West Saint Mark Bible College and Seminary
Course Numbering and Course Descriptions
The course numbering system will indicate the division & general topic of
each course and the level of the course. The three letters indicate the
department and the area the course occupies in the curriculum. Courses
numbered in the 100s are designed primarily for freshmen; those numbered
in the 200s are designed for sophomores or above; those numbered in the
300s are designed for upperclassmen. The semesters in which the course is
normally scheduled are indicated at the conclusion of the course description.
Old Testament
BOT 101 The Pentateuch (3 hours)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the first five books of the
Old Testament. Emphases will be given to creation, the development of
fundamental doctrinal themes, biographical studies, the Levitical system, the
origins of the nation of Israel, and cultural-archaeological backgrounds. The
Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch will be an assumption.
BOT 202 Early Israelite History (3 hours)
This course surveys the major events of the Old Testament, focusing
primarily on the historical books Joshua-Esther. Related geographical and
archaeological material will be presented. Issues involving general
introduction and critical studies will also be discussed. (Every fall)
BOT 520 Pentateuch (2 hours)
A study of the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy), with special emphasis
upon Genesis as the foundation for Biblical history and theology. An
overview of the elements of the Mosaic legal system and their significance
for New Testament application will be made.
BOT 321 The Kingdom Period (3 hours)
This course is an exegetical study of the conquest period of Hebrew history.
The course will be concerned with the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and I
Samuel (through chapter seven).
BOT 522 I and II Kings (2 hours)
This course surveys the major events and personalities recorded in the
books of I and II Kings. Attention is paid to chronological problems in
connection with a general introduction to the books. Important theological
themes will be treated. Connections with the prophetic books will be
emphasized.
BOT 331 The Exile Period (3 hours)
A study of the Biblical books which cover the time of the exile, the return to
Jerusalem, and the reconstruction of the city and the Temple. A survey of
the Intertestamental Period will be made as time allows.
BOT 342 Wisdom Literature (3 hours)
A study of the characteristics of Hebrew poetry will be followed by an
examination of poetic books of Job through the Song of Solomon,
Lamentations, and a study of the individual Psalms that stress the major
themes of the book. A devotional diary will be kept. Practical applications
and values for preaching and teaching are stressed.
BOT 545 Psalms (2 hours)
A general introduction to the book of Psalms, followed by an in-dept study of
individual Psalms that stress the major themes of each book. Student will be
encouraged to write their own psalms.
BOT 546 Book of Job (2 hours)
A section-by-section study of the Book of Job with appropriate consideration
of the introductory material. This study will bring the student knowledge of
what mature faith looks like and a desire to produce that maturity in
themselves and reproduce it in the church. A special emphasis will be on the
problem of evil, the sovereignty of God, and theodicy.
BOT 547 Proverbs (2 hours)
A topical study covering the major themes in the book. Proverbs is a lecture
discussion course emphasizing practical knowledge and communication of
the book.
BOT 548 Ecclesiastes (3 hours)
An exegetical topical study of the King James Version of Ecclesiastes. A
lecture discussion course with special emphasis on application of the truths to
a contemporary audience.
BOT 361 Old Testament Prophets (3 hours)
A study of most o the outstanding prophets of the Old Testament. The
backgrounds, the message or work, and the prophets themselves will be
considered. Messianic content will be included.
BOT 565 Minor Prophets (3 hours)
A study will be made of most of the twelve minor prophets of the Old
Testament. The background, ministry, and message of each of the prophets
will be considered. Messianic content principles of interpretation will be
emphasized.
BOT 566 Isaiah (5 hours)
An exegetical study of the eighth century prophet of Isaiah. Special
emphasis will be given to introductory materials, Messianic texts, devotional
material, and preaching values.
BOT 567 Jeremiah (2 hours)
One of the most tragic periods of Hebrew history will be studied through the
life and message of Jeremiah of Anathoth. Practical points of contemporary
value will be noted. (Even Spring)
BOT 568 Daniel (3 hours)
An exegetical study of the book of Daniel, with a thorough analysis of the
background, message, and prophetic significance of the book. Emphasis will
be given to prophecies of the Messiah and His kingdom. Controversies
regarding higher critical views as well as different millennial positions will be
addressed. (Even Fall)
BOT 569 Ezekiel (3 hours)
An exegetical study of the book of Ezekiel, analyzing the times in which the
prophet ministered, the theological questions raised in the book, and the
usage of the book for teaching and preaching. (Even Fall)
BOT 591 Messianic Prophecy (3 hours)
An exegesis of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies and the records of
their fulfillment in the New Testament. Major themes covered include the
Messianic kingdom, the restoration of Israel, and the person and work of the
Messiah. (Odd Spring)
BOT 690 Readings in Old Testament Studies (1-4 hours)
Selected readings in Old Testament will be assigned by the instructor. A
minimum of 1,000 pages of reading for each hour of credit, plus a final
research paper or project are required. Prior permission of instructor and
Vice-President of Academics is needed for enrollment. With approval, a
readings course may substitute for a required course.
BOT 695 Old Testament Thesis If you choose the thesis route, you will be
required to do about 120 - 140 pages 12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing.
There is no coursework and no exam. All work is submitted and returned via
email, except, of course, the final bound copy.
New Testament
BNT 111 New Testament Survey (3 hours)
This course briefly studies the historical backgrounds (political, social,
religious) of the intertestamental period; the Greek, Roman, and Jewish
backgrounds of the New Testament world; a limited introduction to New
Testament chronology, geography, and biography; and a survey of each
book of the New Testament, including a limited study of its authorship, date,
outline, purpose, and main events connected with each book.
BNT 112 Acts of Apostles I and II Corinthians (3 hours)
A verse-by-verse study of Acts with an emphasis on the origin, growth, and
government of the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit. An analytical
study I and II Corinthians special care taken to apply the principles herein
found to the problems that face the church.
BNT 201 Life of Christ I (3 hours)
A study of the Gospel accounts harmonized in chronological order from the
beginning through the Great Invitation the last public ministry in Jerusalem,
and the death, burial, resurrection and post resurrection appearances of
Christ. The course attempts to give the student an understanding of the
personality and teaching of Christ from a firsthand study of the Gospel
narratives.
BNT 560 Parables of Jesus (3 hours)
An in depth study of the parables of Jesus is conducted. Emphasis is given to
the cultural and literary context, with particular attention being given to the
message and theme. (Even Spring)
BNT 270 The Gospels (3 hours)
A survey of the gospels to explore their diversity and harmony. This course
will examine key characters, events, and themes, focusing on the message,
method, and mission of Jesus Christ. It will include a study of the genre of
gospel.
BNT 530 The Gospels (3 hours)
BNT 565 Life of Christ II (3 hours)
This course continues the study of the Gospels harmonized. It covers the
period from midway in Jesus Galilean ministry through the later Judean
ministry. Special emphasis will be given to the nature and demands of the
Messianic kingdom and the growing opposition against Jesus.
BNT 511 Life and Message of Paul (3 hours)
An overview of Paul's life as revealed in Acts and his letters, plus a study of
selected themes from his message.
BNT 522 Romans (3 hours)
An exposition is made of Paul's letter to the Romans, giving special attention
to the doctrines introduced, with emphasis upon the doctrine of justification
by faith, and upon the glorious benefits to the believer that result from God's
method of saving men.
BNT 523 I and II Corinthians (3 hours)
An analytical study of these epistles is made with special care taken to apply
the principles herein found to the problems that face the church in the 20th
century.
BNT 525 Galatians (3 hours)
This exegetical, practical, and devotional study of Paul's letter will focus on
the Christian's spiritual identity in Christ over and above any physical or
social identification, paying special attention to the influence of first-century
Judaism on the church.
BNT 326 Pauline Epistles (3 hours)
An exegetical study of the books of I and II Thessalonians and Galatians with
emphasis upon the true nature of the Church message and hope.
BNT 530 Prison Epistles (3 hours)
Primarily a topical study is made of the Pauline letters to the Ephesians, the
Philippians, the Colossians, and Philemon. Students will have an opportunity
to study their own portion of the Scripture and present the results of their
study to the entire class.
BNT 533 Ephesians (2 hours)
Primarily a verse-by-verse exegetical study is made of the Epistle. This
course is will acquaint the student with the problems of higher criticism in
connection with both the Prison Epistles in general and Ephesians in
particular. Consideration is given to relevant problems of local churches in
the 20th century in an effort to bring those churches into harmony with the
doctrinal and practical portions of this Epistle whose theme is "The Church -
the body of Christ."
BNT 536 Philippians (2 hours)
This is an exegetical study of the epistle. Special attention will be given to
New Testament Christology in light of the Kenotic passage in Philippians.
BNT 537 Colossians and Philemon (2 hours)
A verse by verse exegetical study is made of the books of Colossians and
Philemon. The inductive approach will be utilized. Biblical principles and
practical applications will be given special attention as they relate to
salvation and Christian service. Language students may translate and do
special personal research under proper supervision.
BNT 545 I and II Thessalonians (3 hours)
This study gives an interesting view of an infant, indigenous congregation
with its zeal and problems. Special focus will be given on the book's
contribution to the New Testament teaching on prophecy.
BNT 546 Pastoral Epistles (3 hours)
A careful exegesis of the text follows a study of the authenticity and
background of the Pastoral Epistles: I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus. The
course will emphasize church polity and the practical application of the ideas
presented in the letters.
BNT 563 James and Jude (3 hours)
A practical, exegetical verse by verse study of James and Jude. Difficult
verses and key passages will be carefully analyzed. Special attention also
will be given to the relationship between faith and works.
BNT 571 I and II Peter (3 hours)
A verse by verse exegesis of these books will bring out the doctrinal and
practical teachings for the church. This book of hope will prepare students for
the trials that beset the church in every age.
BNT 573 I-III John (3 hours)
This is an exegetical study of John's epistles. Special attention will be paid to
John's refutation of Gnostic philosophy, as well as to the relevance of his
message to the modern Christian.
BNT 681 New Testament Prophecy (6 hours)
The first half of the study will include consideration of various millennial and
dispensational schemes, and exegesis of certain key eschatological passages
in the Old and New Testaments, along with introductory studies to the Book
of Revelation. The second half of the course is a survey of the book of
Revelation to ascertain its message to the church today, as well as its
message to the church throughout the centuries. (Odd Fall)
BNT 682 World of the New Testament (6 hours)
Consideration is given to the historical background which formed the setting
in which Christ lived and the church was established. Attention will be given
to Greek cultural influences, Roman political power and Jewish religious
institutions. Selected primary sources drawn from the Greek, Roman, and
Jewish writings of the period will be read and discussed.
BNT 683 New Testament Criticism (6 hours)
A survey is made of the higher criticisms of the New Testament, with special
emphasis on the Synoptic problem so that the student will be acquainted with
the basic tenets of literary and form criticism. Special emphasis will be
placed upon the origin of Paul's teachings so that the student will be aware of
the conclusions of modern scholarship as to the sources of Christianity.
BNT 690 Readings in New Testament Studies (1-4 hours)
Selected readings in New Testament will be assigned by the instructor. A
minimum of 1,000 pages of reading for each hour of credit, plus a final
research paper or project are required for the course.
BOT 695 New Testament Thesis If you choose the thesis route, you will be
required to do about 120 - 140 pages 12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing.
There is no coursework and no exam. All work is submitted and returned via
email, except, of course, the final bound copy.
Theology
BTH 102 Spiritual Foundation (1 hour)
The nature & process of spiritual formation is examined from a Biblical
perspective. Special attention is given to building accountable relationships
with God & others, developing one's spiritual disciplines, & pursuing a
well-balanced life. This course equips the student to assimilate the truths of
Scripture into his/her personal life. (Every semester)
BTH 121 Understanding the Bible (3 hours)
This course is designed to teach the basics of biblical apologetics,
interpretation, and doctrine. Among other things, the student will be exposed
to the importance of the resurrection in apologetics, the necessity of proper
application in interpretation, and the core truths of the Christian faith in
biblical doctrine. The purpose of the course is to help the student to better
understand, accept, and communicate to others God's revelation found in
Scripture.
BTH 210 Biblical Theology (3 hours)
This is a survey course which is designed to acquaint the student with the
terminology, methodology, and basic doctrines of Biblical theology. Special
attention will be given to the person and work of Christ, and to man's
redemption from sin.
BTH 301 Orientation to Biblical Research (3 hours)
Through guided projects and selective readings, the student will find and
narrow a topic, research and write an annotated bibliography, produce a
concise thesis statement for the major paper, and finalize a thesis outline.
This course thus prepares the student to begin the actual writing of the major
biblical research project. The student will also learn additional hermeneutical
principles which will assist in the accurate understanding of the Scriptures as
well in as their legitimate application to contemporary life.
BTH 332 Evidences of Creation (2 hours)
An overview of the scientific evidence for the Biblical teaching on Creation.
The importance of this topic will be stressed in light of its implications for all
Biblical theology. A distinctively Christian world view will be set in strong
contrast to the secular humanism and evolutionary paradigms that often
influence scientific thought in our present culture. (Odd Spring)
BTH 542 Philosophy of Religion (3 hours)
Students will be introduced to topics such as: proofs of God's existence, the
problem of evil, and the question of miracles. The evidence substantiating
the truth of Christianity is reviewed. Consideration is given to evidences
supporting the historical reliability of the documents of scripture.
Supernatural evidences establishing the deity of Christ such as fulfilled
prophecy, miracles, and especially the resurrection are investigated. The
inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy of the Bible are defended on the basis
of the authority of Christ.
BTH 375 Senior Council Bible Seminar (1 hour)
This course provides the student an opportunity to assess and describe
personal shortcomings, successes, and strategies in relationship to the
educational goals of the College.
BTH 690 Readings in Theology (1-4 hours)
Selected readings in Theology will be assigned by the instructor. A minimum
of 1,000 pages of reading for each hour of credit, plus a final research paper
or project are required for the course.
BTH 695 Theology Thesis If you choose the thesis route, you will be required
to do about 120 - 140 pages 12 point font, one-and-a-half spacing. There is
no coursework and no exam. All work is submitted and returned via email,
except, of course, the final bound copy.
Practical Church Ministry
PCM 650 Congregational Ministries (3 hours)
This course provides an overview of the various avenues in ministry
available to servants of Christ. Emphasis is placed on personal spiritual
development, the nature and work of the preaching ministry, interpersonal
relationships, leadership principles, and philosophy of ministries.
PCM 221 Personal Evangelism (3 hours)
A practical course in sharing the gospel with the unsaved. The student will
study the Biblical mandate for evangelism and be challenged to practical
application.
PCM 275 Ministry Leadership Practicum (3 hours)
This is a practical course which examines principles, methods, & applications
of camp planning. A broad range of camping experiences will be explored,
which include Christian Service Camp & retreats. Interested students may be
considered for membership in camp teams which will represent CCCB in the
summers.
PCM 501 Field Ministry (2 hour)
A course in which students are prepared to find ministries. Students
complete a resume, philosophy of ministry, and report on readings. They
also interview with the professor to determine a beneficial field experience.
PCM 502 Ministry Field Experience (15 hours)
This is a directed field work project for Masters students who are pursuing a
degree with a ministry emphasis. This may be taken as a two semester
internship. Prerequisite: PCM 501 Field Ministry.
PCM 311 Theology of Worship (3 hours)
An evaluation of the church's privilege of worship done by examining the
biblical roots, the historical development and the theological meaning of
worship. Applications of old practices to modern worship will also be
suggested. Individual worship and corporate worship will be discussed in
detail.
PCM 421 Church Leadership and Administration (4 hours)
An examination of efficient administrative and organizational procedures in
the local church. Consideration will be given to programming, committees,
delegation of responsibilities, relationships between the leaders within the
congregation, and coordination of the entire program. (Even Spring)
PCM 526 Ministry to the Elderly (12 hours)
This course is designed to provide the student insight into the physical,
mental, emotional, spiritual and social processes of aging in America. Special
emphasis will be given to ministering to those who are aging and the re
motivation of the aging to an active life. This may be taken as a two
semester internship. Prerequisite: PCM 501 Field Ministry.
Trustee Programs (hours)
This course introduces students to a variety of programs that can be used by
church leaders to raise funds for special building projects. Students will
examine strengths and weaknesses of using consultants, campaigns, and
debt within the church's program. Additionally, students will learn how to
involve local church members in the work of growing the church's financial
and physical resources. (Occasional)
PCM 580 Campus Ministry (12 hours)
This course provides students with basic information regarding the history
and structure of campus ministry equipping them to minister on a university
campus through the local church or an established campus ministry. This
may be taken as a two semester internship. Prerequisite: PCM 501 Field
Ministry.
PCM 400 Independent Studies in Ministries (1-4 hours)
This course is an opportunity for students to conduct independent research
under the supervision of a faculty member. A minimum of 45 hours of
research for each hour of credit, plus a final paper or project are required
for the course.
PCM 105 Ministry Conference (1 hour per)
Attendance at an approved conference focused on a specific ministry topic,
combined with a debriefing paper by the student. Students will receive one
credit for each session of the Conferences held by the Goldsboro Raleigh
District Assembly, Churches of Christ International. Students must attend all
sessions and prepare reports of the same.
Missions (Trans-Cultural Ministry)
PCM 350 Multi-Cultural Ministry (3 hours)
This course will help the student understand the issues concerning ministry to
people of other cultures, either at home or abroad. Students will develop a
Biblical cultural approach to ministry that will establish effective skills in
reaching across cultures to win others to Christ. Special attention will also be
given to the role of the church in ministering to those of other cultures.
PCM 450 Missions
This is a study of the theological foundations of mission. It examines both the
Old and New Testaments, including Israel's responsibility to the nations, the
mandates of Jesus Christ, and Pauline missiology. The course also considers
the contemporary issues of ecumenism, syncretism, and universalism, as
well as the emerging theologies of indigenous churches in diverse cultures.
Preaching Ministry
PCM 260 Art of Preaching (2 hours)
An intermediate level course designed to focus on the total preaching event.
Attention will be paid to preaching styles, methods, and resources. The
preparation of both the mind and the heart of the preacher will be stressed.
Sermon preparation, delivery, and evaluation will be part of this course.
PCM 362 Expository Preaching (2 hours)
This is a study of the value and technique of expository preaching.
Expository sermons will be developed and preached in class.
PCM 364 Preaching Methods (2 hours)
This course is designed to assist the minister in his sermon delivery. Special
attention will be given to such matters as dialogue preaching and the use of
media in preaching. Actual sermon delivery will take the major portion of the
class time.
PCM 565 Preaching Seminar (12 hours)
An advanced preaching course in which special topics of importance are
addressed. Assignments are geared to individual needs and interests.
Student must prepare a series of their sermons recorded on video tape,
CDs, or DVDs as preached before a congregation along with each sermon
outline and the full text. This may be taken as a two semester internship.
Prerequisite: PCM 501 Field Ministry.
PCM 366 Homiletics (3 hours)
This course is designed to assist the minister in the research and preparation
of his message. Various techniques such as how to plan, self and
congregational evaluation, sermon design and others will be studied to begin
the course.
PCM 368 Preaching Workshop (2 CEUs)
This course integrates conference or workshop opportunities with guided
project assignments. (Occasional)
PCM 370 Hermeneutics (3 hours)
This course will provide classic interpretive principles that bible students can
apply to the Old and New testaments interpretations. Hermeneutics, is a
method of textual analysis, to uncover a writers meaning. Hermeneutics is
an artful form of understanding and a process of exposing hidden meanings.
Instructional Education
IED 221 Techniques of Teaching (3 hours)
A content and skills course that covers the basic principles and philosophy of
Christian education. The course includes lesson plans and methods of
teaching. (Every Spring)
IED 311 Adult Education (3 hours)
A course that examines the nature of adults at each stage of growth and
suggests ways of helping them learn at each stage. A lecture discussion
course that will introduce the problems and needs of adults and how to
minister to those needs.
IED 490 Teaching the Lesson (4 hours)
This is a course designed to let the student apply principles of teaching to an
actual practice situation. Students participate in group planning and
preparation of lessons, quarterly planning, and actual, practice teaching. A
minimum of four students must be enrolled for the class to be offered. One
full semester of teaching is required
Biblical Counseling
BCM 331 Ministerial Counseling (3 hours)
This course is designed to aid the minister in the counseling opportunities
most frequently encountered by ministers, such as grief, pre-marital,
marriage crisis intervention, child abuse, and financial management.
BCM 333 Marriage Counseling (2 hours)
This course is designed to aid the student in his understanding of the Biblical
basis for marriage, roles in marriage, problems that arise in marriage, and
methods in dealing with these problems. Prerequisite:
BCM 240 Marriage and Family (2 hours)
This course will give attention to the Biblical foundation for marriage and to
practical elements necessary for successful family living. Topics such as
communication, money management, marriage roles, sex, children, in laws,
etc. will be covered.
Computer Science
GCS 111 Computer Applications (3 hour)
This hands-on course introduces students to the basic computer skills needed
in the current academic environment: word processing, presentations,
desktop publishing, e-mail, Internet browsing, and web publishing.
Church History
GHS 212 Restoration History (3 hours)
The principles and personalities of the Restoration Movement are presented
in class lectures and student research. The historical documents, doctrines,
messages, and methods of the great men of this movement to restore the
New Testament church will be examined and explained.
GHS 342 History of Christianity (3 hours)
This course will study the history and development of the church from its
inception to the 20th century. Special emphasis will be given to those
movements and ideas which have led to the rise of the major denominations.
General Communications
GCA 101 Basic Writing Skills (2 hours)
This course helps students master basics of sentence and paragraph
production, usage skills, and grammar concepts.
GCA 131 Oral Communication (3 hours)
Oral communication introduces the art of public speaking with an emphasis
on preparation and delivery of a variety of speeches. It provides instruction
and practice in the selection, organization, and presentation of speech
materials and the opportunity to develop social poise and self-confidence.
(Every semester)
GCA 151 English Composition (3 hours)
Students practice the process of writing expository essays. They improve
their grammar, punctuation, diction, manuscript mechanics, sentence sense,
paragraph composition, revising, editing, and proofreading skills. Students
submit short essays employing various rhetorical styles (such as
comparison/contrast, process analysis, division/classification, cause/effect,
and definition). They also submit a short research paper.
GCA 251 Research and Writing (3 hours)
This course provides an overview of basic techniques students need to write
effectively during and after a college education. The process of writing, from
rewriting and planning, to research and organization, to format and revision,
will be explored and practiced in detail. Students learn to take a position on a
topic, support it with evidence, and address opposing points of view.
