Northwind Theological Seminary
Archaeology
Dr. Carl E. Savage has published a well-researched book examining the site of Et-Tell, also known as Bethsaida.
He explores archaeological evidence to offer a portrait of the religious beliefs and practices of the community living near the north shore of the Sea of Galilee during the first century CE.
The Archaeology Program is dedicated to fostering a dialogue between intellectual tradition and all areas of study and contemporary culture through scholarly research, publications, and ongoing programs for faculty, students, and the general public.
This degree requires experience on an archaeological dig site in addition to the coursework in the Course of Study
Advanced standing can be awarded for previous experience on dig sites after evaluation by Northwind Academic.
Dr. Carl Savage,
is the Dean of Degree Programs
and Professor of Archaeology &
Biblical Studies. He has assembled a highly qualified faculty who serve as Visiting Faculty for the Seminary.
Dr. Stefania Peluso,
serves as Program Faculty.
She collaborates with the
Museum of the Custody of
the Holy Land for the study
of an assemblage of medieval
pottery and glass and for the
displaying of some materials
in the new Terra Sancta Museum.
Master in
Specialized Ministry
30 Credits
Course of Study
Intro to Grad Studies
Archaeology Seminar
Research Methods
Research Course
Capstone Paper
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Doctor in
Specialized Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Biblical Foundations
Theological Foundations
Doctoral Research Methods
Research I
Research II
Doctoral Paper
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Master of Arts
42 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well
Readings in OT
Readings in NT
Archaeology Seminar I
Archaeology Seminar II
Capstone Research
Capstone Project
Capstone Paper
Continuing Well
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Doctor of Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well
Readings in OT & NT
Doctoral Research Methods
Research I
Research II
Doctoral Project & Paper
Continuing Well
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Josephus Flavius’ Military Camp found at Kela Valley - 2022
The camp of Josephus’ force was discovered at the convergence of Kela Valley and the Jordan River by a team from the Bethsaida Excavations Project of the University of Nebraska at
Omaha (UNO).
At the urgence of Dr. Carl Savage (Northwind Seminary) who had noted for many years the presence of a stone enclosure across the Jordan River from the tell of Bethsaida, Dr. Rami Arav chief archaeologist led the team that also included Ann Haverkost (UNO), Hanan Shafir (project photographer), and Itai Savage (Princeton University) to the location that was a perfect hiding place for Josephus’ Jewish fighters, who revolted against the Romans.
The location matches the description that Josephus makes in his writings. Josephus relates that at the onset of the Jewish revolt against the Romans, (66 CE) he had a skirmish in the Bethsaida plain with forces commanded by Sulla, who led King Herod Agrippa II’s mercenaries. Sulla built a fortified camp at the junction of the roads leading to Gamla and Seleucia with the intent to cut off supplies from Galilee to those rebellious towns. In response, Josephus came with a force of about 5000 soldiers and divided them into two camps: two thousand were camped near Bethsaida and the rest in a ravine, hidden from the Sulla’s base.
Josephus lured the mercenaries out of their fortified camp, and then signaled his forces to emerge from his two positions, thus springing the ambush. Unfortunately, Josephus’ horse fell in the swampy terrain and he was injured and had to be evacuated. His forces were dispirited and returned to their camps. The next day Sulla attacked those camps, but reinforcements sent by boat from the city of Tiberias led Sulla to withdraw to his fortified camp. However, Josephus’ forces then dispersed and Sulla continued blockading the rebels until the Roman legionnaires conquered Gamla a year later.
The exploration conducted by the team additionally found a settlement that dated from the Iron Age,
that was later occupied during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Behind this settlement were several walled enclosures that were perfect for a military encampment.
Publish Your Doctoral Paper
During the Project Experience, students will complete a Manuscript as their Doctoral Treatise Paper.
During the Defense Advance, students defend their Manuscript to their fellow students and visiting faculty.
Following a successful Defense, students will have the opportunity to publish their peer-reviewed Manuscripts.
Program Outcomes
These degrees focus on formation, biblical study, vocational discernment, theological reflection, and integrated practice. , the Doctor of Ministry helps you connect your journey of discipleship with what God is doing in the world. Through the degree programs, students develop and demonstrate competency in their area of specialized ministry.
Customized Learning Experiences
Learning experiences have been built around an invitation for students to explore some aspect of their vocation, Christian thought and practice, or the human experience. Students progress through these learning experiences in the way that is most helpful to them in their context and vocation. They work with faculty members to create customized learning experiences that help them develop vocational excellence and expertise.
Final Project
The Kairos Degrees includes a final project integrating the student's learning, theology, and practice. The project is intended to provide vocational context by planning, conducting, and reflecting on a project completed in the student's ministry context. Students work with a mentor team to customize or concentrate on any area of interest. Students can focus on anything from missional theology, systems design, thinking, pastoral care, or chaplaincy to biblical languages, spiritual formation and direction, finances, strategic leadership, and much more.
Contextual Learning
Throughout the program, students work with a mentor team to design learning experiences entirely shaped by what they are doing (or will do) in their current or desired ministry or vocational context. Are you planting a church? Building a youth ministry program? Developing curriculum? Then use that in your program! Are you managing finances? Writing code? Building homes? Developing software? Leading teams? Then use that in your program! If an experience or project is connected to what it means to flourish in your ministry or vocation, use it to progress in your program!