Build your own virtual theological college

Over the next couple of days I thought it would be interesting to undertake a small project. This is partly in response to a few things. One is just having finished at Theological College, the other is listening to a seminar entitled 'Mentoring Young Pastors' by Mark Driscoll and Michael Lawrence (I hadn't heard Mr Lawrence before but was most impressed- he's a 9Marks guy- Google it if you don't know what that is). The final thread came yesterday and a link from Colin Adams Workman's toolbox to Reformed Theological Seminary and a significant amount of free downloadable theological educational resources. So here is the process- a seminar that talks about training guys in the local church for paid or unpaid ministry, a four year personal process that I have personally gone through and a wealth of online resources which give access to world class teaching. Clearly, there is significant benefit to attending a Theological College which has clear Gospel faithfulness, indeed no amount of listening via ipod or computer can replace the fellowship and learning gained in such places. However, for the lay person, or for the pastor seeking to mentor leaders and potential leaders in his congregation there is a wealth of superb teaching available. So, if I was to put together a three or four year course what would it look like? Any further suggestions gratefully received.

So, initially working on the basis of six semesters, how would it be organised. I think that I would include the following structure to each semester. One class Biblical Studies, one Class doctrinal or apologetics, one class character, one class practical ministry tools. Here's some initial thoughts.

(I've now moved the whole thing including links to http://resolvelearning.blogspot.com/ in order to tidy up the blog and make it a bit more user friendly- please feel free to navigate your way to there. In the meantime, here is the suggested list of classes and tutors with the character class to be completed over the next while).

Biblical Studies
Semester 1
Introduction to the New Testament: Gospel and Acts by Craig Blomberg
Semester 2
New Testament (Pauline Epistles) by Knox Chamblin
Semester 3
New Testament (Hebrews- Revelation) by Simon Kistemaker
Semester 4
Old Testament Theology- Paul House
Semester 5
Old Testament Prophets
Semester 6
Biblical Interpretation

Doctrine and Apologetics
Semester 1
Theological Foundations by Derek Thomas
Semester 2 and 3
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (Scripture, Providence, Trinity, Sin)
Semester 4 and 5
Systematic Theology by Bruce Ware (Jesus, Atonement, Holy Spirit, salvation, church, last things)
Semester 6
Apologetics by John Frame

Practical Ministry Tools
Semester 1 and 2
Preaching- Bryan Chappell
Semester 3
Gospel focused Cultural Engagment- Gospel Coalition Workshops
Semester 4
Biblical Counselling- David Powlinson
Semester 5
Church Planting- Acts 29 Network
Church Matters- 9 Marks
Semester 6
Worship- Bob Kauflin
Gravity and Gladness on Sunday Morning- John Piper

Character
Semester 1- Attitude
The Gospel Centred Leader Part 1- Dave Harvey
The Gospel Centred Leader Part 2- Dave Harvey
Humility: True Greatness- CJ Mahaney
Encourage- CJ Mahaney
Cravings and Conflict- CJ Mahaney
Authentic Worship- Voddie Baucham
Semester 2- Family
The Two Skills a Pastor Must Have- Voddie Baucham
Family Life: God's Way- Alistair Begg
Give Your Kids a Vision- Tedd Tripp
What is a family?- Paul Tripp
Semester 3- Holiness
Avoiding Sexual Sin Part 1- John Piper
Avoiding Sexual Sin Part 2- John Piper
The mystery of Godliness- Ligon Duncan The Pursuit of Holiness 1, 2, 4 and 5- Jerry Bridges
Your Walk with God is a Community Project- Paul Tripp
Progressive Sanctification and the anti-social nature of sin- Paul Tripp
Sanctification in the middle of the messiness of relationships- Paul Tripp