Baptist Studies Concentration

Chapel Communion ServiceA concentration in Baptist Studies cultivates an understanding of Baptist history, polity, and theology and allows students to gain knowledge and competencies specific to leadership in a Baptist context. Students pursuing this concentration will explore the distinctiveness and complexity of the Baptist tradition.

Competencies

Students will develop the skills to

  • assess the social, cultural, political and economic dynamics that affect Baptist congregations and others in the Free Church traditions.
  • frame the history of the Baptist tradition in the North American context as it impacts specific congregations.
  • interpret Baptist theology and the Bible for lay audiences.
  • model effective pastoral and spiritual leadership, advocacy and relationship-building skills within and beyond congregational settings
Required Courses - 9 credits
  1. HX7315 or CA 7315: A survey of Baptist history, including the origin of the Baptist movement, attempts to identify it by doctrine, principles and practices, its relation to the wider Christian world, and the various approaches to governance. 3 credits
  2. TC 7315: An exploration of the confessional nature of Baptist (and Free Church) doctrine, and how it is shaped by congregational and social contexts, referring to Scripture as the primary source of reasoning. 3 credits
  3. One course from the following list. Some attention in the course should be given to considering the subject in light of a Baptist context. 3 credits
  • Any upper-level preaching elective in which a student can work on preaching for a Baptist context
  • Any upper-level NT, OT, or BB Bible course
  • HX 8335 - Early Christian Spirituality and the Bible
  • MT 8311 - Christian Ministry in a Multicultural Society
  • WO 8324 - Issues in Liturgical Theology and Practice (with some attention to a Baptist context)
  • CM 8330 - Congregational Song History and Theology (Hymnology)
  • CM 8348 - Theological Perspectives in Music
  • CM 8349 - The Hymn: Word and Music
  • CM 9344 - Music in Worship and Renewal
  • CM 9379 - Models of Leadership, Social Institutions, and Community Engagement
  • CM 9380 - Vocation, Leadership, and CommunityStudents in classroom

CONCENTRATION DECLARATION FORM