This masters-level course offers a comprehensive study of biblical theology from a Reformed evangelical perspective, equipping students to trace God's redemptive plan across Scripture and apply it to practical ministry. Students will develop skills in identifying major biblical themes, understanding Scripture's unity and diversity, and applying sound hermeneutical principles to pastoral ministry and church planting.
BT703
The Nature & Method of Biblical Theology
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Dates
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Class
Fri 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Online and in-person
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
12-week payment plans available
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Course Overview
This masters-level course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of biblical theology as both a discipline and method for interpreting Scripture. Grounded in Reformed evangelical principles, this course equips students to trace the progressive revelation of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture while connecting biblical theology to practical ministry and church life.
Students will develop skills in identifying and tracing major biblical themes, understanding the unity and diversity of Scripture, applying sound hermeneutical principles, and connecting biblical theology to pastoral ministry and church planting endeavours.
Please note that this course is a part of the Professional Credential in Theology program. Explore the full program to see how this course sits within the wider course of study.
Course Learning Objectives
1
Define and articulate the nature, scope, and methodology of biblical theology as a theological discipline
2
Demonstrate proficiency in tracing major themes through the progressive revelation of Scripture
3
Apply hermeneutical principles appropriate to biblical theological investigation
4
Analyse the relationship between biblical theology and systematic theology, practical theology
5
Evaluate various approaches to biblical theology from a reformed evangelical perspective
6
Synthesize biblical theological insights for application in local church ministry contexts
7
Defend biblical theological conclusions through rigorous academic discourse.
Course Details
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Timeframe
1 Aug - 3 Oct 2025
Lecture times
Friday 7:30 PM ⎯ 9:00 PM
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Duration
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Credits
2
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
Assessment
Required Reading
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
15
Weight
10%
Lecture Attendance & Participation
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
10
Weight
10%
Mid-term Reserarch Paper
Due Date
2025-08-23T23:59:00
Est. Hours
20
Weight
20%
Final Research Paper
Due Date
2025-09-20T23:59:00
Est. Hours
30
Weight
35%
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Due Date
2025-09-26T23:59:00
Est. Hours
10
Weight
25%
About the Lecturer
A strategic ecclesiologist, he has pastored, planted, and revitalised churches in Australia and the United States, leading high-risk mission trips among unreached peoples. Through worldwide seminars, networks, and conferences, Dr. Ireland delivers theological depth, pastoral warmth, and prophetic clarity, fostering church faithfulness and renewal in turbulent times. Holding a Doctor of Education (University of the Cumberlands, USA), Doctor of Ministry (Columbia International University, USA), M.A. in Theology (University of Chester, UK), and B.A. in Theology (Charles Sturt University, Australia), his doctoral research examined leadership, innovation in theological education, and adult learning theories. At the Haddon Institute, he lectures in theology and worldview, leads Spurgeon symposia on spiritual warfare and missional advance, and has authored works such as By Grace Alone (an updated All of Grace) and No Higher Calling: Shepherding God's People According to Paul. Married to Katarina for over 22 years and father to four, he embodies conviction and compassion in scholarship and shepherding.
Lecture Content
1
Introduction to Biblical Theology
Nature, Definition, and Scope
2
Historical Development and Methodological Foundations
History of Biblical Theology; Reformed Approaches
3
Hermeneutical Principles for Biblical Theology
Progressive Revelation, Typology, and Promise-Fulfillment
4
Creation, Fall, and Covenant Foundations
Genesis 1-11; Covenant Theology Framework
5
Abraham to Moses: Patriarchal and Mosaic Covenants
Promise, Election, and Law in Biblical Theology
6
Kingdom and Temple: David to Exile
Davidic Covenant, Prophetic Literature, Wisdom Tradition
7
Restoration and Expectation
Post-Exilic Literature, Messianic Hope, Intertestamental Period
8
Christ as Fulfillment: New Testament Biblical Theology
Incarnation, Ministry, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
9
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Session 1
Notes
10-minute presentations with Q&A based on final research papers
10
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Session 2
Notes
10-minute presentations with Q&A based on final research papers
Testimonials
This class not only masterfully introduces the discipline of biblical-theology but also profoundly strengthened how I understood the grand narrative of the Bible. Each lecture revealed more and more of how we ought to appreciate and comprehend the Scriptures. I often found myself immediately applying what I learnt in this class in my own personal and other academic readings of Scripture. Studying the nature and methods of biblical-theology has prepared me in many ways for personal devotion and evangelistic endeavours. If you want to see the story of redemption come to life, grow in love for God’s word, and train yourself for defending and spreading the faith, this class is a must-do.
Jordan Dietrich