Who is this for…
This program is for anyone who has a desire to learn more about the Bible and what it means to be a Disciple of Christ. The school is designed that you can take one or two classes as you want, or you can participate in the Biblical Studies Certificate Program. This is a 3 to 4 year plan for completing a comprehensive list of courses that will equip a Christian in the necessary knowledge and skill to be prepared for the “work of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). Each class is 8 weeks long and the class time is about 75 minutes. There is no cost for the class, except for the cost of the textbooks or materials.
What is expected of you…
The expectation for each student i a commitment to attend each class; participation in class discussion with questions and observations; and two hours of extra study work outside the classroom for every hour of class time.
Biblical Studies Certificate
BT101 How to Read and Understand the Bible
BT102 Old Testament -The Beginnings
BT103 Old Testament - Judges and Kings
BT104 New Testament – The Gospels and Acts
BT105 New Testament – The Letters and Revelation
BT106 Christian Foundations I
BT201 Christian Foundations II
BT202 Psalms and the Wisdom Literature
BT203 Prophecy and the Prophets
BT204 The Nature of God
BT206 Life of Christ
ML101 Growing Toward Christian Maturity
ML103 Understanding Spiritual Gifts
ML102 How to Share Your Faith or ML104 Christian Missions
G202 Church History I
5 Electives
Total Number of Classes - 20 credits
This program is for anyone who has a desire to learn more about the Bible and what it means to be a Disciple of Christ. The school is designed that you can take one or two classes as you want, or you can participate in the Biblical Studies Certificate Program. This is a 3 to 4 year plan for completing a comprehensive list of courses that will equip a Christian in the necessary knowledge and skill to be prepared for the “work of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). Each class is 8 weeks long and the class time is about 75 minutes. There is no cost for the class, except for the cost of the textbooks or materials.
What is expected of you…
The expectation for each student i a commitment to attend each class; participation in class discussion with questions and observations; and two hours of extra study work outside the classroom for every hour of class time.
Biblical Studies Certificate
BT101 How to Read and Understand the Bible
BT102 Old Testament -The Beginnings
BT103 Old Testament - Judges and Kings
BT104 New Testament – The Gospels and Acts
BT105 New Testament – The Letters and Revelation
BT106 Christian Foundations I
BT201 Christian Foundations II
BT202 Psalms and the Wisdom Literature
BT203 Prophecy and the Prophets
BT204 The Nature of God
BT206 Life of Christ
ML101 Growing Toward Christian Maturity
ML103 Understanding Spiritual Gifts
ML102 How to Share Your Faith or ML104 Christian Missions
G202 Church History I
5 Electives
Total Number of Classes - 20 credits
Course Catalog 2012
Bible and Theology Courses
How to Read and Understand the Bible BT101
This course is an introductory course to the principles and practice of biblical interpretation. The areas covered are the history of the Bible, the versions of the Bible, the different genres of literature found in the Bible, the role of the Holy Spirit in this process, and tools for studying.
Textbook: How to Understand Your Bible by T. Norton Sterrett and Richard L. Schultz
Old Testament – The Beginnings BT102
Old Testament - The Beginnings is an overview of the first 5 books of the Bible which is commonly referred to as the Pentateuch or the Law. The objective of this course is to highlight the content of each book, as well as the significant figures and historical events, so that the student may understand the relevance and context of the Old Testament as a Christian believer.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 1: A guide to the Pentateuch by Gordon J. Wenham
Old Testament – Judges and Kings BT103
Old Testament - Judges and Kings is an overview of the 12 books of the Bible referred to as the Historical books of the Old Testament. The objective of this course is to highlight the content of each book, as well as the significant figures and historical events, so that the student may understand the relevance and context of the Old Testament as a Christian believer.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 2: A guide to the Historical Books by Philip Satterthwaite and J. Gordon McConville
New Testament – The Gospels and Acts BT104
This course is an overview of the 4 Gospels and Acts . The purpose of this course is to highlight the content of each books as to the author, time, place, and historical context of the writing. A chief focus will be placed on understanding historical Jesus and how he affected the early church.
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament, Vol. 1: A guide to the Gospel & Acts by David Wenham and Steve Walton
New Testament – Letters and Revelation BT105
This course is an overview of the Letters and Revelation of the New Testament. The purpose of this course is to highlight the content of each New Testament book as to the author, time, place, and historical context. The chief focus will be on the Apostle Paul and his life and how it shaped the early church.
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament, Vol. 2: A guide to the Letters and Revelation by Howard Marshall, Stephen Travis and Ian Paul
Christian Foundations I BT106
Christian Foundations I is designed to present the teachings of Christian faith as the foundation for understanding God and yourself. This introductory course will cover Bible doctrines in areas concerning God, Christ, humanity, the Holy Spirit, salvation, temptation, and sin.
Textbook: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know By Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem
Christian Foundations II BT201
Christian Foundations II is a systematic approach to the Theology that will provide an overview of each of the various truths and doctrines concerning God and man as found in the scriptures. A strong emphasis will be placed on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching. The course will examine the historical developments and practical application of these various truths.
Textbook: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know By Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem
Psalms and the Wisdom Literature BT202
This course will examine the Old Testament books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon which are commonly referred to as the Wisdom literature. The class will look at the ancient background of this literature and the theological issues particularly raised in the Psalms.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 3: A guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas
Prophecy and the Prophets BT203
This course will explore the Old Testament Prophets and the prophecies in scripture by examining the principles of prophecy from a biblical perspective and the impact of the message for the time of Jesus and the relevance for the Christian today.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 4: A guide to the Prophets by J. Gordon McConville
The Nature of God BT204
This course explorers the practical side of the nature of God, that as a personal God, He can be known and know us. Topics include the individuality of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the biblical teaching of the Trinity, the one true God, and some of the attributes of God.
Textbook: Knowing God By J.I Packer
The Life of Christ BT205
The Life of Christ is a course that explores the person and life of Jesus Christ. The focus will be on the four Gospel accounts to show how Jesus lived, the message that he taught, and the historical settings with his public ministry. What was the social, political, and religious context of his teaching? The different roles of Christ will be discussed; Christ as man, Christ as God, and Christ as servant.
Letter to the Romans BT206
Letter to the Romans involves an in-depth analysis of the text to outline the primary themes, in light of its historical background and purpose for the writing. The course will examine the biblical and practical teachings of Paul with regard to the primary theme, the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
Defending Your Faith BT 207
The discipline of Christian Apologetics is the defense of the Christian Faith against claims by unbelievers. This course will present a clear understanding of what is apologetics and the biblical basis for such a discipline. During this course such topics will be addressed as the God’s existence, the historicity of Jesus’ personal claims and resurrection, the problem of suffering, and why religious relativism doesn’t work.
Textbook: On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision by William Lane Craig
Ministry and Leadership Skills Courses
Growing Toward Spiritual Maturity ML101
A strategy for growing toward Christ likeness must be based on the actual ways that people grow and develop into maturity in Christ. Through identifying and understanding how we grow spiritually, this course will help us to become more intentional in Bible study, prayer, lifestyle choices, evangelism, and spiritual gifts.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts ML102
A spiritual gift is a significant ability given to each believer by the Holy Spirit, who thus equips and moves members of the church to serve in special ways for Christ and his kingdom. This course will explore these gifts how to discover, develop and use them in the church.
How to Share your Faith ML103
How to Share Your Faith is a study of the biblical basis for evangelism and those disciplines of the Christian life of which personal expressions of faith is a natural overflow. This class will be hands on type class with practical application to sharing Jesus with others.
Christian Missions ML104
This study includes the basic concepts of Biblical missions and the role of missions in the local church, including an introduction to ministry in a different cultural setting. The course will explore the issues involved in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting across cultural boundaries.
Principles of the Christian Life ML201
For the Christian, ethics must be rooted in the absolutes revealed in God’s Word to inform and nurture our moral conduct. Followers of Christ must learn to think biblical. This course is a Christian approach to complex ethical topics in the postmodern era challenges us to identify how we relate to culture.
Teaching the Bible with Confidence ML202
A biblical understanding of teaching brings appreciation for this spiritual gift. Approaching this task from a biblical perspective involves empowerment from the Holy Spirit, insight into God’s Word, sharp communication shills, and accurate interaction with students.
Mentoring and Small Group Leadership ML203
Small groups and personal relationships are an essential part of the Christian church, and it is not a newly found concept. Jesus himself had his own small group of 12 people and although he had much larger community of followers, he invested majority of time and efforts in the lives of these few people. This course will explore the essential elements in effectively mentoring people and leading a small group.
How to Start a Ministry ML204
This course will show how to begin a new ministry from Biblical and practical perspective. Such topics that will be discussed is preparation, organization, legal considerations, building a support team, and funding. Course will have some hands on experience with some of the successful ministries in Church.
General Courses
Church History G201
Church History is a survey course of the Christian Church from the Apostles to present day. It will cover the development of all three branches of Christendom; Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, with an emphasis on the latter. The course will examine the significant people and events of the Church; the major movements of reform, revival and decline; and origins of particular doctrines and practices that exist today.
World Religions G202
World Religions will examine the main non-Christian world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, considering their essential beliefs, practices, philosophies and institutions as contrasted with the Christian faith. The chief goal is understanding each religious system to better understand what you believe and to communicate the Gospel to them.
Special or Seminar Courses
These type of courses will be offered from time to time as the need or desire arises for a special topic to be addressed such as Family and Marriage, Creationism verses Evolution, Addictions and bondage, etc.
Bible and Theology Courses
How to Read and Understand the Bible BT101
This course is an introductory course to the principles and practice of biblical interpretation. The areas covered are the history of the Bible, the versions of the Bible, the different genres of literature found in the Bible, the role of the Holy Spirit in this process, and tools for studying.
Textbook: How to Understand Your Bible by T. Norton Sterrett and Richard L. Schultz
Old Testament – The Beginnings BT102
Old Testament - The Beginnings is an overview of the first 5 books of the Bible which is commonly referred to as the Pentateuch or the Law. The objective of this course is to highlight the content of each book, as well as the significant figures and historical events, so that the student may understand the relevance and context of the Old Testament as a Christian believer.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 1: A guide to the Pentateuch by Gordon J. Wenham
Old Testament – Judges and Kings BT103
Old Testament - Judges and Kings is an overview of the 12 books of the Bible referred to as the Historical books of the Old Testament. The objective of this course is to highlight the content of each book, as well as the significant figures and historical events, so that the student may understand the relevance and context of the Old Testament as a Christian believer.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 2: A guide to the Historical Books by Philip Satterthwaite and J. Gordon McConville
New Testament – The Gospels and Acts BT104
This course is an overview of the 4 Gospels and Acts . The purpose of this course is to highlight the content of each books as to the author, time, place, and historical context of the writing. A chief focus will be placed on understanding historical Jesus and how he affected the early church.
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament, Vol. 1: A guide to the Gospel & Acts by David Wenham and Steve Walton
New Testament – Letters and Revelation BT105
This course is an overview of the Letters and Revelation of the New Testament. The purpose of this course is to highlight the content of each New Testament book as to the author, time, place, and historical context. The chief focus will be on the Apostle Paul and his life and how it shaped the early church.
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament, Vol. 2: A guide to the Letters and Revelation by Howard Marshall, Stephen Travis and Ian Paul
Christian Foundations I BT106
Christian Foundations I is designed to present the teachings of Christian faith as the foundation for understanding God and yourself. This introductory course will cover Bible doctrines in areas concerning God, Christ, humanity, the Holy Spirit, salvation, temptation, and sin.
Textbook: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know By Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem
Christian Foundations II BT201
Christian Foundations II is a systematic approach to the Theology that will provide an overview of each of the various truths and doctrines concerning God and man as found in the scriptures. A strong emphasis will be placed on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching. The course will examine the historical developments and practical application of these various truths.
Textbook: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know By Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem
Psalms and the Wisdom Literature BT202
This course will examine the Old Testament books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon which are commonly referred to as the Wisdom literature. The class will look at the ancient background of this literature and the theological issues particularly raised in the Psalms.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 3: A guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas
Prophecy and the Prophets BT203
This course will explore the Old Testament Prophets and the prophecies in scripture by examining the principles of prophecy from a biblical perspective and the impact of the message for the time of Jesus and the relevance for the Christian today.
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament, Vol. 4: A guide to the Prophets by J. Gordon McConville
The Nature of God BT204
This course explorers the practical side of the nature of God, that as a personal God, He can be known and know us. Topics include the individuality of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the biblical teaching of the Trinity, the one true God, and some of the attributes of God.
Textbook: Knowing God By J.I Packer
The Life of Christ BT205
The Life of Christ is a course that explores the person and life of Jesus Christ. The focus will be on the four Gospel accounts to show how Jesus lived, the message that he taught, and the historical settings with his public ministry. What was the social, political, and religious context of his teaching? The different roles of Christ will be discussed; Christ as man, Christ as God, and Christ as servant.
Letter to the Romans BT206
Letter to the Romans involves an in-depth analysis of the text to outline the primary themes, in light of its historical background and purpose for the writing. The course will examine the biblical and practical teachings of Paul with regard to the primary theme, the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
Defending Your Faith BT 207
The discipline of Christian Apologetics is the defense of the Christian Faith against claims by unbelievers. This course will present a clear understanding of what is apologetics and the biblical basis for such a discipline. During this course such topics will be addressed as the God’s existence, the historicity of Jesus’ personal claims and resurrection, the problem of suffering, and why religious relativism doesn’t work.
Textbook: On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision by William Lane Craig
Ministry and Leadership Skills Courses
Growing Toward Spiritual Maturity ML101
A strategy for growing toward Christ likeness must be based on the actual ways that people grow and develop into maturity in Christ. Through identifying and understanding how we grow spiritually, this course will help us to become more intentional in Bible study, prayer, lifestyle choices, evangelism, and spiritual gifts.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts ML102
A spiritual gift is a significant ability given to each believer by the Holy Spirit, who thus equips and moves members of the church to serve in special ways for Christ and his kingdom. This course will explore these gifts how to discover, develop and use them in the church.
How to Share your Faith ML103
How to Share Your Faith is a study of the biblical basis for evangelism and those disciplines of the Christian life of which personal expressions of faith is a natural overflow. This class will be hands on type class with practical application to sharing Jesus with others.
Christian Missions ML104
This study includes the basic concepts of Biblical missions and the role of missions in the local church, including an introduction to ministry in a different cultural setting. The course will explore the issues involved in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting across cultural boundaries.
Principles of the Christian Life ML201
For the Christian, ethics must be rooted in the absolutes revealed in God’s Word to inform and nurture our moral conduct. Followers of Christ must learn to think biblical. This course is a Christian approach to complex ethical topics in the postmodern era challenges us to identify how we relate to culture.
Teaching the Bible with Confidence ML202
A biblical understanding of teaching brings appreciation for this spiritual gift. Approaching this task from a biblical perspective involves empowerment from the Holy Spirit, insight into God’s Word, sharp communication shills, and accurate interaction with students.
Mentoring and Small Group Leadership ML203
Small groups and personal relationships are an essential part of the Christian church, and it is not a newly found concept. Jesus himself had his own small group of 12 people and although he had much larger community of followers, he invested majority of time and efforts in the lives of these few people. This course will explore the essential elements in effectively mentoring people and leading a small group.
How to Start a Ministry ML204
This course will show how to begin a new ministry from Biblical and practical perspective. Such topics that will be discussed is preparation, organization, legal considerations, building a support team, and funding. Course will have some hands on experience with some of the successful ministries in Church.
General Courses
Church History G201
Church History is a survey course of the Christian Church from the Apostles to present day. It will cover the development of all three branches of Christendom; Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, with an emphasis on the latter. The course will examine the significant people and events of the Church; the major movements of reform, revival and decline; and origins of particular doctrines and practices that exist today.
World Religions G202
World Religions will examine the main non-Christian world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, considering their essential beliefs, practices, philosophies and institutions as contrasted with the Christian faith. The chief goal is understanding each religious system to better understand what you believe and to communicate the Gospel to them.
Special or Seminar Courses
These type of courses will be offered from time to time as the need or desire arises for a special topic to be addressed such as Family and Marriage, Creationism verses Evolution, Addictions and bondage, etc.