Practical Theology

Courses of Study

Course ID	Credit Hours	Course
OR 101	2	Principles of Christian Living This course is a class required for all freshmen as they enter school. It teaches students skills regarding study habits, character, library and reading skills, personal devotions, Bible memorization, and prayer. It is designed to help the student adjust from high school to college life here at West Coast. Prerequisite: None
PT 100	1	Practical Theology This course is taught by Dr. Chappell to equip young men for the work of local church ministry. Students will gain both biblical and practical insights in areas such as Baptist church planting, discipleship, contemporary theology, servant leadership, staff training, and the administration of local church work. Prerequisite: None
PT 107	2	Principles of Leadership: David This course looks at one of Israel’s greatest kings. From his life, principles are drawn to help us become people “after God’s own heart.” Prerequisite: None
PT 108	2	Principles of Leadership: Paul This course looks at the life and times of the Apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, and his journey from persecutor of the church to preacher and prisoner for Christ. Prerequisite: None
PT 111	2	Personal Evangelism This course is designed to help the individual student be an effective witness for the Lord. Instruction will be given on how to reach the lost with the gospel. Students will be required to memorize key verses for bringing sinners to Christ and giving them biblical assurance of salvation. Every student must participate in the TEAM soulwinning program of Lancaster Baptist Church. Prerequisite: None
PT 115	2	Principles of Leadership: Life of Joseph This course looks at the life and times of Joseph who was the favored son, but also the hated brother. Students will study the life of a man of integrity and forgiveness. Prerequisite: None
PT 125	2	Evangelistic Songleading This course is an introduction to music in a church worship service. Students will learn the basics of song leading as well as platform technique. Prerequisite: None
PT 140	3	Biblical Foundations of Leadership This course explores the theological roots of effective leadership. The student will examine major leadership theories through a biblical lens. Special emphasis will be given to leadership lessons from the life and ministry of Jesus. Prerequisite: None
PT 201	2	Sign Language 1 This course is designed to teach students about 600 signs to allow them to communicate with the Deaf. Students will also sign a song, story, Bible lesson, and the gospel. Prerequisite: None
PT 202	2	Sign Language 2 This course is a continuation of PT 201. Students will learn how to better communicate with the Deaf using the tools from PT 201 as a foundation, “how to sign like the Deaf.” This will help the signer be more effective in communicating with the Deaf. Students will converse much and present projects in American Sign Language. Prerequisite: PT 201
PT 292	2	Sermon Preparation Building upon the basic principles of Bible interpretation, this class will teach students how to create Bible messages. Students will learn how to write sermons that have purpose, textual integrity, unity, and clarity. Prerequisite: BI 291
PT 297	2	First Aid for Missions and Ministry This course is tailored for educators and missionaries. It covers topics ranging from medical emergencies in the classroom to common injuries and ailments. The training in conducting an interview with a patient and doing a basic physical exam will help the student in gospel presentations and counseling scenarios. Prerequisite: None
PT 307	2	Professional Training This course is designed to prepare ministerial candidates for the practical areas of the local church ministry as it discusses professionalism as a Christian, as a leader, and as a ministry staff member. Lectures and class notes will prove to be beneficial for future use in the ministry. Prerequisite: None
PT 311	2	Christian Marriage and Home This course provides the student with the biblical ingredients to a godly marriage and family. It will attempt to provide the student with the discernment needed to be able to provide a biblical balance in his family life and ministry. Prerequisite: None
PT 321	2	Homiletics 1 This course provides the basic tools required to prepare, organize, and communicate effectively the Word of God. Each student will be given the opportunity to practice delivering sermons in the classroom. Prerequisite: BI 291 and EN 102
PT 322	2	Homiletics 2 This course is a continuation of PT 321 which emphasizes the proper interpretation of a passage and delivery of the message. Homiletics II concludes the material introduced in PT 321 with an emphasis on expository preaching and technique, Biblical genres, contextualization, and preaching to a postmodern audience. Prerequisite: BI 291, PT 292, and PT 321
PT 323	2	Homiletics 3 This course is an advanced course dealing with special types of sermons for special occasions, holidays, and other specific settings. An emphasis will be placed upon practical application and development of introductions, conclusions, and illustrations. Instruction will be given on how to give invitations. Prerequisite: BI 291, PT 292, and PT 321
PT 341	2	Bible Lesson Development Building upon the basic principles of Bible interpretation, this class will teach students how to create Bible lessons. Students will learn how to write lessons that have purpose, textual integrity, unity, and clarity. Prerequisite: BI 291, EN 102
PT 342	2	Bible Lesson Delivery This course will provide the basic tools required to prepare, organize, and communicate effectively the Word of God. This course will emphasize the proper interpretation of a passage and effective delivery. Each student will be given the opportunity to practice delivering lessons in the classroom. Prerequisite: EN 102, PT 341
PT 371	1	Dormitory Leadership This course provides opportunities for practical, hands-on experience and preparation for a wide range of ministry applications (Ex. management, basic counseling, event planning, & communication) for students serving in a dormitory leadership position as a supervisor or assistant. It will utilize a variety of training times along with written projects/reports to supplement and assess the practical experiences of the role with an emphasis on servant leadership. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
PT 378	2	Local Church Discipleship The joy of every believer after salvation should be to see fruit that remains. This course will enable the student to discover the true purpose of the great commission and learn how they can reproduce their faith in another. An emphasis will be placed on doctrinal grounding and mentoring of each new believer. Prerequisite: EN 102