VALUABLE TRAINING

The Master’s University Courses

Students will take four classes through the online program of The Master’s University. Through these classes students can receive up to 12 transferable college credits. Most Christian colleges and universities will accept these credits as part of their Bible requirements, and some secular universities will accept them as elective credits.

During eight-week blocks, students will take the courses listed below. For each class students should plan to spend approximately twelve to fifteen hours per week completing the required activities, which include viewing lectures and completing assignments. The Growth Year schedule provides several hours each day for this purpose.

Old Testament Survey 1 & 2

An introduction to the entire Old Testament, employing both thematic and exegetical methods. Literary structure, historical background, and parallel passages are also utilized to discover the unique and priceless lessons of each book. The first course surveys Genesis through Samuel, and the second covers Kings through Malachi.

New Testament Survey 1 & 2

An introduction to the books of the New Testament, with special emphasis on the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Christ, the founding and growth of the church, and the teachings of the epistles and Revelation. On the basis of the biblical text, parallel readings, projects, and lectures, the events and messages of the New Testament will be portrayed against their historical and cultural setting. The first course surveys the gospels and Acts, while the second is devoted to the epistles and Revelation.

Faith Community Seminars

During eight-week blocks, students will learn directly from the ministry staff at Faith Community Church about a variety of topics. The following seminars will equip participants in practical theology, ministry skills, and leadership ability. Each seminar meets weekly for approximately one hour. Most of them will require one or two extra hours per week.

Apologetics | An introduction to apologetics and the different approaches to this subject. We will discuss various arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, and a critique of unbelief. This course will equip students to defend the Christian faith.

Biblical Counseling 1 & 2 | A study of the application of biblical change in the areas often experienced in counseling sessions. The goal will be to apply the truths of Scripture to oneself while gaining understanding of the dynamics of counseling others. Case studies and discussions will be used to gain skills in biblical counseling.

Biblical Interpretation 1 & 2 | An analysis of how to study and understand Scripture. Emphasis will be place on the vital methods and specific rules used to interpret biblical narratives, poetry, parables, and prophecy.

Decision Making | A study of how to make decisions according to the Bible with an emphasis on understanding God’s will. Various aspects of the will of God will be explained along with the challenges in seeking God’s will. The importance of Scripture and wisdom for making decisions will be stressed.

Evangelism | An overview of the biblical and theological mandate to personally share the gospel, which emphasizes a personal commitment and the development of skills necessary to fulfill the mandate.

Gender & Sexuality | An overview of the biblical passages on gender and sexuality. The biblical roles of men and women will be addressed. Two major viewpoints will be covered: the evangelical feminist view and the complementarian view. The course will also help students prepare to understand and defend a biblical view of gender identity and how to minister to those who struggle with same-sex attraction.

Message Preparation | Learn the basics of studying for, preparing, and delivering a message.

Missions 1 & 2 | An overview of missiology and practicum. The course will help students prepare for international travel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The class will help them prepare for the different cultural experiences and to have the ability to share the gospel contextually.

Professional Development | Students will discover how to apply the leadership skills and abilities they learned during the Anthem Growth Year into different professional environments.

Spiritual Disciplines | This seminar is intended to foster the formation of spiritual maturity. Students will learn the spiritual disciplines that are necessary for growth in godliness. Students will be instructed in these exercises and given the opportunity to implement them over the duration of the seminar.

Spiritual Gifts | A study of spiritual gifts with an emphasis on what the Bible teaches about the gifts in general and each one in particular. Several approaches to classifying the gifts and distinguishing between them will be discussed. Special attention will be given to discovering and developing one’s spiritual gift.

Stewardship | Students will be taught a biblical theology of money and how it relates to contentment, financial practices, giving, and saving.

Systematic Theology 1–4 | An overview of the study of theology with an emphasis on systematic theology. The teaching and discussion will focus on key doctrines of the Christian faith along with historic and contemporary failure to uphold each doctrine. We will seek to understand and affirm each doctrine while understanding their personal and ministry application to life.

World Religions | An overview of major religions throughout the world with an emphasis on those popular within the United States. We will compare the history, beliefs, and practices of each against the inerrant truth of God’s word.