Mark Zarling

A list of satellite courses offered by Prof. Mark Zarling:

Malachi: Man and the Message
On the basis of the Hebrew text, we will examine God’s answers to mankind’s feeble excuses for empty ritualism and apathetic worship. Attention will be given to the context of the prophecy and the isagogical information necessary for a proper hermeneutic. Through the translation and exegesis of the text, the participants will also seek to discover relevant applications for preaching and Bible course preparations. Assistance with difficult vocabulary and syntax will be provided.

SQ course: 15 hours

Adult Nurture Seminar
This workshop will review the Biblical basis for adult spiritual nurture and recommit to the focus of adult spiritual growth. Using four main topics we will examine and study the scope of adult nurture in a Christian congregation. The topics include: an understanding of the unique nature of the adult learner, expanding adult nurture opportunities, creating and sustaining a curricular approach to Bible study, and training qualified lay teachers. The workshop is very interactive and seeks to model an andragogical approach to teaching. (This course is part of the MPT program.)

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 6-15 hours

Lamentations of Jeremiah
This Hebrew reading course will translate the book of Lamentations and also give attention to various aspects of Hebrew poetry and structure. We will also identify gospel comfort amidst the tears and laments, and strive to find suitable applications for the parish pastor to utilize this book in his ministry.

SQ course: 15 hours

Amos: the Man and his Message
The lion does indeed roar! Even though it was a time of prosperity and military prowess, it was also a time of idolatry and immorality. The prophet’s message to repent roars forth. As students of contemporary society we see striking similarities between Amos’ ministry and our own: applications abound! The prophecy will be read in Hebrew with more in-depth exegesis of selected sections. Careful attention will be given to highlighting the constancy of God’s grace even amid this oracle of judgment.

SQ course: 15 hours

Teaching the Way the Brain Learns with John Braun
This course will offer participants an opportunity to review recent research on how the brain learns, and also incorporate that research into the pastor’s teaching ministry without dethroning the precious Word of Life. Specifically, the course will examine current writing and research in this field and seek to set up a “practitioner’s corner” of hints for better teaching. The class will also provide hands on critique of several new models for teaching, specifically in the realm of catechism instruction. The class will field test a few lessons of a potential new catechism curriculum that will supplement but not supplant our current curriculum. This new curriculum could be used in various parish teaching environments, such as a mission setting, working with children for whom English is a second language, etc. Final assignment for participants will be to write a lesson that models the tools learned in the course.

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 6-15 hours

Haggai: the Man and his Message
People were self-absorbed and indifferent. The Lord’s house was in ruins while the people pursue luxury. Sound sadly similar? The prophet’s call to focused priorities and faithful stewardship echoes in our ears today. The course will first examine the pertinent isagogical issues of the prophecy in order to prepare for the Hebrew study of the entire book. Careful attention will also be given to highlighting the constancy of God’s grace and the glory of his presence among his people. Participants will also explore practical ways to utilize the message of Haggai in their ministries to God’s people.

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 6-15 hours