The Tennent Core
Our course of study follows the sweeping narrative of Scripture, diving into all 66 books against a backdrop of church history and setting the major tenets of theology in the context of epic biography. All Tennent students, regardless of which degree they are pursuing, will receive the same fundamental education—a deep dive into four core disciplines: Historical Theology (HT), Old Testament (OT), New Testament (NT), and Applied Theology (AT). The scope and sequence of study follows the general flow of the biblical metanarrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and ultimate Restoration.
On the heels of the first four residencies, our field practicum takes place overseas, providing the opportunity to synthesize and apply this content in a missional context. Each residency includes classes in all four disciplines, although M.A.T.S. and Essentials students will audit some of these courses. M.Div. students, on the other hand, will return for one additional term after completing the Tennent Core.
The core curriculum is as follows:
First Term
HT 500: Patristics, the Trinity, and Christological Controversy (3 hrs)
HT 500 is a survey of early church history and the contributions of the church fathers, covering Athanasius’ thought on the dual natures of Christ, the Cappadocian argument for the deity of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of Augustine’s work. We will examine the grand theological themes grappled with in the ecumenical councils, namely, the nature of our Triune God and the person of Jesus Christ. Our exploration of these glorious doctrines will be set in the context of the developing Christian movement from the close of the canon to the fall of Rome, dovetailing with concurrent readings in the Torah and the gospels, bedrock texts for all Christian thought and worship. (Theology Proper & Christology)
OT 500: The Torah/Pentateuch (3 hrs)
OT 500 is a survey of the content and theology of Genesis to Deuteronomy, known as the Torah in the Hebrew Bible. This survey adopts a literary-canonical approach that focuses on the Torah as ancient Near Eastern literature, but ancient literature that Christians understand to be part of the two-testament revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will examine the foundational Old Testament doctrines of creation, sin, faith, redemption, the character of God, law, holiness, and blessing through close readings of selected passages. In addition, we’ll lay a foundation for future courses by introducing the theory and method of Old Testament hermeneutics. We will engage the Torah as a uniquely powerful set of texts that reveal the origins of our world, human nature, the unchanging character of our LORD, and the pattern of our redemption in the gospel.
NT 500: The Synoptic Gospels (3 hrs)
NT 500 is a survey of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, known collectively as the Synoptic Gospels. Students will become attuned to the theological portraits of Jesus that each gospel paints. We will situate the gospels in their Greco-Roman cultural matrix including Jewish and non-Jewish literature, and we will situate key passages in their immediate literary context, interpreting them according to the conventions of their genre. We will engage the gospels within their canonical setting, paying close attention to how each gospel uses the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in its theological tapestry. Each gospel will give us insight into the identity and character of Jesus, the nature of God’s kingdom, and how Jesus’ disciples are to relate to God and live in his kingdom. This course may focus on one or more of the Synoptic Gospels. We will seek to engage these texts with humility, recognizing the authority of Scripture, and encountering the living Christ in these pages.
AT 500: Philosophy of Ministry and Spiritual Leadership (3 hrs)
AT 500 lays out a gospel-centered philosophy of ministry and gospel-shaped transformational leadership model based upon the life and ministry of Jesus. Any philosophy of ministry course must not begin with ministry strategy or how to conduct worship gatherings, but with Christ Himself. Spiritual leadership is simply extending Christ’s ministry in our own lives to the lives of those around us, as public ministry must always grow out of personal transformation. Leadership theory, spiritual formation models, and best practices will be discussed and explored, based upon a rich theological foundation rooted in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Second Term
HT 550: Reformers, Rome, and Soteriological Clarity (3 hrs)
HT 550 picks up the Christian story from the Middle Ages to the Reformation, surveying the sin and decay that held long sway in the church, along with periodic renewal movements culminating in the Reformation. We will examine the expansive theological impact of Martin Luther, William Tyndale, John Calvin and others, with a special focus on the solas of the Reformation and the ordo salutis. Taken concurrently with an exploration of covenant in the Old Testament, studies in the Pauline epistles, and homiletics, this course will help students understand, articulate, and value the rich tradition of our Protestant faith. (Hamartiology & Soteriology)
OT 550: The Former Prophets/primary history (3 hrs)
OT 550 is a survey of the content and theology of Joshua–2 Kings (excepting Ruth), known as the Former Prophets in the Hebrew Bible. This survey adopts a literary-canonical approach that focuses on the Former Prophets as ancient Near Eastern literature, but ancient literature that Christians understand to be part of the two-testament revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our study of the Former Prophets will introduce the concepts of salvation history and biblical theology. We will examine the foundational Old Testament doctrines of covenant, kingdom, land, temple, and idolatry through close readings of selected passages. In addition, we will build on our hermeneutical foundation by developing exegetical skills for interpreting Biblical Hebrew narratives. We will study the Former Prophets as a searching epic through which the story of all humanity is reflected in the story of the ancient kingdom of Israel.
NT 550: Acts and the Pauline Corpus (3 hrs)
NT 550 is an introduction to the life, letters, and theology of the apostle Paul. In addition to setting his letters in the canonical context of Paul’s missionary journeys as recorded in the book of Acts, we will consider the purposes and theological emphases of his letters. In this course we will focus especially on Galatians and/or Romans. We will probe Paul’s theology and ethics by situating these letters in their Greco-Roman context, and students will have opportunity and instruction in utilizing Greek language helps to responsibly unpack these inspired texts through careful exegesis. Finally, we will recognize the significance of Paul’s use of Scripture.
AT 550: The Ministry of the Word (3 hrs)
AT 550 is an exploration of the glorious work of proclaiming God’s Word to God’s people. For the edification of the church and the advance of the gospel, biblical truth must be communicated through the faithful exposition of the Word, with God’s glory, our aim, Christ crucified, our message, and the power of the Spirit, our continual prayer. In this course, homiletical principles and methodologies are covered, equipping students with the theological basis, tools, and vision for becoming exegetically sound expositors in their preaching, teaching, and one to one disciple making ministries.
Third Term
HT 600: Great Awakening, the Holy Spirit, and Evangelical Identity (3 hrs)
HT 600 underscores the Puritan, Pietistic, and Anglican foundations of the Evangelical Revival of the 18th Century, as well as the resulting missionary enterprise and reform initiatives. Known as the Great Awakening in North America, this Trans-Atlantic sweep of God’s Spirit, under the leadership of George Whitefield, John Wesley, William Tennent, and others gave birth to an emerging evangelical movement. Particular attention will be given to the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the theology of Jonathan Edwards, and finally, John Newton, William Wilberforce, and the campaign against the slave trade. Taken in conjunction with missiology, post-exilic history, and the General Epistles, this course will provide a historical vision and a theological footing as we seek to share the message of redemption in Christ to a lost world. (Ecclesiology & Pneumatology)
OT 600: The Writings/Psalms, Wisdom, and Post-Exilic Histories (3 hrs)
OT 600 is a survey of the content and theology of the books of 1 Chronicles–Song of Songs plus Ruth, Daniel, and Lamentations, collectively known as the Writings in the Hebrew Bible. This survey adopts a literary-canonical approach that focuses on the Writings as ancient Near Eastern literature, but ancient literature that Christians understand to be part of the two-testament revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will continue to build on our hermeneutical foundation by developing exegetical skills for interpreting Biblical Hebrew poetry as well as examining special genres like psalms, proverbs, genealogies, laments, and lyric poetry through close readings of selected texts. We will pay significant attention to the concept of canon as a controlling hermeneutical reality and explore the Old Testament doctrine of the nations while asking what it looks like for God’s people to live faithfully in exile. We will experience the Writings as a diverse collection of Israel’s deepest reflections on the application of the covenant to all of life including national disaster, personal suffering, human sexuality, community ethics, and personal faith.
NT 600: Hebrews and the General Epistles (3 hrs)
NT 600 is a survey of Hebrews and the General Epistles, exploring their unique themes and contexts, including Jesus’ priestly ministry, James as wisdom literature, justice and the Body of Christ, pilgrim Christianity, and threats to the church, including persecution from without, and false teachers from within. In addition, we will grow in our appreciation of this oft-neglected collection of writings as we explore the special place of these books in the New Testament canon, trace their general outlines and trajectories, discuss hermeneutical challenges, and engage in intermediate exegetical study of select passages.
AT 600: Missiology (3 hrs)
AT 600 is a survey covering missiological theory and strategy, church planting, cross-cultural, missional, and multiplication movements, and strategic models for global engagement. We will begin with the biblical foundations of missiology and explore how those principles have been enacted throughout history to today, examining the most influential multiplication movements across the globe, the leaders who sparked them, and the factors that contributed to their success. Students will consider these movements in light of their own contexts, gleaning insights and principles which will both contribute to their own development as people on mission, as well as equipping them to multiply, mobilize, and send missional leaders locally and globally.
Fourth Term
HT 650: The Confessing Church, Revelation, Evil, and Eschatology (3 hrs)
HT 650 traces the story of the church in the face of evil. The lives and theology of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer will be explored in historical context and critically evaluated with an eye toward contemporary ethical implications, including the place of resistance, and especially our blessed hope in a fallen world. In this course we will discuss, at length, God’s self-disclosure in light of challenges to orthodoxy and other doctrinal trends of the past century. We will consider our ultimate hope alongside a course on the Old Testament Latter Prophets, the book of Revelation, and an Ethics/Cultural Apologetics class. (Bibliology & Eschatology)
OT 650: The Latter Prophets/The Major and Minor Prophets (3 hrs)
OT 650 is a survey of the content and theology of the books of Isaiah–Malachi (excepting Daniel and Lamentations), known as the Latter Prophets in the Hebrew Bible. This survey adopts a literary-canonical approach that focuses on the Latter Prophets as ancient Near Eastern literature, but ancient literature that Christians understand to be part of the two-testament revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will study the nature and function of Biblical Hebrew prophecy and further exegetical skills for interpreting Biblical Hebrew poetry through close readings of selected prophetic texts. In addition, we’ll conclude our study of Old Testament hermeneutics by surveying and evaluating methods for reading Old Testament texts as Christian scripture, i.e., how we can properly relate Old Testament texts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This course will trace the eschatological trajectory of the major doctrines of the Old Testament through prophecies of judgement and hope toward the New Covenant and, indeed, the New Creation. We will read the Latter Prophets as an eternally spoken word of rebuke, exhortation, and encouragement for the people of God in all times and places.
NT 650: Johannine Literature (3 hrs)
NT 650 covers the Gospel of John, the epistles 1-3 John, and the book of Revelation. In this course we will consider the wonder and uniqueness of the fourth gospel, the author’s depiction of Jesus as the eternal Logos, the I AM, the Johannine themes of life, light, and love, as well as his vision of the eschaton, while honing our exegetical skill through careful examination of select passages. Special attention will be given to hermeneutical issues unique to apocalyptic literature, the ultimate triumph of the risen Lamb, and the culmination of the sweeping biblical metanarrative: the renewal of all things in Christ.
AT 650: Ethics, Cultural Apologetics and Exegesis (3 hrs)
AT 650 seeks to equip students to better understand the social implications of the gospel, how to exegete and understand culture and society, and how to engage those of another worldview in compelling, thoughtful, and imaginative ways. The cyclical nature of culture will be uncovered, as well as how the church can respond to a changing world with an unchanging gospel. We will explore how to think Christianly about the pressing issues of our own age, how our identity in Christ informs how we think and how we live, and how we, as renewed human beings, now live life on the basis of, and in the strength of the work of God done for, to, and in us.
Fifth Term
FP 700: Field Practicum (6 hrs)
FP 700: Field Practicum (6 hrs) In this capstone theological field education experience, each student collaborates with other students, prepares a short class with their colleagues, travels overseas with their cohort, and teaches a course (if possible, within their degree concentration) in a cross-cultural church and/or Bible college setting.
All M.Litt. and M.A.T.S. students have the freedom to pursue a particular concentration (OT/NT/AT/HT), while M.Div. students can choose an emphasis in either Hebrew or Greek. While all students will complete the Tennent Core, there is freedom to complete one module each term honing their skills in a specific discipline.
THESIS PROJECT (3 HRS EACH TERM)
For M.Litt. students and M.A.T.S. students on the thesis track, the Thesis Project will be a major component of the entire course of study, building throughout the program, and culminating in a 40,000 word thesis. These independent studies will be supervised by a faculty member. The thesis will also be reviewed by a secondary reader. In the final term, students will defend the thesis with their supervisor and second reader.
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES (3 HRS EACH TERM)
M.A.T.S. students on the language track will complete modules in Hebrew or Greek, respectively, introducing basic vocabulary and syntax, and advancing, over the course of the program, to intermediate reading and exegesis of selected texts in the original languages.
All M.Div. students will take four terms of either Greek or Hebrew, and no fewer than two terms of the other.