MVP Training & Formation

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Formation for faithful leadership. Explore courses for CREs, pastors, elders, deacons, and other church leaders.

Course information is maintained by Church Commons and refreshed automatically on MVP. Course numbers identify curriculum areas, not a learner’s experience. Prerequisites apply only when listed.

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BIB 101 · 100 Series

Introduction to OT

Biblical and Theological Foundations

About this course

This course provides a basic introduction to the Old Testament’s content, historical background, canon, genres, theology, culture, interpretation, and ecclesial use. By the end of the course, students will be able to responsibly interpret passages from the Old Testament and evaluate how others use the Old Testament.

Course objectives

  • Evaluate common uses of the Old Testament in the church.
  • Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to overarching historical periods and the broader biblical story.
  • Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to overarching canonical divisions and key types of literature.
  • Analyze how particular Old Testament books and texts relate to theological themes and central texts.
  • Analyze how particular Old Testament texts relate to ancient cultural dynamics.
  • Create frameworks for responsibly interpreting the Old Testament in church settings.

Who may participate?

All church leaders unless a prerequisite or a particular offering states otherwise.