Informed Scholarship with
Pastoral Heart

It is the mission of CBTS to prepare men to undertake the full range of pastoral responsibilities and to equip Christians for effective service in the church.

Degree Programs

Class Formats

Live Class Schedule

Course Descriptions

Academic Catalog

Degree Programs

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Master of Divinity

(MDiv)

Comprehensive Theological Education
for Pastors and Aspiring Pastors

98 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Divinity

(BDiv)

Comprehensive Theological Education
for Pastors and Aspiring Pastors

98 Credit Hours

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Master of Arts
in Theological Studies

(MATS)

Theological Education for General Service in the Church

46 Credit Hours

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Diploma of
Theological Studies

(DTS)

Theological Education for General Service in the Church

46 Credit Hours

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Master of Arts
in Pastoral Studies

(MAPS)

Introduction to the Basic Essentials of Pastoral Preparation

35 Credit Hours

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Diploma of Pastoral Studies

(DPS)

Introduction to the Basic Essentials of Pastoral Preparation

35 Credit Hours

W

Master of Arts in Reformed Baptist Studies

(MARBS)

The Essentials of Reformed Baptist Theology

30 Credit Hours

Class Formats

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Live Semester Classes

3-4 live semester classes are held each fall & spring semester. They are facilitated online via conferencing software so that students can interact directly with the professor. All Biblical Languages course are taught in this format.

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Live Modular Classes

Modular courses are held 3 times a year in Owensboro, KY. These present the student with an opportunity to experience a live classroom environment including direct interaction with professors and fellow students.

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Self Paced Classes

Live courses are all recorded and can be taken at any time on our online campus CBTS Pathway. These courses can be started at any time and due dates are “self-paced,” but students must complete the course within 6 months of registration.

The 2022-2023 Live Class Schedule can be Accessed Here

Course Descriptions

Exegetical Theology

Biblical Introduction

BI11 Old Testament Introduction

Prof. John Miller
3 Credit Hours

Covers issues related to the canon and text of the Old Testament. Deals with genre, background, authorship, date, recipients, and contents of Old Testament books. Introduces the student to critical views.

BI13 New Testament Introduction

Dr. Richard Barcellos
3 Credit Hours

Covers issues related to the canon and text of the New Testament. Deals with genre, background, authorship, date, recipients, and contents of New Testament books. Introduces the student to critical views and Synoptic issues.

BI14 Biblical Hermeneutics

Dr. Richard Barcellos
3 Credit Hours

Covers principles of Reformed hermeneutics, history of hermeneutics, sources of hermeneutical principles, canonical structure and hermeneutics, biblical genres and hermeneutics, the Bible’s interpretation of the Bible, biblical theology and hermeneutics, typology, and contemporary issues.

BI41 Reliability of NT Documents & Textual Criticism

Dr. James White
3 Credit Hours

In this study we will examine the reliability of the New Testament tradition as a whole and introduce the subject of the textual criticism of the manuscripts of the New Testament. Sound, accurate knowledge in this area is a ministerial and apologetic must.

Old Testament

OT11 Elementary Hebrew I

Dr. Joshua Wilson
3 Credit Hours

Introduces students to the grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasizes acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical features.

OT12 Elementary Hebrew II

Dr. Joshua Wilson
3 Credit Hours

Continuation of OT 11. Selected translation of Hebrew passages.

OT21 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis

Prof. Michael Emadi
3 Credit Hours

In depth study of Hebrew syntax and exegetical methodology.

OT41 Old Testament Exegesis

Prof. Michael Emadi
3 Credit Hours

In depth study of Hebrew syntax and exegetical methodology.

New Testament

NT11 Elementary Greek I

Dr. Timothy Decker
3 Credit Hours

Introduces students to the grammar of biblical Greek. Emphasizes acquisition of vocabulary and the Greek noun system.

NT12 Elementary Greek II

Dr. Timothy Decker
3 Credit Hours

Continuation of NT 11. Emphasizes vocabulary, Greek verbal system, and translation.

NT21 Intermediate Greek: Syntax and Exegetical Methodology

Prof. Michael Emadi
3 Credit Hours

Advanced study of Greek syntax with application to the translation and analysis of the Greek New Testament and other early Christian literature.

NT22 New Testament Exegesis

Prof. Michael Emadi
2 Credit Hours

This course applies the exegetical methodology of NT 21 to the book of Acts. Includes the use of commentaries on the Greek text and other exegetical tools. The goal is to train the student to be able to do Greek exegesis from the Greek New Testament and the utilization of secondary sources.

NT31 Life and Theology of Paul

Dr. Sam Waldron
2 Credit Hours

This course covers the life, ministry, and theology of the Apostle Paul. It also analyzes the current state of Pauline studies and discusses such issues as Paul and the Old Testament and Paul and the Law.

Biblical Theology

BT11 Biblical Theology I

Dr. Richard Barcellos
3 Credit Hours

Introduces the discipline of Biblical Theology. Covers its place and function in the encyclopedia of theology, a brief history, a working definition, various models and practitioners, and hermeneutics and Biblical Theology.

BT12 Biblical Theology II

Dr. Richard Barcellos
3 Credit Hours

Reviews and continues the study of the discipline of Biblical Theology. Focuses on the progressive, organic, Christo-telic unfolding of Special Revelation in light of the entire canon of Scripture. Concludes with examples of biblical-theological exegesis with the goal of preaching.

BT42 The Decalogue and the Sabbath in Redemptive History

Dr. John English Lee
2 Credit Hours

This course surveys the biblical, theological, and historical data relevant to the moral law of God, paying particular attention to the Sabbath in the scope of redemptive history.

Historical Theology

HT11 Historical Theology I, Early Church

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

Considers Christian doctrine as expressed in the history of Christianity.  This course provides a prolegomena to the study of historical theology, an overview of the expansion of Christianity in the early church period, a discussion of the doctrinal significance of the Apostolic Fathers, and a consideration of the two great developments in the history of doctrine in the early church period: the recognition of the canon and Trinitarianism.

HT12 Historical Theology II, Medieval/Reformation Church

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

Considers Christian doctrine as expressed in the history of Christianity. This course considers the life of Augustine and the major developments in the area of the application of salvation flowing from the epochal of that church father through the Medieval and Reformation periods beginning in the 5th century and continuing into the 17th century.

HT13 Historical Theology III, Modern Church

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course considers the history of the modern church and the major developments in the church during the Enlightenment and Post-Enlightenment.  Includes developments in the areas of the doctrine of the church, the relation of church and state, eschatology, the modern missionary movement, and the charismatic movement as well as the origins and rise of Reformed Baptists in the 20th century.  Covers the period from the mid-17th century and the rise of the enlightenment to the present.

HT14 Historical Theology IV, The Baptists

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

Covers historical theology of the Baptists from the seventeenth century to the present.

HT15 Historical Theology Overview

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course in History of Theology gives an introduction to and survey of the major questions and resultant ideas in the history of the development of Christian doctrine from the immediate post-Apostolic writers to the present.

HT41 The Puritans in Context

Dr. Jim Renihan
2 Credit Hours

Survey of the English Puritans in historical and theological context.

HT42 The Life & Theology of Benjamin Keach

Drs. Tom Hicks & Chris Holmes
2 Credit Hours

This course is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of the life and theology of Benjamin Keach. Particular attention will be given to Keach’s theological convictions and his pastoral ministry and preaching. 

HT44 Jonathan Edwards and Andrew Fuller

Dr. Tom Nettles
2 Credit Hours

Designed to give the student a working knowledge of the lives, ministries, contributions, and theological system of Jonathan Edwards and Andrew Fuller. Also, the student will be led to see the powerful influence that Edwards had on the thinking and system of Fuller.

HT45 Historical Origins of Baptist Covenant Theology

Dr. Samuel Renihan
2 Credit Hours

Through a study of primary sources, this course investigates the historical roots and rise of Particular Baptist covenant theology in the seventeenth century. 

Systematic Theology

ST14 Symbolics

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

A survey of the historical background, original sources, doctrinal content, and biblical basis of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.

ST15 Systematic Theology: A Biblical and Confessional Overview

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course is intended to provide an overview of all the major loci of Systematic Theology emphasizing confessional definitions and scriptural support for major Christian doctrines.

ST21 Introduction to Systematic Theology and Apologetics

Dr. Sam Waldron
2 Credit Hours

Surveys the issue of theological method, provides an introduction to and defense of systematic theology, and furnishes a historical survey, exegetical approach, and systematic development of Christian apologetics.

ST22 Doctrine of the Word

Dr. Sam Waldron
2 Credit Hours

Includes an overview of the entire doctrine of revelation beginning with revelation in general, proceeding to redemptive revelation, concluding with a treatment of the doctrine of Scripture which examines both its major attributes and the issue of the canon.

ST23 Doctrine of God

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the being, attributes, Trinity, and decree of God.

ST24 Doctrine of Man & Ethics

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course covers the origin, identity, constitution, and free agency of man; man’s original relationship with God and integrity before God; the creation ordinances; the Fall; actual, original, and imputed sin; the consequences of sin; common grace, and ethics in light of man’s creation.

ST25 Doctrine of Christ & Salvation

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

A treatment of both the person and work of Christ.  The treatment of the person of Christ includes study of the deity, humanity, personality, and sinlessness of our Lord.  The treatment of the work of Christ includes study of the necessity, nature, and extent of His atonement.  This course also includes a study of the backdrop and overview of the ordo salutis.

ST26 Doctrine of the Church

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

Provides a comprehensive overview of the doctrine of the church. Includes discussion of its nature and identity, its origin and institution, its authority and government, its corporate worship, mission, tasks, and ordinances, its relationship to other divine institutions (the family and the state), and its ultimate goal and destiny.

ST27 Doctrine of Last Things

Dr. Sam Waldron
2 Credit Hours

Begins with a survey of eschatological thought in the history of the Church. The major structural considerations for an understanding of redemptive history (including the already/not yet, the kingdom of God, and the millennium) are considered. Finally, special questions are treated, including the gospel age, the imminence of Christ’s second coming, the resurrection, and the eternal state.

ST41 Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology

Dr. Fred Malone
2 Credit Hours

The purpose of this course is to teach the Covenant Theology which Baptists have held in the past, both biblically and historically. Modern-day issues which affect Covenantal Baptists today will be examined in due course: paedobaptism, paedocommunion, theonomy, hyper-covenantalism, the New Perspective, New Covenant Theology, etc. The implications for a robust Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology will be explored in matters of evangelism, sanctification, ecclesiology, sacraments, eschatology, pastoral ministry, etc.

ST43 Polemics

Dr. James White
2 Credit Hours

Interacts with current issues such as Islam, Mormonism, the new Atheism, and Roman Catholicism.

ST44 Questions in Eschatology

Dr. Sam Waldron
3 Credit Hours

This course builds on ST27 which surveyed the history of eschatological thought in the church; the major structural considerations involved in selecting a system of eschatology; and the special questions which arise with regard to the present age, the intermediate state, the resurrection, and the eternal state. ST44 takes up a number of important questions currently debated among evangelicals regard eschatology including issues related to its theological importance, its hermeneutical approach, its didactic implications for the church in the present age, the future of the ethnic Jews, and the climax of world history in the eschaton.

ST46 Hyper-Calvinism & The Free Offer of the Gospel

Drs. Sam Waldron and Curt Daniel
3 Credit Hours

The content of this course overviews the history and theology of Hyper-Calvinism and provides a refutation of it taking into account its re-emergence in movements in the 20th Century.

ST49 Biblical Assessment of the Social Justice Movement

Dr. Tom Ascol
1 Credit Hour

This course is an evaluation of the literature and ideologies that are being promoted under the modern social justice movement. Biblical, theological, and historical assessments of the movement will be considered from a confessional framework. Applications to church and culture will be explored.

Practical Theology

PT11 Introduction to Pastoral Theology I

Dr. Fred Malone
2 Credit Hours

Focuses on the man whom God calls to the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. The nature of that call and of the qualifications for the office of pastor/elder/bishop are examined. The relationship of pastoral theology to the other theological disciplines with emphasis on the Christological center of pastoral ministry is explored.

PT12 Introduction to Pastoral Theology II

Dr. Fred Malone
2 Credit Hours

Focuses upon the work of pastoral ministry, including preaching, teaching, prayer, evangelism, counseling, leadership and administration. The theological foundation for these responsibilities is explored with emphasis on the gospel-centeredness of each.

PT13 Preaching I

Dr. Tom Ascol
2 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to biblical preaching. The importance of preaching in pastoral ministry, its biblical basis, and the principles involved in the preparation and delivery of sermons will be investigated.

PT14 Preaching II

Dr. Chris Holmes
2 Credit Hours

Continuation of PT13 with practicum.

PT15 History of Preaching and Preachers

Dr. Chris Holmes
2 Credit Hours

Survey of the life and ministries of some of the most well-known preachers in the history of the church.

PT16 Pastoral Counseling

Dr. J. Ryan Davidson (2021)
2 Credit Hours

Gospel-centered approach to the vital subject of pastoral counseling.

PT17 Biblical Spirituality

Dr. Michael Haykin
2 Credit Hours

Study of the personal, spiritual disciplines of the Christian life and their place in the pastor’s life and ministry.

PT18 Law & Gospel in Pastoral Ministry

Dr. Fred Malone
2 Credit Hours

All men are either under the covenant of law or the covenant of grace. For this reason, pastoral work must understand the implications of each covenant for all men. The purpose of this course is to explore the law/gospel covenants and dynamics for effective pastoral care, preaching, counseling, etc.

PT19 Preaching Christ from All of Scripture

Dr. Fred Malone (2020)
2 Credit Hours

PT21 Introduction to Evangelism & Missions

Prof. John Miller
3 Credit Hours

Study of the history, theology, and practice of evangelism, church planting and missions.

PT20 MDiv Pastoral Mentoring

2 Credit Hours

To further equip students for pastoral ministry, he will complete a minimum of 500 hours of pastoral mentoring and practical experience, overseen by one or more of the student’s pastors and reported to the administration of CBTS.  This character-molding, hands-on aspect of training is structured around the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and includes a quarterly assessment of the student regarding his progress in godliness and service.

PT22 MAPS Pastoral Mentoring

2 Credit Hours

To further equip students for pastoral ministry, he will complete a minimum of 200 hours of pastoral mentoring and practical experience, overseen by one or more of the student’s pastors and reported to the administration of CBTS.  This character-molding, hands-on aspect of training is structured around the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and includes a quarterly assessment of the student regarding his progress in godliness and service.

Academic Catalog

You can access the Academic Catalog here.

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