Department of Theology

Theology is an attempt to answer the significant questions of life using the data God has revealed in the Scriptures. Once the “queen of the sciences,” theology has either been ignored in our culture or has been corrupted by theologians who have rejected the uniqueness and trustworthiness of the Bible. This course will present an overview of various types of theology, outline principles for doing good theology, survey the historical development of evangelical theology, and assist you in identifying the importance of thinking theologically.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.
Spring I
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Mann
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Herbert
Saturdays, 10:35 am - Mann

This practical course in the principles of the Christian life addresses topics such as faith, prayer, guidance, work, temptation, witness, fellowship, and the place of the Bible in daily living. Only with careful attention to these basics can a believer grow in the faith. New Christians will gain instruction in beginning their newfound spiritual life. Older Christians will be revived in their quest to regain their first love.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.

Spring I
Mondays, 6 pm - Watson
Thursdays, 6 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 9 am - Thompson

Have you ever listened to yourself praying? Did it ever occur to you to think through and analyze your prayers, to examine precisely what you are saying? The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord,teach us to pray." Today a great number of people know how to pray but they do not pray. In this course, we will look at the bilbical meaning of prayer. We will attempt to separate that which is biblical from the unbiblical. We will answer some of the important questions concerning prayer, such as: Why pray at all? Should we pray to the Holy Spirit? How can I learn to pray? We will cover some aspects of theology that affect the way we pray, such as the "name it and claim it" philsophy so common to Prosperity Theology, and of course we will be looking into the ever controversial prayer of Jabez. If you want to revolutionize your prayer life and begin to understand what biblical prayer is all about, join us for this class on prayer.

Understanding who God is and what He has said forms the basis for living a meaningful life. Understanding the Bible’s revelation about God’s character and His work in the world is the starting point for developing a worldview based on truth rather than speculation. Holding that Scripture are the actual words of God enables the student to confidently search for answers to life’s most profound questions.
Required for Preliminary Certificate.

Spring II - Mann
Mondays, 7:35 pm
Thursdays, 7:35 pm
Saturdays, 10:35 am

The great issues of life ultimately hinge on one’s view of human nature. Our world is plagued by the need to satisfactorily explain humanity’s great capacity for creativity, ingenuity, and expression in the face of gross displays of inhumanity. This course will explore God’s answer to these problems and provide hope for our human existence.
Required for Intermediate Certificate.

Fall I
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Taylor
Saturdays, 10:35 am - Taylor
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Blossom<\p>

The eternal destiny of each person is ultimately determined by one’s response to Jesus Christ. Jesus presented Himself as God’s Son by performing works consistent with His nature and speaking words full of grace and truth. Jesus declared His purpose in life as having come to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Accepting His provision of salvation provides entrance into the eternal kingdom of God. Understanding the full scope of this salvation provides motivation for serving Him acceptably while living within the kingdom of humankind.
Required for Intermediate Certificate.

Fall II - Mann
Thursdays, 7:35 pm
Saturdays, 10:35 am
Mondays, 7:35 pm

The Holy Spirit is revealed in the Bible as a member of the Godhead, worthy of equal honor and active in all phases of God’s eternal plan. Who He is and what He does must be understood if we are to live lives pleasing to Him. It was the Holy Spirit who founded the Church and who now provides its ongoing vitality. This assembly of believers takes various organizational forms but its essential nature and purpose are clearly presented in the Bible. Contemporary views of the Holy Spirit and of the Church need to be liberated from the muddled thinking present in today’s Christian culture.
Required for Advanced Certificate.

Fall I
Thursdays, 6 pm - Herbert
Saturdays, 9 am - Mann
Mondays, 6 pm - Watson

A deeper, richer, fuller experience of Christ can only come through the work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. For that reason, this course will be focusing upon the baptism of the Spirit, the fullness of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit. These vital ministries of the Holy Spirit are foundational to all dimensions of our spiritual growth and service.

Spring II, Mondays, 7:35 p.m. - Blankley

Two topics of particular confusion for believers relate to angels and the end of the present age. Angels exist and are active in our lives—for better or for worse. Christians need to know how to cooperate with the good angels and how to avoid the evil ones. Additionally, the end of the age is frequently taught in the Bible. Knowing what the Bible teaches and how we are to live is important for our walk of faith.
Required for Advanced Certificate.

Fall II
Thursdays, 6 pm - Herbert
Saturdays, 9 am - Mann
Mondays, 6 pm - Watson

There are so many challenges to our faith in the marketplace of ideas. If not prepared to respond to the challenges, one can be intimidated into silence or just take refuge in the fortress of blind faith by saying, "I know Jesus lives in my heart." Although it is true that He does, just saying so does not qualify for obedience to what Jude 3 requires--contending earnestly for the faith. This course will first establish a rationale for defending the faith, investigate the apologetic technique used in the Bible, and offer some skills and strategies for combating challenges against the faith.
Required for Advanced and Worldview Apologetics Certificates.

Fall I - Mann
Thursdays, 7:35 pm
Saturdays, 10:35 am
Mondays, 7:35 pm