Pastor Scholar

The Pastor Scholar program is designed for working pastors. While the Pastor Scholar program does not give a degree or academic credit, it is a useful tool that is intended to help pastors increase their ministry skills. Before beginning the course work for this program, it is necessary to choose a friend or pastor willing to serve as your mentor for the program. Find someone whose opinions you trust. Then when you complete course work for the program, give it to your mentor for evaluation. As with all programs in EVS, these are not academic courses, and they give no academic credit.

THE PASTOR SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Brooklyn Center, MN

While the Pastor as Bible Scholar Program offers neither academic credit nor a degree, the level of learning that it can provide can be compared to a Masters in Theology (30 Program Units). This program is written for those who already have a seminary degree. The Pastor as Bible Scholar program requires a total of 30 units (or ten courses). 18 units (or six courses) of these are required courses. Students must choose 12 units (or four courses) from the list of elective courses.

The following courses require reading books. They can be obtained either from the publishers’ web sites or online book sellers like CBD or Amazon. Contact information and web addresses for the book publishers and book sellers can be found at the BOOKS section of the Evangelical Virtual Seminary - RESOURCE CENTER.

REQUIRED COURSES

LANGUAGES

Choose either LN 162 – INTRODUCTORY HEBREW or LN 262 – INTERMEDIATE HEBREW. To understand many commentaries and academic studies, it is very import to understand how the Hebrew language works. However, it is less important to memorize vocabulary words or the proper way to form the piel imperfect 3^rd person singular of a hollow verb. If you don’t know Hebrew, take LN 162. If you do read Hebrew, take LN 262. If you do not read biblical Greek, take LN 161. If you do read biblical Greek, take LN 261.

LN 162 – INTRODUCTORY HEBREW (3 Program Units)

Select and read carefully one of the following studies. If you do not read Hebrew, evaluate how much time you can afford to spend working through the exercises. The more time that you spend on the exercises, the better your grasp of the language will become. However, the important thing is to understand how the language works.

	Select and read carefully one of the following texts. It is acceptable to substitute a different Hebrew grammar from the list of text in the EVS resource center.
	Then write a 5 page paper summarizing how the grammatical system in Hebrew actually works. Stress the points that you believe are the most important to remember about the language. If you do not have a Hebrew language font, it is OK to write in the Hebrew letters with an ink pen.
	Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Fields, Lee M. Hebrew for the Rest of Us: Using Hebrew Tools without Mastering Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 978-0-310-27709-5

Mansoor, Menahem. Biblical Hebrew: Step by Step: vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-6041-0. vol. 2. ISBN: 978-0-8010-6151-6.

Silzer, Peter James and Finley, Thomas John. How Biblical Languages Work: A Student’s Guide to Learning Hebrew and Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2644-5

LN 262 – INTERMEDIATE HEBREW (3 Program Units) Complete LN 262 in place of LN 261 if you already know biblical Hebrew.

	Select one of the following books and read carefully through it. It is OK to substitute a different grammar from the list in the EVS resource center.
	Write a five page paper summarizing the most important things in the book that you want to remember about biblical Hebrew. If you do not have a Hebrew language font on your computer, it is OK to write the Hebrew letters with an ink pen.
	Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. A Workbook for Intermediate Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2390-1

Schökel, Luis Alonso. A Manual of Hebrew Poetics. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press. ISBN: 978-88-7653-567-3

Tucker, W. Dennis Jr. Jonah: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press. ISBN: 978-1-932792-66-9

LN 161 – INTRODUCTORY GREEK (3 Program Units)

To understand the academic discussion, it is important to understand how the Greek language works. It is useful but unnecessary to memorize vocabulary lists and to understand how to form the future passive indicative first person plural of a Greek verb. It is important to understand the significance of that form.

	Select and read carefully one of the following texts. It is acceptable to substitute a different Greek grammar from the list of book in the EVS resource center.
	Write a five page paper summarizing grammatical facts about biblical Greek that you think are the most important to remember about the language. If you do not have a Greek language font on your computer, it is OK to write the Greek letters with an ink pen.

Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Dobson, John H. Learn New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3106-9

Mounce, William D. Greek for the Rest of Us: Mastering Bible Study without Mastering Biblical Languages. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-23485-9

Voelz, James W. Fundamental Greek Grammar. St. Louis, MO: Concordia.

Werner, John R. Greek: A Programmed Primer. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-532-6

LN 261 – INTERMEDIATE GREEK (3 Program Units) Complete LN 261 in place of LN 161 if you already know biblical Greek.

	Select and read carefully one of the following texts. It is acceptable to substitute a different Greek grammar from the list of book in the EVS resource center.
	Write a five page paper summarizing grammatical facts about biblical Greek that you think are the most important to remember about the language. If you do not have a Greek language font on your computer, it is OK to write the Greek letters with an ink pen.

Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Bateman, Herbert W. IV. A Workbook for Intermediate Greek: Grammar, Exegesis, and Commentary on 1-4 John. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8252-2149-5

Black, David Alan. It’s Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2181-7

Black, David Alan. Using New Testament Greek in Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-1043-9

Guthrie, George H. and Duvall, J. Scott. Biblical Greek Exegesis: A Graded Approach to Learning Intermediate and Advanced Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. ISBN: 0-310-21246-4

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

TH 211 - SYSTEMATIC STUDIES (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following books.
	Write a five page paper summarizing the most important ideas that you found in the books and discuss how those ideas may be useful in your own ministry.
	Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Barnett, Paul. Jesus and the Logic of History. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2603-2

Lillback, Peter A. The Binding of God: Calvin’s Role in the Development of Covenant Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2263-0

McDonald, Lee Martin. The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission, and Authority. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-56563-925-6

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3610-1

Peters, James R. The Logic of the Heart: Augustine, Pascal, and the Rationality of Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3599-9

Zachman, Randall C. ed. John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3597-5

CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY

CH 221 – LESSONS IN CHURCH HISTORY (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following books.
	Write a five page paper summarizing the light on the history of Christ’s church that is the most useful in your own denominational tradition.

Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Bovon, François. Studies in Early Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2935-6

Godfrey, W. Robert. Reformation Sketches: Insights into Luther, Calvin, and the Confessions. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-578-4

Maier, Paul L. trans. Eusebius: The Church History. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-3307-8

Parry, Ken. The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2005. ISBN: 0-631-23423-3

Zachman, Randall C. ed. John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3597-5

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

PT 231 - WOMEN’S STUDIES (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies. It is OK to substitute other books from the Women’s Studies section of the EVS Resource Center.
	Write a three page paper discussing the most ideas that you encountered in the books that you chose.
	Write a two page paper summarizing your understanding of the contribution that women can make to the life of the church.
	Submit the papers together to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Beck, James R. and Blomberg, Craig L. Two Views on Women in Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-23195-7

Bilezikian, Gilbert. Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman’s Place in Church and Family. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-

Grudem, Wayne. Evangelical Feminism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN: 978-1-58134-734-0

Köstnberger, Margaret Elizabeth. Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-58134-959-7

LaCelle-Peterson, Kristina. Liberating Tradition: Women’s Identity and Vocation in Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3179-3

Payne, Philip B. Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 978-0-310-21988-0

OLD TESTAMENT

OT 241 - OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES (3 Program Units)

	Read the Old Testament section of Yahweh’s Song which can be downloaded from the BOOK STORE section of this web site.
	Select and read carefully one of the following books. It is OK to substitute other books about the Old Testament from the EVS Resource Center.
	Write a five page paper discussing the ways that content from the books can be used to write sermons for your congregation.

Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2730-7

Hoerth, Alfred J. et al, eds. Peoples of the Old Testament World. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2196-1

Thiele, Edwin R. The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-3825-7

Unger, Merrill F. Israel and the Aramaeans of Damascus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1957. ISBN: 0-8010-9204-3

Yamauchi, Edwin M. Persia and the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2108-4

NEW TESTAMENT

NT 251 - NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES (3 Program Units)

	Begin by reading carefully the New Testament section of Yahweh’s Song which is available on the BOOK STORE page of this web page.
	Then select and read carefully, one of the following books. Alternative books about the New Testament may be selected from the list in the EVS Resource Center.
	Write a two page paper evaluating the presuppositions that stand behind each study.
	Write a three page paper talking about ways that the content of the books can be used in sermons for your congregation.
	Submit the paper to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Balla, Peter. Challenges to New Testament Theology. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-394-0

Beckwith, Roger. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1985. ISBN: 0-8028-3617-8

Bruggen, Jakob van. Paul: Pioneer for Israel’s Messiah. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2005. ISBN: 0-87552-648-9

Evans, Craig A. Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-409-1

Scott, J. Julius Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 978-0-8010-2240-1

ELECTIVES

OLD TESTAMENT

OT 242 – GENESIS-ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Begin by reading the Genesis sections of Yahweh’s Song which is available on the BOOK STORE section of this web page.
	Then select two of the following sources and read them carefully.
	Write a two page paper evaluating the presuppositions behind each study that you chose.
	Write a three page paper discussing the themes in Genesis that are the most important to your own ministry.
	Submit the papers together to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Alexander, Denis. Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21^st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-25018-8

Borgman, Paul. Genesis: The Story We Haven’t Heard. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2655-1

Godfrey, W. Robert. God’s Pattern for Creation: A Covenantal Reading of Genesis 1. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-799-X

Longman, Tremper III. How to Read Genesis. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005. ISBN: 0-87784-943-9

Waltke, Bruce K. Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-22458-6

OT 243 – EXODUS TO DEUTERONOMY_ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Begin by reading the Exodus section of Yahweh’s Song which is available at the BOOK STORE section of this web site.
	Select and read carefully two of the following studies.
	Write a two page paper discussing the presuppositions behind each book.
	Write a three page paper discussion how topics in the books can be used in sermons for your congregation.

Submit the papers together to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Cole, R. Dennis. Numbers. Broadman & Holman, 2000.

Craigie, Peter. Deuteronomy. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1976.

Enns, Peter. The NIV Application Commentary: Exodus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 0-310-20607-3

Niehaus, Jeffrey J. God at Sinai: Covenant & Theophany in the Bible and Ancient Near East. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. ISBN: 0-310-49471-0

Ross, Allen. Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Preaching the Word: Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2005. ISBN: 978-1-58134-489-9

Wenham, Gordon. Numbers. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.

OT 244 – ISAIAH AND JEREMIAH-ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following books. You may select alternative books about Isaiah or Jeremiah listed in the EVS Resource Center.
	Write a two page paper discussing the presuppositions behind each book.
	Write a three page paper discussing how material in the books can be used in sermons for your congregation.
	Submit the papers together to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Dearman, J. Andrew. Jeremiah, Lamentations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. ISBN: 0-310-20616-2

Goldingay, John. The Message of Isaiah 40-55. London: T. & T. Clark, 2005.

Hindson, Edward. Isaiah’s Immanuel: A Sign of His Times or the Sign of the Ages? Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-310-2

Oswalt, John N. Isaiah. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-20613-8

NEW TESTAMENT

NT 252 – THE GOSPELS – ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies.
	Write a two page paper noting the presuppositions and general approach of each book.
	Write a three page paper talking about how content from each book can be used in sermons for your congregation.

Submit the papers to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Bailey, Kenneth E. Finding the Lost Cultural Keys to Luke 15. St. Louis, MO: Concordia.

Bailey, Kenneth E. Jacob & the Prodigal. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2727-5

Bock, Darrell L. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 0-310-49330-7

Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3586-9

Köstenberger, Andreas J. Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2603-4

Thomas, Robert L. Three Views on the Origins of the Synoptic Gospels. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-3838-7

Turner, David L. Matthew. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos. ISBN: 978-1-58743-095-4

NT 253 – JESUS AS THE MESSIAH – ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies. Alternative studies about the messianic idea can be select from the EVS RESOURCE CENTER.
	Write a two page paper about the presuppositions and general approach taken in each book.
	Write a three page paper discussing how material from the books can be used in sermons for your congregation.
	Submit the papers to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2568-4

Bird, Michael F. Are You the One Who Is to Come? The Historical Jesus and the Messianic Question. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3638-5

Eddy, Paul Rhodes and Boyd, Gregory A. The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3114-4

Guthrie, Donald. Jesus the Messiah. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1982. ISBN: 0-310-25431-0

Rowe, C. Kavin. Early Narrative Christology: The Lord in the Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3591-3

NT 254 – ACTS – ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies. Alternative studies about ACTS may be selected from the EVS Resource Center.
	Write a two page paper discussing the presuppositions and general approach taken by each book.
	Write a three page paper discussing how themes in ACTS can be used in sermons for your congregation.

Submit the papers to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Black, Matthew. An Aramaic Approach to the Gospels and Acts. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. ISBN: 978-1-56563-086-4

Bock, Darrell J. Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2668-3

Johnson, Dennis E. The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-235-1

Longenecker, Richard N. Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 0-310-20108-X

Parsons, Mikeal C. Parsons. Body and Character in Luke and Acts: The Subversion of Physiognomy in Early Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2885-4

Schnabel, Eckhard J. Paul the Missionary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2887-6

NT 255 – PAULINE STUDIES - ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies. Alternative books about Pauline Studies can be chosen from the EVS RESOURCE CENTER.
	Write a two page paper discussing the presuppositions and general approach taken in each book.
	Write a three page paper discussing how material from these books can be used in writing sermons for your congregation.
	Submit the papers to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Garland, David E. Colossians, Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. ISBN: 0-310-48480-4

Klyne, Snodgrass. Ephesians. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 0-310-49340-4

Moo, Douglas J. Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. ISBN: 0-310-49400-1

Morris, Leon. Galatians. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2926-2

Richards, E. Randolph. Paul and First-Century Letter Writing. Downers Grove, IL: IVP. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2788-6

Schreiner, Thomas R. The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. ISBN: 978-0-8010-2194-7

Waters, Guy Prentiss. Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul: A Review and Response. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R. ISBN: 0-87552-649-7

NT 256 – JAMES, HEBREWS AND PETER – ELECTIVE (3 Program Units)

	Select and read carefully three of the following studies. Alternative books about James, Hebrews, and Peter may be selected from the EVS RESOURCE CENTER.
	Write a two page paper discussing the presuppositions and general approach used in each book.
	Write a three page paper discussing how ideas in the books can be used in sermons for your congregation.

Submit the papers to your mentor for his or her evaluation.

Bullinger, E. W. Great Cloud of Witnesses in Hebrews Eleven. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2247-8

Guthrie, George H. Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. ISBN: 0-310-0-310-49390-0

Moo, Douglas J. 2 Peter, Jude. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997. ISBN: 0-310-20104-7

Morris, Leon. Hebrews, James. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 0-310-20387-2

Watson, Duane F. and Callan, Terrance D. First and Second Peter. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-8010-3227-1

Copyright © 2009 Dr. Rodger Dalman Last modified: 08/11/09

Copyright © 2009 Dr. Rodger Dalman
Last modified: 08/11/09