Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.) | Methodist Theological School

Compulsory
Courses	Credit Hours
Old Testament Introduction I & II Old Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Old Testament Introduction I This is an introduction to the historical background of Pentateuch and the “former prophets”. The course covers the old testament canon, the foundations of Israel in the Patriarchal, the conquest and settlement in Canaan by Israelites and reasons for the establishment of the united Monarchy under David and Solomon and the subsequent division into two Kingdoms. Old Testament Introduction II The second part of this introductory course includes a survey of the minor prophetic, wisdom and apocalyptic literatures. The course covers the studies of the divided kingdom; the impart of the dominance of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires on the life and faith of Israelites, the incidents resulting the Exile and thereafter and their restoration before Maccabean War.	6
New Testament Introduction I & II New Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.) New Testament Introduction I This general introductory course covers the historical, political and cultural background of the Jewish people from 168BC to AD135. A comprehensive survey of the four Gospels including authorship, dating crucial issues and with special reference to the life and ministry of Jesus will be studied. New Testament Introduction II This course explores the growth of the apostolic church and the life and ministry of Paul. An introduction to Pauline Epistles and other writings of the New Testament, including the background, main themes and critical matters related to the crucial texts will be discussed.	6
Christian Spirituality Christian Spirituality (3 cr. hrs.) This course consists of the basic spiritual disciplines, which include the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and the outward disciplines of simplicity, submission service, with major emphasis in relationship to God and in personal as well as corporate aspects of the Christian life.	3
Exegetical Methods Exegetical Methods (3 cr. hrs.) This introduces the principles of interpretation with special attention to both the content and context in the interpretation of words and texts in the Bible. Recent theories of interpretation are critically taken into consideration.	3
O.T. Exegesis I & II O. T. Exegesis I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Old Testament Exegesis I This course is a study of structure, theological motifs and exegesis of the texts of the Pentateuch. Selected texts and portions from the Pentateuch will be studied. Old Testament Exegesis I A study of the institution and messages of the prophets. A thorough exegetical study of one of the selected prophetic books will be done.	6
N.T. Exegesis I & II N. T. Exegesis I & II (6 cr. hrs.) New Testament Exegesis I This course is a study of the structure, and probable setting of Mark in relation to the other Gospels. That includes the outlining the argument of passages, doing word studies, validating exegetical decisions. New Testament Exegesis II This course mainly dealt with either Romans or Galatians. Areas to be studied include textual and hermeneutical problems and identifying the major themes of the particular Pauline epistle.	6
Homiletics Homiletics (3 cr. hrs.) This introductory course is to study the theory of preaching, including principles of sermon preparation, the nature and content in preaching. Different types of sermons will be prepared and discussed.	3
Missiology Missiology (3 cr. hrs.) This course is the study of missions in the theological base. Topics include the biblical basis of missions, the history of Christian missions and the principles of missionary strategy. The significance and position of missions in the local church ministry will also be explored.	3
Theology of Worship Theology of Worship (3 cr. hrs.) This course is to examine the biblical and theological foundations of worship, and the development of worship in church history to the present day. It also explores the theological implications of the Church Calendar, music, arts and the use of symbols in worship. Furthermore, the students are equipped with the skills of creative worship design and leadership.	3

Elective
Courses	Credit Hours
Church Discipline & Leadership Church Discipline & Leadership (3 cr. hrs.) This introduces the constitution, general rules, social principles, organization and administration and general services of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. Leadership concerns and its practical functions will be identified.	3
Wesleyan Theology Wesleyan Theology (3 cr. hrs.) An introductory course to understand the spirituality and the theology of John Wesley. Its purpose is to restore the distinctive Wesleyan heritage to the Methodist people. Attention will also be given to Wesley’s class system and meeting. Classic & contemporary Wesleyan hymns will be introduced.	3
Christian Ethics Christian Ethics (3 cr. hrs.) This course provides students with a foundational understanding of ethical considerations, including those related to gender and/or sexuality, women, and children, within the framework of Christian beliefs and practices. Through the study of Christian Ethics, students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to critically analyze and engage with gender-related and other ecclesial and social issues from an ethical perspective, fostering a commitment to promote social holiness, justice and peace within the Methodist community and the public arena.	3
Malaysian Cultures & Religions	3
Malaysian Society & the Church Malaysian Society & the Church (3 cr. hrs.) This introduces the main social, economic, ethnical and political background or Malaysia society. It includes an historical formation of our society and the dominant contemporary social issues such as the vision of the nation.	3
Pastoral Counseling Pastoral Counseling (3 cr. hrs.) This course provides an introduction to basic counseling theory, in which students will be equipped as a knowledgeable pastoral counselor. It includes the basic counseling skills in terms of basic methods of interviewing and intervention. It also stresses the practices of counseling skills. This includes examination of oneself, and an experimental learning approach to integrate information with life experiences. Students may also offer case-study during class sessions to allow demonstration of counseling skills in terms of role play.	3
Islam Islam (3 cr. hrs.) This deals with the origin and history of Islam, its beliefs, practices, literatures, development and influence in our context.	3
Christian Theology I & II Christian Theology I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Christian Theology I Systematic theology is the subject studying the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It will be studied biblically, historically, and contemporarily. This course covers the following areas: Introduction to Theology, which includes the definition, nature, methodology and task of theology, its relation to other theological disciplines, revelation, and authority of the Words of God. The doctrine of God, which includes the person, his Trinitarian mode of existence and attributes, and the work of God. Christology and Soteriology, which study the person and work of the Lord, Jesus Christ, including the two natures, the names and offices of Christ, the covenant of grace and various aspects of his atonement. Christian Theology II This course is the last portion of the Christian faith, which covers the following areas: Pneumatology. This part of study emphasizes the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The contemporary charismatic movements may also be discussed. Ecclesiology. The study of the Church will consider the nature, role and government of the Church, the initiatory rite and continuing rite of the Church as well as the unity of the Church. Eschatology. The study of Last Things will cover the status and classification of eschatology. Individual eschatology, the second coming, millennial and tribulation views and the general eschatology (final states).	6
Church History I & II Church History I & II (6 cr. hrs.) Church History I This first part of Church History covers the missionary developments of the Church from the time of the apostles until the Renaissance. It includes the principal events and personalities in the early Church, Christian piety, the rise of monasticism and scholasticism. Attention is also given to the relationship between the contexts of the Church with the surrounding cultures. Church History II This second half of the course, which continues with Church History I is tracing the Church expansion from the time of reformation until present day. The course includes various movements of renewal and reform and the Church responses to thoughts of modernism. Student is required to study the history of his denomination or church tradition in the context of Asia.	6

*Elective courses are subjected to change, depending on the availability of the courses offered.

Applicant can obtain an application from the School, and send it to the School with the following supporting documents:

Full academic records / Certified copies of school / College/ University certificates
One recommendation letter (Form obtainable from the school) from applicant's church pastor
A personal statement of reasons for the enrolment to this course (500 words)
A photocopy of identity card (IC)
A recent passport-size photographs
A medical report (Form available from the school)

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