Distance Learning - Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond

BTSR is committed to making quality theological education available to students, regardless of their geographical location, through our distance learning seminary courses. We offer Master of Divinity (MDiv) courses online, in order to serve students who are separated from the seminary by time and/or distance.

We offer 18 distance learning seminary courses in our Master of Divinity program. Online courses include required courses, ministry concentration and general electives. Learn more about our Master of Divinity degree.
 
If you are interested in distance learning, why not check our online seminary courses? Below are the courses we offer online. Visit our Class Schedule page to see what is being offered this semester!  

BTSR Online Seminary Course Descriptions

B1000 Biblical Foundations for Ministry
An introduction to the critical study of the Bible and its application to Christian Ministry. It focuses on the basic processes of biblical formation, the contents of biblical literature, the developments of biblical history, the facets of biblical culture, and the methods of biblical interpretation.

B1111 Introduction to Old Testament I
An orientation to historical, critical, and theological study of the literature of the Old Testament. Lectures and assigned readings cover the major issues of interpretation. Seminar sections of the course introduce procedures for exegesis through hands-on work on selected texts. The Pentateuch, Historical Books, and the Hebrew Psalter are considered.

B1112 Introduction to Old Testament II
A continuation of B1111. The Prophets and Wisdom Literature are considered.

B1523 Greek I-II Students are introduced to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, as well as the culture that produced the texts. Students will gain a basic reading knowledge of Greek through reading and exegesis of New Testament passages, and will practice incorporating this knowledge into their interpretation of the New Testament. Students study in a web-based format at their own pace. A maximum of twelve months from initial enrollment will be permitted for completion of the course. Students enrolling in this course should be capable of meeting challenging goals with minimal external motivation.

HT2111 Introduction to Christian Tradition I
Using the method of paradigm shifts, this course will examine the women and men, theological, evangelistic, organizational and political concerns that contributed to the development of the tradition within specific cultural, economic, socio-political contexts. Studying past changes can encourage people to participate in shaping the paradigm of the Christian tradition that is emerging now in their own context.

HT2112 Introduction to Christian Tradition II
Continuation of Christian Tradition I

HT2410 Introduction to Christian Ethics
A study of Christian ethical teaching examining philosophical theory, Biblical teaching, and the church's theological tradition with particular attention to global issues of peace and justice.

M3233 Spiritual Autobiographies
A study of several significant spiritual autobiographies in the history of Christianity, from Augustine's Confessions to a variety of twentieth-century writers. Class members will seek to understand and articulate more fully their own spiritual journey in light of these classic texts.

M3451 Health Ministry in Congregations
In this introductory course, students will explain the concept of whole person health and be able to discern the importance of attention to physical and mental health as well as spiritual health in ministries among congregations and communities.  The biblical roots of health ministry will be explored and students will follow congregational health to current times.  Opportunities will be available for students to look at active health ministries in congregations and discover resources for these ministries.

M3522 Management Theory/Church Administration
A basic introduction to organizational management with emphasis placed on analysis of theory, organizational structure, and managerial functions and designed to introduce students to the application of management theory to ministry in the local church.

M3523 Using Small Groups/Congregations
This course will acquaint the student with principles and skills which enhance facilitation of small groups at church, whether committees, councils, planning or learning groups.

M3526 Recreation Planning
An introduction to the planning of recreation programs for children, youth and adults that support the purposes of the church: worship, discipleship, evangelism, ministry and fellowship.

M3721 Congregational Ministry with Adults
This course will acquaint students with the unique possibilities for ministry with adults in the church.  Focus will be on both foundational aspects of adult Christian education as well as practical approaches to planning educational ministries with adults.

M3730 Educating in Faith
An examination and exploration of selected theories concerning individual faith development and the ways persons are educated in faith in various contexts. A bibliographic overview of Christian education will be constructed from the perspectives of Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical, and Baptist sources. Through projects, dialogue, and self-assessments, the students will reflect on their own personal faith formation.

M3740 Models of Educational Ministry
This online course provides a survey of congregational models of Christian education. Critical issues concerning contemporary challenges to congregational Christian education in connection with the theology, nature and structure of the church are explored. Functional roles of the Christian educator are surveyed.

M3772 Systems Approach/ Church Planning and Evaluation
An introduction and examination of systems theory as applied to the church.  After a brief introduction to systems components, the theory will be operationalized as a tool for planning and evaluating existing and future sub-systems within the church, including committees, programs, teams and work groups. Students will apply the theory and tools to their own church ministry and/or setting.

M3811 Music and Worship
A study of the role of music in historic and current worship traditions. Students will have opportunities to participate in worship experiences outside their own traditions and to plan and lead worship experiences within the classroom setting (or within the online classroom setting).

M3812 Hymnology
A study of the church's hymns and hymn writers, past and present, with examination of their historical and ecclesiological setting. Attention will be given to the use of hymns in worship, education and private devotion.

We also offer specialized workshops and seminars through the School of Christian Ministry. Learn more about all of our online courses on our Distance Education page.