The 34-credit Marrow of Theology program is a streamlined theological curriculum for laypeople, non-vocational elders, or men who are not sure if they aspire to full-time ministry. It is not intended to replace a fuller, more traditional theological education for those who aspire to the ministry. However, it provides an introduction to theology and a platform on which to build further theological studies for men who later may move into the Divinity program.

Students enrolled in the Marrow program will choose a “major” or an area of emphasis (see below). Note that the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) requires a previously earned baccalaureate degree. Those without an undergraduate degree may still qualify for enrollment in the Marrow program and would earn the Diploma of Theological Studies (D.T.S.) upon successfully completing the program. All credits from the Marrow program are transferrable to the Divinity program. The student must complete the Marrow program within 6 years from the time of his enrollment.

Program Emphases

Emphasis on Exegetical Theology (34 Credits)

Nine core courses (23 credits) in exegetical and biblical studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines.

  • SP401 Research & Writing (1)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

  • ET500 Hermeneutics (3)

  • BL511 Elementary Greek I (3)

  • BL512 Elementary Greek II (3)

  • ET510 Old Testament Introduction (3)

  • ET515 New Testament Introduction (3)

  • ET631 Old Testament Theology (4)

  • ET632 New Testament Theology (2)

  • 11 Elective Credits from any ET, HT, ST, or PT

Emphasis on Historical Theology (34 Credits)

Eight core courses (20 credits) in historical and systematic studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:

  • SP401 Research & Writing (1)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

  • HT500 Baptist Symbolics (2)

  • HT611 Early Church (3)

  • HT612 Medieval Church (3)

  • HT613 Reformation Church (3)

  • HT614 Modern Church (3)

  • HT521 Particular Baptists (2)

  • ST501 Apologetics (3)

  • 13 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT

Emphasis on Systematic Theology (34 Credits)

Eleven core courses (28 credits) in systematic theology supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:

  • SP401 Research & Writing (1)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

  • ST501 Apologetics (3)

  • ST502 The Word (3)

  • ST503 God & Decree (3)

  • ST504 Man & Sin (3)

  • ST505 Christ & Covenants (3)

  • ST506 Salvation (3)

  • ST507 Holy Spirit (or) ST510 Ethics (3)

  • ST508 Church (3)

  • ST509 Last Things (2)

  • 6 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT

Emphasis on Practical Theology ♦ (34 Credits)

Ten core courses (21 credits) in practical studies supplemented by electives from other theological disciplines:

  • SP401 Research & Writing (1)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

  • ET300 Hermeneutics (3)

  • ST510 Ethics (3)

  • PT601 Calling & Cultivation (2)

  • PT602 Expository Preaching (3)

  • PT610 Pastoral Theology (2)

  • PT612 Church Ministry (2)

  • PT650 Introduction to Missions (2)

  • BC610 Pastoral Counseling (2)

  • 13 Elective Credits from ET, HT, ST, or PT

♦ The Practical Theology emphasis is designed for men aspiring to pastoral ministry. Therefore, it is limited to men only.