books of I and II Corinthians, with a focus on major theological themes and significant literary problems within the books.
A study of the major themes and issues addressed in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, with emphasis on the theological relationship of Galatians to the rest of Paul's epistles and the remainder of the New Testament.
A study in the books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, with a primary emphasis on the development of the understanding of Christology within each book.
A thorough study of I and II Thessalonians with special emphasis on the major themes of sanctification and eschatology developed therein.
A study in I and II Timothy and Titus, with special emphasis on the relationship of these works to the other Pauline Epistles.
Designed to provide the opportunity for thorough study of selected portions of the Old Testament canon or special issues in Old Testament studies.
A specialized course designed to provide thorough study in an area of special interest within New Testament studies.
A study of a significant biblical theme, concept, or motif, with special emphasis on the development of that idea throughout the entire Christian canon.
A specialized study in one of the major theological themes or motifs in the Old Testament.
A specialized study of one or more major theological themes as developed within the entire New Testament.
An examination of the message of the eighth and seventh century B.C. prophets in light of the political, economic, social, and religious milieu of their day and the manner in which that message is communicated in the contemporary setting.
A study of the variety of approaches taken to create a systematic theology, with particular emphasis on the implications of various presuppositions to the outcomes of the task of doing theology.
A study of the nature, scope, and sources of theology; revelation; the doctrine of God; Christology.
A continuing study of Christology, anthropology, sin, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eschatology.
A study of the fundamental Christian affirmation that God is triune. Attention will be given to historical development of the doctrine of God, especially in its Latin and Greek formulations. The course will look at various systematic intersections. (i.e., ecclesiology, soteriology, selfhood, worship, etc.). Particular attention will be given to recent discussions of the Trinity—Moltmann, Pannenburg, Jenson, Jungel, Milbank, and LaCugna.
A study of the person, work, and nature of Jesus as the Christ, with emphasis on the historical development of the doctrine and the implications for the rest of the theological enterprise.
A study of the person, nature, and work of the Holy Spirit, with particular emphasis on that doctrine within the holiness movement.
A theological study of the doctrine of the Church.
A study of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications and applications of the doctrine of holiness.
A study of the biblical and historical understandings of the atoning work of Christ, with special emphasis on developing an understanding of atonement that is consistent with a Wesleyan theology.
A study of the problem of evil and suffering within the predicament, with special emphasis on the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of the issue.
A biblical and historical examination of the nature and meaning of worship as it has developed through the centuries, with special emphasis on developing a contemporary theology of worship.
A study of the life, thought, and doctrinal commitments of John Wesley with special attention to the doctrine of perfection.
A study of the life, thought, and doctrinal commitments of Karl Barth and the impact of Barth's theology upon present theological discussion and practice of ministry.
A survey of the major movements of the Christian Church from the New Testament through the end of the 15th Century A.D. Doctrine, polity, church life and worship in each period will be covered.
A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church from the Reformation of the 16th Century A.D. to the present. Doctrine, polity, church life and worship in each period will be covered.
A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church in North America. Doctrine, polity, church life and worship in each period will be covered.
A study of the historical development of the doctrine of holiness from biblical times to the present, with special emphasis upon the Wesleyan understanding of Christian perfection and its subsequent development within the American Holiness Movement.
The history of the Church of the Nazarene with special attention given to its organization and distinctive mission. The place of the Church of the Nazarene in the history of the Christian Church in North America and its relation to the holiness movement and other holiness churches will be covered. Non-Nazarenes may petition for a special study in their own denominational history and polity.
A study of the relationship of the field of philosophy with theology, including an examination of the interplay between the disciplines in their respective developments.
Intends to consider the meaning of Christian character through a disciplined reflection on scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. A significant part of the course will examine the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Kant as they have helped to shape moral reflection in the Christian tradition. Careful attention will be given to the theological work of Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and Wesley as these works relate to the formation of character. Some attention will be given to the recent influence of Barth, Tillich, Yoder, Gustafson, Hauerwas, MacIntyre, and Milbank.
Designed to provide the opportunity for thorough study of selected topics in theology or particular theologians.
A study of a special topic or an influential philosopher.
Designed to provide opportunity to study selected movements or developments within a selected era or area.
An investigation of the theology of Jacob Arminius with special emphasis given to his ideas concerning free will and salvation. Through readings and a series of papers, the student will explore the historical and theological context of Arminius' thought as well as some of the ways in which his ideas have shaped and continue to shape our current theological discourse.
An investigation of the contributions of several key thinkers who developed the early forms of modern humanism.
Examines historically and theologically the Crusades. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of the Crusades on European culture then and now.
A study of the biblical, historical, and theological implications of forgiveness for the practice of ministry and the Christian faith in the contemporary setting.
Graduate study in the heritage, theology, and practices of Christian spiritual formation, including a Wesleyan perspective articulated through the means of grace.
A study of the most effective ways to preach specific genres, forms, and types of Old Testament texts to contemporary Christian audiences.
A study of the most effective ways to preach the various genres, forms, and types of New Testament literature to contemporary Christian audiences.
An exploration of the various cultural influences that influence contemporary youth (including adolescence) and youth ministry.
A study of leadership styles, personal leadership skills, and concepts of conflict management.
A study of the varieties of effective homiletical styles and methods, including the theoretical basis, the theological underpinnings, and an evaluation of working models of various kinds of sermons.
This course examines the relationship of principles of communication to the practice of leadership and service in Christian ministry contexts. This course will equip the student to analyze, interpret, critique, and influence human communication in diverse forms: intrapersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, and mass communication.
A careful examination of the basic paradigms for effective preaching of the gospel in a post-modern culture with special emphasis on transformational models and the varieties of homiletical methods that can be utilized as means of change.
An intensive study of a particular biblical book as a preaching resource, with emphasis on the historical and theological background of the book. The student will be exposed to a variety of types of sermons that can be developed from selected passages within the book.
Preliminary course addressing the practice of youth ministry; includes both a theoretical introduction to youth and youth ministry as well as a practical overview of the practice of educational ministry with youth.
An integrative course designed to interact with various contemporary issues within the discipline of associate and Christian education ministries, including youth ministry, worship, and compassionate ministry. Attention will be given to the study of practical theology, issues in multiple staff, and the development of individual research with the student's particular area of interest within Christian education.
Designed to acquaint the student with homiletical theory especially as it has been framed over the last decade. Attention will be given to the moves, framework, images, and language of contemporary homiletical theory and how that relates to preaching in the twenty-first century.
Surveys the history of preaching in the Christian tradition from the early church to the present. Special attention will be given to the notable preachers, characteristic rhetorical styles, and general themes of preaching in the Early, Medieval, Reformation, Modern, and Contemporary eras of Church history.
Encourages participants to become aware of and acquire a fresh perspective upon their own interpretive strategies, both in terms of the biblical text and the community, and to sharpen their practices of interpretation in dialogue with recent critical thought.
Examines the postmodern milieu and its implications for preaching. We will think together about what demands postmodernity makes upon us as preachers, and what opportunities it affords us.
Encourages a deeper look at the way preaching can attend to the social realities in which it is embedded. We will consider how preaching arises from social settings and yet stands apart from them, able thus to reflect as well as affect. We will examine how preaching does things with words (i.e., is active) uttered in and through the assembly (i.e., is social).
Focuses on the ways the preacher can utilize the imagination in the service of proclaiming the gospel. Together we will discover how to approach the text with an imaginative eye (and ear) and how the use of imagery can assist in the formation of both interesting and compelling sermons.
Examines an emerging field of homiletics called "testimonial homiletics." The benefits, effects, and distinctiveness of this model will be evaluated with attention given to its usefulness as a paradigm for preaching in a postmodern, Wesleyan, evangelical context.
Links the reality that some preaching will become actual in crisis situations in the church. The nature of church crisis and how biblical preaching from the heart of a pastor can become a healing grace will be the major focus of this class.
Treats the role of preaching in the moral formation of a congregation. Attention will be drawn to the frequent mention of behavior in the biblical witness as well as the role of preaching in calling attention to moral transformation.
Examines the narrative form of scripture and seeks to train preachers in the art of creating narrative-shaped sermons. Specific skills to be taught include storytelling, narrative plot, and congregational exegesis.
Designed to provide the opportunity for thorough study of selected areas or topics of practical theology.
Designed to offer opportunity for special areas of interest in the field of preaching to be treated.
Designed to link preaching ministry with pastoral care. Attention will be given to how preaching renders the grace of God to a congregation such that pastoral care is accomplished. Some attention will be given to how preaching joins other pastoral care practices in order to provide a larger ministry to a congregation.
This course will define, discuss, and practice the resources found in the Old Testament narratives for preaching.
An examination of both the priestly and prophetic calls to holiness and the manner in which these voices might be preached in light of contemporary homiletical theory and recent studies in imagination and preaching.
An examination of the significance of Babylonian exile and the diverse texts written in the midst of this time, including Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah 40-55, and Lamentations, in light of the enduring significance that these texts have for preaching in the contemporary setting.
This course will define, discuss, and practice the resources found in the gospel narratives for preaching.
This course will define, discuss, and practice the resources found in the New Testament for preaching.
This course will define, discuss, and practice the resources found in the parables of Jesus for preaching.
Focuses on the utilization of the revised common lectionary for preaching through a three-year cycle. Preaching the overarching themes of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost will be explored. The sermonic possibilities for "ordinary time" will also be examined.
An examination of the message of the eighth and seventh century B.C. prophets in light of the political, economic, social, and religious milieu of their day and the manner in which that message is communicated in the contemporary setting.
TIMOTHY M. GREEN, Director of Graduate Religion Program, Dean of Millard Reed School of Religion, Professor of Old Testament Theology and Literature, 1991-
B.A., Olivet Nazarene University, 1983; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 1997.
DAN BOONE, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Preaching, 2005 -
B.A., Trevecca Nazarene University, 1974; M.Div., Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1977; D.Min., McCormick Theological Seminary, 1996.
BRYCE FOX, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Youth Ministry, 2001-
B.A., Olivet Nazarene University, 1986; M.A., Asbury Theological Seminary, 1995; Ph.D., Indiana University, 2001.
STEVEN T. HOSKINS, Associate Professor of Religion, 1995-
B.A., Trevecca Nazarene University, 1986; M.Div., Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1990; M.A., St. Louis University, 2004; Ph.D., Middle Tennessee State University, 2009; PhD Graduate Theological Foundation, 2010.
MICHAEL D. JACKSON, Associate Professor of Religion, 2010-
B.S., Jacksonville University, 1975; M.Div., Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1978; D.Min., McCormick Theological Seminary, 2003.
NATHAN R. KERR, Associate Professor of Religion, 2007-
B.A., Olivet Nazarene University, 2000; M.A., Olivet Nazarene University, 2002; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 2008.
DANIEL B. SPROSS, Professor of Bible and Theology, 1988 -
B.A., Point Loma Nazarene University, 1971; M.A. Mennonite Brethren Bible Seminary, 1979; M.Div., Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1981; Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1988.
Part-time Faculty
H. RAY DUNNING, Professor Emeritus of Theology and Philosophy, 1964 -
B.A., Trevecca Nazarene University, 1948; B.D., Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1951; M.A., Vanderbilt University, 1952; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University 1969.