Biblical History & Background

This module introduces the historical setting for both testaments. Through the semester we shall follow two streams. The first stream will begin with the Genesis prologue and sweep through the history of Israel identifying the major events and exploring the significant redemptive themes that we meet. 

The second stream begins with the rise of Alexander the Great and sweeps through the intertestamental period and the setting of the New Testament taking us up to the parting of the ways between synagogue and church.

The aim of the course is to provide a substantial framework of history from the patriarchal period through to the first century of the Christian church.

Children’s Ministry

In this module we look at child development and what children need to reach their full potential spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, morally and intellectually.

We explore how we help children find God and learn to worship him. We examine how and what we teach and how we pastor and disciple children. We attempt to tie together social action and the gospel by evaluating the environment, curriculum, presentation and settings in which we work both here in N.I. and abroad.

Teaching is by means of lecture, group work and class discussion. Students are required to undertake a placement in a children’s ministry setting. You can be promised lots of fun as well as hard work in this course!

Christianity & Other Religions

How do we as Christians approach other people of other faiths?

This module will look at some of the answers to question.  Students will explore aspects of Islamic culture and practice. Hinduism, Buddhism and New Religious Movements will also be examined – their world-view, the influence this has on society and how they differ from Christianity. The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of these different faiths so that they can communicate more effectively with those who follow them.

Contemporary Preaching

This long thin module (taught over two semesters) is a foundational study of the theology, history and practice of preaching in contemporary contexts. It aims to combine biblical, theological, historical and practical insights in a way that meets the needs of students envisaging a major preaching component in their future work or with a special interest in the discipline.  It is taught in three blocks:

(1) hermeneutics and exegesis (autumn semester )

(2) theology and homiletics (autumn semester ) and

(3) communication and contemporary Christian ministry (spring semester). 

Particular attention will be given to introducing and developing homiletic skills, hermeneutics and reflective practice for preachers. It is available to male and female students in their second and third years only, as the pre-requisite is successful completion of modules in communication and hermeneutics. Numbers are capped at 12. Students are required (with the help of the college) to secure a placement offering them at least one opportunity to preach.

Family Ministry

This new module is designed for anyone who has contact with families in a church or a community setting. It covers issues arising within families from development, the normal family life cycle, culture, trauma and crisis and looks at pastoral care, church based and community interventions. It will provide students with a broad overview of today’s family and give ideas on how to work practically with families in a biblical context.

A Framework of Christian Thought

This module looks at Christian doctrine in two main areas. First this will involve a survey of the major points of doctrine such as revelation, authority, trinity, sin, the person and work of Christ and how this is applicable to the individual   Secondly we will look at the church, providing an opportunity to examine, among other things, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, worship, discipline, structure and the roles of men and women.

Interpreting and Communicating the Bible

There will be an introduction to the nature and history of Biblical interpretation, identifying significant people, periods and methods from earliest Jewish interpreters down to the present day. In the course of the survey our aim is to identify major principles of interpretation that we can put into practice as we look the different kinds of literature found in the Bible, such narrative, poetry, wisdom, letters, etc.

The second aspect to this module is an introduction to the theory and practice of communicating in public. We will consider a theoretical model of communication before moving onto practical insights to the way the model works in practice. Topics include how to prepare and deliver presentations, creating interaction and how to overcome obstacles to effective communicating.

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

This is a year-long introduction to the basics of Hebrew. The course aims to take away all fear of a very different language and build up basic reading skills. We make extensive use of interactive computer programmes.

Introduction to New Testament Greek

This module will introduce students to the language of the New Testament. The aim of the module is to give students enough of the basics of the language so they can use tools that will help them in understanding the New Testament e.g. Greek Dictionaries, Concordance and Commentaries on the Greek Text.  As we learn the grammar and study the language we will also look at issues that can effect our understanding of particular verses and particular words in the New Testament.

Introduction to Spanish

This module is designed for those who are considering working in a Spanish speaking context. The aim of the module is to provide the student with the basics of the language so they can understand people and communicate with them. Emphasis will be placed on speaking and understanding rather than on written work.

Leadership

The module will move from biblical and theological reflection on leadership to working out the practical implications of this for effective leading in the contemporary world and church context. Students will be required to interact with suggested reading and to participate in group discussions. Whether you consider yourself a leader or not this module will help you understand the significance of leadership in Christian ministry.

Mission in the Bible, in History and Today

What is Mission?  Why do we do it?  How do we do it? 

This module explores the answers given to these questions in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. We will also look at how Christians before us have answered these questions and what we can learn from their experiences in Mission. Having looked at the Bible & History we will then think through how we can be involved in mission today applying the teaching from the Bible & learning from the experience of the past.

Mission in Context and Culture

This module explores how culture and the society people live in effects them, their response to the gospel and how we engage in mission. Students taking this module will have an introduction to anthropology. They will also examine the theory and practice of working in another culture and consider some of the issues involved in relief work, development and urban mission.

Pastoral Care I & II

This is a year – long course which usually meets for four periods on Friday mornings.  The course is designed to develop practical skills in pastoral care and will cover some of the basic elements required in counselling as well. The course will be particularly helpful for those who have some involvement in local church settings or are involved in other pastoral caring situations. This will not necessarily exclude students who have no such experience but who may be considering the possibility of such a role in the future.

Classroom time will be made up of lectures, group-work, discussions and practical assignments. There will be a number of major field trips throughout the year. 

Coursework will include a journal, some essays and class assignments such as book reviews.

Numbers taking this course will limited and the class will also consist of part-time students.Admission will be decided only after discussion with the Co-ordinators of the course.

The Story of Faith

This module on the history of Christianity aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the story of faith. A series of lively lectures based on major chronological eras (early, medieval, Reformation, modern) and their trends, ideas, and individuals re-tell the story. Also, students look in greater detail at one period or development of the story.  In addition, a weekly workshop provides students with an opportunity to gain skills in examining the primary sources – documents, art, music, architecture, photograph, film, etc. - that provide us with that story. The course is taught by lectures, seminars, directed readings and workshops. There is no pre-requisite.

Youth Work and Ministry

Students will work towards gaining the OCN Training in Youth Work level 2 and level 3 (Unit 1). The training is competence-based and is assessed through portfolio building and a witness testimony from the student’s placement supervisor. Subjects covered include objectives of youth work, communication, delivering youth programmes, group work and developing self-awareness. This course will be run with limited places so leaving students will receive preference.

Western World Views

This module will examine a Christian understanding of culture and explore the history and distinctives of our western culture in particular. This will provide an opportunity to explore and examine our culture from a Biblical perspective. Part of the module will explore literature and encourage wider reading in some classic and contemporary writing.  Throughout we shall be seeking to discover a Biblical response to culture.

‘A Level’ in Religious Studies

The complete ‘A Level’ is taught in 2 parts.  In the Autumn Semester students take the ‘AS’ in Religious Studies.  This is examined in January by a combination of assignment and examination which are externally assessed by CEA. Those who complete this module are eligible to take the’A2’ in the Spring Semester which is also examined externally in May/June. The syllabus explores Old Testament Prophecy and selected New Testament writings and is taught on an evening in a class comprising of internal and external students.

Students who take the ‘A’ Level may be exempted from the requirement to take a Bible Book module as a core module in that academic year. Please consult the Assistant to the Director of Studies if you wish to request an exemption.

Bible Books

Old Testament – the books of the Law

Old Testament – the Prophets

Old Testament – the History books

Old Testament – the Wisdom books

New Testament – Mark & John

New Testament – Matthew & Luke

New Testament – Paul & his letters

New Testament - Non-Pauline letters

Apocalyptic Literature

These modules aim to introduce students to the different kinds of writing in the Bible (e.g. Historical Books, Prophecy, Letters, Apocalyptic) and how to understand and interpret these different kinds of writing. Each module will include an introduction to the kind of writing being studied and then look at particular books or passages (e.g.

a module on the Books of the Law might look at Genesis in detail). The texts studied will be examined in their historical context. The aim will be to give the students an overall grasp of the book(s) studied and how to approach the Biblical text.

These modules are run in rotation. Normally 2 of these modules will run in any Academic year – one Old Testament and one New Testament.

Biblical Discipleship

This module explores the centrality of spirituality in all aspects of the Christian life. The lectures will guide students to consider how the Christian life is lived within the three main relationships – with God, in the church and in the world. Students will be encouraged to pay attention to their own personal spiritual growth and to develop prayer and other spiritual disciplines with an aim to growth in Christian maturity.  Student led seminars will study spiritual maturity using a key text.