We have five exciting courses for Spring 2012 in Fairfield
Scroll down to see each one
Click on course title for a detailed syllabus
Counseling from a Christian Perspective: Theory and Practice
Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30am starting Feb 11 (8-week series)
Instructor: Dr. Duane Kellogg, Jr.
Location: Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Description: This 8 week course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between theology and psychology and how they can be integrated in effective ways to help people deal with emotional and relational difficulties. This could be useful for pastors, Christian professional counselors who were trained in secular schools, as well as lay people who are involved in ministries that involve helping people through difficult times (e.g. Stephen’s Ministries, small group/church leaders, etc.). We will deal with theory as well as practical case application.
To register for a class, go to our Admissions and Enrollment page
New Testament Greek II: Reading I John
Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 beginning Feb 6 (8 week series)
Instructor: Rev. Chip M. Anderson, M.A.T.S.
Location: Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Description: This course focuses on reading and translating the Greek text of I John, functioning at two-levels: 1) For the new Greek student to help reinforce the basics learned in Greek I and 2) to give a Greek refresher for those who have had Greek previously in their educational experience. The new Greek student will enhance the basics learned in Greek I, focusing on translation skills, building vocabulary, and strengthening how the language is used in the Greek New Testament. For the student who had Greek at one time in college or seminary, who seeks to become reacquainted with the language, this course will be a refresher for that prior experience. This course is a reading and translating course that will focus on how the parts of grammar produce an English translation of I John and assist the reader in forming exegetical interpretations of the text.
To register for a class, go to our Admissions and Enrollment page
Philosophy of Religion: Tough Questions Seeking Thoughtful Answers
Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30am tentatively starting May 5, 2012 (8-week series)
Instructor: John M. DeMassa, M.Div., Ph.D.
Location: Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Description: The philosophy of religion is a less-explored area in Christian studies that should be a prerequisite course for all others. This fascinating field probes the most fundamental problems concerning human existence. As such it lays a foundation to understand the scope, depth and gravity of scriptural claims and doctrine often under appreciated or even avoided.
We will discuss questions like: How should we view a religious experience? Is religious language unique? Are there good arguments for the existence of God? Is it reasonable to believe in miracles? How should we view horrendous evils and the problem of Hell? Why does a good God allow suffering? Is faith subjective, objective, or both? Can faith ever be certain? Could one religion be true? What is faith?
It is simply impossible to sidestep these questions for believers and inquisitive non-believers alike. Thinking critically and carefully about these questions is well worth the effort because it leads to personal growth and preparedness in our pluralistic culture.
The student will engage in two major tasks. First, a brief but effective survey of philosophy will be examined with the goal of establishing a framework for our discussion. This survey will also expose the student to some “tools of thinking” to evaluate and formulate answers. Secondly, using this background material, students will be challenged to wrestle with the questions. For students, Bible teachers, and seekers alike this course is a must.
To register for a class, go to our Admissions and Enrollment page
Hearing the Bible Speak
Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 starting April 9 (4-week series)
Instructor: Rev. Chip M. Anderson, M.A.T.S.
Location: Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Description: This course seeks to be a practical step in learning to faithfully listen to the text of Scripture and develop the skills necessary for good Bible interpretation. Through the actual practice of reading and exegesis of specific texts of the Bible (see course topics below), the student will learn how to observe, listen, and interpret a text of Scripture. There will be eight (8) specific New Testament texts that the student will use to learn the observation approach (asking good questions and paying close attention to the text) and, thus, begin learning to hear the original author’s intention. Various aspects of the exegetical process (Bible study method) will be highlighted through the actual study of particular New Testament passages. Through this course a student will develop good exegetical skills, and as well, learn to listen to the Biblical text.
To register for a class, go to our Admissions and Enrollment page
Encountering Jesus in the Gospels
Six 2-1/2 hour sessions, dates and location TBA
Instructor: Ray Pennoyer III, M.Div., Ph.D.
Location: TBA
Description: In this course, Jesus Christ himself will be our primary teacher! Here’s how: The heart of the course will be an immersion in the Gospels of Luke and John, thus putting us directly in touch with the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus.
Our approach will be to read, in installments, the Gospels of Luke and John in preparation for the class sessions. When we meet together, we will first go over important background material for understanding Jesus and his world. We will then watch together the corresponding sections of two excellent films that depict these Gospels – films that have been carefully chosen for both their faithfulness to the biblical text and their dramatic power. Refreshments will be available, and questions and comments will be encouraged.
Note that our focus will be on understanding the content and context (historical and cultural) of Jesus’ ministry. Certain technical questions regarding the Gospel accounts (sources, manuscript evidence, apologetic issues) will be touched on only lightly because those issues are covered in more depth in the upper division course “Jesus the Savior of the World.”
The course is suitable for Christians both new and seasoned, including young people! We would also welcome anyone earnestly inquiring about the Christian faith.
To register for a class, go to our Admissions and Enrollment page
