Credit by Demonstrated Competency

History and Literature of the New Testament Content Mastery Objectives

• Explain how the New Testament differs from the Old Testament
• Justify study of the New Testament
• Explain why the New Testament canon is regarded as reliable
• Give reasons for upholding the integrity of the New Testament text
• Discuss reasons for studying the New Testament
• Trace the highlights in the development of higher criticism
• Give examples of the challenges parts of the New Testament present to the reader
• State the non-Christian assumption about the Bible made by some critics
• Name and define the methods of historical criticism
• Explain the field of hermeneutics
• Discuss the aims for interpreting the New Testament
• List the church’s inheritance from the New Testament writings
• Give illustrations of continuity between Old and New Testaments
• Explain how the New Testament gives us a standard for engaging contemporary culture
• Define and contrast the methods of source, form, and redaction criticism
• Discuss current methods of approaching the study of the gospels
• Formulate a Christian response to methods of criticism that are needlessly skeptical
• List the criteria used to find what Jesus really said
• Describe the essential geographical features of Palestine
• Outline the major historical events occurring in Palestine from 539 BC to AD 70
• Identify the differences among the major religious groups from 539 BC to AD 70
• Contrast the writings of the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the pseudegraphica
• Describe the highlights of Jesus’ birth, childhood, and youth
• Trace the locations of Jesus’ ministry
• Outline the final days Jesus was on earth
• Describe how Jesus’ life and teachings actively demonstrated the present reality of the Kingdom of God
• Discuss how Jesus was able to communicate his message effectively
• Identify the reasons for Jesus’ effective teaching/preaching style
• List the four major theological areas that Jesus touched upon in his teaching
• Explain Jesus’ relationship to the Kingdom of God
• Identify how Jesus was unique among men
• Describe the human characteristics that Jesus understood and the way He treated them
• Use scripture references to describe the second coming
• Explain how the kerygma embodies the message of the Kingdom of God
• Discuss the reasons why the Gospels were written
• List reasons why the Gospels are regarded as trustworthy
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Matthew
• Outline the content of Matthew
• Describe the major themes of Matthew and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Mark
• Outline the content of Mark
• Describe the major themes of Mark and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Luke
• Outline the content of Luke
• Describe the major themes of Luke and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of John
• Outline the content of John
• Describe the major themes of John and their significance
• Assess the role of the Roman emperor
• List and characterize the key emperors of the New Testament era
• Discuss the effects of the emperors on the early church
• Describe Hellenism and define Hellenization
• Identify the philosophies that the early church encountered
• Explain the beliefs of early Christians
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Acts
• Outline the content of Acts 1-7
• Describe the major themes of Acts 1-7 and their significance
• Identify the two major divisions in Acts
• Outline the content of Acts 8-28
• Describe the major themes of Acts 8-28 and their significance
• Trace the first missionary journey
• Identify the significance of the second missionary journey
• List the highlights of the third missionary journey
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Hebrews and James
• Outline the content of Hebrews and James
• Describe the major themes of Hebrews and James and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of 1 Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, and Jude
• Outline the content of 1 Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, and Jude
• Describe the major themes of 1 Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, and Jude and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Revelation
• Outline the content of Revelation
• Describe the major themes of Revelation and their significance
• Explain the various theories of interpretation for Revelation
• Summarize key events in Paul’s life
• Identify the major cities on Paul’s missionary journeys
• List the books Paul wrote
• Discuss Paul’s position on legalism
• Summarize Paul’s teaching on the redemption, the cross, and the resurrection
• Compare and contrast Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings
• Summarize the major themes in Paul’s writing and teaching
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Romans
• Outline the content of Romans
• Describe the major themes of Romans and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of I Corinthians, II Corinthians, and Galatians
• Outline the content of I Corinthians, II Corinthians, and Galatians
• Describe the major themes of I Corinthians, II Corinthians, and Galatians and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon
• Outline the content of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon
• Describe the major themes of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon and their significance
• Identify the author, date, place of writing, and purpose of I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus
• Outline the content of I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus
• Describe the major themes of I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus and their significance

Biblical Interpretation Content Mastery Objectives

• Students will be able to describe (write) how preconceptions, presuppositions, convictions, and beliefs affect how individuals understand the Bible.
• Students will be able to describe (write) the importance of hermeneutics when reading the Bible.
• Students will be able to explain the four tasks involved in interpreting and applying scripture.
• Given a sentence of scripture, students will be able to list/mark a minimum of 30 literary observations.
• Given a passage of scripture, students will be able to explain how it relates to the surrounding literary context.
• With the aid of references, students will be able to list historical-cultural facts relating to a passage of scripture.
• Students will be able to describe (write) their family background in regard to cultural influences and describe (write) how these influences impact how they approach passages of Scripture.
• Students will be able to describe situations in which a reader may intentionally change an author’s intended meaning.
• Students will be able to match historical models of interpretation to an example of that type of interpretation.
• Students will be able to explain the importance of the issue of communication in regards to authorial intent.
• Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
• Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
• List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
• Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a short (three verses or less) passage of scripture, students will be able to list/mark a minimum of 30 literary observations.
• Given a paragraph of scripture, students will be able to identify (list/mark):
  • Connections between general and specific statements
  • Questions and answers
  • Dialogue
  • Purpose statements
  • Means
  • Conditional clauses
  • Actions/roles
  • Emotional terms
  • Tone
  • Basic literary characteristics
• Given a discourse of scripture, students will be able to identify (list/mark):
  • Connections between paragraphs and episodes
  • Major breaks and pivots (story shifts)
  • Interchanges
  • Chiasms
  • Basic literary characteristics
• Given a passage of scripture and reference materials, students will be able to:
  • Identify key words
  • Identify the translated word
  • Determine the range of meaning
  • Determine the contextual meaning of the word
• Students will be able to describe (write) the two main approaches to translation and discuss (write) the complications involved in translating a passage of scripture.
• Given a passage of a New Testament letter, students will be able to trace the author’s flow of thought by describing how a paragraph relates to surrounding paragraphs.
• Given a passage of a New Testament letter, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a series of gospel stories, students will be able to determine:
  • What each episode is telling us about Jesus
  • What the Gospel writer was trying to communicate by the way he connected those episodes
• Given passages of scripture from the Gospels, students will be able to identify (match) the following literary forms:
  • Exaggeration
  • Metaphor and simile
  • Narrative irony
  • Rhetorical questions
  • Parallelism
  • Parables
• Given a parable of Jesus, students will be able to identify the main point for each main character or group of characters.
• Given an account from Acts, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a theological principle from a passage in Revelation, students will be able to create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given the specific messages from Jesus Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor, students will be able to chart these messages and apply the theological principles to their local church.
• Given an Old Testament narrative, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a passage of Mosaic law, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a psalm, students will be able to classify couplets as one of the following: synonymous, developmental, illustrative, contrastive, or formal.
• Given a list of examples of figures of speech from Psalms, students will be able to classify the figure of speech and explain what that figure or image means.
• Given a psalm, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a passage of prophecy, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.
• Given a passage of wisdom literature, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience.
  • Describe differences between the biblical situation and contemporary situations.
  • List the theological principles communicated by this passage.
  • Identify how the New Testament and pre-Mosaic teachings modify or qualify this principle.
  • Create a contemporary real-world scenario that illustrates the application of a theological principle communicated by this passage.

Program enrolled students must take or demonstrate competency in COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership as the second class in their program. Students wishing to demonstrate competency may do so through the successful completion of the competency exam that includes an essay. Students may write a new essay as part of the exam or submit an essay from an Artios course or other university course that follows Chicago Style/Turabian guidelines.

Written Communication for Leadership Content Mastery Objectives

• Recognize common grammar and writing errors
• Write a personal email, following an informal email format
• Write a formal email, following a formal email format
• Prepare a social media post, adhering to social media etiquette
• Prepare a formal text message, as would be sent to an employer, co-worker, or acquaintance for business
• Choose a broad topic and narrow to a focus for essay writing
• Formulate a strong thesis statement
• Write a strong introduction utilizing an attention device
• Organize personal support ideas of topic
• Select at least four credible sources on their topic (one must be a periodical/magazine, one must be a book, and one must be an online source)
• Collect supporting information from credible sources
• Utilize direct quotes, paraphrasing, and summarizing to incorporate source material
• Explain source material within its context
• Understand paragraph organization along with the elements of a paragraph
• Write at least three body paragraphs that support the thesis statement
• Understand plagiarism and how to proactively avoid it
• Write a strong conclusion to the essay
• Understand how to document and give credit to sources using Chicago Style/Turabian (Notes-Bibliography Style)
• Provide citation for all source material
• Create footnotes for all citations of source material, following Chicago Style Notes/Bibliography guidelines
• Compile a bibliography of sources used using Chicago Style/Turabian (Notes/Bibliography Style)
• Compose a conclusion
• Demonstrate how to proof-read a paper
• Format a paper according to Chicago Style guidelines for margins, line spacing, and font
• Create a title page
• Prepare an article for a magazine publication based on the topic of your essay

Leadership in the Church of God (Seventh Day) Content Mastery Objectives

• Match the terms pre-millennialism, millennium and postmillennialism with their definitions and identify which view was held by Gilbert Cranmer.
• Match Rachel Oakes, Joseph Bates, and William Miller to brief descriptions of their impact on the formation of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Identify Gilbert Cranmer as the founder of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Identify the date of the “Great Disappointment” and the passages upon which Miller based his calculations.
• Identify which of the Ten Commandments makes reference to the Sabbath.
• Select the approximate number of Adventists who agreed with William Miller’s calculations.
• Identify the connection between the rapid growth of human progress and the millennium in the perspective of early 19th century postmillennialists.
• Define the term parousia.
• Match the following terms with their definitions:
  • Factualism
  • Foundationalism
  • Individualism
  • Pragmatism
  • Rationalism
• Answer true or false questions related to the views of modernity as outlined in the course.
• Match the following forty milestones with the years in which they occurred:
  • Beginnings/Formation of State Conferences (1843-1883)
    • 1843- Gilbert Cranmer accepts the Advent theory of William Miller
    • 1844- The “Great Disappointment” of William Miller’s followers
    • 1852- Gilbert Cranmer begins to observe the Sabbath after hearing Bates expound on its observance
    • 1858- Gilbert Cranmer begins to preach independently and establishes several congregations in Western Michigan
    • 1860- Gilbert Cranmer organizes his congregations into a state conference in Michigan, known as the “Church of Christ in Michigan”. Meanwhile, M.E. Cornell evangelizes in Iowa, organizing the “Church of Jesus Christ” at Marion, IA. James and Ellen White persuade followers to adopt the name “Seventh-day Adventist” for their denomination.
    • 1863- Gilbert Cranmer’s Church of Christ, in Michigan, publishes the first issue of The Hope of Israel (eventually renamed Bible Advocate). Communication begins between the Churches of Christ in Michigan and the Church of Jesus Christ in Marion, IA.
    • 1865- The Marion Church of Jesus Christ adopts name, “Church of God”.
    • 1875- The Sabbatarian Adventist Conference of Missouri, organized in 1874, adopts the name, “Church of God”.
  • General Conference Organization/Schism/Merger (1884-1949)
    • 1884- The General Conference of the Church of God organizes on October 5, composed of the Michigan, Iowa and Missouri conferences of the Church of God, as well as congregations in Nebraska and Kansas.
    • 1885- The second meeting of the General Conference is held. The membership is reported at 820 with 23 churches and 18 Sabbath schools.
    • 1899- The General Conference of the Church of God is incorporated in Missouri.
    • 1914- Andrew N. Dugger becomes both president of the General Conference and editor of the Sabbath Advocate and Herald of Advent.
    • 1917- A.N. Dugger publishes 40 points of doctrine.
    • 1900-1922- The work of the Conference expands to the West and East Coasts, several southern states, and the Dakotas, drawing over 1,000 new members.
    • 1923- The General Conference adds the phrase “(Seventh Day)” to the name, “Church of God”.
    • 1933- A.S. Christenson is elected President of the General Conference after splitting evenly over the reelection of A.N. Dugger. Dugger goes on to organize a separate conference in Salem, West Virginia patterned on his version of “Bible organization” and publishing its own magazine.
    • 1948- Spring Vale Academy, under the sponsorship of the Michigan state conference, opens for its first year of school.
    • 1949- A joint session of the Salem and Stanberry conferences is held in to effect reunion of the conferences. Articles of Incorporation are amended to accommodate the organizational bylaws of the newly merged Conference and A.E. Lidell is elected chairman of the Conference.
  • Move to Denver/Growth of Ministries (1950-1975)
    • 1950- The General Conference offices are moved to Denver, CO where they are initially housed in the basement of the Denver church. In 1961 land is purchased in nearby Broomfield and the offices move into their new building in 1972.
    • 1951- Midwest Theological Seminary (renamed Midwest Bible College in 1953) begins operating in Stanberry, MO with Burt Marrs serving as its first president.
    • 1953- The Conference is active in initiating an outreach program (Every Member Gain a Member), beginning a national radio program (Faith For Our Time), publishing a Church Manual, and publishing resources for Home Missions (Christian Workers and Searchlight Bible Course).
    • 1955- The Stacy Memorial Foundation (later renamed Faithful Servant Memorial Fund) is initiated in honor of the late Carl Stacy to provide financial assistance for aspiring ministers.
    • 1963- The Bible Advocate celebrates 100 years of publication under five different names.
    • 1965- Church of God Publishing House is renamed Bible Advocate Press.
    • 1966- The United Fund is renamed the United Missions Fund, through which the seven departments of the Church are supported.
    • 1967- A new hymnal, entitled Worship in Song, is published by the Bible Advocate Press.
    • 1970- The Bible Advocate is offered free upon request.
    • 1971- A new Sabbath School Handbook is published and distributed by the Sabbath School Department. The handbook presents the Plan of Operation of Sabbath Schools, adopted by the Ministerial Council.
    • 1972- The phrase, “Herald of the Coming Kingdom” is dropped from the name of the Bible Advocate.
    • 1973- The Conference chooses not to adopt a proposal for the implementation of a delegate voting system at Convention.
  • Focus on North American Infrastructure (1975-1996)
    • 1975- The Conference adopts bylaws that provide for the nomination of members to the Executive Board through a nominating committee and election to the Executive Board by majority vote. Further, the Conference recognizes that it does not serve as a world-wide organization and gives autonomy to its conferences and councils organized through missionary activities in other countries.
    • 1976- The Ministerial Council of the General Conference is reorganized as the North American Ministerial Council. Also, the first meeting of the International Ministerial Congress (IMC) is held in Glorieta, NM. In 1978, the Conference adopts a resolution naming the Conference a charter member of the IMC.
    • 1977- Ministerial Training Center (later renamed Summit School of Theology) completes its first year of operation in Denver, CO.
    • 1979- Each district appoints district youth coordinators who serve as communication links between the national youth office and the district youth. These district coordinators comprise the leadership team of the National Youth Agency (now named National Youth Ministry).
    • 1981- The National Women’s Association (now named North American Women’s Ministry) publishes a periodical for senior adults titled, “Afterglow”. In 1983 the National Women’s Association goes on to hold its first women’s retreat in Oklahoma City, OK.
    • 1987- Robert Coulter announces his retirement after serving as Chairman/President of the Conference since 1963. Calvin Burrell is elected Chairman/President of the General Conference. The General Conference adopts a bylaw to change the name of the Executive Board to the Board of Directors. The Conference also adopts the “Unity Bylaws” to attempt to unite the General Conference with the General Council of the Church of God (Seventh Day), headquartered in Meridian, ID. However, the General Council does not adopt the “Unity Bylaws” and the merger does not occur.
    • 1991- The Conference approves the Financial Option Plan (i.e. “Fair Share”), giving more freedom for local churches to fund local ministries. The plan would still require accountability to the District and General Conference and would be initiated in 1992.
    • 1994- The North American Ministerial Council approves major re-wording of the Church’s doctrinal statements, including a reorganization of statements to decrease the total number from 37 to 27.
    • 1995- The Conference adopts an amendment that separates the assignment of President of the General Conference from that of the chairman of the Board of Directors. Whaid Rose is selected as chairman of the Board of Directors and Calvin Burrell is selected as President of the General Conference.
    • 1996- The Board of Directors begins a gradual process of restructuring the United Ministries work.
• Discuss the impact, both past and present, of key figures in Church of God history from 1840-1996.
• Discuss the impact, both past and present, of key events in Church of God history from 1840-1996.
• Write a summary of the history of the Church of God from 1858-1996, noting significant individuals and events.
• Describe and discuss the significance of key individuals and events in Church of God history from 1840-1996 on contemporary ministry within the church.
• Identify the following as it pertains to the General Conference (GC):
  • The legal name of the Church as the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
  • The object of the GC.
  • The qualifications for membership in the GC
  • The body responsible for discipline of unruly members
  • The name and assignment of the organization of the ministers of the Conference.
  • The definition of GC Ministries
  • Who is responsible for forming GC Ministries
  • The assignment of the following GC Committees:
    • Program
    • Amendments
    • Resolutions
    • Registration
  • The Parliamentary Authority governing the Conference
  • Rules governing the amendment of the Bylaws
• Identify the following as it pertains to the Board of Directors:
  • The number of men who serve
  • The minimum age of members
  • The length of the term
  • The assignment
  • The means of nomination
  • The method of election
  • The titles of the officers
  • The number necessary for a quorum
  • The positions employed
• Identify the following as it pertains to the meetings of the GC:
  • Frequency of regularly scheduled meetings
  • Who may call for a special session of the GC
  • Requirements for registration, participation and voting
  • What constitutes a quorum
• Identify the following as it pertains to the Organization of Local Churches and Sabbath Schools:
  • Conditions for the organization of a congregation
  • Approved options for organization of local churches
  • Who is responsible for selecting and calling a pastor
  • The definition of a “Sabbath School”
  • The purpose of the organizing of local churches
  • The frequency of local church business meetings stipulated by the plan for Organization of Local Churches
  • Who shall administer the local church
  • The members of the church board
  • The parties to whom local church property may be deeded
  • The organization of Sabbath Schools
  • Which offenses call for Church Trial
  • Who pronounces judgment in Church Trials
  • To whom can the accused in Church Trials appeal
  • Consequences for members properly dis-fellowshipped from a local congregation.
• Identify the following as it pertains to the districts:
  • The definition
  • The assignment
  • Who is responsible for carrying out the assignment
  • Composition of the district board
  • Terms of the district board members
  • Who has opportunity to appeal to the district board
• Identify the following as it pertains to the financial plan of the Conference:
  • The definition of Tithes and Free-Will Offerings
  • The purpose of funds collected by district treasurers
  • The percentage limit of tithes received by the Conference treasurer from local congregations
  • The primary and alternative plans for the financial support of the Conference
• Describe and discuss the role of the Board of Directors.
• Discuss the “checks and balances” built into the political structure of the General Conference.
• Evaluate and discuss the membership qualifications of the General Conference.
• Discuss the question, “Who holds the power in the General Conference?”
• Explain the relationship between the various entities within the General Conference.
• Identify the following in regards to the International Ministerial Congress:
  • It’s object
  • It’s membership qualifications
  • The definition of a charter member
  • The definition of a full member
  • The frequency of regular meetings
  • The countries/continents represented in each of the seven zones
• Identify the following in regards to the North American Ministerial Council:
  • The object
  • The relationship between the IMC and NAMC doctrinal statements
  • The country of residence of its members
  • The privileges of Licensed Ministers
  • The privileges of Credentialed Ministers
  • The privileges of Local Pastors
  • The process of issuance of license
  • Its officers
  • The frequency of its regular meetings
  • Its publications
  • Match each of the NAMC committees with its assignment
  • The percentage vote needed to amend the doctrinal beliefs or bylaws of the NAMC
  • The definition of a Local Pastor Certificate
  • Qualifications for Local Pastors
  • Qualifications for Licensed Ministers
• Identify GC Ministries and para-church ministries.
• Match the divisions of the Missions Ministry with their functions.
• Identify the publications for which the Publications Ministry is responsible
• Identify which publications are available in both English and Spanish.
• Compare and contrast the Certificate of Biblical Studies and Diploma of Christian Ministry programs.
• Identify the levels of the GC at which the North American Women’s Ministry works to accomplish its purpose.
• Identify the membership qualifications for the North American Women’s Ministry.
• Identify the mission of the National Young Adult Ministry.
• Identify the GC entities that appoint the director and board members of the National Young Adult Ministry.
• Identify the GC entities that appoint the director and board members of the National Youth Ministry.
• Identify the elements of the North American Youth Ministry Mission Statement.
• Identify the following regarding Spring Vale Academy:
  • Opening year
  • Grades served
  • Location
  • Alumni accomplishments/opportunities
• Describe and discuss the relationship between the International Ministerial Congress and the North American Ministerial Council.
• Describe and discuss the relationship between the International Ministerial Congress and the General Conference.
• Describe and discuss the role of each of the General Conference Ministries.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Ministries in addressing needs within the General Conference and propose an additional ministry that could address unmet needs.
• Explain the relationship of each of the following entities to the “Object” of the General Conference:
  • The International Ministerial Congress
  • The North American Ministerial Council
  • Each of the GC Ministries
  • Spring Vale Academy
• Describe and discuss the following “megatrends” in the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day):
  • Demographic Shift
  • Shift from predominantly Caucasians concentrated in the Midwest to predominantly Hispanics concentrated in the South.
  • Doctrinal Shift
  • Shift from distinctive-centered and exclusive to Christ-centered and ecumenical.
  • Shift from ambiguity regarding the deity of Christ to full affirmation by the NAMC.
  • Congregational & Leadership Shift
  • Shift from 128 congregations in 1983 to 207 congregations/Sabbath schools in 2013.
  • Shifts in ministry ranks:
    • From 114 active, 7 retired ministers in 1983 to 120 active, 39 retired in 2013.
    • From no Local Pastors prior to 1980 to 57 as of 2013.
    • Ministerial Crisis as of 2012.
• Discuss the implications of ministering within an organization with the defining characteristics of:
  • An “open creed”
  • Radical individualism affecting doctrine and polity
  • “Small” congregations making up a “small” denomination
  • Ethnic/cultural diversity, including substantial numbers of Hispanic, Caucasian, and Caribbean members/ministers/administrative staff
• List and describe the 10 points of the “Vision of a 21st Century Vibrant Church” as outlined in Whaid Rose’s Dream in Progress.
• Discuss how to best implement the Conference’s 10 point vision at a local level.

Christian Theology Content Mastery Objectives

• Define Systematic Theology as a scientific and theological discipline
• Describe the relationship between Systematic Theology and theology in general.
• Explain the importance of Systematic Theology for the Church
• List the sources of theology and discuss their relative value.
• Discuss the methods of theological research listed in Erickson’s ten-step “Process of Doing Theology”.
• Defend the priority of Scripture as a source of theology.
• Articulate the doctrines of biblical inspiration and inerrancy.
• List and define the divisions of Systematic Theology
• Appreciate and discuss the interrelation of the various divisions of Systematic Theology
• Discuss God’s nature.
• Compare/contrast a classic Trinitarian view of the nature of God with the current view of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Define and compare/contrast imminence and transcendence.
• Discuss God’s attributes.
• Describe God’s identity as Creator.
• Discuss God’s plan for His creation.
• Describe God’s identity as Provider.
• Identify the ontological argument for God’s existence.
• List and explain Thomas Aquinas’ “Five Ways”.
• Discuss the problem of evil in relation to the existence of the Christian God and some of the proposed solutions.
• Summarize a “Christian view of man”.
• Discuss the meaning of man’s being created in God’s image.
• Describe the “Universality of all humanity”.
• Compare and contrast Trichotomism, Dichotomism, and Monism.
• Define “Conditional Unity”
• Discuss the nature and source of sin.
• Describe the effects of sin on the sinner, their relationship with God, and their relationship with other humans.
• Defend the deity and the humanity of Jesus Christ.
• Describe the issues related to the unity of the Person of Christ.
• Discuss the theological significance of the virgin birth in relation to the Person of Christ.
• Describe the purpose and scope of Christ’s atoning work.
• Discuss the various leading theories regarding the atonement.
• Defend the Penal-Substitutionary Theory of the atonement.
• Describe the approaches to salvation held within Christianity today as presented by McGrath.
• Discuss the conceptions of salvation held within Christianity as presented by Erickson.
• Discuss the models and scope of salvation.
• List and describe the past, present, and future elements of salvation.
• Define the classical Trinitarian view of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
• Discuss the differences between the classic Trinitarian view and the position held by the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) regarding the Holy Spirit.
• Define the nature and role of the Church.
• Compare/contrast various forms of church government.
• Discuss the issues related to church unity and the ecumenical movement.
• Discuss the issues related to the method and meaning of baptism.
• Discuss the issues related to the meaning and observance of the Lord’s Supper.
• Describe the relationship between baptism, Lord’s Supper and the Church.
• Define eschatology and describe its role in the life and teachings of the Church.
• Discuss the differences between traditional Christian views regarding death and intermediate states and the doctrines of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Compare/contrast the historic Christians views regarding the final states of the righteous and wicked with the doctrines of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Describe the biblical doctrines of the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of humanity to judgment.
• Define the various approaches to the millennium and the tribulation held by Christians as presented in Erickson.
• Discuss the position of the Church of God (Seventh Day) regarding the second coming, resurrection, millennium and tribulation in respect to other Christian views regarding these topics.

CoG7 Doctrine Content Mastery Objectives

• Define the term “open creed” as used in the Introduction to the Statement of Faith.
• Discuss the theological and doctrinal implications of an “open creed”.
• List major contributing factors to the theological heritage of the Church of God (Seventh Day)
• Identify the books recognized by the Church of God (Seventh Day) as Scripture
• Define and defend the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.
• Discuss the phrases “only authority” and “only…rule of faith and conduct” as they relate to Scripture and the beliefs and practices of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
• Define and defend monotheism as it relates to the Church of God (Seventh Day) doctrine of the Deity.
• List and define the following attributes of God contained in the Statement of Faith:
  • Eternal
  • Infinite
  • Holy
  • Self-Existent
  • Spirit
• List and define the following actions of God contained in the Statement of Faith:
  • Created
  • Sustains
  • Rules
  • Redeems
  • Judges
• Discuss the nature of God as contained in the Statement of Faith:
  • One in nature, essence and being
  • Revealed in Scripture as Father and Son
• Define transcendence as it relates to God the Father
• Discuss the revelation of God as Father as it relates to the person of Christ
• Identify God the Father’s eschatological goal
• Contrast the terms “begotten” and “created” as they relate to Jesus Christ
• Define and defend the Deity of Jesus Christ within the framework of monotheism
• Define and discuss the following terms as they relate to Jesus Christ:
  • Eternal
  • Pre-existence/pre-incarnate
  • Subordinate in rank
  • Creator
  • Sustainer
  • Divine nature
  • Human nature
• Provide a biblical defense for the following affirmations about Jesus Christ:
  • Deity
  • Humanity
  • Virgin Birth
  • Sinless life
  • Death as atoning sacrifice
  • Three-day and three-night entombment
  • Bodily resurrection
  • Ascension to the Father
  • Role as mediator and high priest
  • Second coming as judge and king
  • Worthy of worship
• Discuss the nature/identity of the Holy Spirit as:
  • Deity
  • Divine helper
  • Personal presence/power
• Describe the role of the Holy Spirit in:
  • Inspiration and illumination of Scripture
  • Conviction and regeneration of sinners
  • Sanctification, teaching, comforting, guiding, preserving, and empowering believers
• List and define the evidences of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.
  • Faith in Christ
  • Obedience to God
  • Spiritual fruit of love
• Describe and defend the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of humanity as created:
  • In the image of God
  • Sinless
  • Not naturally immortal
• Discuss the relationship between the sin of Adam and Eve and the identity of all humanity as sinners.
• List and describe the penalties of sin outlined in the Statement of Faith:
  • Spiritual separation from God
  • Physical death (without consciousness)
  • Eternal death
• Discuss the identity, activity, and ultimate destiny of Satan.
• Describe the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of salvation as it relates to:
  • Movement from eternal death to eternal life
  • Grace
  • Faith in Jesus Christ
  • Human merit, works, or ceremonies
• Discuss the connection between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the atonement for sins and promise of eternal life.
• Describe the role of faith and repentance in the human experience of salvation.
• List the Ten Commandments in order.
• Identify examples of the observance of the Ten Commandments prior to the giving of the Law at Sinai.
• Discuss the role of the Ten Commandments in the new covenant.
• Describe the role of the Ten Commandments in Jesus’ example and teaching.
• Defend the connection between observance of the Ten Commandments and love for God and neighbor from Scripture.
• List the biblical evidence that the Sabbath was:
  • A gift to humanity
  • Written into the Ten Commandments
  • Kept and taught by Jesus
  • Observed by the apostolic church
• Describe the Sabbath’s function as a memorial of both creation and redemption.
• Defend the claim that the Sabbath should be observed by believers today.
• Discuss the following terms as they relate to Sabbath-observance:
  • Rest
  • Worship
  • Well-doing
• Defend the Church of God (Seventh Day) definition of marriage as:
  • An institution of God
  • An exclusive lifetime union between one man and one woman
  • Existing for the purpose of perpetuating humanity and enriching human experience
• Discuss the theological significance of marriage reflecting the bond between Christ and his church.
• Identify the legitimate ground for breaking of a marriage as given in the Statement of Faith and defend this perspective from Scripture.
• Describe the relationship between marriage and:
  • Creation
  • The Moral Law
  • Christ’s teaching
  • Christ’s return
• Identify the features of the Christian call to holiness.
• Discuss the causal relationship between redemption and holy living.
• Identify the various spiritual disciplines involved in developing relationship with God as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
• Discuss the responsibility of Christians in relationship to the physical and spiritual needs of humanity as it relates to social action and gospel witness.
• List and define the following practices which Christians are to avoid, and defend the opposition of these sins from Scripture:
  • Pride
  • Envy
  • Indolence
  • Lust
  • Covetousness
  • Pornography
  • Sexual immorality
  • Homosexuality
• Describe the place of tithe and freewill offerings in the new covenant.
• Defend the perpetuity of the distinction between clean and unclean meats.
• Discuss the relationship between Christians and physical warfare.
• Discuss religious syncretism with extra-biblical practices such as:
  • Sunday
  • Christmas
  • Easter
  • Lent
  • Halloween
• Defend the definition of the church as being those who “hold the faith of Jesus and keep the commandments of God”.
• Discuss the implications of the church being under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word.
• Describe the purposes of the church universal and local:
  • Worshipping God
  • Preaching the Gospel
  • Nurturing Believers
  • Serving Humanity
• Identify and describe the ways in which Christians should participate in the church’s mission.
  • Service to others
  • Fellowship with believers
• Define “ordinance”.
• Write a Scriptural defense for the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of baptism as follows:
  • Contingent upon confession of faith in Christ and repentance
  • Symbolic of the believers initial union with Christ by death to sin, burial, and resurrection
  • By immersion
• Discuss the significance of the bread and cup as they relate to the Lord’s Supper.
• Identify the memorial/symbolic view of the Lord’s Supper from a list of alternative views.
• Describe the theological significance of footwashing at the Lord’s Supper.
• Distinguish between the negotiable and non-negotiable issues related to the Lord’s Supper as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
• Identify the things that Bible prophecy accomplishes as listed in the Statement of Faith:
  • Preserves and strengthens a believer’s hope for the Second Advent.
  • Identifies religious, social, and political trends and events.
  • Identifies the rebirth of the nation of Israel and other events which point to the imminent return of Christ and establishment of God’s eternal kingdom on earth.
• Discuss the role of Bible prophecy in Christian faith and practice.
• Select the Church of God (Seventh Day) view of the kingdom of God from a list of alternative views.
• Discuss the relationship between the three phases of the Kingdom of God as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
• Provide a biblical defense for the existence of a present kingdom, the millennial kingdom, and the eternal kingdom of God.
• Place the events of the millennial kingdom of Christ in order as outlined in the Statement of Faith.
• Provide a biblical defense for the doctrine of annihilationism.
• Describe the Eternal Kingdom of God based upon the depiction in the Statement of Faith and Revelation 21-22.
• Discuss the Church of God (Seventh Day) belief in a post-tribulational, pre-millennial, visible return of Christ within the context of differing eschatological schemes.
• Compare/contrast the Church of God (Seventh Day) doctrines regarding intermediate and final states with alternative Christian views.
• Discuss the theological and practical implications of living in a kingdom that is “already…not yet”.