Curriculum

I) Basic Discipleship

Brings the student into an understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Teaches and establishes the essential doctrines of the faith. Emphasis on the spiritual disciplines of personal prayer, worship, study of Scripture and discipling others. Helps students to establish a clear God-centered vision for their lives and tangible long and short term goals for accomplishing such.

II) Intro to Apologetics and Evangelism

Includes the necessity of using our minds and thinking deeply and honestly about what we believe, developing a rationally consistent worldview, the art of persuasion and argumentation, and various approaches to the discipline of apologetics (rationally defending the Christian faith). Explores the Biblical mandate, methodology, proper spirit, attitude and demeanor of the evangelist as well as the use of the Law, confrontational and public ministry, and the use of rational argumentation in preaching the gospel and making disciples

This course includes the following lectures

Intro to Philosophy

Understanding philosophy as a necessary branch of Theology; responding to philosophical skepticism and the quest for certainty of knowledge; epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and ethics. Will also demonstrate philosophical arguments for the existence of God, as well as the philosophical foundations of the Christian Worldview.

The Veracity of Scripture

Exploring the Christian view of Scripture, with emphasis on responding to the questions of, “How do we know the Bible has been translated accurately? How do we know that it has been divinely inspired? Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions and inconsistencies?”

Science and Christianity

Examining the development of modern science in the Western world, into the rise of evolutionary theory and naturalistic materialism, climaxing with the current Intelligent Design movement and it’s growing success in dethroning the dogmas of modern Darwinians.

Cultural Issues

Studying and developing an understanding of relevant contemporary issues such as Separation of Church and State, abortion, homosexuality, and euthanasia, with an emphasis on learning how to speak relevantly, persuasively, and biblically on these important subjects.

World Religions, Philosophies, and Ideologies

Traces the history of thought from ancient civilizations until modern times, examining the key ideas and religious movements that have developed throughout such. Also focuses on the apologetical challenges that face the Christian in today’s multicultural, pluralistic world.

These classes are designed to help the Christian to understand all sides of these issues and to be able to defend and articulate the Christian view, both in an evangelistic context as well as for their own spiritual growth.

III) Interpreting Media

Examines the power of modern media as a tool of influence and manipulation. helps the student to establish “analytical filters” to understand and process what is being sold to them through popular media. Also helps the student to establish clear moral principles to govern their entertainment media consumption.

IV) Biblical Hermeneutics

8 hours of study which will equip the student in biblical interpretation so as to rightly handle the Word of Truth and no longer be at the mercy of other interpreters. The course will include (but is not limited to) instruction in biblical introduction, literary context, cultural context, historical context, proper application, exegesis/eisegesis, narrative, presuppositions, word study fallacies, logical fallacies, interpretation of parables, and the true meaning of Sola Scriptura.

V) Speech and Homiletics

Teaching the student the art of public speaking, communication and preparing sermons, lectures, or speeches. Great principles for those who are on the bashful side.

VI) Church History

A brief overview of the people, movements, and ideas that have shaped 2,000 years of Christian history.

Includes the following lectures

The Early Church

A primer designed to acquaint the student with some of the beliefs and practices of the Early Church.

The Medieval Church

A primer designed to acquaint the student with the condition and practices of the Medieval Church with emphasis on some of those who resisted its practices and sought to change its condition.

The Protestant Reformation

An in-depth course on the causes and unfolding of the Protestant Reformation; a clear and concise presentation of the theological distinctives of the Protestant Reformation; with a blow-by-blow look at the Reformation in Germany, France, Switzerland, Scotland and England.

Recent Church History (1950-Present)

This course will include the use of the documentary series With God on Our Side produced by PBS. Group discussion will also be employed in this study.

A Historical View of the Christian’s Relationship to the State

A survey of church history wherein the student is exposed to various views on the Christian’s relationship to the State, along with a solid biblical view established and set forth to the student.

Public Ministry of Christians throughout Church History

A survey of church history wherein the legitimacy and true nature of public ministry is established and practical application is made to the student’s generation today.

Prophetic Acts of Christians throughout Church History

A survey of church history wherein varied prophetic acts performed by Christians are documented and examined with an emphasis on their legitimacy for all ages.

All of these studies are rich in history – much of it little known church history.