ST 343 Course at a Glance (2025)

Doctrine of the Church

Lectures By: Dr. Mark Garcia

3 Credits

Course Description

The doctrine of the church will introduce basic biblical and theological themes in ecclesiology, including the people of God, the body of Christ, the sacraments, and the nature, rhythms, practices, and principles of life in God’s worshiping assembly. Topics covered include the church in relationship to covenant of grace, the kingdom of God, family, worship, confessionalism, catechesis, Presbyterian polity, and the church offices, the means of grace, and the church in relation to the world.

Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

The Church
by Edmund P. Clowney
InterVaristy, 1995
ISBN: 9780830815340
The Ark of Safety: Is There Salvation Outside of the Church?
by Ryan M. McGraw
Reformation Heritage Books, 2018
ISBN: 9781601785268

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1.1 34 1.5
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • Ecclesiology Paper [8-10 pgs]
  • Midterm Exams [90 min exam]
  • Live Meetings [3 - 1 hr meetings]
  • Definitions [4 quizzes (30-60 mins)]
  • Final Exam [90 min exam]

Synchronous Meeting Times

This course offers optional synchronous class meeting(s) through Zoom which will be scheduled during the term based on everyone's availability (a poll will be taken by the instructor for these meetings and they will be recorded for students who are unable to attend live). These meetings will be helpful for the formation your understanding of apologetics as well as provide an opportunity to practice the method live with your instructor.

The meeting times are for the Fall 2025 term:

  • Week 3: Tuesday, 9/16, 9-10am ET
  • Week 5: Tuesday, 9/30, 9-10am ET
  • Week 8: Tuesday, 10/21, 9-10am ET