Auditing a course enables you to listen in on the theological conversations happening at WSC. For select courses, we offer a Listener’s Pass, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of auditing, at a reduced rate. If you are interested in auditing a class that you do not see listed below, please contact the registrar to determine if that particular class is available to audit. For a list of all the courses taught in a particular semester or term, along with their times and locations, please consult the appropriate course schedule.
Audit opportunities coming soon
Richard Lints, PhD, Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Jan 12–15, 2027 | Tues–Fri, 9:00–12:15 pm | 1 Credit | Room 4
This course explores a biblical theology of contextualisation and seeks to evaluate different models for ecclesial cultural engagement and the meaning of “faithful contextualisation”. Questions central to the course: How does the church live into its identity as a covenant community faithful to the Word? How does a church avoid cultural capitulation? What does a missionary encounter with a secular age look like? How does the Gospel story relate to the stories of our times?.
Danny Hyde, PhD, Pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church
Jan 19–22, 2027 | Tues–Fri, 9:00–12:15 pm | 1 Credit | Room 4
This course focuses on the principles and practice of catechetical preaching.
The principle of catechetical preaching will be surveyed by a study of its biblical foundations in the Old and New Testaments, its historical practice in the ancient church through such preachers as Ambrose, Augustine, Cyril of Jerusalem, and John Chrysostom, and its particular practice among the Reformed churches, both on the Continent and in England. These principles will be applied to the practice of catechetical preaching today with a review and evaluation of both the catechism-text method and the Scripture-text method of preaching catechism sermons as well as with examples and suggestions on crafting such sermons to be Scripturally-saturated, Christ-centered, and soul-sustaining.
David Stoddard, ThM, Senior Director of Field Operations at Mission to the World (MTW)
Jan 26–29, 2027 | Tues–Thur, 9:00 am–12:15 pm | 1 Credit | Room 5
What can the worldwide church learn about evangelism and church-planting from the European church? Europe was the first continent to be Christianized, the first to be de-Christianized and hopefully the first to be re-Christianized. This course explores the key political, social, economic, and religious influences affecting Europe’s church context today. Particular attention is given to current trends in missions to Europe and best practices for evangelism and church-planting. The aim of this course is not just to educate students about Europe, but to equip them to apply lessons learned to evangelism and church-planting in their own local church context.
Dr. Jason Barrie, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, WSC; Director of the New Life Presbyterian Church Counseling Center, Escondido, CA
Thursdays, 6:00–8:10 pm | Sep 10, 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15 | 1 credit | In-person | Room 5
An overview of the pastor’s role as a counselor of God’s Word in marriage and families. This course will provide the Biblical foundation and understanding of marriage and family as well as introduce a methodology for Christ-centered counseling of singles, couples and families. Topics covered include common marriage “flashpoint” case studies (communication, sex, in-laws), pre-marital counseling, and issues of divorce and remarriage.
Fridays, 10:45 am – 12:40 pm | Sep 4 – Dec 4 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 4
Biblical theology of the spiritual nurture of God’s covenant people, leading to their growing maturity in faith and life. Principles and practice of Christian education from children through adults, including the training of ordained leaders (elders, deacons) and other members for diverse ministries in the Body of Christ.
Dr. Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics
Aug 11–14 | Tues–Fri | 9:00 am–12:15 pm | 1 credit | In-person | Room 5
This course explores Augustine’s classic, The City of God, locating the work in its historical context and reviewing its extraordinary impact. We will also consider his critique of the Roman Empire and defense of Christ’s kingdom as a model for contemporary apologetics.
Rev. Zach Keele, Visiting Lecturer in Practical Theology, Pastor of Escondido OPC
Tuesdays | 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 10 – May 12 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 4
An overview of Scripture in English translation, designed for students desiring to increase their knowledge of the chronology of redemptive history as well as the structure and content of the Old and New Testament writings.
Jason Barrie, PhD, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California
Thursdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 12 – May 14 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 4
An introduction to the pastor’s unique role as a counselor of God’s Word. This course covers a brief history of pastoral counseling, the necessity of equipping the laity of the local church for effective change, the dynamics of biblical change, issues concerning the relationship between body and soul, counseling methodology, and the application of biblical and theological truth to people’s common problems in living, such as guilt, fear/worry, anger, depression, and habitual sin.
Jason Pickard, PhD, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Jan 20–23 | Tues–Fri, 1:15–4:30 pm | 1 credit hour | In-person | Room 4
John Owen, one of the best and most influential Puritan divines, was a pastor, university vice-Chancellor, and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell during the turbulent seventeenth century. This course examines Owen’s life and thought within this context. Major works will be engaged as well as his sermons and the commentary on Hebrews. We will pay particular attention to Owen’s theology proper, covenant theology, and exegetical method. Our goal is not simply descriptive but to see how Owen is still a helpful dialogue partner for the task of systematic theology today.
James Berry, DO, Professor and Chair/Director of Addictions, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at the West Virginia University School of Medicine
Jan 27–30 | Tues–Thurs, 9:00 am–12:35 pm | Fri, 9:00–11:15 am| 1 credit hour | In-person | Room 5
After an introduction to the DSM-5-TR classification of Substance Use Disorders, this course surveys (1) the nature and effects of specific substances including alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, and cannabis; (2) the spectrum of care available to people in need of addiction treatment. The aim is to equip students to competently identify addiction and other mental-health crises and compassionately assist parishioners who suffer from them. Students will also learn how to identify the signs of burnout and mental illness in themselves and minimize that risk.
Craig Troxel, PhD, Robert G. Den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology, WSC; Associate Pastor, Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, San Marcos, CA
Tuesdays, 6:00–6:55 pm | Sep 9–Dec 2 | 1 credit | In-person | Room 4
The purpose of this course is to acquaint you with the distinctive aspects of Reformed spirituality and to appreciate its relationship with the piety that dominates much of contemporary evangelicalism and post-modern spirituality. Ultimately, the goal of the course is to encourage you toward greater communion with the triune God in faith and life.
Jason Barrie, PhD, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, WSC; Director of the New Life Presbyterian Church Counseling Center, Escondido, CA
Thursdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Sep 11, 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16 | 1 credit | In-person | Room 5
Tuesdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 11 – May 13 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 4
Wednesdays, 6:00–7:55 pm | Feb 12 – May 14 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 5
Thursdays, 1:45–3:40 pm | Feb 13 – May 15 | 2 credits | In-person | Room 1
In this course we will consider the Christian doctrine of creation, focusing on the metaphysics of creation (not the days). We will examine the meaning of creation ex nihilo and its importance for other Christian doctrines, especially the resurrection and soteriology. In addition, we will explore how the doctrine of creation informs our understanding of humanity, the natural world, gender and sexuality, as well as ecology. The course will consist of lectures, discussion of assigned texts, and a research paper on some aspect of the doctrine of creation. A Christian doctrine of creation is essential for thinking, living, and loving rightly, and that is what we seek to do in this course.
NOTE: Minors (persons under 17 years old) are permitted to audit or listen to a course only when they have either graduated from high school or passed the GED exam, or the instructor in charge has given permission. Please contact the Registrar (registrar@wscal.edu) if you would like to obtain a listener’s pass for your dependent.
