Core Course Descriptions

This course is a study of the doctrine of salvation--the work of Christ in bringing lost humanity into fellowship with God.  The course includes a study of the doctrines of repentance, faith, conversion, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, and prayer in the life of a Christian.

This course consists of the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus as recorded by each of the synoptic writers—Matthew, Mark and Luke. The distinctive features of each gospel, and the features the accounts have in common will be evaluated. The theological perspectives and purposes of each writer will be considered. An overview of each book will be presented, giving attention to its structures and dominant themes. The chronological progression and the spiritual significance of the important events in Christ's life will be studied to enable the student to preach and teach about Christ with greater understanding and effectiveness while challenging him or her to follow Christ personally with greater dedication and stronger devotion in service to Him.

This course is a study of the history, teaching practices and missionary expansion of the early church from its inauguration in the life and ministry of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Luke to its rapid and continued growth and manifestation of the kingdom of God throughout the Book of Acts. Using the principles of divine guidance illustrated in Acts, the course shows how apparent defeats and setbacks actually became victories and advances for the gospel. Matters of Pentecostal theology and the practical application for conventional and habitual use of this theology will be highlighted. The course will study practical applications to help the student face similar problems today.

A study of Christianity from its birth to the beginnings of the reformation to the present day, the course provides an introduction to history as a scientific discipline and emphasizes the importance of history in relation to the Christian faith.  The apostolic church, the early church fathers, the ecumenical councils, the emergence of medieval theology and church practice, and the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe are reviewed.  The course content includes consideration of the contribution of major Christian theologians, the relationship of the earth and state, and the rise of monasticism and missions.

Lives and contributions of significant Christian preachers, leaders, and theologians will be examined.  This course unfolds how millions of Pentecostals and Charismatics around the world can claim a historical heritage and biblical foundation because of the Azusa Street Revival's impact in America.  This course highlights the people and events that have been a part of this great movement such as Pentecostal pioneers, the healing revival, the charismatic renewal, new leaders and influences, recent developments and a perspective of what to expect in the 21st century.  The students will learn the pathway of the future by looking at the milestones of the past.

The local church is the divinely established mechanism of evangelism for reaching its community and the world. After a foundational biblical theology of the Great Commission and the Holy Spirit's role in evangelism, this course proposes a comprehensive and integrated approach to evangelism in the local church that instills a sound and compatible integration of evangelism and discipleship. This course examines the biblical principles and modern techniques of effective evangelism, the evangelistic purpose of an organized fellowship of churches, and pastoral leadership in evangelism.

This course is designed to teach and instill the Historic Apostolic Gospel into the hearts and minds of each student and as a result students will gain confidence in evangelism as they rely on the Gospel and The Holy Spirit to convict and convert the lost. Students will learn how to incorporate the gospel message into there everyday lives and the conversations they have with others as they develop their own natural style of evangelism while remaining true to the gospel message.

This course is a biblical approach to the relationships that are important to the minister, both personally and professionally. It looks at temperament theory and its relevance to human relations. This course examines relationships and ethics in view of the minister's personal growth, family stability, ministry challenges, people in the community and other ministers. This course also builds a clear understanding on developing and maintaining strategic relationships to advance kingdom purposes.

This course presents simple and effective approaches to unlock the word of God and is a study of the crucial importance of sound Bible interpretation for the ongoing process of teaching and preaching, including the science, principles, and practices of biblical interpretation. The classroom becomes a laboratory where the student, by using selected methods, is trained to discover the true meaning of the biblical passages by applying correct principles and using proper tools.

The course includes a unit on the general and specific principles for interpreting the Bible, instruction on multiple methods of bible interpretation and also shows how to apply these principles toward understanding the Bible with clarity.  Students develop their skills by practicing the principles in exercises that are provided.

Each of the step-by-step Bible study methods will help students gain a new and accurate understanding of God’s inspired Word that can be applied to their own spiritual growth. In addition, students will learn how to put together and use a biblical resource library to enhance what they have learned by themselves with the help of the Holy Spirit. The study skills and knowledge acquired will help them to explain the Bible in such a way that people of every age and walk of life can be transformed by God’s truth.

This course is a practical study of the principles Paul wrote to the churches during his imprisonment. The concepts are presented in language that is easy to understand with explanations, illustrations, and applications that make the concepts helpful to students in both their personal lives and ministries. This course also includes a clear presentation of our identification with Christ as defined by Paul in these epistles.

This course is a basic study of the principles of Christian preaching. This course emphasizes biblical exposition and deals with practical matters such as the preparation of sermons, the sources of materials, the construction of sermon components, the variety of sermon types, and the delivery.

This hands-on course examines the fundamentals of preaching such as, preparing to preach, how to structure a sermon, preaching styles, how to be a good story teller through illustrations, and how to deliver a powerful, anointed sermon through the power of the Holy Spirit that produces life-change in the audience. Practical application of what they have learned in this course will be through preaching in class and to an audience of their choosing.

The person, work, gifts, and ministry of the Holy Spirit are the topics examined in this biblical study. Among the questions discussed from both the Old and New Testaments are these: Who is the Holy spirit? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How do I live a Spirit-filled life? Students are encouraged to apply these and other related biblical teachings to their own teaching and preaching ministries.

This course is a practical approach to understanding the Old Testament and will give students practical materials beneficial in teaching and preaching. This course covers significant details from every book in the Old Testament. This course will engage students in an overview and progressive study of God in the Old Testament and give insight as to the Old Testament's impact on Christian theology. Main topics will include Creation, the Abrahamic Covenant, brief history of early Israel, Davidic Monarchy, and the Prophetic Era and writings. See God's unfolding plan of redemption through what Christians believe to be God's revelation. Special emphasis is given to the content, themes and historical settings of each book of the Old Testament along with the intent and purpose of the writers. How scriptures were produced, preserved and handed down in their present form is briefly reviewed with an emphasis on the Old Testament.

This course is an in-depth study of the book of Romans with context and content related explorations of the book of Galatians. It focuses on Paul's systematic explanation of the gospel to the Romans and offers insight into the doctrines of sin, justification by grace, salvation and sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

Contrary to the opinion of some, that grace is weak cover-up for a continuing lifestyle of sin, the student will learn that grace is the power of God perfected in weak human flesh. The law was a weak, ineffectual instrument for behavior modification in fallen humanity. Grace changes the nature of fallen humanity producing righteousness and holiness. Through class instruction and impartation, the student will learn how union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit leads to spiritual growth and live victoriously.

This course is a biblical study of the global mission of the church: equipping and mobilizing the church for intercessory prayer, world evangelism, and the making of disciples of all nations. The importance of evangelism (personal and corporate) and discipleship as a response to God’s great redemptive plan as expressed in the Old and New Testament is stressed. Special emphasis is given to Assemblies of God Missions and the unique role of the Holy Spirit in missionary enterprise.  Two international biblical missions themes are treated throughout this course: those of the redeemed people of God and Christ’s strategy of missions.

As an introductory study of Islam, its beliefs, practices, present status as a world religion, history, and key terms are summarized. Key beliefs of Islam and Christianity will be contrasted along with practical guidelines for effective Christian witness to Muslims.

In the third chapter of Genesis, after the fall of Adam and Eve, we find the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the evening calling out, "Adam, where are you?" This poignant scene raises all kinds of questions. Why was the Lord God there? Was this a regular occurrence? Why were Adam and Eve hiding? What were they afraid of?

Prayer is the attempt to re-establish what was lost there in the garden. It begins with communication, but if it fails to progress to communion, then prayer remains merely a religious activity.

In this class we will deal with such questions as: What is the proper attitude for prayer?; The Trinity and prayer - to Whom are we praying?; How often should we pray?; How long should we pray?; etc

This course is a biblical study of end-time events written from a Pentecostal perspective. The course studies the Rapture, plus various views of the Tribulation and the Millennium and on the Second Coming of Christ. The student considers and analyzes a number of current eschatological systems.

This course applies biblical principles of leadership in the church setting, giving the student the practical skills needed to serve in a leadership role in the local church. Great leaders are not an accident; great leaders are developed intentionally. Students will learn how to increase their influence and leadership effectiveness both in the marketplace as well as in ministry organizations. The course also teaches the nature of excellent leadership by discovering how to be a servant leader, a shepherd, who leads with integrity and earns the trust and respect of co-workers while getting the job done. Students will learn how to align a team toward a common direction as well achieving results through relationships and a positive outlook. This course is a biblical approach to the principles and activity of leadership that will guide each student toward igniting their passions and energy into their work in such a way that it will have a positive impact on those they lead.

This course addresses communication, culture, and differences across people interaction, thoughts, behaviors, and expressions. As you understand the current problems, this course helps the student become a sent one to present Christ and His kingdom in an environment other than his or her own.

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Is there a procedure for dealing with doubt? Can Scripture be verified? Where is history taking us? These and other questions will be discussed as this course examines, challenges, and explains the two constant themes of faith and knowing. This course will help the student persuade others that there is no better way to follow than that of faith in, and obedience to, the God of the Christian Scriptures.

The basic principles, procedures, and techniques used in today's business world as they apply to the local church, ministry, and leadership. Organizing and staffing functions of the church enabling it to operate effectively as well as understanding the promotion of ministries, church, and outreaches. Practical methods and understanding of raising funds, good record keeping, and management of church/ministry finances, facilities, and equipment will be considered.

Applying the Great Commission in relation to world evangelization and church planting through a thoughtful, prayerful, detailed strategy is the design for the course. Learning and identifying the principles that underlie the growth of the church as well as identifying reasons for the growth or lack of growth will be discussed. Understanding, reviewing, and identifying a plan to train, equip, and grow a new believer in the faith.