Brief Historical Background of the Bachelor of Theology Programme

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Programme was introduced in 1980.  It was designed to give further training to “A’ Level holders and post-Diploma graduates who had excelled at the Diploma in Theology level offered at the Seminary.  It began as a four-year programme; however, a year later it was changed to a three-year programme.  In the 2000/2001 academic year, the programme was again changed to four-year duration to conform to the existing Universities’ Bachelor degree programmes in the country.
 
The Seminary has since 2007 changed and to be known as School of Theology and Ministry (STM) under the Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC), Kumasi.

Unit of the Institution to Offer Study
The School of Theology and Ministry (STM) does not have faculties and departments. The programme is therefore run as a unit by the School of Theology and Ministry.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Theology is a four-year programme designed to equip persons to perform basic and advanced tasks of Christian ministry and other social services. This is pursued through biblical, theological, historical, educational, liberal arts, guided practical ministry studies and research methods.

Goal:
To provide advanced wholistic theological education that enhances students’ spirituality, personal growth and ministry skills, and the capability to pursue postgraduate theological education.
(C)    Objectives:
1.    To enable students to understand, interpret, communicate and apply the biblical revelation.  
2.    To help students develop critical understanding, assimilation and application of theological, historical and educational principles of ministry in contemporary society.
3.    To enable students to acquire practical skills and knowledge in the performance of Christian ministry under the guidance and supervision of competent ministers, teachers, and experts.  
4.    To help give students a basic foundation in liberal arts education that enables them to critically think, analyze, and relate to traditional and contemporary concepts and situations.  
5.    To help students acquire skills to facilitate the process of wholistic community development.
6.    To equip students to acquire and apply research skills.
7.    To provide a community environment that encourages the development of spiritual growth.

 

 

 Entry requirements

General Qualification
The applicant must submit a completed application form and have an interview with a panel set up by the Academic Committee.
Academic qualifications
Senior Secondary School (SSSCE) or West African Senior Secondary School Certificate (WASSCE)	Passes with an aggregate 24 or better in six (6) subjects including core English and core Mathematics.
General Certificate of Education	Five credits including English Language and Mathematics at the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations and three passes at the GCE ‘A’ level, one of which should be ‘D’ or better and a pass in the General Paper. Candidates who possess ‘A’ level passes will be required to take 90 credits.
Candidates who possess a diploma in theology from an accredited institution will be required to take a minimum of 60 credits.
Candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in any other discipline or its equivalent will be admitted at level 300 and will be required to take a minimum of 60 credits which must include foundational courses.
Other Professional Qualifications	Applicants with professional qualifications which are equivalent to the above may be admitted on the recommendation of the Academic Committee.
Mature Applicants
Mature students are applicants who are 25 years or above.   Mature students must take an entrance examination conducted by the School of Theology and Ministry. Candidates who pass the entrance examination will be interviewed by a panel set up by the Academic Committee. Mature students must have significant ministry experience in a local church or an institution.

 

Apply

All applications for admission should be made on the prescribed forms obtained from the University College or the University’s official Website, (www.gbuc.edu.gh).
Completed application forms should be submitted together with three passport-sized photographs and certified copies of student’s results slip and certificates within the prescribed period of time to the Registrar of the University College.

Components of the Bachelor of Theology Programme of study.

 Required Courses

Each course carries 3 credits with the exception of the Long

Essay which carries 6 credits.

Table 1.1 Required courses for the Bachelor of Theology Programme

Required Courses
BTH 101 Communicative Skills I	BTH 305 Systematic Theology I
BTH 103 Old Testament Survey I	BTH 307 Homiletics
BTH 105 New Testament Survey I	BTH 309 African Pentecostalism & Charismatism
BTH 107 Intro. to Philosophy of Rel.	BTH 311 Baptist Doctrine & Polity
BTH 109 Spiritual Formation	BTH 302 Intermediate Greek and/or
BTH 102 Communicative Skills II	BTH 304 Biblical Hebrew II
BTH 104 Old Testament Survey II	BTH 306 Systematic Theology II
BTH 106 New Testament Survey II	BTH 308 Intro. to Research Methods
BTH 108 Phenomenology of Religion	BTH 313 Supervised Ministry I
BTH 110 Religious Education	BTH 312 Introduction to Islam
BTH 201 African Traditional Religion	BTH 315 Marriage and Family Counseling
BTH 203 Church History I	BTH 313 Supervised Ministry II
BTH 205 Intro. to  Music Ministry	BTH 318  Comparative Study of Religion
BTH 207 Hermeneutics	BTH 401 Church Administration
BTH 209 Intro. to Psychology	BTH 403 Intro. to Sociology
BTH 202 Intro. to Christian Worship	BTH 405 Foundations of Teaching
BTH 204 Church History II	BTH 407 Gospel and Culture
BTH 206 Pastoral Care & Counseling	BTH 409 Life and Teaching of Jesus or BTH 411 Romans or BTH 413 Acts
BTH 208 Intro. to Basic Computing	BTH 402 Long Essay
BTH 210 Intro. to Missiology	BTH 404 Theology of Development
BTH 301 Beginners’ Greek  and/or	BTH 406 Intro. Christian Ethics
BTH 303 Biblical Hebrew I	BTH 408 Leadership

 

Elective Courses:  The elective courses which will be offered at the discretion of the faculty are indicated in Table 1.2   

Table 1.2 Elective courses for the Bachelor of Theology Programme
BTH 111  Music Practicum I	BTH 314  Music Practicum VI
BTH 112  Music Practicum II	BTH 316  Baptist History
BTH 211  Music Practicum III	BTH 317  Contemporary Theology
BTH 212  Music Practicum IV	BTH 410  New Religious Movements
BTH 213  Major Prophets	BTH 412  Contemporary Ethical Issues
BTH 214  Ministry to Children	BTH 414  Christian Stewardship
BTH 215  Minor Prophets	BTH 415  Music Practicum VII
BTH 216  Ministry to Youth	BTH 416  Music Practicum VIII
BTH 217  Wisdom Literature	BTH 417  Spiritual Warfare
BTH 218  Ministry to Adults	BTH 418  Islam in West Africa
BTH 219  Apocalyptic Literature	BTH 419  Medieval Church History
BTH 313  Music Practicum V

 

Research Component

Many of the courses will require research papers as partial fulfillment of course requirements.

Students are required to write a long essay.

Supervised Ministry (SM) 

The student is involved in Supervised Ministry (SM) for two semesters.

Supervised Ministry is designed to offer an opportunity for the student to be involved in the pastoral ministry under the guidance of experienced ministers in local churches.

While in training, the student works with an experienced minister who serves as his/her supervisor.  The supervisor will guide the student through selected practical training experiences and help him/her to evaluate those experiences.

On-campus seminars allow the student to share and compare his/her experiences in ministry with those of his/her peers.

 

Semester-by-Semester Layout of Courses Showing the Credit Value of each Course:

YEAR ONE
FIRST SEMESTER	Credits	SECOND SEMESTER	Credits
BTH 101 Communicative Skills I	3	BTH 101 Communicative Skills I	3
BTH 103 Old Testament Survey I	3	BTH 104 Old Testament Survey II	3
BTH 105 New Testament Survey I	3	BTH 106 New Testament Survey II	3
BTH 107 Intro. to Philosophy of Religion	3	BTH108 Phenomenology of Religion	3
BTH 109 Spiritual Formation	3	BTH 110 Religious Education	3
Total	15	Total	15

 

YEAR TWO
FIRST SEMESTER	Credits	SECOND SEMESTER	Credits
BTH 201 African Traditional Religion	3	BTH 202 Intro. to Christian Worship	3
BTH 203 Church History I	3	BTH 204 Church History II	3
BTH 205 Intro. to  Music Ministry	3	BTH 206 Pastoral Care & Counseling	3
BTH 207 Hermeneutics	3	BTH 208 Intro. to Computing	3
BTH 209 Intro. To Psychology	3	BTH 210 Intro. to Missiology	3
Total	15	Total	15

 

YEAR THREE
FIRST SEMESTE	Credits	SECOND SEMESTER	Credits
BTH 301 Beginners Greek and/or BTH 303 Biblical Hebrew I	3	BTH 302 Intermediate Greek and/or BTH 304 Biblical Hebrew II	3
BTH 305 Systematic Theology I	3	BTH 306 Systematic Theology II	3
BTH 307 Homiletics	3	BTH 308 Intro. to Research Methods	3
BTH 309 Supervised Ministry I	3	BTH 310 Supervised Ministry II	3
BTH 311 Baptist History & Polity	3	BTH 312 Introduction to Islam	3
Total	15	Total	15

 

YEAR FOUR
FIRST SEMESTER	Credit	SECOND SEMESTER	Credit
BTH 401 Church Administration	3	BTH 404 Theology of Development	3
BTH 403 Intro. to Sociology	3	BTH 406 Intro. Christian Ethics	3
BTH 405 Foundations of Teaching	3	308 Pentecostalism & Charismatism	3
BTH 407 Gospel and Culture	3	BTH 402 Long Essay	3
BTH 408 Christian Leadership	3
BTH 409 Life and Teaching of Jesus or BTH 411 Romans or BTH 413 Acts [Choose one.]	3
Total	18	Total	15

 

DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION

BTH 101    Communicative Skills I (3 credits)
This course is designed to give a comprehensive review of English grammar with an emphasis on sharpening writing skills.

BTH 102    Communicative Skills II   (3 credits)
This course includes vocabulary building, reading with comprehension, and writing summaries.  Emphasis is given to writing clearly organized essays and research papers.

BTH 103     Old Testament Survey I (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the background, content, literary qualities and message of the Old Testament from Genesis through the historical books.  It is designed to give the student direct exposure to the biblical narrative of the history and religion of Israel in which the Christian faith developed.

 

BTH 104    Old Testament Survey II (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the background, content, literary qualities and message of the Old Testament from the Wisdom Literature to the inter-testamental period.

BTH 105    New Testament Survey I   (3 credits)
This course surveys the inter-testamental period and the socio-cultural, political and economic milieu, in which Jesus lived and ministered.  The concept and formation of the Canon is also examined.  Attention is given to the background and introductory materials to the canonical gospels and the book of Acts.

BTH 106    New Testament Survey II   (3 credits)
This course surveys the Pauline Epistles, Hebrews, the General Epistles and Revelation.  Attention is given to authorship, date and place of writing, recipients, the setting and purpose, and the structure and major divisions of each book.

BTH 107    Introduction to Philosophy of Religion   (3 credits)  This course takes a look at the study of some basic issues and questions arising out of philosophical reflection related to religious claims and beliefs.  
Topics will include the nature of religion and religious experience, the existence of God, the relationship of faith and reason, the nature of religious language, challenges to faith, the problem of evil, and the question of immortality.

BTH 108    Phenomenology of Religion (3 credits)
This course is a study of the beginnings, basic beliefs and practices of religions with specific emphasis on: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and African Traditional Religion.

BTH 109    Spiritual Formation (3 credits)
This study examines the theological and practical dimensions of the spiritual disciplines, both personal and corporate.  Students will be exposed to a variety of devotional classics.  Guidelines will be given for a ministry of spiritual formation within the context of the African church.

BTH 110    Religious Education (3 credits)
This course critically examines educational concepts and theories, and also the biblical, theological, philosophical, psychological and historical foundations of education and their relevance to Christian education.  The educational and growth needs of various age divisions and their relevance to the total church progamme will be examined.

BTH 111    Music Practicum I   (1 credit)
The vocal ensemble learns to sing hymns and anthems in parts.  The group rehearses to sing at School of Theology and Ministry functions or outside programmes.

BTH 112    Music Practicum II   (1 credit)
This is an extension on Music Practicum I

BTH 201    African Traditional Religion (3 credits)
This is a phenomenological study of some traditional African beliefs and practices with special reference to selected countries within West Africa.    Consideration will be given to Christian - ATR devotee dialogue.

BTH 202    Introduction to Christian Worship   (3 credits)
This study of Christian worship emphasizes the biblical, historical, theological, and practical aspects of worship.  There will be critical examination of
various forms of worship with a view toward improving worship services.

BTH 203    Church History I   (3 credits)
This course is a study of the history of the church from its early beginnings to AD 600.  Major themes, movements, key leaders, and challenges and controversies that shaped the church are critically examined.

BTH 204    Church History II   (3 credits)
This study focuses on the Protestant Reformation (AD 1500 – 1650) and the development of the church in West Africa (AD c.1500 – 1900).  Attention is given to the movements and key leaders who contributed to the development of the church.  

BTH 205    Introduction to Music Ministry   (3 credits)
This course will emphasize music in the Bible and in the over-all ministry of the church. This will include reading and conducting music, knowledge of musical instruments, and a study of selected hymns.

BTH 206    Pastoral Care & Counseling   (3 credits)
This course covers the study of the needs of persons in the various stages of life and the processes of organizing a pastoral ministry of nurturing, sustaining, healing, guiding and reconciling. It also examines the basic principles and specific types of counseling.

BTH 207    Biblical Hermeneutics   (3 credits)
This is an overview of biblical interpretation with an introduction to the principles, tools, and methodologies necessary for sound interpretation of the Bible.  Emphasis will be placed on the grammatical-historical approach.

BTH 208    Introduction to Basic Computing   (3 credits)
This is an introductory course in computer software applications.  This includes acquiring basic skills in windows, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Internet browsing.

BTH 209    Introduction to Psychology   (3 credits)
A survey of psychological studies including topics such as body and behaviour, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, principles of learning, theories of human development, theories of personality, and attitudes and beliefs.
 
BTH 211    Music Practicum III   (1 credit)
Emphasis will be placed on choral music for indoor and outdoor performances.

BTH 212    Music Practicum IV   (1 credit)
There will be further work on choral music.

BTH 213    Major Prophets (3 credits)
This course briefly surveys the Major Prophets.  One of the books will be chosen for exegesis that will include historical background, a survey of the major critical questions and the major theological issues.

BTH 214    Ministry to Children   (3 credits)
This course studies biblical foundations, psychological development, learning styles, and needs of children.  Students are guided to develop appropriate programmes for children’s ministry in both the church and community.

BTH 215    Minor Prophets   (3 credits)
This study is a brief survey of one of the Minor Prophets. Exegesis will be done on the book so chosen.

BTH 216     Ministry to Youth   (3 credits)
This is a study of developmental needs critical to youth in contemporary culture.  Special attention is given to the implications of these needs for counseling, communication, and youth related ministries.

BTH 217    Wisdom Literature (3 credits)
This study is a brief survey of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament.  One of the books will be chosen for exegesis.

 

 

 

 BTH 218    Ministry to Adults (3 credits)
This is a study of the developmental processes, characteristics and needs of persons from young to senior adulthood and how to develop appropriate programmes to meet those needs.

BTH 219    Apocalyptic Literature (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the apocalyptic literature of the Bible with reference to its social setting, its literary genres, its theological emphases, and its role in current thought.  A detailed study will be made of one of the books.

 

BTH 301    Beginners Greek (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to Koine Greek.  A careful consideration is given to mastery of vocabulary, grammar, conjugations, declensions and pronunciation of words.   

BTH 302    Intermediate Greek   (3 credits)
Stronger emphasis is placed on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading and exegesis.  The student is guided in the use of secondary sources of New Testament Greek.  BTH 301 is a prerequisite to this course.

BTH 303    Biblical Hebrew I   (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the Hebrew of the Old Testament, including basic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.

 

BTH 304    Biblical Hebrew II   (3 credits)
A continuation of biblical Hebrew that completes the introductory study of Hebrew grammar and syntax and includes selected readings from the Hebrew text and an introduction to the methods and resources of Hebrew exegesis.  

BTH 305    Systematic Theology I   (3 credits)
This is an introductory study of Christian doctrines.  It includes the prolegomena and the study of the specific doctrines of Revelation, Inspiration, the Nature and Work of God, Humanity and Sin.  These are studied in the light of their biblical and historical development and their relevance for contemporary society.
BTH 306    Systematic Theology II (3 credits)
The Christian doctrines of Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology and Ecclesiology are surveyed.  BTH 305 is a prerequisite to this course.

BTH 307    Homiletics     (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the principles, tools, and methods of sermon preparation and delivery.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the components of sermons, the planning of sermon series and practical application of the various patterns and processes of sermon preparation and delivery in the contemporary Ghanaian pastoral setting.  

BTH 308    Introduction to Research Methods   (3 credits)
This course guides the student to understand different methods of carrying out research, formulation and testing of hypothesis, random sampling, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data and its formulation into a comprehensive and coherent research work.

BTH 309 African Pentecostalism and Charismatism
This is a survey of Pentecostalism and charismatism of African and Ghanaian Christianity, with special emphasis on their effect o the Ghanaian African Christianity and some of the major indigenous movements.

BTH 310    Supervised Ministry (3 credits)
This seeks to integrate the students’ classroom learning experience with field practice. It lays emphasis on the integration and developmental needs of children, youth, and adults, and the teaching-learning styles and curriculum development with the existing educational programmes in practical ministry. This will be done over two semesters.

BTH 311    Baptist History and Polity   (3 credits)
This course surveys the historical backgrounds and current understandings of Baptist beliefs, practices, and polity with attention given to a thorough study of the Confession of Faith of the Ghana Baptist Convention.

BTH 312    Introduction to Islam   (3 credits)
This course is a study of the early beginnings of Islam and its basic beliefs and practices.

BTH 313    Music Practicum V   (1 credit)
This will cover African traditional ensemble. Instruments such as the xylophone, Atenteben and dance styles such as borborbor etc. will be practised.

BTH 314    Music Practicum VI   (1 credit)
This will cover further work in African traditional ensemble.

BTH 315    Marriage and Family Counseling   (3 credits)
This course studies some of the major marriage and family counseling theories with particular reference to their applicability to the African situation.  

BTH 316    Baptist History   (3 credits)
This is a survey of the historical development, expansion, and contributions of the Baptist denomination giving particular attention to the history and role of Baptists in West Africa, especially Ghana.

BTH 317    Contemporary Theology   (3 credits)
This course will survey some of the popular contemporary theologies and their impact on the church's witness in Ghana.  Some areas that may be studied are Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, Prosperity Theology, Pentecostal Theology, and Charismatic Theology.

BTH 318    Comparative Study of Religion   (3 credits)
This course will study Christianity and one of the World’s major religions focusing on commonalities and differences.

BTH 401    Church Administration (3 credits)
This course deals with the theology and principles of organizing, planning, and managing the church as an institution, as well as managing the human,
financial and other resources of the church for effective and efficient ministry.  Students will be taught how to conduct the two ordinances (Baptism and Eucharist) of the church.

BTH 402    Long Essay    (6 credits)
Each student in the Bachelor of Theology Programme is required to write an essay of between 8,000 and 10,000 words (20 - 30 pages) on a selected topic.

BTH 403    Introduction to Sociology   (3 credits)
This course will study the nature and scope of societies and the way they shape people’s behaviours, beliefs and identity with particular reference to the African setting.

BTH 404     Theology of Development   (3 credits)
An in depth study of the nature, history, biblical basis, theories, and principles of holistic development, and their application to the Ghanaian setting.

BTH 405    Foundations of Teaching   (3 credits) This course is an examination of principles and methods of teaching.  Consideration is given to learning styles, curriculum development, and the use of teaching aids as they apply in church settings.

BTH 406    Introduction to Christian Ethics   (3 credits)
This study examines biblical principles, ethical theory, and evangelical theological teaching with application to some contemporary ethical issues.

BTH 407    Gospel and Culture   (3 credits)    
The course examines the meaning of the gospel and culture and how the two are interfaced in the scriptures.  It also helps students identify values in their cultures that can be integrated with the gospel to enhance its understanding.  

BTH 408    Christian Leadership   (3 credits)
This is a study of the nature, style, requirements and importance of leadership in general, and with particular emphasis on leadership practices within the Christian context.

 409    The Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ (3 credits)
This course surveys the portraits of Jesus Christ and the presentation of his teaching in the four biblical Gospels.  Some attention is given to the “quest of the historical Jesus” and its contemporary manifestation and status in biblical study.

BTH 410    New Religious Movements   (3 credits)
This course is a survey of historical development, beliefs, practices and teachings of Christian religious movements of Africa particularly Ghana. Special emphasis will be given to indigenous emerging movements such as the Reform Church (Kristo Asafo in Ghana), the Synagogue Church of all Nations (of T. B. Joshua of Nigeria) and Kimbangue of Zaire.

BTH 411    Romans   (3 credits)
This course is an intensive exegetical study of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.  There will be a review of the background materials and purpose(s) of the writing with detailed study of the contents including the message, theology, ethics, and practical application.

BTH 412    Contemporary Ethical Issues   (3 credits)
This is a study which examines culturally relevant Christian approaches to various present-day moral issues such as human rights; equality issues; the 'North-South' economic inequality and other economic issues; Christians and politics; marriage, adultery, and divorce; alternative sexual lifestyles; war and peace.

BTH 413    Acts of the Apostles   (3 credits)
This course is an exegetical study of the Acts of the Apostles.  It includes an analysis of the background, purpose, literary qualities, content, theology, and missiological intent of the writing.

BTH 414    Christian Stewardship   (3 credits)
This course surveys biblical, theological, and practical principles that under gird the concept of total stewardship in the Christian life. Attention is given to how these principles are applied in the life of the individual Christian believer, the local church, the larger Christian community, and the world.

BTH 415    Music Practicum VII   (1 hour)
The ensemble will cover contemporary Western musical instruments such as brass music, keyboard practice and drums.
BTH 416    Music Practicum VIII   (1 hour)
This will be an extension of Music Practicum VII.

BTH 417    Spiritual Warfare   (3 credits)
This course is a critical examination of the biblical and historical data related to spiritual beings and their impact on the world.  The implications of the data on Christian life and ministry are emphasized.

BTH 418    Islam in West Africa (3 credits)
This is a study of the impact of Islam on West Africa from the 11th Century to the present. The course will examine the contributions Islam has made to the political, social, education and cultural life of the sub-region.

BTH 419    Medieval Church History   (3 credits)
This course is a study of the history of the church from AD 600 – 1500.  Major movements, key leaders and other events that shaped the church are critically examined

2.0 Teaching Methods: Teaching in this programme will be through lectures, seminars, fieldwork and workshops.

3.0    ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

  Assessment of students’ performance will be done via written examinations, project work and reflective paper writing.  
    
A.    Grading
Continuous assessment        =    40%
Final Examination            =    60%

B.    Grading scale

STM uses letter grades and numerical weightings as required by University of Cape Coast. The numerical weightings reflect the quality of performance. Total raw scores (combination of continuous assessment and end-of-academic semester examination) are converted according to the following scheme:

Raw Score	Grade	Credit Value	Interpretation
80 – 100	A	4.0	Summa Cum Laude
75 – 79	B+	3.5	Cum Laude
65 – 69	C+	2.5	Average
60 – 64	C	2.0	Below Average
55 - 59	D+	1.5	Pass
50 - 54	D	1.0	Pass
0 – 49	E	0.0	Fail