Church Ministries Certificate

Hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. This course provides a threefold, integrated approach to Biblical interpretation, namely, 1) the background to the Biblical world, 2) the literature and genre of the Bible, and 3) the self-understanding of the interpreter.

This course is a detailed study of the first five books of the Bible (the Torah or Law of the Hebrew Scriptures). These books give the historical, theological, legal, and covenantal foundations for the faith of Israel, and ultimately for the Church.

This course offers an introductory study of the individual Gospels, and explores the historical backgrounds of the era. All four Gospels are studied concurrently from the standpoint of the harmonized life of Christ. Since Jesus Christ is the very center of Christianity, this study is extremely valuable to every Christian.

A study of Israel's history from the time of the entrance into Canaan (c.1400 BC) to the time of the Restoration (c. 450 BC). This focus on Biblical history includes periods of the Conquest (Joshua), the Settlement (Judges and Ruth), the Monarchy (the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles), the Exile and Restoration (Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah).

An expositional study of the Book of Acts presents the history of the Early Church from Christ’s ascension to Paul’s arrest and ministry in Rome. “Acts” shows the impressive growth of Christianity in the context of a pluralistic society with various degrees of persecution. The origin and activities of the charismatic community and its leaders are observed. Early church practices of prayer, fellowship, sacraments, and evangelism are examined to reveal church planting and missionary strategies. The role of the Holy Spirit is featured to present the programmatic implications for all churches. Ministry roles of key characters in Acts provide instruction for contemporary leadership application. This course provides an important background for the study of the Pauline epistles and the Church of the apostolic fathers.

This course studies the Holy Spirit from three perspectives: a survey of the key Biblical texts about the Holy Spirit, the historical development of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and a theological exposition of significant topics, such as the Trinity, the new birth, sanctification, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts. The course encourages an experiential approach to walk in the Spirit and to serve in the church and in the world by His power and giftings.

Doctrine I is the first of two courses which cover a comprehensive range of Christian theology. The study of Systematic Theology begins with theological prolegomena to introduce appropriate theological method and disciplines. It explores the doctrines of Scripture (Bibliology: revelation, inspiration, canonicity, inerrancy, authority, canon), theology proper (God, Trinity, creation, providence), and anthropology (man, the “fall,” sin, angels). Lessons will be based on the exegesis of Scripture, with reference to historical theological development. The Bible is considered as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine, faith, and life.

Doctrine II is the second of two courses which cover a comprehensive range of Christian theology. The course continues to examine the key Systematic Theology doctrines including Christology (God the Son, Soteriology / Salvation), Pneumatology (God the Holy Spirit), Ecclesiology (The Church), and Eschatology (The Last Things or end time events). Lessons will be based on the exegesis of Scripture, with reference to historical theological development. The Bible is considered as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine, faith, and life (Prerequisite: THEO 221 or THEO 121).

This course elucidates the message and meaning of the New Testament as it is revealed through the discipline of Biblical rather than systematic theology. The history and methodology of New Testament theology are briefly reviewed. The major themes of each New Testament witness are analyzed and recognition is given to both the fundamental unity of New Testament theology and to the diversity of emphasis and expression characteristic of each witness.

This course introduces the essential principles of Christian discipleship and Spiritual disciplines. It promotes the formation of a deeper devotional life that is formed through the practice of prayer, fasting, worship, and Bible study. It encourages a Christian response and understanding of relationships toward ourselves, God, the Church, and the world. Topics include spiritual disciplines, discernment, the development of a Christian mind and character, the issue of sin and evil, and hindrances to spiritual growth.

This course is an introduction to the study of missiology and cross-cultural perspectives. Old and New Testament backgrounds for missions are explored in order to understand the importance of culture and God’s expectations for his people in regard to “mission.” An overview of the rise and development of missions in church history from the apostolic church to the present follows. Practical issues for engaging missionary work are discussed in the light of contemporary missionary activities and global challenges.

This course is an initial orientation to the field of Christian education. Since Christian education is vitally related to both the ministry of the church and the life of the individual Christian it must be built upon a solid foundation. Biblical, theological, historical, sociological, philosophical, psychological and structural aspects of the educational ministry of the local church are studied. (Prerequisite to all other Christian education courses.)

This homiletics course advances the student’s understanding and skill in sermon preparation through the critical evaluation of sermon outlines and preaching under supervision. Lab period required. RELS 241 Youth Communication or equivalent course is a recommended prerequisite for taking Preaching.

This course examines the biblical and practical aspects of pastoral ministry. Biblical teaching and metaphors as well as contemporary paradigms of pastoral work will be explored. The pastor’s call, qualifications, relationships, and unique duties will be discussed with an emphasis on his/her mandate to equip people for ministry to the Lord, the church, and the world while ensuring appropriate self-care. Special consideration is given to the pastoral implications of the policies of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Internship is an organized program for participating in Christian service activities under the supervision of an experienced pastor in a local church. Internship is not credit for work experience but is a structured program of mentoring and evaluation. In addition to the local church ministry involvements, students are expected to communicate with the instructor once every two weeks for mentoring, encouragement and evaluation during the period of the internship. Internships are restricted to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours of study.

This course studies church administration and leadership issues involved in church ministry. Topics include church facilities, building projects, architecture, financing, promotion, meetings and parliamentary law. The student will practice and use the principles of established parliamentary procedure for the chairing of effective meetings.

This course presents a survey of the beginnings of 20th century Pentecostalism in the U.S. and its subsequent worldwide spread. It focuses on the origin and growth of the Pentecostal movement in Canada, particularly as embodied in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Ethics concerns conduct and the principles by which God’s people can make moral evaluations. In this introductory course no set of blanket, readymade answers will be provided, but rather a priming of your thinking with some basic information in these vital areas.

The history of the Christian Church from the First Century to current is reviewed. The study is divided into two sections: 1) the ancient and medieval church, and 2) the modern church. Persons, theologies, movements, synods, and missions are all part of what has shaped us the global leader in worldview.

A study of the place of Christianity in the secular, multi-cultural, world of North America. This course focuses on how Christians should understand contemporary North American culture, exploring what aspects of this culture Christians ought to repudiate, what aspects Christians may be ambivalent about, and what aspects Christians should affirm. This course examines how the entertainment media (e.g., movies, T.V.), the fashion industry, sports, the news media, etc. function as the cultural conditioners of our society