A detailed consideration of the process of interpreting the Bible at an advanced level including principles of hermeneutics, consideration of the various genres of biblical literature, and how the history of interpretation informs current practice. The course will also address the use of computerized and other forms of biblical language tools and how to use them in responsible ways to improve interpretation.

An introduction to the literature of the New Testament, first century Greco-Roman history, critical issues of New Testament formation, methods in New Testament study, and New Testament theology.

An introduction to the literature of the Old Testament, the history of Israel, critical issues of Old Testament formation, methods in Old Testament study, and Old Testament theology.

An exploration of the themes of power, authority, and leadership throughout the Scriptures to lay a foundation for a specifically Christian approach to leadership that is consistent with the church’s nature and mission. Though this class greatly informs Christian leadership in church and parachurch contexts, its relevance to wider world contexts will also be explored.

An intermediate consideration of Church history focusing on key doctrinal developments that continue to be affirmed and/or contested today. The origins of various Christian denominations-e.g., Roman Catholic, Anabaptist, Reformed, Baptist, Restoration Movement-will be considered. Students will learn to locate their own church background within the broader Christian tradition and to apply historical lessons to contemporary questions. 

An interdisciplinary course that brings advanced knowledge of human learning and development into conversation with the biblical imperative to make disciples who are formed into the image of Christ through the regenerative work.

An interdisciplinary course that addresses how to teach and preach from the Old Testament with the New Testament in mind and from the New Testament with the Old Testament in mind. This class complements Reading the Bible Theologically but focuses more on the practice of preaching and teaching, especially the Old Testament. 

An exploration of how to read the Old Testament and New Testament as a unity built around a single continuous story that culminates in Christ and anticipates the fullness of God’s kingdom in the eschaton. Special emphasis is placed on how the New Testament itself appropriates the Old Testament. 

Biblical, historical, and conceptual analysis of God’s mission in this world, the church’s role in that mission, and the world’s role in God’s mission. This course differs from Theology of Church and Culture in that TCM focuses more on ecclesiology and evangelism whereas TCC focuses more on contemporary ethical challenges. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of the New Testament Epistles. When different Epistles are considered, this class may be repeated. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of a Gospel and/or the book of Acts. When different New Testament narrative books are considered, this class may be repeated. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of the book of Revelation. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of one or more narrative books in the Old Testament. When different Old Testament narrative books are considered, this class may be repeated. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of one or more of the poetic books in the Old Testament. When different Old Testament poetic books are considered, this class may be repeated. 

In English, with guidance on how to use language tools, this course focuses on advanced interpretation of one or more of the prophetic books in the Old Testament. When different Old Testament prophetic books are considered, this class may be repeated. 

An intermediate introduction to the Apocrypha, Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, and Dead Sea Scrolls within their historical contexts and with an eye toward how they help us read the New Testament, contribute to Christian theology, and enrich our understanding of canonicity. 

A panoramic survey of the entire Bible’s teaching on pressing contemporary ethical issues as immigration, poverty, same-sex eroticism, the church’s relation to politics, violence and war, divorce and remarriage, and abortion. Ministerial ethics will also be considered. 

A deep dive into the nature of Torah in conversation with how Christ fulfills that law in such a way that it is sometimes transformed as it enfolded into church life and practice, sometimes carried forward with little need for transformation, and at other times terminated where its fulfillment requires no further implementation. 

A biblical analysis of the church’s specific calling, how it postures God’s people in relation to the wider world, and what that means for specific cultural issues that face the church today. This course differs from Theology of Christian Mission in that TCM focuses more on ecclesiology and evangelism and TCC focuses more on ethical challenges. 

A biblical, historical, and conceptual examination of Christian worship that focuses on the nature, purpose, and interdependence of various components of the gathered Christian assembly. 

John is a seasoned professor, widely published author, and sought after speaker in the areas of Bible, theology, Christian ethics, and ecclesiology. He has been actively involved in a wide variety of ministries for over 30 years, including youth ministry, campus ministry, house church ministry, camp ministry, curriculum development, commentary writing, conference planning, leadership training, and educational administration. John is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of kingdom ambassadors and relishes each and every kingdom friendship. In the classroom John brings a unique blend of theology, church history, philosophy, ethics, biblical studies, and practical church experience to each session. He avoids simplistic answers to complex questions and advocates a generous interpretation of competing viewpoints in devout submission to Christ’s prayer for Christian unity. John’s books are studied in living rooms, classrooms, and church rooms around the world. The weekly After Class Podcast, which he co-hosts, has enjoyed over half a million downloads. But his central passion is to promote the good news of God’s kingdom all throughout the world alongside his church and college families. He is excited to share this same passion with and through the wider circle of servant leaders in GLCC’s graduate program.

Paul has 40 years of teaching experience in both graduate and undergraduate contexts and 48 years of ministry experience. He has ministered in urban, rural, suburban, and small town contexts. He has taught and preached in more than 40 countries throughout the world. He and his wife of 45 years, Cathy, have served as missionaries for 12 of those years. Paul has written or served as a main editor of 7 books, and dozens of scholarly articles and book chapters. He served as co-editor of a 23 volume Old Testament commentary series. Paul focuses on holistic approaches to understanding the Bible where the big picture of God’s purpose or mission in creation is resolved in the new creation is always in view. Known as a passionate teacher, preacher, and missionary, Paul is motivated by mentoring present and future leaders. For Paul, teaching is a process in which engaging in discussion – sometimes animated ones – empowers students to learn how to think within a Biblical framework.

Ron is the Professor of New Testament, and he has been serving the church in a variety of ways for nearly four decades. These include home Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, teaching professional courses, and pulpit preaching every Sunday. Ron has served as professor of New Testament at GLCC for twenty years. He has published a book, several chapters in multiple books, and journal articles on topics related to the study of the New Testament, especially the Greek language. His passion is for communicating God’s vision for his kingdom at every opportunity, whether it’s in the classroom, church services, or over a cappuccino at the local coffee shop. Ron is also the co-host of the After Class Podcast, which is currently in its eighth season. After Class has listeners around the world, with well over a half million downloads. Ron is looking forward to the launch of GLCC’s graduate program and the opportunity to continue training servant leaders to better communicate God’s vision of his kingdom.

Sam is the Professor of Old Testament with interests in Torah, ancient Near Eastern comparative culture and religion, Old Testament backgrounds to New Testament practice, and Semitic languages. He has been involved in ministry officially and as a volunteer for over 30 years including youth ministry, worship ministry, and preaching ministry. Sam cares deeply about proclaiming God’s Kingdom through preaching and teaching as well as raising up co-workers for the gospel. This passion for discipling and equipping in his desire to help preachers and teachers improve pedagogy as well as understand original languages, culture, and context. Sam is also a contributor and co-host of the weekly released After Class Podcast that examines biblical topics and theology to provide a resource to the church. He is excited to partner with students to engage God’s Word to transform their lives and their ministries.

Esther is an experienced professor, worship leader and musician. She developed a heart for ministry from her preacher father, and a love for music from her mother, an elementary music teacher and church musician. Esther has been actively involved in local church ministry in full-time, part-time, and volunteer capacities, and in a variety of contexts—smaller congregations, a new church plant, and urban and multi-site congregations. She is passionate about preparing and mentoring the next generation of worship leaders. In the classroom, she brings a combination of historical foundations, biblical study, philosophical points of view and practical experience and application. She approaches worship through the lens of scripture, with a deep love for the church and appreciation for the lessons of history, and with a desire to tell God’s story in fresh, relevant and timeless ways. Esther is excited to be able to share GLCC’s mission of preparing servant leaders and being on kingdom mission with students in the new graduate program.