| Exegesis | The process of seeking to determine the correct meaning out of a particular passage of Scripture. |
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| Biblical theology | The study of scriptural revelation based on the historical framework presented in the Bible. |
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| Systematic theology | A study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today about a given topic?” |
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| Historical theology | The study of how believers in different eras of the history of the church have understood various theological topics. |
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| Philosophical theology | The study of theological topics primarily through the use of the tools and methods of philosophical reasoning and information gained from nature and reason (“general revelation”) apart from the Bible. |
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| Practical theology | The study of how to best apply theological truths to the life of the church and the world (including preaching, Christian education, counseling, evangelism, missions, church administration, worship, etc.). |
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| Apologetics | The study of theology for the purpose of defending Christian teaching against criticism and distortion, and giving evidences of its credibility. |
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