27 courses with the subject RTCH, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
RTCH 700Renewal Studies and the Academy (3) Addresses Renewal Studies methodologies by analyzing a brief
history of Renewal Studies within the wider theological academy, identifying major developments across various disciplines as applied to this field, and charting the most vibrant trajectories for future research. Special attention will be given to how Renewal Studies methodologies are applied to biblical studies, the history of global Christianity, and the trends in historical, systematic, and constructive theological reflection. RTCH 701 Renewal Theological Method (3) Explores the question of Christian theological method and hermeneutics from the Renewal perspective. Emphasizes distinctively Renewal approaches to thinking theologically while wrestling with the nature of religious identities (Renewal, Christian, and other faiths). Philosophical, ontological, and epistemological assumptions will be considered vis-à-vis the questions of religious identity and theological method. Cross-listed with THEO 601.
RTCH 701Renewal Theological Method (3) Explores the question of Christian theological method and
hermeneutics from the Renewal perspective. Emphasizes distinctively Renewal approaches to thinking theologically while wrestling with the nature of religious identities (Renewal, Christian, and other faiths). Philosophical, ontological, and epistemological assumptions will be considered vis-à-vis the questions of religious identity and theological method. Cross-listed with THEO 601.
RTCH 704Research Design and Methodology (3) Introduces the nature of empirical research in the discipline of
practical theology. It explains research design, the process of investigation, and demonstrates how qualitative and quantitative research methods can be employed. It equips students with the ability to assess and evaluate research in the field of church ministry studies. RTCH 713 Renewal & Reconstruction of the Past (3) Principles and methods of historiography surveying the various historic and contemporary theories of historiography and critically examining them from a Renewal perspective, in order to develop the practical research skills of historical method, the process of writing history as well as the specific competencies necessary for completing their dissertations in the area of history and biography. Cross-listed with HCHT 613. RTCH 715 Systematic Theology (3) A pneumatological approach to traditional theological loci such as the Trinity, creation, Christ, soteriology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology, focusing on gaining familiarity with the Biblical, historical, and contemporary issues and debates concerning doctrines related to the Spirit and to the task of pneumatological theology School of Divinity Page 158
RTCH 705Research Design and Methodology (3) Introduces the nature of empirical research in the discipline of
practical theology. It explains research design, the process of investigation, and demonstrates how qualitative and quantitative research methods can be employed. It equips students with the ability to assess and evaluate research in the field of church ministry studies. Cross-listed with DCOR 705. RTCH 707 Leadership in Church & Ministry (3) Presents biblical principles of church leadership and life with an emphasis on team ministry. Examines key ministry practices as foundations for church renewal and revitalization. Recommended as a prerequisite to other ministry courses. Cross-listed with PMIN 501 and DLDR 707. RTCH 709 Models of Biblical Discipleship (3) Biblical principles for building reproducing disciples based upon the Great Commission, including discipleship strategies for a range of settings. Cross-listed with PMIN 509, SFRM 509, and DLDR 709. RTCH 710 Unity of the Bible (3) The unfolding of biblical revelation in its historical context, resulting in a broad overview of the message of the Bible and the skills associate with interpreting representative texts. Cross-listed with BIBL 510. RTCH 713 Renewal & Reconstruction of the Past (3) Principles and methods of historiography surveying the various historic and contemporary theories of historiography and critically examining them from a Renewal perspective, in order to develop the practical research skills of historical method, the process of writing history as well as the specific competencies necessary for completing their dissertations in the area of history and biography. Cross-listed with HCHT 613. RTCH 714 Philosophy of Religion (3) Exploration of some of the most profound and exciting questions in the study of religion. For example: What is the nature of faith? Of reason? How do they relate? What is the nature of religious experience, and what does it tell us? Can the existence of God be reasonably proven? How do we understand the problem of suffering and of evil from a theistic perspective? Cross-listed with THEO 524. RTCH 715 Systematic Theology (3) A pneumatological approach to traditional theological loci such as the Trinity, creation, Christ, soteriology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology, focusing on gaining familiarity with the biblical, historical, and contemporary issues and debates concerning doctrines related to the Spirit and to the task of pneumatological theology School of Divinity Page 186
RTCH 713Renewal & Reconstruction of the Past (3) Principles and methods of historiography surveying the
various historic and contemporary theories of historiography and critically examining them from a Renewal perspective, in order to develop the practical research skills of historical method, the process of writing history as well as the specific competencies necessary for completing their dissertations in the area of history and biography. Cross-listed with HCHT 613. RTCH 715 Systematic Theology (3) A pneumatological approach to traditional theological loci such as the Trinity, creation, Christ, soteriology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology, focusing on gaining familiarity with the Biblical, historical, and contemporary issues and debates concerning doctrines related to the Spirit and to the task of pneumatological theology in order to see the interconnectedness of Christian theology from a Renewal perspective and to begin to develop a personal theological method in dialogue with a pneumatological starting point. RTCH 718 Confessional Theology (3) Key tenets and central doctrines of the Reformation traditions. Special focus on Biblical foundations, historical developments, theological method, and major controversies and confessions, especially with regard to renewal movements within Protestantism. Cross-listed with THEO 518.
RTCH 716Charismatic Renewal Theology (3) Explores the history, nature and significance of Pentecostal and
Charismatic theology. It covers the methodological issues as well as key topics such as Spirit Baptism, healing and glossolalia. It also seeks to integrate these and other key topics within broader theological loci, for example soteriology, ecclesiology and eschatology.
RTCH 717The Charismatic Movement Today (3) The beginnings, growth and current developments in the 20 th
century charismatic movement. Covers the antecedents of the various charismatic movements, is international in scope, covering both mainline and independent churches. Cross-listed with THEO 545. RTCH 718 Confessional Theology (3) Key tenets and central doctrines of the Reformation traditions. Special focus on biblical foundations, historical developments, theological method, and major controversies and confessions, especially with regard to renewal movements within Protestantism. Cross-listed with THEO 518.
RTCH 720Contemporary Theologies (3) The detailed study of the key theological thinkers and movements of the
modern era as the background for evaluating contemporary theological options, including those implied among Pentecostal and Charismatic movements including their historical and cultural contexts, as well as their contemporary relevance for Christian life and ministry.
RTCH 721Theology and Culture (3) Methodological examination of the complex interconnection between theology
and culture designed to help students develop critical skills and sensibilities in discerning the role cultural traditions play in theological ideas. Designed for students to engage questions of renewal in culture and theology debates leading to better cultural competence. Cross-listed with THEO 621. RTCH 722 Christian Ethics (3) Biblical and theological foundations that determine the formation of Christian moral decision-making and shape a personal lifestyle. Examines selected contemporary moral issues in the light of biblical teachings. Includes an overview of the prophetic call to the community, the marketplace and nation to mobilize the church in addressing crucial social issues. Cross-listed with THEO 522 and DLDR 722. RTCH 723 Christian Apologetics (3) Philosophical methodologies used in the defense of the Christian faith, especially presuppositionalism (faith to facts) and evidentialism (facts to faith), focusing on the relationship between faith and reason in current Catholic and Protestant defenses, and with biblical applications to modern and postmodern challenges. No former training in philosophy is required. Cross-listed with THEO 523.
RTCH 725Lutheran Christianity (3) Historical developments of the Lutheran Church, comparing Luther and other
reformers, with focus on renewal movements and the history of Lutheran thought to the present. Cross-listed with THEO 525. RTCH 726 Synoptic Gospels (3) Exploration of the origin, nature and purpose of the first three Gospels in relation to contemporary research, including the synoptic problem, form criticism and redaction criticism. Discusses the contemporary relevance of each Gospel message. Cross-listed with BNTB 506. RTCH 727 Bonhoeffer and Life Together (3) Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s devotion to discipleship as a teacher, ecumenist, pastor, preacher, seminary director, prophet and ultimately martyr, and the implications for modern day discipleship and Christian renewal in a postsecular age. Cross-listed with THEO 527. RTCH 730 Birth of Pentecostalism (3) The birth of Pentecostalism in the United States will be studied in context with the previous movements that influence its birth. The importance of the beginnings of the varied worldwide Pentecostal Movements and their relevance for today. Cross-listed with HCHT 630. RTCH 731 African Pentecostalism (3) The historical and theological development of African Pentecostalism from 1950 to the present. Explores African Pentecostal historiographies and theologies, and how these compare with their Western counterparts. Cross-listed with HCHT 631. RTCH 734 Luther: Man and Mission (3) Martin Luther’s formative years, calling, ministry, understanding of Scripture, significant life events, and key events in renewing the church. Cross-listed with HCHT 524.
RTCH 731African Pentecostalism (3) The historical and theological development of African Pentecostalism from
1950 to the present. Explores African Pentecostal historiographies and theologies, and how these compare with their Western counterparts. Cross-listed with HCHT 631. RTCH 740 Promise, Covenant & Kingdom (3) Exegetical examination, directed reading and research into the Bible’s major theological concepts of Promise, Covenant and Kingdom. Special emphasis on Lutheran and renewal understanding and practices of these concepts. Cross-listed with BIBL 540.
RTCH 746Pneumatology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (3) A systematic presentation of the Christian
understanding of the Holy Spirit, including current approaches to the operation of the Spirit in Catholic theology, the mission of the Spirit in Protestant theology, and the anointing of the Spirit in the renewal movements. Cross-listed with THEO 546.
RTCH 750Global Pentecostalism (3) History and development of worldwide Pentecostal and Charismatic churches
with emphasis on inter-cultural studies and the growth and significance of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in the Global South and East. Cross-listed with ICSD 550, HCHT 650, and DLDR 731.
RTCH 751Biblical Hermeneutics in the Renewal Tradition (3) Understanding and interpreting the Bible in a
Renewal community of faith and scholarship, focusing on the hermeneutical challenges of the diversity of the canon, the plurality of interpretative methods and theories in relation to language and text, as well as the perceived nature of contemporary society. Prerequisite: One BIBL, BOTB, or BNTB course. Cross-listed with BIBL 651.
RTCH 753Hermeneutical Philosophy (3) Guides students through key proponents of hermeneutical philosophy
(Heidegger, Bultmann, Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur and Wittgenstein) who had an important influence on contemporary theology. Special attention will be given to an analysis of the nature of understanding per se and the role of the Holy Spirit and faith in the interpretation process. Within this context the distinctives of Renewal Theology will be investigated.
examinations of: hermeneutics, cessationism, classical Pentecostal distinctives, contemporary charismatic aberrations, Spirit Christology, and a revisioned biblical theology of the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God, faith, prayer, mission and Christian existence. Cross-listed with THEO 542. RTCH 755 Healing in Christian Traditions (3) Theological and historical development of theologies and practices of healing from the biblical period to the present within Christian traditions. Emphasis placed on its significance for the 19th century Healing movement and 20th century Pentecostal-Charismatic movement. Special attention given to the construction of a Renewal theology of healing. Cross-listed with HCHT 555.
RTCH 760Online Technologies and Digital Media in Ministry (3) Online tools ranging from website development
blogging, social networks, audio/video streaming and email newsletters. Students learn to integrate digital online media content for ministry settings such as pastoral ministry, worship, evangelism, missions, marketplace ministry and others. Cross-listed with PMIN 600 and DLDR 760. RTCH 761 Pastoral Care, Counseling & Conflict (3) Strategies for effective emotional and spiritual healing in the unique context of the church. Presents models for biblically based, spiritually gifted strategies for key issues as an integrated part of the mentoring and making disciples process. Cross-listed with PMIN 511 and DLDR 761. RTCH 762 Ministry Administration (3) Examination of effective ways to administrate the local church, including the role of lay leadership. Attention will be given to budgets and facilities, with a view to ministry opportunities. Cross-listed with PMIN 519 and DLDR 762. School of Divinity Page 188
RTCH 769Renewal in Missions (3) Examines how Renewal movements in North Atlantic countries and in the
Majority World have impacted the growth of Christian missions. These movements include Franciscan, Anabaptist, missionary orders within the Catholic Reformation, Pietist, Puritan, Moravian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Russian Orthodox, Evangelical, holiness, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and independent and non-denominational Christians. The course will explore the contemporary relevance of these missiological legacies and what can be learned to transform individual believers and communities of faith into “God’s missionary people.”
RTCH 770Theological German (3) Fundamental structures of the German language, essential vocabulary and
grammar are studied by students majoring in theology for proficient reading of academic journals, books, and monographs written in German focusing on general proficiency in reading German texts in the arts and sciences as well as theological texts and vocabulary. Proficiency exam given as a culminating assessment. Credit hours do not count toward Ph.D. required coursework. Pass/No Pass.
RTCH 771Ecumenics and Renewal (3) An examination of the biblical foundations for Christian unity. The course
includes a study of the origins and historical development of the ecumenical movement and the integration of international, regional, and local dialogue. Also explores the place of ecumenism in social justice, mission and evangelism, and in prayer and worship. Explores common definitions of unity and an assessment of issues that divide the churches with particular focus on the ecumenical movement and Renewal. RTCH 779 Study Tour Option (3) Provides various domestic and global tour settings as immersion learning contexts for biblical studies, Christian doctrine, Intercultural Studies and history and/or practical theology areas of study. Offered once per academic year. Cross-listed with DGEN 689. RTCH 780 Teaching Practicum (3) Focus on developing theological educators and teachers, by matching students as teaching assistants with a teacher-mentor in order to provide experience with course design and preparation, syllabus construction, lecturing, assessment, instructional technology, and other aspects of undergraduate or graduate level education. RTCH 781 Guided Research (3) The research of a topic of interest in Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, and the History of Global Christianity preferably related to the dissertation. Topics of research must be arranged with the course instructor. RTCH 783 Readings in Renewal and Biblical Studies (3) Review for Ph.D. qualifying examinations. Repeatable for credit.
RTCH 784Readings in Renewal and the History of Global Christianity (3) Review for Ph.D. qualifying
examinations. Repeatable for credit. RTCH 785 Ph.D. Seminar (3 or 6) In-depth study and discussion of various specific topics related to the Ph.D. course of study. It may include faculty presentations, dialogues, student presentations, guest speakers or a combination of these. Considered an elective course and not related to any particular specialty track.
RTCH 786Readings in Renewal and Theological Studies (3) Review for Ph.D. qualifying examinations. Repeatable
for credit. RTCH 787 Advanced Reading in Practical Theology (3) Addresses the broad field of practical theology and allows students to locate the tradition of Renewal theology within it. It identifies the major strands of academic practical theology School of Divinity Page 189
