An introduction to Christian ministry with emphasis on exploration of call, spiritual formation, ministry in a Southern Baptist context and through the local church.  Required of all religion or applied ministry majors except mission volunteers.  Required during a student's first two semester at the University.  Two lectures per week. 

Credits: 2

An introduction to Christian cross-cultural ministry with emphasis on exploration of call, spiritual formation, and the responsibilities, opportunities and requirements of cross-cultural ministry from a Southern Baptist perspective.  This course is required of all students majoring in Cross-Cultural Ministry during the first two semesters at the University, and it meets one of the requirements for the Prichard Scholarship.  Two lectures per week. 

Credits: 2

On Demand
A lower level course in a selected area of Applied Ministry. Not for independent study.

Credits: 1 to 4

January Term
This course will give the student an overview of the field of religious television and will emphasize ways in which video can be and is being used in creative ministry through the church. Additional fee required.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A study of the nature of the pastoral calling, the multiple roles of the pastor in the light of Biblical teaching, and distinctive challenges confronting the contemporary church.

Credits: 3

Spring
A study of Biblical, historical, and practical concepts of evangelism with special emphasis upon the motives and methods of personal evangelism and programs in the local church.

Credits: 3

Spring
General survey of the educational ministry of a local church. Attention to the development and implementation of education programs for preschool, childhood, youth, and adult groups. Consideration of the duties and relationships of Christian education workers within the total church program.

Credits: 3

Spring
Provides informational background for youth ministry in the local church, studying methods and principles for establishing and conducting a youth ministry. Attention is given to the role of youth leader or minister as a church staff member. Additional fee required.

Credits: 3

Fall
This course focuses on the basic skills of American Sign Language in a context of local church ministry. The course exposes students to the language and culture of many hearing impaired and includes exercises in using sign language.

Credits: 3

Spring
This course focuses on the basic skills of American Sign Language in a context of local church ministry and is a continuation of AMIN 245 Beginning Sign Language.

Prerequisites & Notes:
AMIN 2453.

Credits: 3

On Demand
Exploring the potential for integrating Christian faith and theatre forms through historical analysis, the evaluation of contemporary trends and the encouragement of the student’s own development as a theatre artist.

Credits: 3

Fall
An introductory study of the Biblical, historical, and theological foundations for cross-cultural ministry. 

Credits: 3

Summer
A practicum experience involving preparation and reflection assignments associated with participation in a Global Outreach Team or an OBU-sanctioned cross-cultural ministry project of at least one week in duration.  May be repeated two times for credit.  Permission required. 

Credits: 1

Spring
Survey of a mission field, people group, or missions method currently part of the program of work of the International Mission Board.  May be repeated two times for credit. 

Credits: 1

Independent study for students who have completed a minimum of 24 hours with an overall B average.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and the completion of a 2999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4

Fall
An introduction to the orality movement with Christian missions with attention given to the cultural context, characteristics, and world-view of oral learners.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013, REL 1023, AMIN 3953, and one course in anthropology.

Credits: 2

A continuation of Chronological Bible Storying I giving attention to the creation of oral Bible stories, the development of an oral Bible story set, the use of music and drama in effective storytelling, and practice in delivering oral Bible stories in classroom and field settings.

Prerequisites & Notes:
AMIN 3002

Credits: 2

Fall, Odd
Background of Christian preaching in the development of Christianity; sermon preparation and delivery. CMAR 2403 or APCM 3323 recommended but not required.

Credits: 3

Supervised field work in one or more local church ministries: pastoral, educational, music, youth, recreation. Provides 75-125 hours of practical experience under competent professional supervision.

Prerequisites & Notes:
permission. Additional fee required.

Credits: 3

Supervised field work in missions, institutional chaplaincies and other ministries outside the local church. Provides 75-125 hours of practical experience under competent professional supervision.

Prerequisites & Notes:
permission. Additional fee required.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
Introduction to the Biblical, historical, philosophical, and psychological foundations of Christian education and their relationship to the teaching ministries of the church. Emphasis given to principles of teaching demonstrated in church curriculum materials.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
Development and administration of educational programs for preschool and elementary children in church, private, and public agency settings.

Credits: 3

On Demand
An introduction to the church’s ministry to adults. Emphasis given to the needs of the adult learner in various stages of adulthood and to the role of the minister with adults.

Credits: 3

Fall
Development and administration of educational ministry in the youth division of the local church. Special emphasis on the educational needs of youth in the church program organizations. A materials fee is required.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
An application of psychological theory and research to the study of religious experience, expression and behavior, with special consideration to factors contributing to the process of Christian growth and the dynamics of Christian maturity.

Prerequisites & Notes:
PSYC 1223.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A survey of the field of Church Administration, including church polity and organization, and administration of the human, physical, and financial resources of the church.  Special emphasis will be given to the development and strengthening of the leadership skills of the pastor and senior staff. 

Credits: 3

An integrated approach to basic counseling skills, utilizing theory, practice and case application for use in paraprofessional settings with special emphasis on providing a foundation for the development of competencies in human relations needed in effective helping relationships.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even A study of principles and methods of effective cross-cultural ministry at work in North America and the world.  Special emphasis given to the programs and efforts of a wide variety of cross-cultural sending agencies including those of Southern Baptists. 

Prerequisites & Notes:
AMIN 2753.

Credits: 3

An exit exercise providing the student with a venue for reflecting on his/her particular academic experience at OBU, offering suggestions for strengthening ministry training at OBU, and discussing plans for education and/or ministry post-graduation.  The student is responsible to schedule a 30-minute interview with the Dean of the School of Christian Service during one of the student's last two semesters to satisfy this requirement.  Grade is Pass/Fail. 

Prerequisites & Notes:
90 hours.

Credits: 0

Spring, Odd
A study of the biblical and theological teachings about families and of creative ways churches can minister to family units and the individuals in them. The course will focus on proactive approaches toward strengthening families, as well as on ministries to families with problems.

Credits: 3

On Demand
An advanced course in a selected area of Applied Ministry. Not for independent study.

Prerequisites & Notes:
junior standing.

Credits: 1 to 4

Students spend at least one semester working halftime in a church recreation program under guidelines established by the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies in coordination with the cooperating professional. Additional fee required.

Credits: 1 to 3

Spring, Odd
An overview of classical and contemporary readings in cross-cultural ministry.  Special emphasis given to the student's own particular area of interest through independent reading and research. 

Prerequisites & Notes:
AMIN 2753.

Credits: 3

On Demand
A practicum experience involving field experience in Chronological Bible Storying while working with an international missionary. Emphasis on the development and delivery of story sets that are appropriate to the culture and worldview of the target audience. Three to four weeks experience required for 2 hours; five weeks or more required for 3 hours.

Prerequisites & Notes:
junior standing. Permission required.

Credits: 38751

Independent study for juniors and seniors with at least a B average in Applied Ministry.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and completion of a 4999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4

An introduction to Christian ministry with emphasis on ministries through the local church. This course is required in the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree core.

Credits: 2

  A study in personal discipleship and evangelism.  The first half of a two course sequence designed to assist the student with personal spiritual growth.  

Credits: 2

A study in personal discipleship and evangelism. The second half of a two course sequence designed to assist the student with personal spiritual growth. A continuation of Masterlife I.

Credits: 2

Basic fundamentals of music, introductory directing techniques, and formation of Christian music.

Credits: 3

This course explores a Biblical approach to knowing and experiencing the will of God.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the book of Nehemiah. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the book, the book's teachings in context and its application to the church today. 

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the Gospel of Mark. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the gospel, its teachings in context and its application to the church today.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the books of 1 & 2 Timothy. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the books, their teachings in context and application to the church today.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of 1 Corinthians. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the letter, its teachings in context and its application to the church today.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the first 12 chapters of Genesis. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the book, the book's teachings in context and its application to the church today.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the book of Joshua. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the book, the book's teachings in context and its application to the church today. 

Credits: 1 or 2

An exegetical study of the books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. The course addresses the historical and literary context of Paul's Thessalonian correspondence, the letters' teachings in context and their application to the church today.

Credits: 1

An exegetical study of the book of James. The course addresses the historical and literary context of the book, the book's teachings in context and its application to the church today.

Credits: 1

This course is designed as an inductive study of the book of Ephesians. It not only teaches the biblical material but also gives a pattern for doing inductive Bible study. 

Credits: 2

A survey of the historical development of Christianity from its inception to the present. Attention is given to major characters and movements and to the relationship of the Church in various ages to its culture.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to present an outline of the historical development of Black Baptist Churches in Oklahoma.

Credits: 2

This course examines the doctrinal and practical teachings concerning prayer.

Credits: 1

A study of worship from Biblical time to present. Comparison of liturgies and orders of worship. Planning worship services for various occasions.

Credits: 3

A course designed to prepare students for a ministry of planting and growing churches.

Credits: 3

An introduction to principles of teaching and learning in the local church.  Attention given to the dynamic interaction of the teacher, learner, and curriculum. 

Credits: 3

Analysis of the principles of reasoning, the methods and topics of philosophy that emerge in the history of Western Philosophy.

Credits: 3

Spring
A survey of the principles of reasoning, with an emphasis on practical application.  Topics include evaluating arguments and sources of information, and recognizing common errors in reasoning.

Credits: 2

On Demand
A lower level course in a selected area of Philosophy. Not for independent study.

Credits: 1 to 4

Fall, Odd
Survey of Western philosophy from the Renaissance through the 19th century, including rationalism, empiricism, and idealism.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A survey of Greek and Roman philosophy with an emphasis on the thought of Plato and Aristotle.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
A survey of the central issues and figures in medieval western philosophy from Augustine to William of Ockham.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
An examination of the philosophical issues regarding theism, religious experience, religious language, religious knowledge, and the problem of evil.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
A study of the important movements and figures in American philosophy from Jonathan Edwards through the 20th century pragmatists.

Credits: 3

Independent study for students who have completed a minimum of 24 hours with an overall B average.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and the completion of a 2999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4

Spring, Even
An introduction to major issues in the philosophy of science with an emphasis on critical episodes in the historical development of science through Newton.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
An introduction to major issues in the philosophy of science with an emphasis on critical episodes in the historical development of science after Newton.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
An examination of logical methods and procedures, with some consideration of contemporary philosophy of logic.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
Study of the problems and history of political thinking, with reference to the justification of public policy.

Credits: 3

Historical and comparative study of the religious beliefs of man from ancient to contemporary times. Examination of common characteristics of primitive religions and progression through tribal, national, and universal states. Emphasis on the major religious and philosophical expressions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.

Credits: 3

Fall
A survey of the major movements of 20th century Christian theology, beginning with the neoorthodox reaction to 19th century Protestant liberalism. Major attention given to Protestant theologians in Europe and America such as Barth, Tillich, Bultmann, the radical theologians, and the theologians of hope, as well as to process theology.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
A consideration of the nature and types of law and legal reasoning; sources of law; and the basis of a legal system, of legal and political authority, of obedience to law, and of human rights. Readings include texts of important legal decisions, as well as writings by legal theorists and philosophers.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A critical examination of the major ethical theories in recent Western philosophy. Topics to be included are: the analysis of language, the justification of moral beliefs, and the status of ethical theories.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
A study of the nature of art and aesthetic judgments from the works of historic philosophers and contemporary theorists.

Prerequisites & Notes:
FNAR 2063.

Credits: 3

On Demand
An advanced course in a selected area of Philosophy. Not for independent study.

Prerequisites & Notes:
junior standing.

Credits: 1 to 4

Fall, Even
A critical examination of central issues in the philosophy of mind and psychology, including the mind-body problem, personal identity, consciousness, knowledge of other minds, and intelligent machines.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
An examination of key issues in philosophy of language, including meaning and truth, sense and reference, speech acts, and communication.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
A critical examination of current issues in constructing a theory of ontology and/or cosmology.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A study of the Biblical, historical, and constitutional developments in church and state relations.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A critical examination of current issues in constructing a theory of knowledge.

Credits: 3

Independent study for juniors and seniors with at least a B average in Philosophy.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and completion of a 4999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4

Survey of Old Testament writings within the context of the history of Israel. Attention to Israel’s identity as the covenant people of God, the development of Israel’s national and political consciousness, and her relationships with other nations. Special emphasis on the principles of biblical interpretation and the major theological themes of the Old Testament.

Credits: 3

Exploration of New Testament writings within the context of the historical development of the church in the first century. Attention to the types of literature appearing in the New Testament, the order and manner of composition of these writings, and the questions of authorship and purpose. Discussion of central figures, major issues, and dominant theological themes, and study of the development of these writings into a body of canonical literature.

Credits: 3

On Demand
A lower level course in a selected area of Religion. Not for independent study.

Credits: 1 to 4

Fall
Study of the life and teachings of Christ with emphasis on the historical and religious background of His life and the major themes of His teachings.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1023 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Spring
Study of the ministry of Paul in the spread of Christianity including his relationship to the ministry of Christ and to Jewish and Greco-Roman thought.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1023 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
An examination of Israel’s history from a prophetic perspective. This course will cover the books of Joshua-2 Kings. It is designed to explore the nature of historical writings in early Israel, their theological significance, and the prophetic interpretation of Israel’s early history.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A survey of Greek and Roman philosophy with an emphasis on the thought of Plato and Aristotle.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
An examination of the philosophical issues regarding theism, religious experience, religious language, religious knowledge, and the problem of evil.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
Survey of the historical development of Christianity from its inception to the 16th century with attention to the origins, missionary advance, institutional and theological development, significant literature, notable personalities, and daily life of the church. Attention to the reciprocal influence of Christianity and culture.

Credits: 3

Spring
Examination of the historical development of Christianity from the 16th century to the present. Special attention to the causes, character, and consequences of the Protestant Reformation; the nature and varieties of Protestantism; the impact of modern secular culture on the church; and contemporary trends in Christianity.

Credits: 3

Spring
This course is designed to help the student discover principles of biblical interpretation and develop exegetical skills. It will cover the history of biblical interpretation, an introduction to the various genres of the Bible, a survey of contemporary interpretive methodologies, and case studies in the methodologies, using biblical texts.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013, REL 1023, and PHIL 1043.

Credits: 3

Fall
A study of the fundamentals of the common and cultural language of the Greco-Roman world with emphasis on the Greek New Testament. Course includes laboratory experience as well as research into cultural and historical background.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1023 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Spring
A continuation of Elementary Greek I.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 2903.

Credits: 3

Independent study for students who have completed a minimum of 24 hours with an overall B average.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and the completion of a 2999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4

Fall
A study of the basic structures of the Hebrew language. This will include an emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, morphology, and syntax.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Spring
A continuation in the study of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and language structures. This is facilitated by the translation of Jonah and/or Ruth, as well as other texts in the Hebrew Bible.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 3013.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
Study of the letters of Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude with particular reference to their historical setting and major themes.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1023 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
A study of Biblical and intertestamental apocalyptic literature with major attention given to Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1023 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

A study of the major ethical teachings of the Bible with attention to their practical and contemporary application. Addresses the theme of Christian responsibility in today’s world based on the premise that Biblical interpretation is not complete until the teachings of the Bible inform the life situation of the student.

Credits: 3

Spring, Even
An examination of Hebrew wisdom literature and its unique and significant technique of expression. Attention is given to a study and interpretation of selected examples in the Old Testament.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
Study of the work of the Hebrew prophets. Attention to the national and international settings and to the texts of their messages with emphasis upon their timeless themes.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Analysis of the basic concepts of Christian thought from the Biblical to contemporary eras. Major emphasis on the consideration of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith under such categories as God, Man, Sin, Redemption, Christian Life and Eschatology.

Prerequisites & Notes:
junior standing.

Credits: 3

Historical and comparative study of the religious beliefs of man from ancient to contemporary times. Examination of common characteristics of primitive religions and progression through tribal, national, and universal states. Emphasis on the major religious and philosophical expressions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.

Credits: 3

Fall
A survey of the major movements of 20th century Christian theology, beginning with the neoorthodox reaction to 19th century Protestant liberalism. Major attention given to Protestant theologians in Europe and America such as Barth, Tillich, Bultmann, the radical theologians, and the theologians of hope, as well as to process theology.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A critical examination of the major ethical theories in recent Western philosophy. Topics to be included are: the analysis of language, the justification of moral beliefs, and the status of ethical theories.

Credits: 3

A study of the history and theology of Baptists from their 17th century origins to the present with primary emphasis on developments in England and North America.

Credits: 3

Fall
Exegetical study from selected passages from the Gospels and Epistles of the Greek New Testament. Includes advanced syntactical, grammatical, and historical research.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 2913.

Credits: 3

Spring
A continuation at the advanced level of REL 3903, Intermediate Greek I.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 3903.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
An evaluation of the historical and theological roots of Israel’s faith. This examination will give attention to the primeval history, patriarchal narratives, theological themes, and the cult of ancient Israel.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 1013 with a grade of C or better.

Credits: 3

Fall, Odd
A detailed exegesis of a selected New Testament book (from the New Testament letters) with special attention to its historical, cultural, literary and theological contexts.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 2703, one Bible course 2000 level or above, and junior standing.

Credits: 3

Spring, Odd
A detailed exegesis of a selected New Testament book (one of the Gospels or Acts) with special attention to its historical, cultural, literary and theological contexts.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 2703, one Bible course 2000 level or above, and junior standing.

Credits: 3

On Demand
An advanced course in a selected area of Religion. Not for independent study.

Prerequisites & Notes:
junior standing.

Credits: 1 to 4

On Demand
Readings of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible including representative readings from historical narratives, legal literature, prophetic texts, wisdom writings, and psalms. The course is designed to enable the student to acquire and maintain proficiency in reading the various types of Hebrew literature comprising the Hebrew Bible, with an emphasis on building vocabulary and developing reading competence. Particular attention will be given to matters of syntax and morphology.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 3023.

Credits: 3

Fall, Even
A study of the Biblical, historical, and constitutional developments in church and state relations.

Credits: 3

On Demand
Readings of selected texts from the Septuagint and other Hellenistic Greek texts . The course is designed to enable the student to acquire and maintain proficiency in reading Hellenistic Greek prose, with an emphasis on building vocabulary and developing rapid reading skills, giving particular attention to matters of syntax and morphology that inform the reading of the Greek New Testament.

Prerequisites & Notes:
REL 3903.

Credits: 3

Independent study for juniors and seniors with at least a B average in Religion.

Prerequisites & Notes:
approval of the Dean and completion of a 4999 Independent Study form.

Credits: 1 to 4