Entrance Requirements
Course Requirements
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Tuition and Fees
Study Materials
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The Diploma in Pastoral Studies will provide the student with a clear understanding of the scope of the pastoral ministries in the local church. This diploma offers a strong emphasis on teaching, preaching and leadership, as well as providing a basic understanding of major biblical doctrines and kingdom living.
Required Courses
UNIT 1 - Gearing Up for Christian Studies |
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| GEN 080 | Introduction to Online Study This course will serve as preparation for students to make a successful journey into the school's online learning environment. It will also provide an overview of strategies for student success including time and stress management, and effective study skills. |
| CF 103 | Creative Bible Study Methods This course equips students for personal study of the Word of God. Students learn how to study the Bible by book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word. Other methods taught include biographical, devotional, theological, typological, and topical. Special guidelines for studying Bible poetry and prophecy are presented, and methods of charting and outlining are taught. |
| BTH 100 | History of the Bible This course traces the history of the Bible and includes discussions of inspiration, the biblical canon, major manuscripts, textual criticism, early translations, and modern versions. |
| BTH 103 | Major Concepts of Christian Doctrine This course is a study of the major concepts of Christian theology and their interrelationships. We will explore how best to form theological beliefs and consider the doctrines of Scripture, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, salvation, sanctification, the church, and the last things. |
| NTS 100 | New Testament Survey An introduction to the New Testament that examines major themes, broad divisions, key scriptures, major personalities, and the structure and context of each book. Literary and historical backgrounds are also examined. |
| OTS 101 | Old Testament Survey This course helps students become aware of the major issues raised in the careful study of the Old Testament in the modern world. In order to better understand the material in the Old Testament, it is important to know the historical background, context, time period being addressed, authorship, and issues that are considered. For many of these questions, there are different points of view suggested by different scholars. It is important to know why scholars differ and to be able to explain this for our lessons or Bible studies. |
| NTS 203 | Gospels - Life of Christ A historical, biographical, and exegetical study of the life and teaching of Jesus (during the last six months of his earthly ministry) as set forth in the four gospels. |
UNIT 2 - Gearing Up for Ministry |
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| BTH 109 | Preparing for Ministry This course will help students discover their calling and inspire them to place their God given gifts at the Lord's disposal. Principles of biblical vision and spiritual leadership are covered so as to help students become powerful servants of the Almighty. |
| CF 102 | Intercessory Prayer An introduction to the ministry of intercessory prayer. James 5:16 "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." |
| CF 104 | Living in the Kingdom This course introduces the student to patterns and principles of Kingdom living applicable to life and ministry. |
| CES 105 | Personal Evangelism This course is a study of evangelism ministry with special attention paid to the context of a local church setting. |
| MIS 309 | Spiritual Warfare This course moves participants beyond the natural world into the realm of the Spirit. Tactics of the enemy are analyzed and strategies of spiritual warfare assuring victory over the principalities and powers of the spirit world are explained. Guidelines for receiving and ministering healing will also be covered. |
| BTH 208 | Basic Skills of Bible Interpretation The aim of this course is to develop a working knowledge of the basic skills of biblical interpretation. Students will be introduced to the various skills needed to work with the different types of literature, or genre,found in the Bible as well as matters of context and content. The goal of this course is to help students to become skilled, life-long exegetes of God's Word. |
UNIT 3 - Gearing Up for the Harvest |
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| NTS 402 | General Epistles The course provides a close reading of James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III, and Jude with special attention given to literary, socio-historical and theological understandings of the epistles. |
| CES 107 | Godly Leadership From Moses to the Lord Jesus, to the Apostles, the Bible is a great text on leadership. Basic principles of leadership and practical insights will be covered from a biblical perspective. |
| CES 404 | Teaching Methods of Jesus This course examines the methods Jesus used to teach and preach the Gospel.Students are taught how to prepare and present lessons and how to teach and preach the Gospel. |
| CES 200 | Christian Education A study of the educational process of the local church, with attention to aims, principles, leadership, planning, organization, and curriculum of a biblical ministry for all age groups. CES 201 Children's Ministry This course focuses on childhood education in the Church and the needs of children and teens. |
| NTS 302 | Epistles of Paul I This course is a study of the ministry and teachings of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the Pauline Epistles. The life setting of each letter is related to Paul's journeys described in the book of Acts. Special attention is given to the major theological themes of the epistles. Part I covers the Book of Galatians through II Thessalonians. |
| NTS 304 | Epistles of Paul II This course will provide an in-depth and exegetical study of the Epistle to the Romans emphasizing its contribution to Christian theology and life. |
UNIT 4 - Gearing Up for the Victory |
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| BTH 206 | Homiletics This course provides an overview of aspects of biblical preaching, including the development and delivery of biblical sermons. |
| BTH 207 | The Church and Its Functions This course is an introduction to biblical ecclesiology. The student is exposed to the nature and governance of the church according to the Bible. |
| BTH 410 | A Survey of Pastoral Ministry The Biblical mandates and principles governing the task of the church in edifying and equipping the saints for service; home and hospital visitation; worship; and church ceremonies. |
| SLSG 200 | Starting and Leading a Small Group Small groups have the power to change lives. They're the ideal route to discipleship a place where the rubber of biblical truth meets the road of human relations. Students will receive practical guidance on how to start and lead effective small groups. |
| CES 201 | Children's Ministry This course focuses on childhood education in the Church and the needs of children and teens. |