TCP: Truett Certificate Program   

The first course in the Truett Seminary Certificate Program is 8 weeks in duration and covers Spiritual Formation—the basic process by which Christians are formed spiritually. The course includes practices and understandings that can help Christians grow closer to God and live out their faith more vibrantly. In addition, it teaches skills to help promote success in the Certificate Program. An optional set of assignments for advanced participants focused on a biblical study of the "Kingdom of God” in Matthew and Luke is available.

 

Required Textbook: Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God. InterVarsity Press, 2009

The required second course in the Truett Seminary Certificate Program teaches students how to read better, interpret, and apply Scripture, emphasizing observing Scripture and interpreting it within its appropriate contexts.

Prerequisites: TCP001 - Orientation and Formation - required

Required Textbook: Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Zondervan, 2012.

This is not a comprehensive look at church history but is a brief overview. The goal is to have a vibrant and enjoyable study of our shared Christian story rather than dry facts about people, places, and events.

In addition, students will learn about the history of Baptists in the United States. It is comprehensive enough for Baptist students but not overwhelmingly so for those of different denominational backgrounds.

Prerequisites
TCP002 - Biblical Interpretation - required

Required Textbooks: Durso, Pamela R., Keith E. Durso. The Story of Baptists in the United States. Baptist History and Heritage Society, 2006 and Jones, Timothy Paul. Christian History Made Easy. Rose Publishing, Inc., 2009.

This course covers the doctrines and dogmas of the church that are built on the foundation of scripture. Not merely a dry study of facts and concepts, but rather, a vibrant consideration of faith, and the practical ways of how beliefs affect the Christian life.

Additionally, this course includes a brief overview of Baptist identity. Much of this is in keeping with broad evangelical beliefs, which is valuable regardless of one’s denominational background.

Prerequisites
CCF01 - Biblical Interpretation - required

Required Textbooks:  Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Baker Academic, 2014 and Tuck, William Powell. Our Baptist Tradition. Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 2005.

This course presents an overview of the Old Testament with a particular focus on the history and culture of the various time periods that serve as its backdrop and setting.

Prerequisites: TCP002 - Biblical Interpretation - required

Required Textbook: Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. Baker Academic, 2015. You will also use the book from CCF01 - Biblical Interpretation as a supplementary text.

 

This course offers an overview of the New Testament, with a particular focus on its historical and cultural contexts.

Prerequisites
TCP002 - Biblical Interpretation - required
TCP005 - Survey of the Old Testament - recommended

Required Textbook: Burge, Gary M, Lynn H. Cohick, and Gene L. Green. The New Testament in Antiquity: A Survey of the New Testament within its Cultural Contexts, 2nd Edition. Zondervan, 2020.

You will also use the book from TCP002 - Biblical Interpretation as a supplementary text.

This course is suitable for ministers of all types and is required to achieve a Certificate of Ministry. It strives to teach the essential aspects of providing care for people in times of crisis. The subject matter is not specific to “pastors”, but rather it is intended for any who may find themselves extending care on behalf of a congregation.

Prerequisites
None

Required Textbooks: Switzer, David K. Pastoral Care Emergencies. Fortress Press, 2000.

This course is suitable for laypeople and ministers of all types who want to become better equipped to share the Gospel in an ever-changing world. Additionally, the goal is to help believers with their relationship with the world and with God through the continued study of the Gospel. This course is required to achieve a Certificate of Christian Studies, and all other students are encouraged to take it as an elective.

Please read: 
Chester, Tim and Steve Timmis. Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2012).
Hunter III, George G.. The Celtic Way of Evangelism, Tenth Anniversary Edition: How Christianity Can Reach the West . . .Again, 10th Revised edition. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2010)
Frost, Michael. Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2015).

Prerequisites
TCP002 - Biblical Interpretation - required
TCP004 - Introduction to Theology - recommended

This course is suitable for laypeople and ministers of all types— not just those called to pulpit ministry. Preaching is the practice of communicating a passage of Scripture in a way that seeks to connect to people’s hearts and to prompt them toward application.

Prerequisites
None

Required Textbooks: Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching. Baker Academic, 2014.

There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” education, and in recognition of this, Truett’s Certificate Program offers a cumulative Independent Study Project (ISP) to meet the needs of students’ varied passions and callings. This project is designed by the student and instructor (typically the Certificate Program Director) around three distinct areas—reading, writing, and a project activity.
   
Through conversations and reflections, the student and instructor will select a topic of interest and arrange a number of requirements. Once the project is finished, work is turned in to the instructor for review and the project concludes with a 60-90 minute interview, reflection, and further-steps conversation.