Living Faith School of Ministry
Course Descriptions
First Year - First Quarter
Biblical Introduction
Course Description
The Bible is God’s written revelation to man. It was written over a span of two thousand years by over forty authors, from various occupations and cultures, who—through Divine inspiration—penned the greatest book every written. The Bible is not a formal written code of Christian law, but a collection of stories, teachings, sermons, poetry and prophecy written with a variety of literary devices from authors using their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Although we affirm its inerrancy and infallibility, it is essential we know how to interpret it properly. Although not all Scripture is written to us, all scripture is written for us. The focus of Biblical Introduction is to give the student a fundamental understanding of basic Bible interpretation and the foundation of how to approach and understand various types of Biblical writings.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To understand the different types of literature of the Bible so that the student will be able to more clearly understand the purpose and meaning of a text of Scripture.
2. To aid the student in his or her Bible study by providing background information of the major sections of the Bible.
3. To learn basic laws of Bible interpretation (Hermeneutics) so that the student will be able to better prepare Biblical lessons and messages.
4. To give the student a greater appreciation of and love for the Holy Scriptures.
Course Text Books
1. The Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. How to Read the Bible for All It Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible by Gordon Fee and Douglass Stewart.
Course Requirements
1. Read the How the Read the Bible for All it is Worth through weekly reading assignments. Be prepared to discuss your weekly reading in class or small groups.
2. Occasionally, written assignments will be given from your weekly reading.
Who I Am in Christ
Course Description
Many of our students have been raised in dysfunctional homes; some were abused sexually, physically or emotionally. Others were falsely motivated through conditional or performance “love” or guilt from parents and other caregivers. Some students built up their self-esteem by pleasing others or were driven to perform just so that they would feel better about themselves. Through salvation by personal faith in Jesus Christ, we are completely forgiven and given the promise of abundant and eternal life. Although forgiven by God, many of us enter our Christian life with wrong self-perception because of baggage from our past. Unless this is understood—this and how Christ’s esteem is appropriated in our personal lives—relationships and ministries will be tainted. Who I Am in Christ looks at wrong views of self-esteem and their hindering effects and shows how to develop a proper worth by understanding who we truly are in Christ.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn the wrong views that people have of themselves and the proper biblical view so that students will find their true worth in Jesus Christ.
2. To identify personally what area(s) of student’s esteem are tainted and then to see them set free from that bondage.
3. To be able to discern how others are effected by an improper view of their worth so that the student will be able to provide spiritual counsel and direction for people with whom they minister.
4. That the students will have a more profound love and appreciation of their heavenly Father for the position He has given them thorough redemption by His precious Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Course Text Books
1. The Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee
Course Requirements
1. Read The Search for Significance through weekly reading assignments and come to class prepared to discuss the chapter(s) assigned.
Personal Evangelism
Course Description
Bringing people to salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and discipling them to grown in their faith to Christian maturity is the most important ministry for every Christian. This course will focus on the personal evangelism aspect and a subsequent course will cover discipling new believers. Personal evangelism involves vision, compassion, and action. We must have God’s vision for the lost and see people as on their way to heaven or hell. We also must have God’s heart for the lost and be grieved over those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. In addition, we must have the skill to lead someone to faith in Christ.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To develop God’s perspective and heart for the lost so that the students will be a faithful witness for the rest of their lives.
2. To learn the principles of friendship and servant evangelism so that the students will cultivate relationships with the lost in order to earn the right to be heard.
3. To learn a variety of personal evangelism models so that the students will develop their own method of evangelism.
4. To learn personal evangelism through a series of hands-on, practical applications with class feedback and assessment so that the student will develop and grow in his or her personal evangelism skills.
Course Text Books
1. The Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. How to be a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels
Course Requirements
1. Read How to be a Contagious Christian according to the weekly reading assignments.
2. Maintain a personal evangelism log that will be handed in at end of the quarter: this will contain your church invitations, gospel booklet distribution and sharing the gospel. This log will be due the last day of class. (See numbers 3-7 below).
3. Write out your personal testimony and share it with at least one person. Log the results.
4. Invite one person to a church service or church meeting every week and maintain a personal log of the results. (May be the same person for multiple weeks) This person cannot be a member of a healthy church.
5. Throughout the time of the course hand out five Steps to Peace with God to those to whom God leads you and log the results.
6. Share the gospel with at least one unbeliever throughout the time of the class. Log the results.
7. Memorize assigned weekly verses on evangelism.
First Year - Second Quarter
Bible Exegesis
Course Description
Because of the nature of the composition of the Bible (the time period in which it was written and the cultural difference with today’s Western society) to properly understand the Bible and apply its timeless truths it is necessary to learn the biblical author’s original intent in their writing. The purpose of Biblical Exegesis is to train the learner in how to research the history, culture, style and type of writing to aid in properly understanding the meaning of a given Scripture.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To discover the Biblical author’s original intent so the true meaning of a text will be clear.
2. To use a clear understanding of a text for preparing Bible studies, lessons and messages.
3. To learn about and use the necessary Bible study tools so the student will be a life long exegete of the Scriptures.
4. To give the student a greater appreciation of and love for the Holy Scriptures.
Course Text Books
1. The Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. Living by The Book by Howard Hendricks and William Hendricks
3. Living by the Book Workbook
4. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by Herbert Lockyer Sr.
5. The NIV Exhaustive Concordance
Course Requirements
1. Read the Living by the Book through weekly reading assignments. Be prepared to discuss your weekly reading in class or small groups.
2. Do the weekly workbook as assigned.
3. Small group and individual exegetical assignments will be done in class.
Life in the Spirit
Course Description
For the minister of Jesus Christ to have a consistent and faithful ministry, it is essential that they have a deep reservoir of spiritual vitality to meet the daily demanding needs of Christian service. This reservoir is developed and maintained through practicing spiritual disciplines. The purpose of this class is to expose the student to a variety of life sustaining disciplines so that they will have resources to enable them to live and walk in the Spirit. Additionally, students will experience the various disciplines in class exercises and course applications.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn the spiritual disciplines that have been practiced by people of God throughout the history of the church and to adapt and apply these disciplines in daily life.
2. To understand the necessity of a daily time with God and develop a personal model that will be used and adjusted throughout one’s lifetime.
3. To learn how to practice the presence of God and experience it daily.
4. To be able to lead others in spiritual growth and development.
Course Text Book
1. Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
2. Spiritual Classics edited by Richard J Foster and Emilie Griffin
3. Life in the Spirit Study Bible
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts for weekly assignment.
2. Continue with your daily journal, adding insights from your readings.
3. Take a half-day personal retreat and write a short paper on your experience .
4. Find someone who is a new or weaker Christian and pray with him or her weekly throughout the quarter.
Discipling, Mentoring, and Coaching
Course Description
Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples …” (Matthew 28:19). Once someone trusts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, it is essential that they “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God has called his followers to help newly born Christians to grow and mature in their faith. This process is called discipling. In order for the mature Christian to continue to grow after a process of discipleship, both mentoring and coaching are vital for a life of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. The minister of Jesus Christ needs to proactive in discipling, mentoring and coaching and in training others to do the same. The purpose of this course is to help the student learn the concepts of discipling, mentoring, and coaching and then to begin practicing them in the lives of others.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn how to use Getting a Grip on the Basics as a discipleship tool and begin to mentor a new or non-discipled believer.
2. To learn the principles, similarities and differences of mentoring and coaching so the student will be able to minister effectively in either role.
3. To learn how to establish a discipleship ministry so the student will be able to train and release others in discipleship.
4. To have a vision and passion for the maturing of believers so that the student will have a lifelong commitment to helping others be all that God would desire of them.
Course Text Book
1. Getting a Grip on the Basics by Beth Moore
2. Connecting by Paul D. Stanley and J. Robert Clinton
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts for weekly assignments.
2. Complete Getting a Grip on the Basics discipleship workbook.
3. Begin taking a new believer or a non-disciple through Getting a Grip on the Basics.
4. Develop a mentoring or coaching relationship with someone and meet at least four times during the quarter. Write a report summarizing your relationship.
First Year - Third Quarter
Old Testament I: Introduction and Pentateuch
Course Description
The five books of the Pentateuch form the introduction and foundation for the rest of the Bible. The words of Jesus and the writings of the epistles cannot be properly understood without a thorough knowledge of the Pentateuch. The purpose of this class is to provide an overview and background of the Pentateuch and to help the student to understand its importance in New Testament exegesis and hermeneutics. Additionally, the student will learn an apologetic for creationism so he or she will be able to defend the biblical truth of how the world began. The student will also look at the Pentateuch through the personal lives that surround the narration.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn the background on the writers and writings of the Old Testament.
2. To learn background information and overviews of the five books of the Pentateuch.
3. To be able to understand the evolution and creation debate and form a personal apologetic for the biblical creation story so the student will be a better and more informed witness for Christ.
4. To used the family dysfunctions of the Pentateuch people as a foundation for future studies in counseling.
5. To have a greater love and appreciation for the Word of God.
Course Text Books
1. Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. Encountering the Old Testament by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Berger (chapters 1-9)
3. Book on Creation vs. Evolution debate
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts for weekly assignment.
2. Write a typed two- page biography on the family life (for good or bad) of a biblical character from the Pentateuch using your study Bible, a concordance and Bible dictionary for references.
3. Prepare for an evolution vs. creation class debate.
Leading and Growing a Small Group
Course Description
One of the main joys and responsibilities of a minister of Jesus Christ is to make and multiply disciples. One of the best means of reaching and discipling people is through a small group. Jesus trained his 12 in a small group setting. If someone is to lead and grow in a church, a good training ground is a small group. If one cannot lead and grow a group, they will not be able to do so in a larger context. The purpose of this course is to learn techniques of small group leadership and the principles of how to grow a small group.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn small group dynamics so that the learner will be able to better understand how to minister effectively in a small group context.
2. To learn small group leadership skills so the student will be able to effectively lead a small group.
3. To learn the principles and skills of small group growth so the learner will be able to lead and group that will grow numerically and spiritually.
4. For the student to learn how to disciple and mentor potential leaders within their group, so that the group will multiply and expand under new leadership.
5. For the student to have a life long passion for developing people in a small group setting.
Course Text Book
Eight Habits of A Successful Small Group Leader – David Early
Course Requirements
1. Read the text for weekly assignment.
2. Become part of a small group for the quarter.
a) Lead the group at least three times
b) Call every member weekly
c) Call every absentee weekly
d) Plan and oversee a small group party
e) Write a report on your experience
3. Prepare a small group lesson and lead an in class small group
Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
Course Description
Theology gives us an understanding of our enemy and his army and their diabolical tactics against the work and people of God. The demonization of both believers and unbelievers is a common occurrence in our world. God’s ministers must first be certain that they are free from the demonic as well as know how to minister deliverance to those who are oppressed. This course will cover both of these aspects.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn a biblical rationale for demonization and the need for deliverance.
2. To understand demonic entry points and deliverance methodologies.
3. For the student to self-diagnose any possible demonic entry points, and if demonized, to receive deliverance and remain free from oppression.
4. To learn the how do lead someone into freedom from demonization.
Course Text Books and Resources
1. Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. How to Cast Out Demons: A Guide to the Basics by Doris M. Wagner
Course Requirements
1. Read the text as assigned weekly.
2. Fill out the deliverance ministry questionnaire and submit it to Pastor Lee, receive deliverance if needed.
3. Participate in one Faith Chapel deliverance team session as assigned and write a report of your observations.
First Year - Fourth Quarter
Old Testament II: Historic Books Course Description
The history of the nation of Israel is the story of God’s relationship with his covenant people. Israel’s history is not the history of any other nation but a unique history as God interacts with his often-rebellious people. Failures in war and in farming are often a result of God’s judgment on the nation. The purpose of this class is to study the history of Israel from the unique perspective of the blessings of their obedience and the consequences of their disobedience and as they interact as leaders and a nation with their maker. Thus, personal applications can be gleaned from the Divine principles of God.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn the history of Israel from their entering the Promised Land to a remnant returning and rebuilding Jerusalem.
2. To understand how the success or failure of Israel was dependent upon the success or failure of their covenant relationship.
3. To understand God’s use of warfare for Israel to develop and support the concept of a “just war.”
4. To focus on key leaders in Old Testament history to begin to learn essentials principles of leadership for God’s ministers.
5. To have a greater love and appreciation for the Word of God.
Course Text Books & Resources
1. Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. Encountering the Old Testament by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Berger (chapters 10-18)
3. Selected articles on a Christian view of war.
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts for weekly assignment as well as articles that are assigned.
2. Using the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy as a backdrop, select a historical event in Israel and write a 2 page typed paper illustrating how God’s blessings or curses were fulfilled.
Ministry Writing
Course Description
Pastors, missionaries and other church workers use a variety of writing skills in their profession. Correspondence, references, reports, study notes and outlines, and projects are all part of a minister’s work that require good writing skills. The course is designed to enable the student to be able to have the writing skills necessary for the wide variety of ministry tasks for which they are essential.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To review the basic rules of grammar and provide a resource for future reference.
2. To learn the various forms of writing that are necessary for ministry writing.
3. To write actual ministry documents that will be evaluated for their purpose, precision, accuracy, professionalism and neatness.
Course Text Books
1. Basic Grammar Text
2. Effective Business Writing by Maryann V. Piotrowski
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts as assigned weekly.
2. To know or learn keyboarding skills and a basic word processing software program.
3. To know or learn how to use email and attach documents.
4. To prepare and submit various ministry writing documents as assigned.
Spiritual Gifts
Course Description
God is a giver of good gifts to his children. All people are born with natural talents and abilities in which they can grow, develop, and perfect. When one is born again, God also gives spiritual gifs that are to be used to His honor and His glory for His kingdom. We need to discover, develop, and minister according to the gifts God has give us. This course will cover all of the gifts that the Bible speaks about for His children and how they can be used in His body.
Course Goals and Objectives
1. To learn what the spiritual gifts are, how they are defined, and how they can be used in the body of Christ.
2. For the student to discover his or her primary gift as well as their gift mix and how to maximize their gifts in the ministry to which God has called them.
3. For the student to learn how to develop and mature in their spiritual gifts.
4. For the student to develop the character qualities of humility, thankfulness, and dependency in the exercise of their spiritual gifts.
Course Text Books and Resources
1. Life in the Spirit Study Bible
2. Discover Your Spiritual Gifts by C. Peter Wagner
3. Spiritual Gifts by Bryan Carraway
4. Discovering Uniquely You by Mels Carbonell and Stanley Ponz
5. Instructors notes on Spiritual Gifts and the Gift of Prophecy
Course Requirements
1. Read the texts and notes assigned weekly.
2. Fill out the spiritual gifts and DISC questionnaire and write a one page summary of your gift mix and personality type mix and how this can be used in what God has called you to do.