An introduction to methods of Bible study and to the principles of biblical interpretation, with an emphasis on an inductive approach to biblical interpretation

In this course students are introduced to the literature, message, background, geography, archaeology, and relevance of the Old Testament for constructing a biblical worldview and way of life.

A study of the literature, historical background, geography and significance of the books of the New Testament, this course emphasizes learning the structure, main themes, and interpretation of key verses and passages in each NT book as well as basic terms and facts.

This course exposes students to theology through a systematic approach, particularly in a Wesleyan/Arminian context, with a focus on the doctrines of God, Christology, pneumatology, creation and man.

With an historico-systematic approach this course explores the theological study of the doctrines of the work of the Holy Spirit, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, the church and its order and ordinances, and the end times. Systematic Theology 2 attempts to give a coherent explanation of the doctrines of sanctification, ecclesiology, and eschatology, based primarily upon the Bible, from the context of culture, using current idiom, and related to issues in life.

This course attempts to produce the best beginning preachers possible outside of a conventional classroom and within a short course period. The student will learn the fundamentals of the theology (purpose) of preaching as well as the practical aspects of expository preparation and preaching, storytelling, use of illustrations, and culturally sensitive preaching.

This course explores the principles of Christian leadership that create the underpinnings of every successful local church. The student will examine principles of leadership from a biblical basis and will learn to apply those principles to their specific local church situations so that they become adept at exercising active leadership.

This course gives the student a foundational introduction to the content, discipline and practical application of biblical theology to serve as the foundation for practical ministry, systematic theology and the construction of a biblical way of understanding things, a biblical world view.

One of the most satisfying and tangible results of your Ministry Internship will be the completion of your Performance-based Portfolio which is the capstone of your PLI journey. This course will guide you in understanding as well as implementing the core elements of your internship experience. The completed capstone project will serve as a ministry guidebook, as well as demonstrate to others (i.e., pastor search committees, denominational leaders) your proficiency as a pastor-leader and theologian.

This level 1 course begins work towards the Capstone, and is required for level 1 completion.

This course will teach students the basic skills of pastoral care — caring for the congregant as well as for the pastor himself and his family. Basic counseling, behavior and psychological pre-diagnosis, and referral techniques are presented in this course.

This course examines basic principles of administration and management of the local church. The student will examine the difficult balance between a spiritually focused organism of ministry and maintaining proper order and structure to keep the organization functioning smoothly. This study will focus on the “how to’s” of leading the local church.

This course covers the pedagogical and administrative issues related to effective Christian education, combining theoretical, theological, educational, and philosophical understandings of Christian education with practical experience in using creative methods. Particular emphasis is placed on developing the skills necessary for effective teaching and leadership in the local church setting.

Students will discover what makes a healthy church and how to develop health in an existing church.

The study of the missional church touches on the classical fields of evangelism, small groups, church growth, global missions, church planting, volunteerism, and Christian service.

This course will study the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to the Reformation period, revealing the individuals who have impacted the church over the centuries and closely examining the scriptural issues which have preserved, sustained, and strengthened it.

This new course will focus on the Servant Leader as World Changer by looking through the lense of contemporary issues that call for personal and organizational change. The concept of Servant Leadership and how it differs from other leadership theories will be explained. Mission and vision, strategic planning, organizational change models, and other best practices for meaningful and purposeful change within the context of your world (personal, work, ministry, family) will also be explored.

New Course - launch date 2023

This hybrid courses, with 60% in class learning and 40% outside of class independent learning, will explore the conversion, life, leadership, and ministry events of Paul the Apostle; as found in the book of Acts and his own letters against the backdrop of the missionary expansion of early Christianity. At the conclusion of this course, learners will:

1.Understand the major themes of Paul’s view of Christianity as reflected in hislife and letters.

2.Trace the crucial events that inform ministry markers of the Apostle Paul andexplain his transformational influence.

3.Demonstrate skill in applying the theology and pastoral insights of Paul’s letters to themselves, the contemporary church, and the world at large.

This course on spiritual warfare ministry includes both biblical and practical foundations for the application of spiritual warfare principles in life, work, and ministry settings. We will explore how to set ourselves and others free from every confrontation of Satan, his agents, helpers, and spirits. We will explore how to take our delegated authority in Christ into the darkness where people are in bondage to demonic forces and how to minister to such people.

We will dive deep into such practical areas like - Spiritual Warfare in a Digital and Multimedia Generation and also Spiritual Warfare and Implementation of the Great Commission in All Its Fullness.

Focused on a commitment to personal and corporate spiritual formation, students develop self-awareness and insight in their spiritual journey, learn to exercise inward and outward spiritual disciplines, and develop a personal growth plan.

This course will equip students with a Scriptural, practical, and reproducible strategy for disciplemaking personally, in community, and as a church.

One of the most satisfying and tangible results of your Ministry Internship will be the completion of your Performance-based Portfolio which is the capstone of your PLI journey. This course will guide you in understanding as well as implementing the core elements of your internship experience. The completed capstone project will serve as a ministry guidebook, as well as demonstrate to others (i.e., pastor search committees, denominational leaders) your proficiency as a pastor-leader and theologian.

This Capstone class builds on the work started in PL800 level 1 course.