Post Graduate Modules and Timetable – Regents Theological College

Postgraduate Modules and Timetable

Please click on the links below for the details covering all the Postgraduate Modules we have on offer at Regents Theological College. Each module has a short description and shows the tutorial and assessment dates.

Christian Leadership and Strategic Organisational Transformation

The module includes an exploration of the theories and processes of organisation that relate to the leading and managing of an enterprise within a Christian faith context, with particular emphasis on strategic organisational improvement. This also entails an exploration and critique of various contemporary models of leadership, analysing the alleged differences between leadership and management. A biblical-theological perspective is maintained throughout as leadership principles are appraised for their suitability within Christian missional leadership. Theoretical underpinnings are scrutinised and the challenges implicit in relying upon them examined in one’s consequent implementation, leading and management of an organisation. Themes include: time management; handling meetings; stress management; conflict avoidance and resolution; motivating staff; staff recruitment and appraisal; and decision-making processes. Matters related to strategic planning and development are identified and explored, such as: leadership strategies; information gathering; decision-making processes; negotiation; analytical and evaluative skills in leadership; and the place of mission at the heart of Christian strategy.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Christian Leadership Development

The module addresses three major areas related to the exercise of Christian leadership. Firstly, it explores a range of challenges encountered in developing a theologically informed vision for leading in a Christian organisation. Secondly, the module explores various models for value-driven Christian leadership and encourages critical self-reflection upon the current practice of participants in positions of Christian leadership. The interrelation between models of Christian leadership and a leader’s prioritisation of their various activities will also be examined. Finally, a range of strategies for the practice of developing a culture of effective disciple making within church contexts are critically analysed, with a particular focus on strategies for developing both leaders themselves and theologies of leadership.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Pentecostal Explorations of the Johannine Literature

This module engages the Johannine literature from diverse methodologies for Pentecostal theology and praxis. This includes an examination of critical questions including structures, literary devices, composition, story lines, plot developments, characterizations, theological implications, authorship, date, and the circumstances of writing of the Johannine literature. The biblical texts to be explored include the Fourth Gospel and 1, 2, 3 John. Themes given detailed attention include topics such as the reception history of the Johannine literature, the person of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, discipleship, witness, discernment, the characterization of women, ecclesiology, the nature of evil, and eschatology.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
MA Dissertation

The 15,000 word dissertation provides an opportunity to investigate a selected aspect of Christian theology and its application in the context of Christian ministry or practice. The relevant fields of study include exegetical, theological, socio-ethical, pastoral, missiological and/or historical issues. The dissertation proposal must conform to the programme aims and learning outcomes, whilst also reflecting the student’s personal and/or professional interests. The dissertation is based upon guided, but largely independent, research.

Programmes: MA

Delivery location: N/A
Interpreting Genesis

The book of Genesis continues to fascinate readers via the audacity of its narrative re-telling of the creation of the world and early human civilisation and the vibrancy and moral complexity of figures such as Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Rachel, Jacob, Judah and Joseph. Above all, its complex portrayal of God continues to inspire, challenge and inform Christian theology and faith. This module engages Genesis as both a literary and theological text, drawing on a diverse range of methodologies. Diachronic and synchronic perspectives inform examination of literary-critical problems related to Genesis, such as literary development and redactional history, narrative structure and coherence, and its relation to the rest of the Pentateuch/Hexateuch. Theological interpretation of Genesis reflects on the significance of socio-historical context for its readers, such as its relation to Ancient Near Eastern contexts and literatures, its significance for a post-exilic Jewish audience, and its comparative reception within Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions. Themes given detailed critical attention may include creation and the natural world, the image of God, divine and human violence, covenantal inclusion and exclusion, the literary characterization of women, the Patriarchs as moral exemplars, narrative development in the portrayal of God, and the significance of Genesis for biblical theology.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Pentecostal Spirituality

This module analyses Western forms of Pentecostal spirituality, taking into account historical, sociological, and theological perspectives. The development of a distinctively Pentecostal spirituality is explored from its inception in the early 20th century with attention paid to both its historical roots and its relation to later developments, such as the Charismatic Renewal movement. Practices associated with Pentecostal spirituality are phenomenologically and sociologically examined with reference to themes such as: glossolalia; healing; exorcism; “spiritual warfare”; sung worship; prayer; prophecy; use of Scripture. Both historical and current practices are subjected to critical theological evaluation. Contemporary challenges currently affecting Western Pentecostal spirituality are analysed, such as: the rise of trans-denominational hyper-charismatic movements; the relation between Charismatic leaders/apostles and the (ab)use of religious authority; the influence of the “prosperity Gospel”; the impact of the internet and social media on spiritual praxis; postmodern forms of religious belonging and identity.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Pentecostal Theology in Transformation

The module begins by surveying recent trends in Pentecostal Theology as found primarily in Western academic and ecclesial contexts. Subsequently, challenging issues currently facing Pentecostal Theology are explored in relation to three foci: Church, World, and Academy. The section on Church explores ecclesiology and ecumenism, offering a critical analysis of current Pentecostal models for ecclesiology with regard to both their internal coherency and their implications for ecumenical engagement. The contribution of Pentecostal theology to ecumenical dialogue is also explored. The section on World explores pluralism and politics, critically evaluating recent Pentecostal responses to the challenges of pluralism in the West, including: involvement in interreligious dialogue and the construction of theology of religions; responses to secularism within Pentecostal political theology. The final section Academy explores rationalities and education, critically evaluating Pentecostal responses to issues such as: the cultural predominance of scientific rationality; the natural sciences and Pentecostal apologetics; Pentecostal fundamentalism as a reaction to scientific modernity; humanism, the ideal of progress and the purpose(s) of education. Critical reflection on the significance of Pentecostal theology’s engagement in the public sphere for the Pentecostal movement in the West is encouraged throughout.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Thinking Theologically: An Introduction to Theology and Its Methodologies

The module provides an overview of the field of theology, orienting students to the demands of postgraduate study in theology. It offers a historical survey of key figures and concepts essential to the understanding of complex methodological issues within theology and critically evaluates a range of research methods currently being employed in the core theological disciplines (biblical, systematic, historical, practical) and their various sub-disciplines. A range of methodological problems are discussed, such as: the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods in practical theology and the ethical implications of such research; the deployment of historiographical models and their suitability for the theological task; the use of contemporary literary theories and recent hermeneutical and exegetical strategies for the reading of Scripture; the theological validity of different missiological models; types of Pentecostal theology. Current methodological and theological issues in the field of systematic theology are exemplified by means of detailed consideration of the work of at least one contemporary theologian. In terms of research skills, guidance is provided regarding the construction of a detailed literature review and the compilation of a proposal for a postgraduate level research project.

Programmes: MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Towards a Theology of Whole-Life Discipleship and Mission

The module will explore the theological, cultural and social changes that have arguably led to a sacred-secular divide in the experience of many individuals and church communities in the UK. The effects of this change on ministry development and local churches will be critically assessed. Creative and theologically robust alternatives to existing paradigms of church leadership and mission will be developed in dialogue with key biblical texts in relation to a range of themes, such as: transitioning between ‘heroic’ leadership patterns to ministry practices that support local cultural transformation; developing biblically grounded theologies of discipleship in relation to areas such as work, power, home, or citizenship. Critical reflection upon the impact of the sacred-secular paradigm on preaching, leading worship, spiritual direction, and administration encourages the development of innovative new models of pastoral practice.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
Independent Biblical Study

This module provides students with an opportunity to study a topic of their choice that builds on their previous biblical studies, extends their current biblical studies, and/or addresses exegetical and hermeneutical issues encountered in ministry contexts. After developing an initial proposal, students will deepen their knowledge of the research problem through production of an annotated bibliography before commencing the substantive research paper in consultation with an assigned supervisor.

Programmes: MA

Delivery location: N/A
Independent Theological Study

This module provides students with an opportunity to study a topic of their choice that builds on their previous theological studies, extends their current theological studies, and/or addresses theological issues encountered in ministry contexts. After developing an initial proposal, students will deepen their knowledge of the research problem through production of an annotated bibliography before commencing the substantive research paper in consultation with an assigned supervisor.

Programmes: MA

Delivery location: N/A
Theological Conference Study

This module offers students the opportunity to write a substantial research assignment emerging from attending a theological conference or training event. The specific choice of public event must be approved by the module leader and may relate either to the student’s specific vocational aspirations – e.g. academic conference, church leadership conference, chaplaincy conference – or to an area of personal theological interest, e.g. the intersection of theology and culture, apologetics. Students will reflect critically on their chosen conference event and its contribution to their own learning/professional development before proceeding to engage in independent research on an agreed topic arising from their conference participation.

Programmes: MA

Delivery location: N/A
Reading Old Testament Texts as Pentecostal-charismatic Interpreters

This module resources Pentecostal-charismatic readers of Scripture to engage in theologically constructive engagement with Old Testament texts. Focussing on marginalised biblical texts resistant to easy Christian theological appropriation and often subject to reductionist popular interpretations – normally the Book of Esther (prose) and the Song of Songs (poetry) – the module offers close textual readings whilst addressing a series of critical interpretive issues foundational for fruitful theological engagement with the Old Testament in a manner meaningful for Pentecostal-Charismatic faith communities.

Key themes given detailed critical attention may include: Christian diversity and the biblical canon(s); the extent to which OT texts are subject to an overarching biblical narrative or theology; the literary characterization of women in Scripture; the theological implications of divine absence in biblical texts; the ethical challenge of biblical violence and retribution; Jewish identity between cultural resistance and assimilation; leadership and the exercise of power; Christian biblical interpretation and anti-Semitism; eroticism as a mode of theology; how biblical texts and characters might inform Pentecostal-charismatic spirituality.

In engaging these themes, the module seeks to broaden the interpretive horizons of the Pentecostal-charismatic tradition via critical reflection on the significance of the reception history of biblical texts. Whilst critically engaging Christian perspectives ranging from Bernhard of Clairvaux to Martin Luther, particular attention is paid to how Jewish approaches to Songs and Esther in liturgy, Rabbinic literature, and contemporary scholarship can resource theologically constructive interpretation.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern
The Spirit and Liberation

This module examines the complex relationships between Pentecostal theology and liberation theology. It will address the competing theological and methodological claims that both theologies make and address the similarities and differences from the perspective of their historical and confessional standpoints. The module will assess the historical and contemporary debates of theology in these fields from a Pentecostal perspective and will note the impact of theologies that arise from situations of oppression. Possible contextual conversations include: feminist and womanist theologies, black theologies, ecotheologies, poverty and the poor and disability and neurodivergent theologies.

Possible theological approaches to Pentecostal liberation theologies might include: hermeneutics and scripture, contextual theology and historical perspectives. Students will learn about the hermeneutic of suspicion concerning received traditions and appreciate the different contexts within the classroom as well as within theology itself. Pentecostal theology will be examined for its relationship with such traditions and its role as a challenge to established theological norms as well as its complicity in propagating issues of subjugation in the church and the world.

Programmes: PG Certificate, MA

Delivery location: Malvern

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