Richard Gurgel

A list of satellite courses offered by Prof. Richard Gurgel:

Comparative Dogmatics: Theology and Anthropology
Despite the misdirected ecumenical fever infecting the visible church, comparative dogmatics still has a vital role to play as a branch of systematic theology. Faithfully proclaiming the truth and recognizing modern day error remains just as important even though denominational tags - and loyalty to doctrinal systems - mean less and less in more and more of the church. Each student will select one denominational family or cult for his primary focus as we study 12 key portions of Theology and Anthropology. After grounding ourselves in scriptural truth, we will then compare and contrast teachings across the religious spectrum.

SQ course: 15 hours

Comparative Dogmatics: Christology and Soteriology (Faith and the Means of Grace)
Despite the misdirected ecumenical fever infecting the visible church, comparative dogmatics still has a vital role to play as a branch of systematic theology. Faithfully proclaiming the truth and recognizing modern day error remains just as important even though denominational tags - and loyalty to doctrinal systems - mean less and less in more and more of the church. Each student will select one denominational family or cult for his primary focus as we study 12 key portions of Christology and Soteriology (faith and the means of grace). After grounding ourselves in scriptural truth , we will then compare and contrast teachings across the religious spectrum.

SQ course: 15 hours

Comparative Dogmatics: Soteriology (Order of Salvation) and Eschatology
Despite the misdirected ecumenical fever infecting the visible church, comparative dogmatics still has a vital role to play as a branch of systematic theology. Faithfully proclaiming the truth and recognizing modern day error remains just as important even though denominational tags - and loyalty to doctrinal systems - mean less and less in more and more of the church. Each student will select one denominational family or cult for his primary focus as we study 12 key portions of Soteriology (order of salvation) and Eschatology. After grounding ourselves in scriptural truth, we will then compare and contrast teachings across the religious spectrum.

SQ course: 15 hours

Alternate Styles of Preaching
Our seminary courses in preaching ground us in a sound basic method of textual exposition. However, it is certainly not the only possible method for faithfully expounding Scripture’s truths of law and gospel. In fact, some texts almost demand an alternate approach so as not arbitrarily to impose a stilted structure on the living letters of God’s Word. This course explores three popular alternate styles of sermons: inductive, narrative and African American preaching. For each of these styles we will strive to understand the essential features of that style through selected readings as well as watching and analyzing videos of sermons in that style. Those attending the course will also work to produce one “sermon plan” of how he would handle one chosen text in an inductive or narrative style of preaching. We will also analyze the specific style of expository preaching that is popular in some evangelical circles. Throughout the course we will constantly be asking what a confessional Lutheran preacher can learn and use from each of these styles.

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 5-10 hours