Doctoral Program Part 1 Doctoral Program Part 2 - Doctoral Program Part 4
Doctorial candidate: for Minstry/Theology
Email the assignments listed below to students@wisdomschoolofchristiantheology.org.
Assignment 1
Utilize available reference materials, to compose a comprehensive paper consisting of at least 5000 words.
Instructions for the assignment
Choose a specific theological theme or topic that you are passionate about and that you believe is relevant and important to your congregation or audience.
Develop a paper that explores different aspects of the chosen theme. Each should build upon the previous one and provide a deeper understanding and engagement with the topic.
Conduct in-depth exegetical analysis of relevant biblical passages, using original languages, historical context, and scholarly resources to interpret and understand the text.
Develop a clear and coherent theological framework that underpins your message, drawing upon various theological perspectives and traditions to support your arguments.
Craft a paper that effectively communicates the message of the chosen theme to your audience. Consider using storytelling, illustrations, and personal anecdotes to connect with and inspire your listeners.
By completing this assignment, you will demonstrate advanced exegetical and homiletical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the chosen theological theme or topic. Your ability to effectively communicate and engage with your audience through your sermons will showcase your potential as a skilled and insightful preacher in the field of divinity.
Doctorial candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 2
Instructions for the assignment: Select from the examples below the instructions, a contemporary issue facing the church or society that you believe is significant and worthy of research and analysis. This issue should be relevant to the field of theology and have implications for faith, ethics, or spirituality, and be at a minimum of 5000 words.
Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic, utilizing a variety of scholarly sources, including academic journals, books, articles, and reputable websites. Engage with both primary and secondary sources to gather diverse perspectives and insights on the issue.
Develop a clear research question or thesis statement that articulates the focus and purpose of your study. This question should guide your investigation and provide a framework for organizing and presenting your findings.
Gather and analyze data, evidence, and arguments related to the contemporary issue, using critical thinking and research skills to evaluate and interpret the information. Consider multiple viewpoints, theories, and methodologies to deepen your analysis and understanding.
Write a comprehensive scholarly paper that synthesizes your research findings, analysis, and conclusions into a coherent and compelling argument. The paper should be well-structured, organized, and supported by evidence, citations, and references from academic sources.
By completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your research skills, academic writing abilities, and critical thinking in addressing a contemporary issue of significance to the church or society. Your scholarly paper will contribute to the ongoing dialogue and scholarship in the field of theology and may provide valuable insights and recommendations for addressing real-world challenges and opportunities.
Examples:
Decline in religious affiliation and attendance: Many churches are experiencing a decrease in membership and attendance, as more people identify as non-religious or spiritual but not religious.
One significant and complex issue facing the church is the theological and ethical considerations surrounding the acceptance and inclusion of individuals who have committed serious, even heinous crimes into church communities. This includes the question of whether individuals who have undergone conversion and exhibited signs of genuine spiritual transformation should be welcomed as members of churches, and potentially even ordained as ministers. This issue raises important questions about the nature of redemption, forgiveness, and moral accountability within the context of the Christian faith, and highlights the tension between upholding justice and mercy in the church's response to individuals with a criminal past but who have demonstrated a transformation of character and a commitment to living out their faith through godly fruit. It is worth remembering biblical examples such as David, a man after God’s own heart, who committed great sins but was forgiven and used by God, as well as the apostle Paul, who was a persecutor of Christians before his conversion and went on to become a prominent figure in the early church. These examples serve as reminders of God's transformative power and the possibility of redemption for all who truly repent and turn toward Him.
The intersection of religion and technology: exploring how advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and social media, are impacting religious belief, practices, and communities.
One substantial challenge facing Christians is the ethical dilemma surrounding the issue of illegal immigration and the church's response to individuals who may be in violation of immigration laws. This complex issue raises questions about the intersection of faith, compassion, and obedience to civil, and criminal laws within the context of Christian teachings on justice, and love for one's neighbor. It calls into question the balance between upholding the rule of law and extending mercy and support to individuals who may be seeking refuge or a better life. Christians are called to navigate this tension with wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to upholding both their religious values and civic responsibilities in a manner that reflects the teachings of Christ and promotes the well-being of all individuals involved.
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 3
Utilize the provided videos as a foundation, in conjunction with additional reference materials, to compose a comprehensive paper consisting of at least 5000 words.
The assignment is to explore the differences between various Christian traditions, identify commonalities, and reflect on how believers are unified as one body through Christ. Conduct in-depth research on different Christian denominations, theological perspectives, worship practices, and spiritual traditions to investigate the diversity and richness of the global Christian community. Reflect on these differences and similarities in light of the biblical teaching of unity in Christ to write a comprehensive paper that examines the bonds that unite believers as members of Christ's body.
Select at least three distinct Christian traditions or denominations for comparison and analysis. Choose traditions that vary in terms of theology, worship practices, ecclesiology, and historical background to provide a comprehensive exploration of the diversity within Christianity. Examples may include Protestantism, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, or other specific denominations within these broader categories.
Conduct thorough research on each selected Christian tradition, its history, core beliefs, theological distinctives, sacramental practices, liturgical traditions, and ecclesiastical structures. Use a variety of scholarly sources, theological texts, denominational statements, and reputable online resources to deepen your understanding of each tradition and identify key differences and similarities.
Compare and contrast the selected Christian traditions, focusing on areas of theological divergence, worship practices, ecclesiastical governance, and cultural expressions. Analyze how these differences contribute to the richness and diversity of the global Christian community while also recognizing the challenges and tensions that may arise from doctrinal distinctions and historical divisions.
Identify commonalities and points of convergence between the selected Christian traditions, highlighting shared beliefs, practices, spiritual values, and ethical principles that unite believers across denominational lines. Explore how the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith, such as belief in the Trinity, the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Christ, and the importance of love and reconciliation, serve as unifying factors that transcend denominational boundaries.
Examine the biblical teachings on unity in Christ, particularly focusing on passages that emphasize the concept of believers being interconnected as members of Christ's body. Reflect on the significance of Christ as the head of the Church, the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering unity amidst differing cultures, and the call to love and serve one another, other Christians, as expressions of Christian unity.
Ready to Harvest
What is Open Bible Churches?
What is the Church of the Nazarene?
What is the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
What is the Church of God in Christ? (COGIC)
What is the Church of God (Cleveland TN)?
What is the Church of God Evening Light?
What is the Church of God (Seventh Day)? [CoG7]
Assemblies of God vs Church of God vs Foursquare
What is the Church of God (Anderson IN)?
What is the Reformed Church in America?
What is the Congregational Holiness Church?
What is the Church of God (Seventh Day)?
What is the Foursquare Church?
What is the Free Methodist Church?
What is the Orthodox Presbyterian Church?
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 4
Utilize the provided videos as a foundation, in conjunction with additional reference materials, to compose a comprehensive paper consisting of at least 5000 words.
Title: The Importance of Women as Leaders in the Bible and Advocating for Their Role in Ministry
This doctoral candidate assignment will focus on the importance of women as leaders in the Bible and argue that their role in ministry should not be diminished because they are female. The assignment will draw from various theological perspectives, including the views presented by Dr. Sandra Richter, Craig Keener, Ben Witherington III, and the additional resources provided below. The assignment should also incorporate insights from commentaries, academic articles, theological works, and other appropriate scholarly sources.
Explore examples of women in leadership and ministry roles throughout the Bible, including Deborah, Esther, Miriam, Huldah, Anna, Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, Philip’s four daughters, Junia, and other relevant biblical examples.
Analyze the significance of these women’s contributions to God’s people and, where applicable, their roles in teaching, prophecy, leadership, service, and spreading the Gospel. Examine how these women were called, empowered, and used by God in the roles they fulfilled.
Analyze the passages in 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2 that are often used to restrict women’s roles in ministry in light of their immediate context, the rest of the New Testament, and the Old Testament. Give careful attention to the biblical, historical, cultural, and linguistic evidence necessary to understand these passages correctly.
Utilize all available resources to carefully examine and refute misinterpretations of these passages and advocate for women’s full participation in Christian ministry. Engage major opposing interpretations fairly, examine their biblical arguments, and demonstrate why the position advocated is most consistent with the testimony of Scripture as a whole.
Give appropriate attention to relevant biblical passages concerning women praying, prophesying, teaching, serving, leading, and participating in the work of God. Examine passages such as Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 18:24-26, Acts 21:8-9, Romans 16, and 1 Corinthians 11:5, together with other relevant passages.
Where significant interpretive questions depend upon the biblical languages, examine relevant Greek terms, grammar, syntax, and historical usage. Particular attention should be given to words and passages whose interpretation directly affects conclusions concerning women in ministry.
Engage with appropriate scholarly sources representing the major positions concerning women in ministry. Accurately present opposing arguments before evaluating them according to Scripture. The purpose of examining opposing positions is not to weaken the biblical case for women in ministry, but to demonstrate through careful exegesis and theological analysis why the restrictions commonly placed upon women are not supported by the full testimony of Scripture.
Scripture must remain the primary and final authority throughout the paper. Scholarly sources should be used to deepen the investigation, explain historical and linguistic issues, and present significant interpretations, but every conclusion must ultimately be evaluated in light of the Word of God.
Conclude by presenting and defending a clear biblical position concerning the role of women in Christian ministry. Explain why women should not be excluded from ministry simply because they are female and demonstrate how the biblical evidence supports their participation in leadership, teaching, prophecy, service, and other areas of ministry to which God has called and gifted them.
By completing this assignment, the doctoral candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced biblical exegesis, interact with competing theological interpretations, use scholarly research responsibly, evaluate historical and linguistic evidence, and present a biblically grounded defense of women in Christian ministry.
Asbury Theological Seminary - Women in Ministry - Dr. Sandra Richter
LaidlawCollege – YouTube: Women in Ministry - Prof Craig Keener
Baylor ISR: Women and the Bible: A Historical Perspective, Ben Witherington III (Sept. 16, 2013)
Theology Project: Why the Bible Does Not Forbid
Women Preaching (in 1 Corinthians 14 & 1 Timothy 2)
Gail Mays Ministries YouTube - Women of the Bible Series videos 1-28
Rachel Wojo YouTube videos 1-7: Women of the Bible
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 5
Utilize available reference materials to compose a comprehensive paper consisting of at least 5000 words.
Instructions for the assignment
Choose a specific theological theme or topic that you are passionate about and that you believe is relevant and important to your congregation or audience.
Develop a paper that explores different aspects of the chosen theme. Each should build upon the previous one and provide a deeper understanding and engagement with the topic.
Conduct in-depth exegetical analysis of relevant biblical passages, using original languages, historical context, and scholarly resources to interpret and understand the text.
Develop a clear and coherent theological framework that underpins your message, drawing upon various theological perspectives and traditions to support your arguments.
Craft a paper that effectively communicates the message of the chosen theme to your audience. Consider using storytelling, illustrations, and personal anecdotes to connect with and inspire your listeners.
By completing this assignment, you will demonstrate advanced exegetical and homiletical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the chosen theological theme or topic. Your ability to effectively communicate and engage with your audience through your sermons will showcase your potential as a skilled and insightful preacher in the field of divinity.
Doctorial candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 6
Instructions for the assignment: Select one major worldview, philosophical system, or intellectual challenge to the Christian faith and develop a comprehensive biblical and theological response. The paper must be a minimum of 5,000 words.
Possible subjects include atheism, agnosticism, secular humanism, naturalism, materialism, relativism, postmodernism, religious pluralism, deism, pantheism, skepticism concerning the existence of God, the problem of evil, challenges to the resurrection of Christ, challenges to the reliability of Scripture, or another significant worldview or intellectual challenge approved by the school.
Begin by accurately explaining the position being examined. Identify its major beliefs, assumptions, arguments, and conclusions. Where appropriate, interact directly with primary sources written by leading representatives of that position so that the argument is addressed as its proponents actually present it.
Examine the philosophical and theological foundations underlying the position. Identify the assumptions it makes concerning God, truth, morality, human nature, knowledge, meaning, the universe, and ultimate reality.
Evaluate the position critically. Consider the logical consistency of its arguments, the evidence offered in its support, its ability to account for reality, and any significant weaknesses, contradictions, or unanswered questions within the system.
Develop a thorough biblical response to the position. Examine the relevant passages of Scripture in their proper context and demonstrate how biblical revelation addresses the major claims being considered. Scripture must remain the primary and final authority throughout the paper.
Engage with conservative Christian scholarship in apologetics, theology, philosophy, biblical studies, and other appropriate fields. Students should demonstrate an understanding of significant Christian responses to the issue while evaluating those responses in light of Scripture.
Present a positive defense of the Christian position rather than limiting the paper to criticism of the opposing view. Explain why the biblical worldview provides a coherent understanding of God, truth, morality, humanity, purpose, and reality as they relate to the chosen subject.
Conclude by explaining how Christians can respond intelligently, biblically, and respectfully when confronted with this worldview or challenge in the church, ministry, evangelism, apologetics, or everyday life.
By completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to understand and fairly represent an opposing worldview, analyze philosophical and theological arguments, conduct advanced scholarly research, defend the Christian faith, and demonstrate why the biblical worldview provides the most faithful and coherent understanding of truth and reality.
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 7
Using the assigned readings and videos below, together with additional scholarly resources used in your research, write a minimum 5,000-word paper on the person and work of the Holy Ghost in Pentecostal theology.
Begin by examining the person and deity of the Holy Ghost. Discuss His relationship within the Godhead, His work in conviction, regeneration, sanctification, guidance, empowerment, spiritual gifts, and the continuing life and ministry of the believer.
Examine carefully the biblical distinction between the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost and being filled or baptized with the Holy Ghost. Give particular attention to the accounts recorded in Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 10:44-46, and Acts 19:1-6. Explain what these passages teach concerning salvation, receiving the Holy Ghost, being filled with the Holy Ghost, and the evidence accompanying these experiences.
Conduct an in-depth examination of the Pentecostal doctrine that speaking with other tongues is the initial physical evidence of being filled or baptized with the Holy Ghost. Analyze the major biblical passages used to support this doctrine and interact with significant alternative interpretations. Evaluate all positions according to Scripture as the primary and final authority.
Examine the spiritual gifts presented in Scripture, giving particular attention to 1 Corinthians 12-14 and other relevant passages. Discuss the purpose of spiritual gifts, their operation within the Body of Christ, the responsibility of believers in exercising them, and the biblical principles governing their use.
Distinguish between speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of being filled with the Holy Ghost and the gift of tongues discussed among the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians. Examine whether Scripture presents these as identical in purpose and operation or as distinct manifestations of the Holy Ghost.
Examine the relationship between the filling of the Holy Ghost and power for Christian witness and ministry, giving particular attention to Acts 1:8 and the examples found throughout Acts. Discuss how the work of the Holy Ghost affects preaching, evangelism, spiritual growth, holiness, prayer, worship, discernment, and ministry within the church.
Engage with Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal scholarship concerning the Holy Ghost, Spirit baptism, speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts, and the continuing work of the Holy Ghost. Accurately represent significant opposing positions before evaluating them biblically.
Evaluate the assigned readings and videos rather than simply summarizing them. Identify where the authors or speakers are biblically sound, where clarification may be necessary, and where their conclusions should be challenged in light of Scripture.
The Bible must remain the primary and final authority throughout the paper. Scholarly sources should be used to deepen the investigation, provide historical and theological context, and expose the student to significant interpretations, but no theological position should be accepted simply because it is presented by a scholar, denomination, tradition, or ministry.
Conclude by presenting and defending a coherent biblical theology of the person and work of the Holy Ghost, including His indwelling presence, the filling or baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence, spiritual gifts, sanctification, empowerment, and His continuing work in the life and ministry of the church.
By completing this assignment, the doctoral candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced biblical and theological research, distinguish related doctrines carefully, interact critically with competing interpretations, evaluate Pentecostal theology in light of Scripture, and defend a biblically grounded understanding of the person and work of the Holy Ghost.
Readings
Melchisedec Graduate Bible Academy: Foundations of Pentecostal Theology
Host the Holy GhostChurch Without Walls YouTube - The Person of the Holy Spirit videos 1-24
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 8
Use the videos provided by Fair Haven Classes and the Online Institute of the Bible, together with additional scholarly resources used in your research, and write a minimum 2,500-word paper over each course.
Examine the major beliefs, teachings, practices, historical development, and theological claims of the religious groups or movements discussed in each course.
Compare their teachings with the doctrines of historic biblical Christianity, giving particular attention to the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, salvation, Scripture, sin, judgment, eternal life, and other major doctrines where significant differences exist.
Evaluate the biblical passages used by these groups in support of their teachings. Examine those passages in their proper historical, literary, and theological context and explain whether the interpretations presented are consistent with the teaching of Scripture as a whole.
Identify significant theological errors, distortions of Scripture, or departures from biblical doctrine and explain why those differences matter to the Christian faith.
Engage with appropriate scholarly sources, including theological works, historical studies, academic articles, primary documents produced by the groups being examined, and reliable biblical commentaries. Where possible, allow the groups themselves to define their beliefs through their official writings rather than relying only on descriptions provided by their critics.
Compare the approaches taken by the two courses. Identify areas where they agree, areas where they differ, and any conclusions that should be examined more carefully in light of Scripture and additional research.
Discuss how Christians should respond biblically to individuals involved in these movements. Consider the importance of accurately understanding what others believe, defending sound doctrine, presenting the Gospel clearly, and responding with truth, wisdom, and Christian love.
Conclude each paper by explaining how the study has strengthened your understanding of biblical doctrine, improved your ability to recognize theological error, and prepared you to respond more effectively in teaching, ministry, evangelism, and apologetics.
By completing this assignment, the doctoral candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct comparative theological research, evaluate religious claims in light of Scripture, interact with primary and secondary sources, recognize doctrinal error, and defend biblical Christianity with accuracy and sound theological reasoning.
Fair Haven Classes - Cults- videos 1-10
Online Institute Of The Bible - Cults study videos 1-6
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 9
Use the videos provided by the Master’s Seminary on YouTube and write a 2000-word reflection over each course showing how the content contributes to your Biblical, and theological understanding.
The Master’s Seminary - Old Testament Studies I - Dr. Keith Essex
Old Testament Studies II - Dr. Keith Essex
New Testament Studies - Dr. Keith Essex
The Book of Genesis - Dr. Bill Barrick
The Letter of James: A Call to Wholistic Christianity - Dr. Douglas J. Moo
The First Epistle of John - Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough
Exposition of the Book of Job - Dr. Duane A. Garrett
Doctoral candidate: for Ministry/Theology
Assignment 10
Using the videos below the instructions write a 5000-word minimum paper.
A Comparative Study of Textual Criticism in the New and Old Testaments: Perspectives from Various Scholars and Institutes
Introduce the importance of textual criticism in studying both the Old and New Testaments.
Provide a brief overview of the scholars and institutes featured in the videos.
Discuss foundational theories and concepts of textual criticism in both the Old and New Testaments.
Discuss any significant contributions and controversies arising from the diverse perspectives on textual criticism in the Old and New Testaments.
Summarize the key findings and conclusions of the comparative study.
Provide answers to the following questions.
Research Questions:
1. How do the principles of textual criticism inform our understanding of the reliability and integrity of the biblical text?
2. What are the implications of chaos theory on the text of the Old Testament, and how do these findings impact our understanding of the preservation of Scripture?
3. How do the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts contribute to our understanding of the textual history of the Bible?
4. What are the theological implications of the concept of "original" text in biblical textual criticism, and how do these implications impact our understanding of the authority and inspiration of Scripture?
5. How do the presuppositions of Van Til's apologetic method inform our understanding of the providential preservation of Scripture, and what are the implications of this approach for biblical scholarship?
**Possible Thesis Statements:**
1. Despite the complexities of textual criticism, the biblical text has been providentially preserved to convey the intended meaning and message of its original authors.
2. The application of chaos theory to the text of the Old Testament highlights the dynamic and complex nature of the textual transmission process, but does not undermine the overall integrity of the biblical text.
3. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts has significantly enhanced our understanding of the textual history of the Bible, but also raises important questions about the nature of textual authority and inspiration.
Text and Canon Institute - NEW TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM | Dr. Daniel Wallace
Chaos Theory and the Text of the Old Testament — Dr. Peter Gentry
How the Bible Became the Bible — Dr. Stephen Dempster
Listening to the Dead Sea Scrolls — Dr. Anthony Ferguson
Dr. Richard Brash on Van Til’s Presuppositions and Providential Preservation of Scripture
New Testament Textual Criticism Guest Lectures
Daniel Wallace — The Basics of New Testament Textual Criticism
NEW TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM | Dr. James White
Bible Study - Source Criticism
What is an “Original” Text of the Bible? - Biblical Textual Criticism
Transmission of the Biblical Text (Part 1) | How We Got the Bible
Transmission of the Biblical Text (Part 2) | How We Got the Bible
Bible Claims for Inspiration (Part 1) | How We Got the Bible
Bible Claims for Inspiration (Part 2) | How We Got the Bible
Introduction | Has the Bible Been Corrupted?
Deep Dive Spirituality with Dr. Brian Russell
Doctoral Program Part 1 Doctoral Program Part 2 - Doctoral Program Part 4