Biola_Catalog_19990101NA

TALBOT SCHOOL OF" THEOLOGY

Dean: Dennis H. Dirks, Ph.D. Dean of the Faculty: Michael J. Wilkins, Ph.D. FACULTY Distinguished Professor: Saucy Professors: Anthony, Arnold, Curtis, Dirks, Dollar, Finley, Geiveu, Holloman , Issler, McIntosh , Moreland, Pierce, Rae, Rigsby, Russell , Sunukjian, Wilkins Associate Professors: Boersma, Cox, Flory, Garland, Gomes, Hutchison , Johnson, Lawson, Leyda, Peisner, Ten Elshof Assistant Professors: Cunningham, Hubbard, Hultberg, Lee, Lewis, Rhee, Talley Administrative Associate: Dennis Gaines OBJECTIVES The purpose of Biola University, in a broad perspective, is to educate Chri~ tian men and women in order to pro­ duce graduates who are: I) competent in their field of study; 2) knowledgeable in biblical studies; 3) earnest Christians equipped to serve the Christian com­ munity and society at large. Both the nature and the purpose of Talbot School of Theology are elaborated more specifically in the following para­ graphs, and further expanded at vari­ ous places throughout the catalog as noted under each heading. Theo/og/cal/y Talbot School of Theology is interdenominational by nature and is thoroughly committed to the procla­ mation of the great historic doctrines of the Christian church. It definitely and positively affirms historic ortho­ doxy in the framework of an evangeli­ cal and premillennial theology wh ich is derived from a grammatico-histori­ cal interpretation of the Bible, it earnestly endeavors to make these great doctrinal truths a vital reality in the spiritual life of this present gener­ ation. The seminary aims to train stu­ dents who believe and propagate the great doctrines of the faith as they are summarized in our Statement of Doc­ trine and teaching position. Spiritually It is the purpose of Talbot to develop in the lives of its students a spiritual life which is in harmony with the great doctrines taught, in order that they may grow in the grace as well as in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Specifically, the

to become intentional about their per­ sonal walk with God. The long-term fruit of a ministry is related to the leader's spiritual formation . Every leader needs the encourage­ ment of understanding how God has been at work in his or her life - most often in ways of which they were unaware at the time, ye t fulfilling His purposes and shaping their destinies. By understanding the developmental process through which God takes lead­ ers and through which He has already taken themselves, students are able to clarify their future ministry direction. Character Development As a part of Talbot's program of Intentional Character Development, students are challenged to formulate their life and ministry purpose state­ ment which will empower a vision for their future. This, we hope, will be clarified throughout their entire semi­ nary experience, and be encouraged through classroom instruction, men­ tors and group process. Beginning with a New Student Retreat and continued throughout students' whole seminary experience, Talbot 's Intentional Character Devel­ opment Program will challenge each student to formulate the ir life and ministry purpose and vision for the future through spiritual retreats, men­

goal is to educate and graduate stt1- dents characterized by practical Christ­ ian senice, missionary and evangelistic zeal and an adequate knowledge of the Scriptures. To accomplish these objectives the seminary conducts a chapel program and gives attention to its students ' service opportunities. Academically It is the purpose of the seminary to provide its students with the best in theological education in order that they may be equipped intelligently to preach and teach the Word of God and present it zealously to the world. In keeping with this goal, every depart­ ment is geared to emphasize the clear and accurate exposition of the Scrip­ tures. The biblical languages are uti­ lized to expose the inner meaning of the inspired text, Bible exposition, whether by synthesis or analysis, pre~ ents a connected and related interpre­ tation of the infall ible Book. System­ atic theology moves toward a well organized and strnctured arrangement of biblical truth . Historical theology engages itself to acquaint the student with the progress of the inerrant Word among the household of faith throughout the Christian era. Philoso­ phy of religion furnishes the elements whereby the servant of Christ may give a well-marshalled reason for the faith that iswithin. Missions, Christian min­ istry and leadership, and Christian education strive to perfect in the stu­ dent a skillful and winsome presenta­ tion of the truth, private ly and pub­ licly. Talbot stands for one faith, one integrated curriculum, one eternal Word of God and its effective procla­ mation to a modern generation with its multiplicity of needs. Practlcal/y It is the purpose of the seminary to prepare for the gospel ministry those who believe, live and preach the great historic doctrines of faith which have been committed to the church. To realize these broad objectives, the semi­ nary offers eight degree programs , each with its own distinctive purpose. DEGREES OFFERED Talbot School of Theology offers the following degree programs: ■ Master of Divinity ■ Master of Arts: Bible Exposition, Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Philosophy ofReligion and Ethics, and Biblical and Theo-

logical Studies/ Diversified emphases ■ Master of Arts in Christian Education ■ Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership ■ Master of Arts in Ministry ■ Master of Theology ■ Ph.D. in Christian Education ■ Doctor of Ministry Candidates for degre es must demonstrate an exemplary Christian character, a commitment to commu­ nicate the truth of the Word of God and manifest promise of usefulness in Christian service. Additional educational options/ programs offered through Talbot are highlighted below: . Talbot After Hours Late afternoon, evening and Sat­ urday classes are regularly offered at the La Mirada campus. This arrange­ ment provides an opportunity to obtain several courses each semester, when other responsibilities prevent enrollment as a full-time student. Courses offered are identical in con­ tent to those provided in the daytime schedule and are applicable toward the degree programs of the seminary. Holy land Studies Talbot Schoo l of Theology will transfer up to 12 units of elective credit for graduate level courses taken at the Jerusalem Un iversity College, Jerusalem, Israel. Study tours for credit are also offered. DISTINCTIVES Intentional Character Development Program Students admitted to Talbot come from a variety of backgrounds and developmental experiences. This array of experiences provides a rich foundation upon which ministry preparation is bui lt. Few graduates stmggle in ministry because of inabil­ ity to study, think, teach or preach - the ski lls and content that tend to be the focus of seminary education. Instead, difficulty in ministry is most often linked to issues in character, relationships, emotions, spiritual maturity and other concerns. Effective ministry flows out of being. Each su1dent at Talbot senses God's call­ ing toward leadership. Leadership is influential, and Godly influence comes from a leader's spiritual authority. Lead­ ers who will be effective will have learned

tors, and group process. New Student Retreat

This Friday night - Saturday retreat before Registration Week will help orient students to the Intentional Character Development program. You will meet with your faculty advisor who will chart your process of growth, meet other students in your major, and experience the beginning of a

deeper sense of community. Marital Survival Orientation

A one-evening seminar to help married students and their mates examine and establish priorities for marital and family life whi le in semi­ nary and ministry. Personal Foundations of Ministry Class (PT 706) The self-understanding and spiri­ tual awareness gained in this class will lay the foundation for personal and relational transformation to take place during your Talbot experience , recorded in a Personal Growth Covenant (see class description).

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