1. CORE COURSES (A)

Old Testament Studies (MAA 501)

This course examines the canonisation and contents of the Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings of the Old Testament and how these are linked to the history of Israel and Judah.  The focus will be on God’s covenant relationship with humankind through the people of Israel and Judah and will be covered through lectures, group study and directed readings of the Old Testament.

New Testament Studies (MAA 502)

This course is meant to introduce the student briefly to the developments that led to the formation of the New Testament Canon.  It also gives a concise discussion of the contest that illuminates the New Testament text.  Greater attention will be given to the discussion of the content of the New Testament documents, emphasizing the fact that these writings were recorded with the aim of meeting specific needs, therefore they address issues of concern both for the recipients whose questions may be answered or of the author who finds the need to address some pastoral concerns in respect of his audience.  Attempts will be made to highlight the purpose of writing and the points of emphasis of some of the individual New Testament writers.

Christian Missions (MAA 503)

This course examines the nature and dynamics of Christian missions.  Attention will be given to the mission of God, the theological and biblical basis of missions, missions and migration, the missional church, as well as strategies and methods for doing effective practical missions development.

History of Christianity in Africa (MAA 504)

This involves an examination of theological, organizational, political, socio-cultural, practical, and other factors that influenced the foundation and development of the Church and Christianity in Africa.  Attention will be given to the missionary movements, African Independent Churches (AIC’s), pre-independence and post-independence developments, as well as modern developments.

Christian Ethics and Leadership (MAA 505)

For an enhanced development of a strong pastoral integrity and personal identity, this course in Christian ethics and leadership seek to enable candidates to uphold moral integrity in the provision of leadership. Issues of morality, corruption and empathy and other practical issues in the Ghanaian context as they affect leadership would be explored from the Christian perspective.  The course seeks to focus on the Christian as a leader called to work both in the church and church related institutions.  Biblical and theological basis of leadership as well as essential elements or issues of leadership, management and administration are all addressed.  Each student is expected to have a thorough self-assessment of his/her spiritual gift(s), leadership style, ethics and approach to conflict so as to develop a life-map and skills for anticipated ministry.

Christian Doctrine (MAA 506)

This course covers basic Christian doctrines or beliefs from revelation to eschatology, emphasizing their biblical basis, evangelical focus, ecclesial context, Trinitarian scope, and contemporary significance for Christian life and practical ministry.  The doctrines of God, creation, humans and sin, the person and work of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life are considered.

Pastoral Care and Counselling (MAA 507)

This course is intended to equip students for an effective pastoral ministry.  It will examine the theological, psychological and cultural foundations for Pastoral Care and Counselling; basic listening and responding skills; methods of ministering to persons in crisis, etc.

Readings in African Christian Thought (MAA 508)

The course will examine the significance of the shift in Christian presence form the northern to the southern continents and how this has been interpreted by the leading names in the field.  The significant works to be considered will include those of: LaminSanneh, Andrew F. Walls, Kwame Bediako, John S. Mbiti, Kwesi A. Dickson, John S. Pobee, Masamba ma Mpolo, Jesse Mugambi, BolajiIdowu and Mercy A. Oduyoye.

Basic Biblical Hebrew (MAA 509)

This course introduces students to the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Old Testament Hebrew. Topics to be covered include the alphabet, vowels, dagesh, shevas, syllables, definite article, prepositions, gender and number of nouns, attributive and predicative usage of adjective, subject and demonstrative pronouns, segholates, noun construct, and pronominal suffixes on prepositions, particles and nouns. Basic vocabulary to enhance the reading of simple sentences in Hebrew is also covered. Rev. Obeng

Basic Biblical Greek (MAA 510)

The course is intended to introduce the student to the basics of Biblical Greek grammar and vocabulary. The purpose is to establish a strong foundation for further work in the Biblical language at the intermediate level. The course seeks to emphasize the importance of the Biblical language in the interpretation and understanding of Scripture. Emphasis will be placed on morphology, but the syntax of the language will be introduced as and when needed. Topics to be covered include the following: the Greek alphabet, Breathings, accents, syllabification, the Present Indicative Active, the Present Indicative passive, the Imperfect Indicative Active, the Imperfect Indicative Passive, the definite article, First Declension Feminine nouns, First Declension masculine nouns, Second declension masculine and neuter nouns, Second declension adjectives, Third declension Masculine and Feminine nouns, and Third declension Neuter nouns.

1.     BIBLICAL STUDIES (B)

Biblical Hermeneutics (MAB 501)

This is to expose students to biblical interpretation as an art, a science and profoundly spiritual discipline.  Emphasis will be placed on the use of mother tongue in the translation of the Judeo-Christian scriptures.

The Bible in African Christianity (MAB 502)

This course will examine the readings, interpretations and uses of the Bible within African Christianity.  Particular attention would be given to how the independent indigenous churches of Africa approach the Bible, including its uses in talismantic ways.  John Mbiti’s work, The Bible and Theology in African Christianity, and Gerald O. West and Musa Dube’s edited volume, The Bible in Africa, would be essential readings for this course.

2.     HISTORY AND MISSIONS (C)

Evangelism and Christian Discipleship (MAC 501)

This is a course that explores the theological foundations, theories and practices of evangelism in light of the mission of God and Christian discipleship.  Students will be given opportunities to study both corporate and individual methods of evangelism and also explore ways to integrate these into the full ministry of the church.  Attention will also be given to the essentials of Christian discipleship and disciple making as a Christian mandate.

African Church Fathers (MAC 502)

This course is aimed at examining the contributions of the early African church fathers to Christian theology.  Their social, cultural, and economic environments will be examined in the light of their theologies and its relevance for the church in Africa today.

The Reformation and the African Christian Church (MAC 503)

The course involves a survey of the Renaissance, Reformation, Martin Luther, and various protestant and Roman Catholic reforming movements and its influence in the African Christian story.  Consideration will be given to these movements and other proposals for reinterpreting Christianity in the early modern period through the eras of enlightenment and evangelical revivals and its influence on the church in Africa today.

Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements (MAC 504)

This course seeks to examine the major events, movements and personality figures, and other factors that have influenced the history and developments of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements from the early beginnings to the modern era.  The various types of Pentecostal/Charismatic movements that have been formed in Africa would be given particular attention in order to help candidates come to some understanding of the importance of Pentecostalism in contemporary African Christianity.

3.     ETHICS AND PHILOSOPHY (D)

African Traditional Ethics (MAD 501)

One of the main aims of traditional societies is to make people moral beings with a sense of transcendence and commitment to communal well-being.  This course will examine the religious background of traditional ethics in Africa and how the society instills its ethical demands and expectations in the individual as he or she grows up within society.

African Philosophy (MAD 502)

This course will consist of readings of the works of major authors in African philosophy, including Kwame Gyekye, Kwame Anthony Appiah, KwesiWiredu and N. Soglo.

4.     THEOLOGY (E)

Church and Sacraments (MAE 501)

This course examines the theological, biblical and historical foundations of baptism and Eucharist.  It will explore the relationship among liturgy, pedagogy, and lifestyle.  Emphasis is on the sacrament of baptism as the foundational practice for Christian life and witness.

Christianity and other Faiths (MAE 502)

This course explores the fundamental elements and essence of Christianity in relation to other faiths and cultures, such as: Islam, African traditional Religion, Buddhism, etc.  The nature of dialogue, understanding of other faiths, and contemporary problematic areas will also be explored.

Issues in African Theology (MAE 503)

This course is aimed at helping students to reflect theologically on current issues on the continent and its relevance for the African Christian Church.  It attempts to challenge students to reflect theologically, ethically and contextually on real issues that shape the thought patterns of the Africa from the Christian perspective.  The issues to be studied would include: gender, slavery, poverty, wars, crime, HIV/AIDS, and the role of the Bible, culture and politics in African theological hermeneutics.

Theology and Public Life (MAE 504)

This course seeks to educate and equip theological students in Africa to be faithful and effective leaders and translate their Christian spirituality into practical everyday actions.  Focus shall be on theological issues or topics important to the Christian ministry in today’s world.

5.     PRACTICAL AND PASTORAL STUDIES (F)

Marriage and Family Counselling (MAF 501)

This is an examination of marriage and family within the Christian community.  Biblical, theological and psychological reflections will be combined with family systems and interpersonal communications theory to provide a varied set of perspectives by which to think about pastoral care and counselling to married couples and to families in the contemporary society.  Emphasis shall be placed on premarital pastoral care, marriage growth enrichment, handling conflict at various stages of the marital relationship; ministry to the single person; pastoral care to the divorced and widowed, practicing non-violent communication, and the dynamics of ministering to families.

Managing Conflict (MAF 502)

This course involves an examination of the place of differences in a congregation and of the ways and means through which it might deteriorate into conflict.  The nature and dynamics of conflict, resolution strategies, and the essential nature of forgiveness and healing in the church will be explored.  Attention will be given to the discussion of ways of responding to differences so that they might be valuable resources to the congregation, inhibiting the development of conflict, and of protecting the congregation, should it occur.

Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs (MAF 503)

This course involves an investigation of the nature and dynamics of addiction as it manifests itself in the individual and the wider social system in the light of biblical, theological, psychological, social and pastoral considerations.  The role of society in exacerbating addictive patterns, medical realities and preventive strategies will also be explored.  Focus is on the pastoral perspectives and practical programmes for the church’s ministry to persons and families suffering from addiction to alcohol, other drugs, sex, power, work, and other forms of potentially addictive behaviour. The significance of spirituality and 12-step programmes in healing and restoration of the addict are also considered.

Christian Chaplaincy: Schools, Hospitals and Security Services (MAF 504)

This course seeks to integrate theory with practice.  It seeks to equip candidates with the requisite skills needed for ministering in institutional settings and regimented organizations, such as the military, police and fire service.

Lay Ministries (MAF 505)

This is a course in educating and empowering the laity for ministry.  It will include: identifying gifts for ministry; discerning the call to ministry; motivating the laity for ministry, and the historical and biblical basis for lay ministry.  Focus will be on both the biblical and theoretical basis for lay ministry and to the development of skills in enabling the laity for ministry.

Christian Education (MAF 506)

This course will examine Christian education as an aspect of the whole of the ministry of the congregation and its leaders.  Major attention is given to the theory of Christian education where biblical, theological, psychological, philosophical, and social scientific insights are integrated to guide educational judgments and practice.

Inter-Generational Ministries (MAF 507)

This course is designed to explore and examine ministry to children, youth and adults in the Christian educational context.  Attention will be given to developmental dynamics of the various age groupings and its relevance to meaningful Christian education.  Special ministries, such as Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Compassion International, Women’s Aglow, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, and other organizations that function within established denominations would be studied.

Spiritual Disciplines and Christian Ministry (MAF 508)

This course will explore some of the disciplines of the “spiritual life” in the Christian tradition.  Among the topics and exercises to be included are regular prayer, the reading of scripture, the practice of “spiritual direction,” discernment (hearing the voice of God), corporate experiences of renewal and the quest for maturity in Christian discipleship.  This course is praxis-oriented and requires students to publicly discuss their own faith.

Law for Pastoral Ministry (MAF 509)

This course is designed to expose students to the essential elements of law as they confront the church today. Legal concepts or essential elements of law, such as family law, marriage law, torts and contract will be discussed.

Expository Preaching (MAF 510)

This involves an exploration of preaching as an interpretive act through which God’s word does what God intends for it within Christian worship to a particular time and space.  Attention is given to the relation of text and context at each stage of sermon development.  This course offers an opportunity for students to reflect on the way sermons offer a reading or interpretation of a sermon’s audience as much as they offer a reading of a biblical text.

Worship and Spirituality (MAF 511)

This involves a study of the history, theology, and practice of Christian worship within the context of the developments and practice of one’s spirituality, with particular attention to the various Christian traditions.  This course will include studies and exercises on spiritual disciplines, spiritual gifts, divine worship services, the nature and significance of prayer, anointing, healing, basic ceremonies of weddings, funerals, dedication, and other occasional services.

6.     CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (G)

Religion and Media in African Christianity (MAG 501)

This course examines both the use of the media by religious groups and organizations and the representation of such organizations and their programmes by the media.  Candidates would be exposed to different media ministries including televangelism, radio and internet ministries and also how to produce quality articles for church newspapers and magazines.  The role of the audiovisual department in church life would be examine to enable candidates appreciate how to use the media in positive ways to conduct Christian ministry.

Religion and Health (MAG 502)

This course attempts to explore the interface between religion and health.  Attention will be given to the role of religion in fostering good health.  Focus shall be on HIV/AIDS and other critical health issues that confront the Ghanaian Christian community.

Church Management (MAG 503)

In service to developing a viable ministerial and management style, this course is designed to offer students and opportunity to explore the essential principles for church management and administration.  Issues such as managing membership, managing differences, managing church finance and projects, planning for change and decision-making, and work ethics in ministry are all crucial elements in ministry relevant to the health and vigour of congregations and will be addressed in this course.

Healing and Deliverance in Counselling (MAG 504)

This course examines the historical, theological and pastoral dimensions of healing and deliverance ministries in light of missional theology and practice.  An exploration of the healing patterns for the seasons of life from birth to death, crisis moments, and for use in worship, will be made.  Attention will also be given to the purpose of healing; the place of the Holy Spirit in healing; the impact of anointing; the influence of the devil and the demonic in Christian life and thought; pre-healing and post-healing challenges,