CERTIFICATE OF LEADERSHIP
Course Descriptions
Apologetics
The purpose of this course is to examine the various worldviews and their challenges to the church in 21st century as they attempt to explain the universe and its existence. These will be compared to Christian arguments to determine the coherency and adequacy of each to answer the essential issues. There will also be a comparison of some of the various Christian apologetic methodologies with a focus on the pre-suppositional method.
Basic Doctrine 1
This is an introductory Christian theology course that will examine the doctrines of Scripture, Revelation, God, Angels and Demons, Man, and Sin. The purpose of this study is to carefully explore various doctrines to establish a firm foundation for Christian belief. In addition, it will pursue the practical application of these doctrines for Christian life and the mission of the church in the earth.
Basic Doctrine 2
This sequel to Basic Doctrine 1 will examine the doctrines of Satan and Demonology, Man, Sin, Christ, Atonement, and Eternal States. The purpose of this study is to carefully explore various doctrine to establish a firm foundation for Christian belief. In addition, it will pursue the practical application of these doctrines for Christian life and the mission of the church in the earth.
Biblical Concepts of Leadership
This course will examine different theories of leadership and identify some of those theories contained in Scripture. The course will also discuss the Heart of a Shepherd as it relates to the concepts of Pastoral Care, the Role of the Five-Fold Ministry, and leadership principles discovered in the Bible that can be used within the modern local church context.
Hebrews and the General Epistles
This course will look at the book of Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude. The student will look through the lens of their original historical context and their relevance for the church today
Hermeneutics *
This course is designed to develop the hermeneutical skills necessary for all church leaders in their various areas of concentration both in the church and in the community. God’s word truly holds the keys to answer life’s challenges and the ability to properly interpret and apply the Scriptures is essential to use the Bible effectively. The student will learn how to come to a proper understanding of passages seeing them in their proper historical, grammatical, literary, and theological contexts.
*This course can only be taken once 6 in-class courses have been acquired.
History of the Holy Spirit’s Movement
The modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have a rich history that reaches all the way to Pentecost. This class will explore the overwhelming evidence of how the gifts and moves of the Holy Spirit have been a part of every century of church history.
The Holy Spirit
This course deals with a theological, historical, and practical understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Included in this study will be the person, baptism, gifts, and fruit of the Holy Spirit. There will be an emphasis on the gift of prophecy and the ability of the believer to hear the voice of God in their daily lives and in the work of the ministry to which God has called them.
Homiletics*
The purpose of this course is to study the principles relating to the technical preparation and delivery of sermons. The student is taught the proper process of building and utilizing outlines, text, illustrations, word studies, background information, dramatic dialogues, and communicative techniques for effectively preaching the word of God.
*This course can only be taken once 6 in-class courses have been acquired.
Life of Christ
This course will explore the theological relationship between the three Synoptic Gospels including the portrait of Jesus each depicts along with the major themes presented in each. In this, also, there will be a discussion of what has been called the “Synoptic problem” including various solutions that have been given. In the context of the study, there will be an examination of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
New Testament Synthesis
This course will enable the student to understand the message of the New Testament by considering the genres, authors, and various contexts found throughout this portion of the Scriptures. Through understanding first century Christianity and considering the original audience, one can arrive at a proper interpretation of the text. This will enable the student to best bring a clear meaning and message to a contemporary church regarding our faith and practices.
Old Testament Synthesis 1 & 2
This course will develop a link between the Old and New Testaments to see the Bible as one book. This will be done through an examination of history, geography, and the various Old Testament genres. Important Bible characters, people groups, key events, and covenants that God made with his people will all be discussed. It will also include an examination of the symbolic types and shadows found throughout the Old Testament that point to the redemptive life and ministry of Jesus Christ. ***While this is separated into 2 parts, Part 1 is not a prerequisite to Part 2***.
Pastoral Care
This course is designed for those who have a desire to serve as caregivers in their churches and communities. The focus is on the theology and practice of pastoral care from biblical, theological, and charismatic perspectives.
Pauline Epistles
This course involves the life, missionary journeys, and major theological themes of the 13 letters attributed to the apostle Paul. There will be an exploration of the occasion of and issues addressed in each letter to properly interpret Paul’s writing. In addition, there will be an examination of how one might effectively teach and model Paul’s theology to the modern church world.
Practical Leadership
This course examines tools of leadership, including motivation, team dynamics, communicating vision, conflict resolution, developing and building leaders, and establishing systems and structures. Leadership should have practical application and this course will help students discover how to utilize basic leadership principles in this regard.
Practicum 1
Practicum 1 is a part of the student’s leadership training where he or she will be expected to be part of a ministry practicum in an internship level. This will be coordinated with and evaluated by local church leadership in keeping with the gifts and calling of the student. Working alongside experienced ministry mentors should help the student to explore and clarify their specific call to leadership.
Practicum 2
Practicum 2 is a part of the student’s leadership training where he or she will be expected to be part of a ministry practicum in a leadership level. This will be coordinated with and evaluated by local church leadership in keeping with the gifts and calling of the student. Working alongside experienced ministry mentors should help the student to explore and clarify their specific call to leadership.
Relational Leadership
This course is designed to train the student in how to spiritually and practically walk out the two most important and foundational commandments found in the New Testament: loving the Lord with all of one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as themselves. It is the aim of this course to not only train the student but to deposit a resource that can be used in the training of those whom they lead. Throughout the course, the student will be challenged as to how they see God, themselves, and others as they discover how to think and act as true sons before God. In addition, they will receive practical instruction regarding several areas of relationship that are essential to successful leadership and life in God’s kingdom.
Romans
This course examines the text of one of the most important books found in the New Testament. The book of Romans provides the fullest examination of Paul’s theology as it focuses on the doctrines of salvation and sanctification. The course will also cover its theological significance and relevance to Christian life.
The Writings of John
This course will present an exegesis of the writings of John highlighting the apostle’s distinctive in presenting the gospel and life of Jesus Christ. Special attention will be paid to the historical context of John’s letters and how that context impacted the writing of his gospel. There will also be an examination of John’s unique literary style and his unique portrait of Jesus found through the signs he chose to present to cause people to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.