Course Descriptions
BUS100 Church/Ministry Administration (Methods & Tools) - This course explores principles and practices of management and administration as they are adapted to non-profit organizations. Organizational issues as well as methods and tools for effective administration are discussed.
BUS101 Basic Biblical Business Principles - A study of the philosophy, procedures, goals, mechanics and potentialities of business from a Christian perspective.
BUS110 Accounting Principles – This course familiarizes the student with newly updated Christian financial advice from a classic leader who understands today’s changing business world. Students will discover how to apply biblical principles to a variety of business decisions within the ministry.
BUS200 Church/Business Staffing – This course will discuss how to select, train, evaluate, support, and mentor those involved in the administration of a church or business. Included is discussion on leadership development, servant leadership, and effective executive practices.
BUS202 Organizational Principles - A practical study regarding the gathering and management of resources, the procedures for starting and sustaining a business and the networking with modern business systems to make a business more successful.
BUS210 Accounting for Non-Profits – A survey of the basic concepts and principles of accounting and finance. The course includes fundamental financial principles, the production and management of non-profit accounting models, financial performance evaluation, and budgeting.
BUS241 Business Ethics – A thorough study of sound biblical ethics and their application to our personal lives, business endeavors, and community.
BUS245 Negotiation: Principles and Practices – This course is designed to develop the knowledge, attitude and skill required for successful negotiation, including the ability to plan a negotiation and to implement the plan with the proper strategy, tactics, and techniques.
BUS302 Accounting and Finance An introduction to the concepts, procedures and ethical aspects of accounting and financial reporting as a basis for decision making. Financial accounting fundamentals are covered, including the accounting cycle, the elements of financial statements, and financial statement preparation. Several core elements are emphasized for service and merchandising organizations.
BUS310 Managing a Non-Profit Organization – A look at the special needs and skills required to effectively manage a non-profit organization. Special emphasis will be given to foundational understanding of the cardinal differences between NPO’s and for-profit entities.
BUS326 Ministry Development: Vision, Mission, Strategy – This course is designed primarily for individuals in the faith-based community to identify and develop the ministry God has called them to do. It is intended to serve as a guide for students to develop their ministry through vision, their mission and the strategy they will use to accomplish it.
BUS335 Essential Team Building/Interaction – This course examines the dynamics of teams, how these dynamics change as team size changes, and the effect of leadership on the operation and organization of the team. It presents several tools for enhancing team interaction, building internal communication, and maximizing the potential of a team to achieve its purpose and goal.
BUS370 Developing a Volunteer Base – Learning how to develop, inspire and motivate volunteers is essential for churches and nonprofit ministries to reach their full potential.
This class will explore the issues of raising up volunteers, finding the best fit for them, and using people’s skills to uncover their passion for serving.
BUS404 Marketing and Management A general survey of the functions, processes, institutions and costs in the flow of goods and services from producers to consumers.
BUS410 Legal Environment of Business A broad study of public and private law areas as they govern our present-day business climate. This involves the system of jurisprudence, sources of law, constitutional law, international transactions, consumer and employee protection, and a wide range of governmental regulation of business.
BUS450 Financial Planning – A discussion of the planning and management of one’s personal finances from the Christian perspective. A study of personal and household budgeting, insurance, investing, estate and retirement planning, culminating in the preparation of a detailed individual financial plan.
CED101 Introduction to Christian Education - This course presents an overview and examines the materials and methods for Christian teaching, the function and place of Christian education in the local church, and summarizes the Biblical, theological, historical, philosophical foundations, and the basic objectives of Christian education.
CED210 Principles of Teaching - A study of the basic principles of effective teaching based on the Christian philosophy of education of growth in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men. The course includes characteristics and needs of various age level students, ways in which Christian teachers can meet these needs, the fundamental responsibilities of the teacher, modern educational methods, and steps in preparing, presenting, and evaluating a lesson.
CED211 Theology of Christian Education - A comprehensive survey of the biblical principles justifying the need and practice of Christian education. Historical roots are traced from the earliest commands of God to the sin, the earth, seasons, races of man, world religions, promises of the Messiah, and much more.
CED213 Curriculum Development - This course is a study of curriculum theory and principles involving the student in the preparation, evaluation and selection of instructional materials for the educational ministries of the church and school. Included is the solid coverage of the philosophical, historical, psychological and social functions of curriculum. Student is given examples of curriculum theory, development and design in approaching educational objectives and curriculum implementation models.
CED220 Ministry to Children - How to effectively minister to children in view of their particular spiritual, cultural, and psychological development.
CED301 Administration of Christian Education - An emphasis is placed on the principles and practices of organizing, administering, and supervising various programs in the local church.
CED302 Educational Models - A survey of the methods used in education are addressed in this course. How and why certain methods work in different situations will be covered for a balanced perspective on educational delivery systems. Topics include: distance learning, home schooling, internet courses, traditional and non-traditional methods.
CED303 Principles of Education - The dynamics of how students learn and how teachers can address the various educational needs of students form the basis for this course. A survey of methodology available to teachers is included in this class.
CED305 Theory of Education - Educational theories are compared and contrasted equipping the student to develop their own unique approach to Christian education. The student will be exposed to paradigms of educational philosophy, theology and theory.
CED306 Ministry to the Physically-Challenged - This course is specifically designed to assist the student in identifying the special needs and applying them for ministry to the physically challenged.
CED320 Ministry to Youth - How to effectively minister to youth from adolescence to young adulthood in view of their particular spiritual, cultural, and psychological development.
CNS130 Introduction to Christian Counseling - A survey of Christian approaches to the field of counseling focusing on paradigms and models, how they compare, and how these strategies can be implemented in ministry.
CNS131 Biblical Counseling - Addresses relevant issues applying Biblical principles as solutions. The student will understand the interrelationship between Biblical truth and godliness, as well as be able to defend their counseling position with sound Biblical interpretations.
CNS231 Effective Counseling Skills - A beginning examination of Biblical counseling to assist the student in helping others find God’s purpose for their lives and a study of the difference between secular counseling and Biblical counseling.
CNS331 Marriage and Family Counseling - An examination of the foundation of a successful marriage, the basic building block of the family and the church. Also examined are counseling methods used with married couples undergoing conflicts, child nurturing and disciplining, and cross cultural ramifications.
CNS334 Grief Counseling - This course is designed to give students an understanding of the dynamics of counseling situations guiding families and clients through the stages of grief and death and other types of losses.
CNS335 Stress Counseling - Students are guided through the aspects of stress detection and resolution in a variety of settings. The course offers a combination of spiritual and psychological components designed to help counselee's manage and control stress levels.
CNS337 Crisis Counseling - This course is designed to examine major stress and crisis from birth to death. Attention is given to programmatic and therapeutic responses to crisis.
CNS341 Divorce and Remarriage Counseling - A study of the cause and effects of marital strife. Biblical methodology is studied to be used in counseling for the unique problems exposed in marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
ECM101 Evangelism - A study of the Biblical injunctions to evangelize, with an emphasis on developing the skills of personal evangelism and equipping others to share their faith.
ECM131 Introduction to Missions - This course covers the history of missions from the perspective of an overview, as well as biographical studies. The student will study the different methodologies in their historical context to help form relevant strategies for today.
ECM132 Principles and Methods for Missions - A course to teach practical evangelism and discussion of the alternative and challenges of cross-cultural evangelism. This will be discussed in both urban and rural settings with the problems associated with cross-cultural evangelism.
ECM231 World Missions - A study of the spheres of missions with attention to various evangelism methods. This is a study of the development of missions. Cultural anthropology, along with its missionary and theological implications, will also be examined.
ECM331 Missions Anthropology A study of the basic principles of cultural anthropology with its missionary and theological implications. It will provide a basis for the understanding of other cultures so the missionary can adjust more readily and work effectively among them.
ECM333 Cross Cultural Leadership Cultures of various people of the world are studied for the purpose of orienting the student with the issues in cross-cultural leadership and leadership development. The importance of cultural sensitivity and communication are emphasized.
ECM342 Islamic Fundamentalism - An examination of the impact of Islam on the world, and especially the church, and in its role in global Muslim expansionism. Evaluation of the claims of orthodox Islam and Christian counterclaims, preparing students with strong apologetic answers.
GRK201 Greek 1 - This is an introductory study of the grammar, forms, syntax, and vocabulary of written New Testament Greek.
GRK301 Greek 2 - A continuation of the study of the essentials of Greek grammar. Emphasis is placed on reading and interpreting select portions of the Greek New Testament text.
HCH201 Church History I - A survey of the history of the Christian church from A.D. 30 up to the Reformation. Individuals, events, issues and movements that shaped and impacted the church are studied.
HCH202 History of the Early Church - The history of the church is traced focusing on the dynamics at work prior to first coming of Christ, how His ministry laid the foundation for the church and the early stages of its development up to the establishment of the Roman church under Constantine.
HCH211 Church History II - A survey of the history of the Christian church from the Reformation to the modern day. Individuals, events, issues and movements that have shaped and impacted the church are studied.
HCH221 The Age of Reformation - A thorough treatment of the individuals and issues that prepared the church for the Reformation.
HCH301 History of Revivals - This course covers the rise and growth of denominations, eighteenth century revivals, and more recent denominational and ecumenical trends.
HIS210 Old Testament History - A study of the work of God in relation to man, as portrayed in the Old Testament. The course includes all the events from man’s creation to the New Testament account of man’s redemption. Special emphasis is placed on the historical and prophetic contexts of the events, significant individuals, and the development of the nation of Israel.
HIS221 History of Israel - A study of the origin and development of the people of Israel from the call of Abraham to the period after their exile. Focus is on key events, individuals and eras studied with special emphasis on the Exodus, conquest of Canaan, monarchy, divided kingdom and exile.
NTS101 New Testament Survey - A panoramic view of New Testament messages, doctrines, personalities, and problems of interpretation. This course encourages the student to mature spiritually as the scriptural principles discussed are put into practice in relationships with God, others, and oneself.
NTS110 Gospels: Life of Christ - This chronological study which will be informative, inspirational, and practical. The course will relate the parallel accounts in the four Gospels, and divide the life and ministry of Christ into generally accepted periods. Through proper study and research, the student will have a thorough understanding of Jesus’ example of ministry in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
NTS202 Acts: Mandate for Missions - A thorough study of the content of the book of Acts with emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in the origin and growth of the early church. The journeys of Paul are studied in relationship with his epistles.
NTS210 Pauline Epistles - A study of the Pauline epistles is foundational for the understanding of God’s plan for the church and individual Christian living. This course will show how the epistles of Paul were written to both the individual and the church. Consideration of each epistle will include background information, occasion, place and date of writing, as well as an exposition of the content of the letters.
NTS331 First & Second Peter - The epistles authored by the Apostle Peter are examined with special emphasis given to the warnings given to believers in the face of false teachers and teaching.
NTS340 Johnnine Epistles - The epistles of John are studied giving careful attention to the unique theological nuances of the Apostle John. Instructions aimed at the individual believer and the general church is given specific attention to enhance spiritual growth.
NTS350 Hebrews: The Better Covenant - An exposition of the book of Hebrews which contrasts the Old and New Covenants. Each student will experience an enrichment of their life as they gain fuller understanding of the Book of Hebrews and its message.
NTS410 Revelation - An expository presentation of the Book of Revelation, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Revelation is an important book of Scripture. Each student will conduct a thorough and careful study, with the goal being that even the most difficult passages can be understandable.
NTS490 Specialized Bible Study - A custom made course of study available for students who would like to study a book of the New Testament that is not currently offered. A special syllabus will be created by a faculty advisor along with a timetable and project to fulfill the 3 credit hour requirements.
OTS101 Old Testament Survey - An overview and general study of all the books of the Old Testament. Questions of authorship, audience, themes and outlines are developed with emphasis on how each book is integrated as a whole.
OTS110 Pentateuch: Five Books of Moses - An integrated survey of the geographical, cultural, and historical backgrounds, of each book of the Pentateuch. Significant issues of the Pentateuch are covered including evolution, higher criticism and the laws of Israel’s theocracy with regard to their content, meaning and applicability for today.
OTS220 Historical Books - The study of the Old Testament books from Joshua to Esther which deals with the nation of Israel in its rise, disruption, fall, captivity and restoration. Special emphasis is given to the background for the further study of the prophets.
OTS221 Joshua - An in-depth study of the book of Joshua covering such topics as the conquest of Canaan, the establishment of Israel in Canaan, the morals of war and other theological issues associated with this fast paced book.
OTS222 Nehemiah - An analysis of the narrative giving attention to the principles of leadership as effected through the life of Nehemiah. The combination of spirituality and practicality, prayer and perseverance are critical elements of this study.
OTS330 Wisdom Books - Selected portions of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon are studied with respect to divine inspiration and practical teaching.
OTS410 Major Prophets - An intensive historical, doctrinal, and critical study of the international relations in the days of the prophets as well as the religious, spiritual, and civic decline of Judah during that time. Special emphasis is placed on the Messianic and Millennial prophecies.
OTS413 Ezekiel The cryptic and unusual message and method of Ezekiel are explored with the goal of showing how the Lord uses unusual ways and people to communicate His message to His people. The historical, political, spiritual and cultural climate of Ezekiel’s audience is studied to help the student understand the message thoroughly. It is relevant today in light of the endtimes.
OTS420 Minor Prophets - A study of the twelve Minor Prophets, concentrating on the social, political, and religious conditions of their time comparing and contrasting their message and thought with the contemporary thinking of the time. These prophets were the spiritual, progressives, analysts, and exponents of their day.
OTS490 Specialized Bible Study - A custom made course of study available for students who would like to study a book of the Old Testament that is not currently offered. A special syllabus will be created by a faculty advisor along with a timetable and projects to fulfill the 3 credit hour requirements.
PHL101 Introduction to Philosophy - The focus of this class is to present an overview of the various worldviews and the principles of reality, knowledge and ethics. The student will be lead into learning how to think accurately, comprehensively, effectively and biblically.
PHL201 Philosophy in Christian Perspective - The Christian worldview is contrasted to existing and prevalent philosophies. Students are equipped with the tools necessary to enter the debate emphasizing the supremacy of Christianity over other philosophies.
PRE201 Homiletics I - A basic study in sermon preparation dealing with the parts of the sermon, structure, and delivery. Emphasis is given to the analysis of student-prepared outlines, along with the actual delivery of sermons.
PRE301 Homiletics II This course will provide further methods of gathering and organizing materials, effective illustrations, audience adaptations, and speech theory, with proper emphasis on Scriptural exegesis.
PTH101 Principles of Bible Study - Various methods of bible study are introduced in this course to prepare the student for an exciting lifetime of Bible investigation for personal growth and teaching opportunities. Methods include: word studies, biographical studies, historical studies and more.
PTH104 Church Government - An overview of historical church government with particular emphasis on the early church and government by consensus.
PTH201 Ministry of Helps - This course of study examines the many facets of Christian service available to the layperson. The goal is to demonstrate that every believer has a productive and satisfying role to play in the local church.
PTH202 Discipleship - A course designed to examine the interpersonal relationships and character development of the student and apply the principles to the process of discipleship.
PTH204 Pastoral Theology - A comprehensive treatment of the practical aspects of pastoral ministry. Subjects covered include the pastor as a divinely called servant, leader, preacher, teacher, counselor, administrator, spouse, and parent.
PTH205 Spiritual Formation/Personal Growth - The student is led into an evaluation of his/her present spiritual condition with practical instruction given on how to strengthen his/her walk with the Lord. A survey of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, bible study, meditation, journaling, etc. will be covered in this course. The student will keep a spiritual growth journal for the 90 days the course is being done and will submit it for review.
PTH301 Leadership Principles This course is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of the theoretical aspects of leadership and of administrative roles within the church. Secular and Christian ideas of leadership are examined and applied to Christian education in the local church.
PTH302 Principles of Administration and Organization The foundation for purposeful administration are explored with emphasis on a model which begins with accurately recognizing needs and the subsequent steps necessary to implement plans addressing the needs and the effective methods for evaluating plans, personnel and results.
PTH304 Home Cell Ministry - This study will focus on how to establish and manage home cell fellowship within the local church for the purposes of outreach and discipleship. Principles on how to evaluate your church to determine readiness, how to recruit and train quality leaders to lead home fellowships is covered.
PTH305 Urban Ministries - This course is a study to discuss the alternatives and challenges of city ministry on both the foreign and domestic fields. The student will survey the more prevalent problems associated with this type of ministry.
PTH306 Christian Ethics - A study of Christian ethics for the everyday life with sound Biblical principles and practical applications for the professional and problem aspects encountered in the ministry.
PTH307 Pastoral Counseling - This course is designed to orient the minister in Biblical models of counseling within a church setting, and examination of the philosophy behind the pastor’s role as counselor in the church in light of the Scriptures.
PTH308 Principles of Church Growth - A survey of the theological, sociological, and statistical dimensions of the church growth movement as they relate to evangelism, church development, Christian education, along with the basics for beginning a new church.
PTH401 Pastor and Staff Relations - An in-depth treatment on how to assess readiness for a multiple staff situation as well as how to train and function as a multiple staff are covered in this course.
PTH402 Role of Women in Ministry - A study of ministry to and by women, including biblical foundations for roles of women in the home, church, and society. The course is designed to aid men and women who will be responsible for various areas of ministry.
PTH405 Advanced Leadership Principles This course is a continuation of PTH301. This course will build upon the students understanding of the theoretical aspects of leadership and of administrative roles within the church. Secular and Christian ideas of leadership are examined further and applied to the local church environment.
PTH407 Marketing the Ministry - An extensive survey into the various means available to properly and successfully develop awareness in a community of a church’s ministry programs and services. This course covers topics such as: the well designed church bulletin to mass media opportunities as promotional avenues.
PTH408 Conflict Management - This course is designed to equip the student in understanding the dynamics of stress, assessing the level of stress, integrating principles designed to alleviate stressful personal or ministry situations.
SPT201 Introduction to Biblical Languages – Hebrew: An introduction to the basic features of Hebrew, and the utilization of available study aids, such as computer software, lexicons, concordances, commentaries, etc. It is designed to enable students with little or no prior knowledge of Hebrews to engage in basic word studies and grammatical exercises.
SPT202 Introduction to Biblical Languages - Greek: An introduction to the basic features of Greek, and the utilization of available study aids, such as computer software, lexicons, concordances, commentaries, etc. It is designed to enable students with little or no prior knowledge of Greek to engage in basic word studies and grammatical exercises.
SPT211 Sign Language - An introduction to the alphabet and vocabulary of sign language to introduce the student to the potential of a ministry to the deaf.
SYS201 Old Testament Theology - A systematic study of the Old Testament writings with an awareness to their historical, cultural and contextual environments and its implications for theological studies.
SYS210 Bible Doctrines - A major study of the Bible in a systematic way. The principle doctrines of the Scripture will be outlined and each discussed in a step by step process. This course is the base upon which the student will build theological foundation.
SYS220 Doctrine of God - This course provides the student with an in-depth study of the doctrine of God including a biblical understanding of the Trinity.
SYS221 Bibliology: Doctrine of Scriptures - A study of fundamental teachings of the Christian faith: God, the Bible, Christ, man, sin, salvation, Holy Spirit, angels, Satan, and the end times.
SYS222 Christology - A comprehensive study of what the Scriptures say about Jesus Christ. The course introduces the student to Old Testament typology and to the prophecies concerning Christ's present and future work. Controversial historical and contemporary views of Jesus are examined in relation to the Bible portrayal.
SYS223 Soteriology - A Study of the doctrine of salvation, the work of Christ in bringing lost man into fellowship with God. The course includes the doctrines of repentance, faith, conversion, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, and prayer in the life of a Christian. Included in the study are an analysis of Biblical passages relating to salvation and an evaluation of historical and contemporary views of salvation.
SYS301 New Testament Theology - A systematic study of the New Testament writings with an awareness to their historical, cultural, and contextual environments and its implications for theological studies.
SYS321 Pneumatology - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: A scriptural and practical presentation of the nature, personality, gifts, and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Students will learn how to practically assess, value, and function in the gifts. This class will involve academic, as well as practical training.
SYS322 Theology of Prayer – An introduction to the Christian theology and methodology of prayer, communion with God, its purpose, and power are discussed and demonstrated through this dynamic course.
SYS323 Ecclesiology - A comprehensive study of the biblical principles of the nature, mission and function of the church. Descriptions and roles of the church offices of pastor, elders, deacons, etc. are treated in this course.
SYS324 Healing - This course examines the Scriptures for an understanding of the theology of healing. Historical experiences and movements as well as practical dimensions of this topic are examined for clarity on the subject.
SYS410 Systematic Theology - A survey course introducing the different components of theology and theological language. Designed to prepare the student for in-depth study of individual theologies within the discipline.
SYS412 Pauline Theology - A study of the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul throughout the New Testament. Students will examine his conversion experience and subsequent ministry with an emphasis on his mission and message to the Gentile world. Key biblical themes are addressed in this course.
THE161 Christian Foundations - This course is designed to provide the student with the elementary principles of the Christian faith. Basic principles of Bible study, prayer, ordinances of the church, etc. are surveyed.
THE162 Theology of Worship - A practical application in the development of a music and worship program. Special emphasis is given to the Biblical basis for worship in the church today. Modes and concepts of worship are examined.
THE201 The Tabernacle of Moses - This course provides a systematic and thorough study of the Tabernacle of Moses and the significance of it to Christian doctrine and worship.
THE230 Hermeneutics - A study of the science and laws of Biblical exegesis and interpretation. The principles, methods, and rules by which the meaning of Scripture may be ascertained are examined.
THE241 Authority of the Believer - The student is led through a study of what makes victorious living possible. The course will demonstrate how God has given us all that we need to live victoriously and challenges us to grab hold of what we already possess. Gaining or regaining the necessary momentum to sustain a lifelong drive toward consistent triumph is made a reality.
THE242 New Testament Ministries - An examination of the call and ministry of the five-fold ministry in the local church. The church in its functioning as the Body of Christ is also considered.
THE262 Comparative Religions - A comparative study of the main world religious systems as related to the Biblical principles of Christianity. Modern cults are also addressed and major points in witnessing to adherents of non-Christian religions are discussed.
THE263 Warfare Prayer - This course is designed to help the student identify and utilize the weapons of warfare necessary for successful Christian living. The role and power of prayer in intercession and petition are covered in this dynamic course.
THE302 The Covenants of God - Explores the various covenants of God in the Old Testament emphasizing their importance for the Church of Jesus Christ.
THE303 The Tabernacle of David - This study examines Davidic worship, its expressions, and importance for the Church today with practical applications for the individual student.
THE332 Identifying Your Spiritual Gift - This course is designed to assist the student in discovering their calling in the ministry through the discovery of their God-given gifts. Also included is how to impart personal involvement in the local church by discovering, developing, and deploying the spiritual gift, and how to understand our part in the Great Commission.
THE362 Apologetics - A study of the defense of the faith, particularly from the standpoint of the authority of the Bible and historical evidences of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
THE363 Stewardship in the Local Church - A biblical framework for the spiritual discipline of stewardship and how to practice and teach it in the local church environment.
THE364 Bible Prophecy - The nature of biblical prophecy is explained while specific examples of prophets and their messages are studied. Old and New Testament examples are explored highlighting the principles that govern interpretation of prophecy.
THE490 Specialized Theological Study - A custom-made course of study available for students who would like to study a theological topic that is not currently offered. A special syllabus will be created by a faculty advisor along with a timetable and projects to fulfill the 3 credit hour requirements.