Hermeneutics for Ministry Syllabus Introduction Hermeneutics is the art and science of biblical interpretation.

Titus 1:9 states holding fast to the faithful Message which he has received, so that he may be well qualified both to encourage others with sound teaching and to reply successfully to opponents.(Weymouth) The King James calls sound teaching sound doctrine. Hermeneutics is about being able to confront unsound doctrine and reinforce good doctrine. In 2 Peter 3:16 Peter states that wrong hermeneutical technique produces destruction. He is writing about Paul, and how it is difficult to understand his writing, stating As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (KJV) The word wrest means twist. Peter is stating that some are interpreting the scriptures poorly and bringing about destruction. The goal of this course is to bring you to a place where you can recognize good hermeneutical technique. This will help you to handle the word of God carefully and bring about God honouring ministry. Purpose: 1. To give the student the ability to know what good hermeneutical technique consists of 2. To be able to do effective hermeneutics for their personal study 3. To be able to produce Christ and biblical honouring hermeneutical results for ministry Required texts: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth eBook edition or other. 3rd edition Gordon D. Fee (Author), Douglas Stuart (Author) The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation eBook edition or other. Grant R. Osborne (Author) Assignments The student is required to complete all reading, interactive, discussion and writing assignments. I Interactive assignments (Due each week posted) Most weeks there will be questions that you will be required to answer posted on the course web site. Some weeks may have some short reading and response requirements. Others may be in response to your readings. You are required to respond online to each question and then by Friday read all responses and then thoughtfully reflect to at least one (more then one is good!) other persons posting. These responses must be substantial, meaning they require more then a single paragraph that expresses some thought concerning the question to be answered. It would also be beneficial to reflect on someones answer that has not had someone else respond to their thoughts. II Reading and writing assignment (Due Friday week 2) How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth 1. Summarize the book in your own words (about 3 double spaced pages). 2. State what you thought about the book both good and bad. (1 page)

3. State how this relates to your personal study and Christian life. (1/2 page) 4. State how this book will influence, inform, or make a difference in how you do ministry in the area of hermeneutics. (1/2 page) Important Note: Reading levels are different for different books. Take note of the introduction on reading for all courses and note whether the reading level is 1, 2, or 3. How to read the Bible for All its Worth should be read at a level 2. III Reading and writing assignment (Due Friday week 6) The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation Reading level: 3 Chapter summaries at level should be read at level 2. 1. Summarize the book in your own words. (about 5 double spaced pages) 2. State what you thought (not felt) about the book both good and bad. (1 page) 3. State how this relates to your personal study and Christian life. (1 page) 4. State how this book will influence, inform, or make a difference in how you do ministry in the area of hermeneutics. (1 page) IV Exam There will be an exam made available for you in the final week. It will cover definitions, and application of the material. You will be able to only use a Bible as a source for doing the exam. Marking You will be marked on how well you did each part of your assignment in terms of content and thoughtfulness. Make certain you answer all questions in writing assignments. On your exam you will be given partial marks for partial answers. Answer each question to the best of your ability within the parameters set. Interactive assignments 20% Reading and writing I assignment 20% Reading and writing II assignment 40% Exam 20%