Biblical Studies Certificate

• 36 total hours

Preaching Certificate

• 36 total hours
  • 16 hours from the preaching/ministry group

• Life and Work of the Preacher

  • Life and Work of the Preacher

• Revelation

• New Testament Survey

• Reformation & Restoration Movements

• Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations

• World Religions

• I Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus

• Introduction to the Old Testament

• Introduction to the New Testament (R)

  • A study of each New Testament document, emphasizing critical issues such as authorship, textual integrity, and purpose for writing.

• Intertestament Period

• Introduction to Greek (R)

  • Students will develop a vocabulary of the most common Greek words, learn to identify and differentiate the essential elements of Greek grammar such as nouns and their three declensions, as well as the location of verbs. Class time will be highly interactive so that students learn from one another and actually begin to speak, read, and write the language.

• I & II Thess & James

• Hermeneutics (R)

  • A study of the science of interpretation, with the primary focus being the biblical text. Various approaches to analysis and exegesis will be discussed and evaluated. Particular attention is paid to the ongoing hermeneutic debate among churches of Christ. Course goal is to lay a foundation for the student so that personal application and accurate presentation of the Scriptures is enhanced.

• Hebrews

  • Verse by verse study of text and related issues. Special emphasis on the superiority and priesthood of Christ, the authorship of the book, contrast of the covenants and material unique to the text of Hebrews. Application is made regarding the exhortation of weak Christians in their need to remain faithful to God while refusing to return to the inferior philosophies and behavior of a former religion or way of life.

• Hebrew History 3

  • Verse by verse study of text and related issues. Special emphasis on the superiority and priesthood of Christ, the authorship of the book, contrast of the covenants and material unique to the text of Hebrews. Application is made regarding the exhortation of weak Christians in their need to remain faithful to God while refusing to return to the inferior philosophies and behavior of a former religion or way of life.

• Hebrew History 2

  • Textual study inclusive of an extensive focus on background and introductory issues. Texts covered are 1 Samuel 8–2 Chronicles.

• Hebrew History 1

  • An exegetical and theological study emphasizing God’s role in history.

• Gospel of John

  • An exegetical and theological survey with an emphasis on hermeneutical procedures and homiletical possibilities.

• God’s Instruction to Preachers

• Genesis

  • Textual study inclusive of an extensive focus on background and introductory issues.

• General Epistles (James – Jude)

  • Textual study inclusive of an extensive focus on background and introductory issues.

• General Epistles

• Fishers of Men

  • Extensive training course in personal evangelism, with emphasis on personal studies, cultivating relationships that lead to one-onone studies, and the establishment of Bible authority in matters of salvation, worship, and personal relationships with both man and God.

• Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

• Ezekiel & Daniel

  • A look at the historical context and the visions and messages and their fulfillment within the history of Judah/Israel and the surrounding nations. Additional focus toward the coming of Christ and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.

• Exodus – Deuteronomy

  • Examination of last four books of Pentateuch. Special attention given to the life of Moses, history of the Exodus, wanderings of the Hebrew people, and aspects of the Levitical law.

• Exodus

• Denominational Doctrines (S)

  • Major denominational doctrines such as Calvinism, faith only, premillennialism, miraculous gifts, instrumental music, etc., are considered. Each week a different denominational church is examined as to its origin, creed, major doctrines, etc.

• Counseling In Ministry (S)

  • Students will learn and acquire basic counseling skills needed in church settings. Topics addressed include: counseling within the congregation, basic introduction to counseling principles and concepts, differences between pastoral, professional, pre-marital, marital, family, church, and grief counseling. Emphasis will also be given on making referrals as well as legal and ethical issues. Note: This course is not intended to prepare the student for a career or professional licensure in counseling.

• Church History (S)

• Christian Evidences

  • Study of major, classical arguments for the existence of God. Related sub-topics include: unbelief (varieties and causes), “problem” of evil, responses to key evolutionary arguments and “evidences.”

• Bible Geography

  • A careful examination of the origin and spread of the nations, the geography and topography of the lands, and their impact on Bible narratives.

• Bible and Archaeology

• Between The Testaments

  • Chronological and topical study of the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew. Emphasis is given to historical figures, nations, and developments that led to the coming of Christ, the establishment of the church, and the eventual spread of the gospel to the world.

• Acts of the Apostles

  • Study relating text as a bridge between Gospels and epistles. Comparisons made between ministries of Peter and Paul, with special emphasis on the text being an apologia for A.D. 70. Other emphases will include: Acts as a fulfillment of Mark 16:15–20; the indwelling and filling of the Christian by the Holy Spirit; the growth and prosperity of the early church; the power and providence of God shown by the inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 10) as Gospel recipients.

• 2 Corinthians

  • Textual study giving particular attention to the relationship of Paul to the church at Corinth, and the unique issues and problems in this congregation that Paul addresses. Students examine Paul’s exhortations and commands regarding the church, and his emphasis on pivotal doctrines such as giving and church discipline.

• 1 Peter-Jude

• 1 Corinthians

  • Detailed verse-by-verse study of text. Related discussion of variousintroductory matters (authorship, dating, etc.), current day applications,difficult passages, and associated false doctrines.