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Diploma in Theological Essentials (DpTE)

The Diploma in Theological Essentials (DpTE) is intended to provide core theological training, primarily for lay ministry leaders or ministry leaders receiving vocational training in a church setting or in another academic setting.

The DpTE includes 24 hours of course work focusing on a theological core, and an additional 12 hours of theological field education focused on ministry formation, practicums, and biblical foundations.

Old Testament Introduction 1 & 2

New Testament Introduction 1 & 2

Church History 1 & 2

Christian Theology 1 &2

Christian Ethics

Biblical Hermeneutics

Theological Field Education

The DpTE will enable students to:

  • Exhibit an introductory graduate-level understanding of the Bible's content, contexts, structure, and message; and demonstrate the ability to conduct solid research with a goal of properly applying the Bible to modern life.

  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian historical, theological, and ethical frameworks commonly held in the believers' church tradition to sustain ministerial leadership to God's glory.

  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian ethical framework commonly held in the believers' church tradition to sustain ministerial leadership to God's glory.

  • Understand and establish appropriate life and ministry focus, priorities, and boundaries.

  • Identify and affirm God’s shaping of the student as to calling, ministry giftedness, strengths and growth edges, and personality dynamics.