Mission Training Center
Course Overview
Course Descriptions
MTC 001
Old Testament
This course provides a basic understanding of the content and history of the Old Testament and New Testament as seen through God’s missional movement in the world through His direct activity and through people.
MTC 002
New Testament
This course provides a brief study of the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles of the New Testament through a Lutheran missional lens with an emphasis on practical application of Biblical principles
MTC 003
The Christian Faith: Doctrine
This course presents a systematic study of the historic basic doctrine of the Christian Church from the Lutheran perspective as seen through God’s missional movement in the world. The focus will be on Creation, Redemption, and the Means of Grace.
MTC 004
God’s Mission in the Church: History
This course explores God’s missional purpose being worked out in the first centuries of Christ’s Church, and implications for knowing the presence, power, and purpose of God in our time, in our life, and in our calling.
MTC 005
Missional Church & Outreach
This course explores two distinct yet interrelated issues: 1) God’s mission (the missio Dei) and His intent for His creation, and 2) how disciples of Christ effectively participate with God in His mission. It will lay a Biblical and confessional foundation for God’s mission and study anddiscuss appropriate methods and strategies which do not compromise the integrity of the Gospel nor overlook the human component in a close walk with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
MTC 006
Formed to Lead: Spiritual Direction & Discernment for Mission
Christian leadership begins with who we are becoming in Christ. This course introduces students to the pilgrimage of spiritual formation grounded in Scripture, Lutheran theology, and the missional life of the Church. Students will learn practices that open them to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and clarify their vocational purpose for the sake of others. Students will develop a Rule of Life and a Mission Discernment Plan to support ongoing leadership in their congregation and community.
MTC 007
Interpreting Scripture
Hermeneutics is the academic term utilized to describe the discipline of interpreting the Bible. This course is designed to introduce students not only to the rich history of the interpretation of Scripture, but also to introduce hermeneutical paradigms that are faithful to the text of the Bible and to the task of missional ministry in the contemporary world.
MTC 008
Proclaiming the Faith
The purpose of this course is to assist the student in understanding and applying the principles of Gospel communication and proclamation. This is, therefore, a marriage of theory and practice. The theory involves understanding Biblical and historical theology and practices of preaching (often called homiletics). The practice involves writing and preaching law/Gospel missional sermons with pastoral oversight.
MTC 009
Teaching the Faith
This foundational course will concentrate its activities and readings around mission-oriented education and equipping students for effective Bible teaching. Topics include a Lutheran perspective on education, the art of teaching, an exploration of learning styles, and evaluation and use of curricula.
MTC 010
Knowing & Engaging Your Community
This course will examine methods which help students appreciate and make meaningful connections with people in the community in which their congregation or ministry is located. A major portion of the course is focused on developing skills and strategies to know and engage the local community.
MTC 011
Spiritually Caring Your Community
This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of spiritual care in the Body of Christ. Caring for others involves the knowledge, giftedness, and desire to deal gently with those whom weare called to serve. Students will learn to carry each other’s burdens, to love as we have been loved,and to embody the love of God in acts of loving service.
MTC 012
Christ-Centered Worship
This course explores Christian worship through a Lutheran lens. It examines its Scriptural foundations, historical development, and practice in varied settings. Students will study worship as centered on God’s initiating gifts through Word and Sacrament and learn to evaluate and curate worship services that communicate Law and Gospel in the Lutheran theological tradition.