The pastor as public theologian : reclaiming a lost vision

Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Author); Owen Strachan (Author)
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PUBLISHED: August 18, 2015 PUBLISHER: Baker Academic ISBN: 9780801097713

Many pastors today see themselves primarily as counselors, leaders, and motivators. Yet this often comes at the expense of the fundamental reality of the pastorate as a theological office. The most important role is to be a theologian mediating God to the people. The church needs pastors who can contextualize biblical wisdom in Christian living to help their congregations think theologically about all aspects of their lives, such as work, end-of-life decisions, political involvement, and entertainment choices. Drawing on the Bible, key figures from church history, and Christian theology, this book offers a clarion call for pastors to serve as public theologians in their congregations and communities. It is designed to be engaging reading for busy pastors and includes pastoral reflections on the theological task from twelve working pastors, including Kevin DeYoung and Cornelius Plantinga.

Study with Dr. Vanhoozer


Master's

Scripture, Tradition, and Theology

42 CREDITS | 2 YEARS

ABOUT

This program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and virtues to read the Bible well in the light of its ancient contexts, the history of its interpretation, enduring theological significance, and contemporary debate, according to a tradition that has acknowledged its authority and cherished its gospel. Through a collaborative effort of faculty from the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Systematic Theology departments, a shared evangelical commitment to the truth, authority, and power of Scripture, and a common core, the program provides a comprehensive approach to understanding Christian Scripture, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialized study in one of two concentrations.

COURSEWORK

  • Biblical Theology and Interpretation – 2hrs.
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospels: From the Father – 2hrs.
  • Theology 2: The God of the Gospels: Through the Son – 2hrs.
  • Theology 3: The God of the Gospels: In the Holy Spirit – 2hrs.
  • Classic Texts in the History of Christianity 1 – 2hrs.
  • Classic Texts in the History of Christianity 2 – 2hrs.
  • English Bible (OT book) – 2hrs.
  • English Bible (NT books) – 2hrs.
  • MA Capstone – 2hrs.
  • Methods (1 and 2) – 2hrs.
  • Disciplinary specific reading course – 2hrs.
  • Formation group (2 semesters) – 0hrs.
  • Choose a Track
    • Track in Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation – 10hrs.
      • This track equips students to read, translate, and interpret the biblical text in its original language and contexts
    • Track in Church History and Systematic Theology – 10hrs.
      • This track equips students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought.
  • Open Elective (any seminary course) – 2hrs.
  • Department Electives – 8hrs.
    • Choose courses from OT/NT/ST/CH

TOTAL: 42 hrs.

Advanced Placement

AP:Master of Divinity

76 CREDITS | 2.5 YEARS

ABOUT

If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.

COURSEWORK

MDiv

Master of Divinity

90 CREDITS | 3 YEARS

ABOUT

Gain pastoral leadership skills through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Our MDiv degree program has the rigorous academic courses and spiritual support you need for your calling in Christian ministry or academia. Join a diverse student body and learn within the context of a broadly evangelical ethos.

COURSEWORK

Curriculum Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Theological Education: 2 hours
  • God’s Word: 36 hours
  • God’s People: 22 hours
  • God’s World: 12 hours
  • Electives: 4 hours

Track Options (Chose one)

  • Church & Parachurch Ministry: 14 hours
  • Academic Ministry: 14 hours
  • Mission and Cultural Engagement: 14 hours
Master's

Theological Studies

42 CREDITS | 2 YEARS

ABOUT

Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at TEDS.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to the New Testament 1
  • Introduction to the Old Testament 1
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Church History 1: The Patristic and Middle Ages
  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism

TRACKS

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry Track
  • Executive Leadership Track
  • Preaching Ministry Track
  • Ministry Care Track
ThM

Master of Theology

24 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

TEDS’ ThM offers discipline concentrations in each of our eight departments: Church History, Counseling, Educational Studies, Mission and Evangelism, New Testament, Old Testament, Pastoral Theology, and Systematic Theology, or specialized inter-departmental concentrations developed in consultation with the departmental faculty. The program can be completed in one year of study.

COURSEWORK

  • Concentration Core: 20 hours
  • Capstone: 4 hours
Doctor of Philosophy

Theological Studies

50 CREDITS | 5 YEARS

ABOUT

The PhD (Theological Studies) at TEDS offers an exciting, academically robust program that prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities. Alumni from the PhD (Theological Studies) have gone on to a diverse set of vocations that include academic teaching and writing and various forms of church, parachurch, and denominational leadership.

COURSEWORK

REQUIRED COURSES

  • ST 9110: The Theological Scholar – 2 hrs.
  • ST 9120: Reading Scripture Theologically Past and Present – 3hrs.
  • ID 9200: Integration Seminar – 3hrs.
    • ID 8210: Theological Research Methods 1a (OT/NT) – 1hr.
      -OR-
    • ID 8215: Theological Research Methods 1b (HT/ST) – 1hr.
  • ID 8220: Theological Research Methods 2 – 1hr.
  • ID 9110: Proposal Study 1 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9120: Proposal Study 2 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9130: Proposal Study 3 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9140: Proposal Study 4 (Independent) – 3hrs.

Electives

  • Concentration – 12 hrs.
  • Elective – 3hrs.
  • EDS (ES) – 2hrs.
  • ICS (ME) – 2hrs.

Research

  • Comprehensive Exams Prep – 3hrs.
  • Dissertation – 6hrs.

TOTAL: 50hrs.

Certificate

Biblical and Theological Studies

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Gain a solid foundation of theology and biblical interpretation with the option to choose your area of focus ranging from church history, systematic theology, New Testament, Old Testament, and more. This certificate is a building block for our MA in Theological Studies program.

COURSEWORK

Required

  • Biblical Studies
  • Theological Studies
  • Electives