Doctrine of God:  Creator, Trinity, sovereignty.

Doctrine of humanity: image of God (relationship, design, eschatology), material stewardship (sacraments, work, sabbath, creativity), social beings (baptism into family), and creature/Creator distinction.  Human sin:  corrupt worship, human innovation, confession, preach sin, humility and gratitude.

Doctrine of Christ:  Jesus as Lord, significance of Christ's humanity and divinity, false views of Christ, Christ as mediator (prophet, priest, king), uniqueness of Christ, role of Mary/saints, Christ's atonement (justification, redemption, reconciliation, sacrifice), Christ's resurrection (bodily, transformed, death of death, vindication of ministry, new humanity).

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit:  attributes of Holy Spirit, work of Holy Spirit, believer's spiritual union with Christ.

Doctrine of salvation:  In what ways have churches actually communicated a works salvation through their worship practices?  Define the following then apply to worship:  calling, regeneration (two views), repentance and faith (NT perspective, liberal view), adoption, justification, sanctification, and perseverance.

Doctrine of sanctification:  legalism vs cheap grace, holiness, self-denial, spiritual disciplines, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, sacraments, separation, law.

Doctrine of church:  distinguish social vs 'transcendent reality' views, marks of church.

Doctrine of Scripture: inspiration (definition and theories), illumination, truthfulness, authority, interpretation, Bible as Word of God, OT self-attestation as Word (direct speech, prophetic speech, written words, NT perspectives).

Elements of Worship

Preaching:  relation to doctrine of Scripture, OT preaching, synagogue preaching, NT preaching (Word ministry, kerygma, Acts 2, preaching elders), early church preaching (esp. Augustine), Reformation preaching (esp. Calvin), Perkins on preaching, Schleiermacher on preaching.  Be prepared to discuss expository preaching, Scripture interprets Scripture, Lectio Continua vs Lectio Selecta, use of rhetoric and biblical languages.

Baptism:  OT background, Great Commission, baptisms in NT, key NT passages on baptism, meaning of baptism, baptismal efficacy, Roman Catholic view, Lutheran view, Reformed view, Baptist view, infant baptism.

Lord's Supper/Communion:  relation to Passover, Gospel accounts, key Pauline passages, creation and Lord's Supper, Covenant and Lord's Supper, Lord's Supper as meal, real presence in communion, frequency, Roman Catholic view, Lutheran view, Reformed view, memorialist view.

Essay Question (professor will choose one of three):

1.  Explain the role of the doctrine God and humanity in worship.  Include discussion of God as creator, trinity, and sovereign king, along with humanity as God's image and as fallen.  Is worship for God or humans?  What ought to be stressed in corporate worship?  Give thoughtful reasons. 

2. Explain the relationship between the doctrine of Scripture and preaching.  Include discussion of key biblical texts, church history, and key issues (e.g. expository, lectio continua, etc.).

3.  Explain the role of the sacraments in worship.  Discuss their meaning and efficacy, including key biblical passages.