This course deepens students’ understanding of the core doctrines of the Christian faith and their implications for pastoral leadership and congregational health. BTH 202 transitions from "what" we believe to "why" and "how" those beliefs shape the Christian life and the local church. This course provides a rigorous mid-level exploration of key doctrinal categories, moving beyond basic definitions to examine historical development, biblical defense, and contemporary challenges. Special emphasis is placed on equipping pastors to teach doctrine clearly and shepherd congregations toward theological maturity. 

Ministry happens at the intersection of deep human need and the hope of the Gospel. This course explores the psychological and social dynamics of individuals facing the most difficult moments of life—including broken relationships, abuse, loss, and trauma. By examining behavioral science through a robust biblical framework, students will gain insight into how the human brain and body react under intense stress and how those biological responses shape the spiritual life and relationships of an individual. 

This course is not merely about theory; it is about understanding the image-bearers whom the leader serves. Students will study how trauma-informed care can transform a church into a safe, healing community. A major focus of the course is the psychology of the leader. Because healthy ministry requires a healthy minister, the curriculum examines the science of burnout and compassion fatigue. Students will learn to build a sustainable life of service by practicing the psychological and spiritual habits that protect mental and emotional well-being for a lifetime of fruitfulness. 

This course will emphasize understanding the historical-cultural and literary contexts of the texts. Key topics include genre analysis, the problem of meaning and authorial intent, principles for moving from exegesis (what the text meant) to hermeneutics (what it means today), and how to theological themes across scripture. Students will apply these skills to contemporary ethical and doctrinal issues. 

Through this course, students will be able to exegete texts with greater precision, critically assess interpretive claims, and articulate a coherent interpretive framework for their own study and life. The course emphasizes how careful interpretation of Scripture forms the foundation for effective preaching, discipleship, and church leadership. 

This course surveys the pivotal leaders, theological movements, and cultural shifts that have shaped the North American church, with a primary focus on the Canadian experience. Beyond a chronological study, students will analyze the leadership lessons embedded within church history—examining how theological clarity, spiritual renewal, and institutional challenges impact successive generations. 

Specific attention is given to the heritage of Canadian revivalism and the historical trajectory of church planting across the provinces. By studying these patterns, students will learn to integrate historical themes of resilience and innovation into their own ministry or church-planting contexts. This course equips emerging leaders to navigate modern challenges by drawing strategic wisdom from the successes and failures of those who preceded them in the Canadian mission field.

This course equips leaders to build churches that are both theologically grounded and culturally accessible. Moving beyond traditional methods, students will investigate how creative branding, strategic marketing, and community engagement serve the greater goal of evangelism. 

The course provides a roadmap for the entire "seeker journey"—from the initial invitation to the first-time guest experience and into a clear pathway for discipleship. Whether through personal relational outreach or curated church environments, students will learn to foster a missional culture that values both the proclamation of the Gospel and the long-term spiritual transformation of their city. 

Building a healthy, growing church requires a dual commitment to spiritual vitality and organizational excellence. This course provides a comprehensive roadmap for church planting and revitalization, grounded in a biblical vision of the local church. Students will explore the leadership principles necessary to cultivate a thriving congregational culture while navigating the unique challenges of the Canadian ministry context, such as cultural secularization and community engagement. 

Through a blend of theological reflection and practical strategy, students will learn to cast vision, develop core teams, and establish sustainable structures for long-term health. From initial launch strategies to managing finances and board governance, this course equips leaders with the frameworks needed to foster discipleship and lead with confidence in a modern missionary setting. 

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theology, theory, and practice of Christian preaching. Students will explore the biblical foundations of the homiletical task, learning to bridge the gap between faithful scriptural interpretation and compelling communication for contemporary audiences. The curriculum balances the technical "art" of exegetical sermon preparation with the "skill" of dynamic delivery. 

Key areas of focus include structuring effective outlines, understanding and developing one’s unique pastoral voice, and crafting messages that remain contextually relevant across various ministry settings. Through a process of researching, preparing, and delivering original sermons, students will receive constructive feedback designed to foster growth as Spirit-led preachers who speak with theological depth, pastoral clarity, and transformative power. 

This course provides an in-depth examination of the Christian worldview as a comprehensive framework for reality, knowledge, and value. Students will move beyond cultural discernment to the systematic study of competing worldviews—such as naturalism and postmodernism—learning to deconstruct their claims in light of the biblical narrative. 

The curriculum integrates classical and contemporary apologetics, equipping students with robust rational defenses for the existence of God, the reliability of Scripture, and the Resurrection. Special emphasis is placed on "pastoral apologetics," training leaders to respond to complex objections regarding morality, suffering, and truth with intellectual integrity and grace. This course transforms missional awareness into a sophisticated toolkit for engaging the secular Canadian mind. 

Healthy churches are sustained by the dual engines of intentional discipleship and robust leadership development. This course equips students to design strategic pathways that move believers from spiritual infancy to mature, reproducing leadership. By exploring biblical models of formation and multiplication, students will learn to build integrated systems that drive both congregational health and missional expansion. 

The curriculum balances the "how-to" of spiritual formation with the practical mechanics of a leadership pipeline. Students will develop frameworks to identify, mentor, and deploy emerging leaders, ensuring that discipleship remains the central driver of church life. Designed for church planters, this course provides the tools to transform a congregation into a self-sustaining community of equipped, Spirit-led influencers. 

This course provides a foundational study of mathematics and statistics through the lens of ecclesiastical administration and data management. Students will develop quantitative literacy by mastering the algebraic and arithmetic principles required for professional accounting, fund management, and multi-year budget forecasting. 

The curriculum transitions from financial computation to applied statistics, teaching students how to collect, organize, and interpret congregational data. By applying probability and statistical inference to ministry trends—such as attendance patterns, demographic shifts, and giving cycles—students will learn to make data-informed decisions that support long-term organizational health. This course equips leaders to steward church resources with technical precision, transparency, and biblical wisdom. 

This advanced practicum places students in a supervised ministry environment to bridge the gap between theological education and high-level leadership practice. Moving beyond basic participation, students will take on increased responsibility within a local church or ministry organization, engaging in core functions such as preaching, discipleship oversight, pastoral care, and strategic leadership meetings. 

The course emphasizes the development of the "culture-setting leader"—one who understands how to cultivate spiritual vitality, mission, and leadership multiplication within a community. Through hands-on experience and structured reflection, students will sharpen their ministry competencies and foster deeper discernment regarding their vocational calling. Supported by guided mentoring, this practicum is designed to equip Spirit-led leaders to serve with the maturity, confidence, and theological integration required for effective long-term ministry.