MODULE 04 · Theology and ethics
Pastoral formation requires more than memorized doctrinal labels. Students work through the New Testament's claims about Jesus' identity, ministry, cross, resurrection and call to discipleship while recognizing historic Christian confessions and disagreements. The central task is to explain the gospel carefully without using spiritual fear, manipulation or promises of guaranteed material success.
Mark introduces Jesus' proclamation of God's kingdom, calling for repentance and faith. Compare that announcement with scenes of healing, table fellowship and conflict. Do not reduce his mission to a private formula or a political platform. Careful teaching shows both what Jesus claimed and the social implications of how he treated people…
New Testament writers speak of reconciliation, sacrifice, victory, ransom and love when describing Jesus' death. Each image highlights an aspect of a larger argument. Study Paul's call to reconciliation in its letter context rather than making one metaphor do all the theological work. Historical atonement models help organize questions, b…
Paul treats the resurrection as essential to the Christian proclamation, not an optional moral allegory. Examine the arguments in 1 Corinthians 15 and distinguish its testimony from later philosophical or historical claims. A responsible teacher can openly say that the text makes a faith claim while still inviting questions about evidence…
Ephesians connects salvation by grace with being created for good works. The relationship is not a fee that earns grace, nor does grace mean moral accountability disappears. Teach repentance, forgiveness and growth without claiming that a single prayer instantly resolves addictions, trauma or poverty. A church should invite belonging and …
These are substantive guided studies with more reading, questions and Scripture connections. Use them to extend the brief unit introductions in this module.
Knowledge check: Five questions, with an 80% pass threshold for this self-study checkpoint. The score does not certify ministry competence.
Written assignment: Use the practical tasks from this module to prepare an original portfolio document. A submission is marked as awaiting human review, not automatically approved.
Review the six published assessment dimensions · What would be needed for a verifiable program certificate?
