This course is designed to help the student improve his/her study and research skills and to communicate more effectively, especially in written form. Students are introduced to the proper writing form for research papers at Sunset and are given a brief review of English grammar. An additional area of study includes an overview of the Koine Greek language.

An introduction to the principles and practices of preaching, including a survey of the minister and his personal life. Emphasis is given to the study of homiletics, the role of the preacher, and the preparation and delivery of Biblical sermons.

Designed to build confidence in public speaking. Students give short speeches on various subjects. Effective public reading of scripture is also addressed.

Assignments given in this class relate to elements of sermon preparation and delivery covered in Introduction to Homiletics (taken in the same term).

Emphasis is placed on preaching from a short text and preaching a series of sermons from one of the Epistles.

Students are assigned various biblical topics and are expected to prepare and deliver well-organized sermons.

Focuses on the dynamics of teaching a Sunday morning adult Bible class and how it differs from preaching a sermon

Focuses on teaching in a variety of settings outside the Sunday Bible class

Narrative preaching is emphasized; preaching from the wisdom literature and the prophets is covered, as is making connections between Old Testament passages and New Testament fulfillments.

Development and presentation of sermons for weddings and funerals; also instruction in ministering effectively at such times.

The survival of the church depends on strong spiritual leadership. In this course we will study the need for leadership in the Church, characteristics of leadership, problems confronting church leaders, and leadership from different perspectives.

Church Growth is a study of the types of growth found in healthy, dynamic and growing families of God’s people. This course will continue the student’s preparation for the work of ministry, including discussions of the character, content, challenge, and opportunities for both the minister and the local church.

An advanced course in the study and preparation of sermons, including a deeper study of the various types of sermons and the diverse Biblical literature.  The course is designed to equip the student to preach more effectively and creatively.  Major emphases include enhancing communication skills and increasing organizational strategies.

This course examines the work of a minister in a local church setting in the United States. Major emphases include the minister’s work, his interpersonal relationships, his response to ministry stress, and his personal life.