The 34-credit Marrow of Theology program is a streamlined theological curriculum for laypeople, non-vocational elders, or men who are not sure if they aspire to full-time ministry. Students enrolled in the Marrow program will choose one of the following emphases: exegetical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, and practical theology. It is not intended to replace a fuller, more traditional theological education for those who aspire to the ministry. However, it provides an introduction to theology and a platform on which to build further theological studies for men who later may move into the Scholar’s or Divinity programs.
Program Outcomes
Historical Theology
PLO 1: Historical-Theological Knowledge – Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the major periods, figures, movements, and doctrinal developments in the history of the Christian church.
PLO 2: Historical-Theological Analysis – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to analyze theological ideas and movements within their historical, cultural, and ecclesiastical contexts.
PLO 3: Historical Research and Communication – Graduates will demonstrate competency in historical-theological research and in the clear communication of their findings in written form.
PLO 4: Spiritual Formation and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate spiritual maturity and an ability to apply the lessons of church history to personal growth, church life, and Christian ministry.
Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.
Exegetical Theology
PLO 1: Exegetical Understanding of Scripture – Graduates will demonstrate a deep understanding of the content, structure, and theological message of the Old and New Testaments and the unfolding of redemptive history across the biblical canon.
PLO 2: Hermeneutical and Exegetical Skill – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret Scripture responsibly using sound hermeneutical principles and careful exegetical analysis.
PLO 3: Biblical-Theological Synthesis – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to synthesize biblical teaching and articulate coherent biblical-theological conclusions grounded in careful exegesis.
PLO 4: Spiritual Formation and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate growing spiritual maturity and the ability to apply exegetical and theological understanding in ways that promote faithful service, wise leadership, and the strengthening of Christ’s church.
Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.
Practical Theology
PLO 1: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry – Graduates will demonstrate a biblical understanding of pastoral ministry, the life and calling of the minister, and the theological foundations that govern the ministry of the church.
PLO 2: Faithful Proclamation and Ministry of the Word – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to prepare, deliver, and evaluate biblical preaching and teaching that faithfully communicates the message of Scripture to the church.
PLO 3: Wise and Biblically Based Pastoral Leadership – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply biblical principles to the varied responsibilities of pastoral leadership, including counseling, shepherding, church administration, and ministry development.
PLO 4: Spiritual Formation and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate growing spiritual maturity and a commitment to apply biblical truth in ways that strengthen the church and advance the mission of Christ.
Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.
Systematic Theology
PLO 1: Doctrinal Mastery of Systematic Theology – Graduates will demonstrate advanced understanding of the major doctrines of Christian theology as articulated in Scripture and synthesized through the Reformed systematic tradition.
PLO 2: Theological Analysis and Doctrinal Discernment – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to analyze theological claims critically and formulate biblically grounded doctrinal judgments in dialogue with historical theology and contemporary challenges.
PLO 3: Theological Research and Communication – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct disciplined theological research and to communicate systematic theological conclusions clearly, persuasively, and responsibly.
PLO 4: Spiritual Formation and Faithful Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate growing spiritual maturity and the ability to apply systematic theological truth to Christian living, ministry, and the strengthening of Christ’s church.
Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.
Program Emphases
Emphasis on Exegetical Theology (34 Credits)
Seven core courses (24 credits) in exegetical and biblical studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines.
SP401 Research & Writing (2)
SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)
ET500 Hermeneutics (3)
BL511 Elementary Greek I (3)
BL512 Elementary Greek II (3)
ET510 Old Testament Introduction (3)
ET515 New Testament Introduction (3)
ET631 Old Testament Theology (4)
ET632 New Testament Theology (2)
10 Elective Credits from any ET, HT, ST, or PT
Emphasis on Historical Theology (34 Credits)
Seven core courses (22 credits) in historical and systematic studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:
SP401 Research & Writing (2)
SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)
HT500 Baptist Symbolics (2)
HT611 Early Church (3)
HT612 Medieval Church (3)
HT613 Reformation Church (3)
HT614 Modern Church (3)
HT521 Particular Baptists (2)
ST501 Apologetics (3)
12 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT
Emphasis on Systematic Theology (34 Credits)
Nine core courses (29 credits) in systematic theology supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:
SP401 Research & Writing (2)
SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)
ST501 Apologetics (3)
ST502 The Word (3)
ST503 God & Decree (3)
ST504 Man & Sin (3)
ST505 Christ & Covenants (3)
ST506 Salvation (3)
ST507 Holy Spirit (or) ST510 Ethics (3)
ST508 Church (3)
ST509 Last Things (2)
5 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT
Emphasis on Practical Theology ♦ (34 Credits)
Eight core courses (22 credits) in practical studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:
SP401 Research & Writing (2)
SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)
ET300 Hermeneutics (3)
ST510 Ethics (3)
PT601 Calling & Cultivation (2)
PT602 Expository Preaching (3)
PT610 Pastoral Theology (2)
PT612 Church Ministry (2)
PT650 Introduction to Missions (2)
BC610 Pastoral Counseling (2)
12 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT
♦ The Practical Theology emphasis is designed for men aspiring to pastoral ministry. Therefore, it is limited to men only.