STUDY TRACKS

CERTIFICATE IN BIBLICAL STUDIES:
This certificate is awarded to the student who completes four semesters of work in either the Old Testament or New Testament survey courses. One class is offered per semester and course work typically includes reading and writing assignments.

CERTIFICATE IN HISTORICAL STUDIES:
This certificate is awarded to the student who completes four semesters of work in the Church History courses. One class is offered per semester and course work typically includes reading and writing assignments.

CERTIFICATE IN CHURCH & CULTURAL STUDIES:
This certificate is awarded to the student who completes four semesters of work in the Church and Culture courses. One class is offered per semester and course work typically includes
reading and writing assignments.

DIPLOMA IN BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES:
This is the recommended course of study for men seeking their calling in the ordained ministry. The diploma is awarded to students who complete eight semesters of work in all four classes offered each semester. At the end of this track, students will have completed an intense study of both the Old and New Testament, church history from the first century to today, ecclesioogy, sacramentology, liturgics, and covenant theology. In addition to monthly lectures, students will interact with instructors on a weekly basis and will be led through a thorough and challenging reading program designed to give the student a solid grounding in biblical theology and reformed thinking. In addition to all of this, Bucer students will have front-row access to the full slate of world-class scholars who come to speak at our bi-annual special lecture sessions and annual pastors conferences.

CURRICULUM

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY with JAMES B. JORDAN
Beginning with the Pentateuch in year one and traveling all the way through the prophets in year four, this study takes the student through an in-depth study of the stories, symbols, and themes of the Old Testament. This class is taught by professor James Jordan, one of the most gifted biblical theologians of our day. The student will see the Old Testament through new eyes, and understand and appreciate the Scriptures on an entirely new level.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY with JEFFREY J. MEYERS
From the Gospels to Revelation in eight semesters, this study helps the student read the New Testament through the literary symbolism and rich symphonic themes established in the Old Testament. Demonstrating how the New Testament develops out of the Old Testament story, professor Jeff Meyersprovides fresh insights into the world and work of Jesus, Paul, and the first-century church.

CHURCH HISTORY with GEORGE T. THOMPSON
This four-year overview of church history begins with the church fathers and moves methodically through the ages up to the present-day church. Always entertaining, George Thompson's lectures bring the history of the church to life with engaging, colorful stories of the church's blessed saints along with her notorious villains.

CHURCH & CULTURE with STEVE WILKINS/DUANE GARNER
This course is designed to engage the student in conversation and thought regarding all the most important topics facing the church and reformation in the 21st century. Subjects ranging from the role of the church in cultural endeavors such as the arts and literature to studies in covenant theology, liturgy, and sacraments will be covered in this course each semester.

SPECIAL SESSION
Each semester, the Bucer Institute is priviledged to have one of the church's leading scholars come for a special series of lectures. These one-day mini-conferences on a wide range of topics consist of four lectures and conclude with a lunchtime open discussion forum. Always provocative, ever enriching, the special sessions are always a highlight of the semester. Special Sessions are part of the required curriculum for full-time ministerial students.